Boston's Best Places To Take Photos With Santa

The holidays are upon us, and that means that hundreds of people will be taking their kids to meet Santa for pictures. There are quite a few places in the area where families can go to take photos with Santa, but some are definitely better than others. Below, you will find the top five places to have pictures taken with St. Nick in and around the city of Boston.

The Prudential Center is a great place to meet Santa and have pictures taken with him because of its location. Many people find getting to the Pru to be very easy, as there is ample parking in nearby garages (you have to pay), and it's also accessible by the T. Santa keeps convenient hours here Monday through Sunday until Christmas Eve.

Photo packages start at $20, but anyone can go up and greet Father Christmas. With a wide variety of shops and restaurants, the Pru offers families more of a "day out."

The Natick Collection has a special spot for Santa from Nov. 14 through Christmas Eve. Located in Neiman Marcus Court, many locals believe that the Santa that chats and poses for photos with kids of all ages here is one of the most realistic looking ones in the state. Of course, that translates to super long lines, but Natick Collection has an answer for that. Simply visit their website to book a time to see Santa, and you can also save 30 percent on the photo package of your choosing (packages start at $25).

It's also good to note: this Santa would love to see your pets on Monday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m.

Bass Pro Shops has quite the holiday set up in their Foxboro store. With games and crafts ready for kids' enjoyment, this is a great place to spend a weekend afternoon (as long as there isn't a Patriots game at nearby Gillette Stadium). Photos with Santa are free (and they even allow friendly pets!), but the lines are often long. The store offers a "Bass Pass" which you can obtain in the earlier hours of the day, and it will allow you to come back and skip the line, which can be essential for families with very young children.

Related:  Best Places To See Santa Around Boston

Perhaps one of the earliest appearances made by Santa is at the South Shore Plaza. This year, Santa has been greeting families since Nov. 3. The line to see Santa tends to be very long, but booking an appointment in advance will cost you $10. That money can be put toward a photo package, however, and many feel that it's worth it.

As a Simon property, the Burlington Mall has the same protocol as the South Shore Plaza listed above. However, the Burlington Mall made this list for a different reason. In 2014, the mall held a special day called "Caring Santa," which allowed children with disabilities a chance to meet Santa and spend a bit of time with him. It is presumed that this will be done again in 2015. The event is held during "private mall hours" and is meant to provide a quieter time for these kids to enjoy. Check the mall's website for more details as they become available.

Related: Boston Area's Best Places To Take Photos With Santa