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Boston Area's Best Places To Take Photos With Santa

Santa Claus
(Photo credit: PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images)

It doesn't hurt to ask. Santa won't mind. Just be sure you've been good this year. Some say Santa already knows what's on your gift list even before you ask. But just to be sure, here's a preview of the winter wonderland spots he's chosen in and around Boston before the coming holiday of gift giving. You may only have time for a quick photo or a visit with his elves this year, but a quick whisper in his ear could be the magic ingredient for what you're hoping for. Note: Each Santa sighting listed here offers a $20 photo package.

Prudential Center
800 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02199
(617) 236-3100
www.prudentialcenter.com

The Prudential Center has been dubbed "The Hub" of Boston for a very specific reason; this is the where Santa makes his first appearance in the city. Every year the jolly man in red finds the Pru easily with it being one of the tallest buildings in New England. He feeds his reindeer and settles in to mingle with the patrons of the quaint shops and eateries, just to see what the competition looks like for his elves each year. Santa keeps daily hours until Christmas Eve and loves to share his lap with each and every member of the family.

CambridgeSide Galleria
100 Cambridge Place
Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 494-8408
www.cambridgesidegalleria.com

The Galleria at CambridgeSide is a larger collection of quality stores to find gifts for all ages and personalities. Santa makes a point of visiting here each year as well. This is the spot most famous for artistic and eclectic gifts that range from out-of-the-box clothing and sneakers, to original keepsakes and gourmet selections. Spend a day in this wonderful atmosphere while visiting with Santa until Christmas Eve.

South Shore Plaza
250 Granite St.
Braintree, MA 02184
(781) 843-8200
www.simon.com/mall/south-shore-plaza

Santa loves the malls and plazas in and around this city, and makes a habit of visiting the South Shore Plaza each year. He'll settle down inside the main credenza and await your friends and family with smiles to spare. With ample parking and store after store filled with specials and discounts making sure you find everything on your list, a visit with Santa at the South Shore Plaza isn't as hectic as you may imagine.

Related: Best Places To See Santa Around Boston

North Shore Mall
210 Andover St.
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 531-3440
www.simon.com/mall/northshore-mall

Santa never forgets his friends and families along the North Shore. Join the hustle and bustle of the holidays at the North Shore Mall, and don't forget to visit Santa before Christmas Eve. Santa keeps his promise each year by listening to wishes and thank yous. Be sure to capture a picture or two of the busiest man of the season and his cohorts of elves among glittering trees and sugar plum candies. Take home a few of those special treats, and make sure to thank him with cookies and milk by your own tree this year.

Marini Farm
259 Linebrook Road
Ipswich, MA 01930
(978) 356-0430
www.marinifarm.com

Marini Farm began its special tradition of asking Santa to drive his sleigh through the woods before he departs for parts of the world we only dream about a few years ago. Santa enjoyed it so much that he has kept coming back for photos and laughter ever since. Bundle up the kids, bring along a hot thermos filled with your favorite warm beverage and get ready to meet the horses Santa has chosen for this year's ride of fun. There are parties scheduled for wreath making as well as the chance to find the perfect tree.

Related: Santa Antics CBS Boston Photo Gallery

Freelance Writer Corinne Costantino brings the "Best of Boston" to New England. Her work can be found on Examiner.com

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