If it seems like Santa Claus is everywhere, it’s because he is. Credit the magic of Christmas – and a multitude of accomplices – for helping the big guy from the North Pole to get the job done.
As you would expect, Santa is bringing holiday cheer to several local events over the next few weeks, including the Times Free Press’ HoHo Expo this weekend.
Here’s a look at some of the stops he’ll be making for free photos.
» The HoHo Expo offers free pictures with Santa at the Chattanooga Convention Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Picture times on Sunday are from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
More than 100 vendors will be set up at this shopping extravaganza, which offers a range of products and services for gift-giving, decorating and otherwise preparing for the holidays all in one place. Expo hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free.
» The Barn Nursery, 1801 E. 24th St. Place, offers free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 24-26 and Dec. 16-17.
» Chattanooga Market’s Holiday Market will have Santa available to visitors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first three Saturdays and Sundays in December at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
» Virginia College hosts its second annual Holiday Fest with Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 2. The free event, at 721 Eastgate Loop, will have several family-friendly activities available, including photos with Santa and a chance to write thank-you notes for military troops in partnership with Operation Gratitude. The festival also includes refreshments, a tacky sweater contest, crafts and giveaways.
PHOTOS WITH FEES
These Santa spots may require payment for photos or fees for admission.
» Urso Photography: Amanda Urso Perry, the mother of a child with autism, offers 15-minute Santa Sessions in an environment that is not overly stimulating. Each child goes home with a small gift and cookie from Santa. The owner of Urso Photography hosts the event in a Fort Oglethorpe home that is decorated for the season. The session fee is $40. All Santa sessions are by appointment, so there is no waiting in line. Go to www.ursophotog raphy.com/2017-santa- experience to schedule an appointment.
» Shopping malls: Santa sits from morning until night at several area malls through Christmas Eve on Dec. 24. He’s at Northgate and Hamilton Place malls from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.
Pet Nights at both malls are from 6 to 9 p.m. the next two Mondays, Nov. 20 and 27. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
Santa takes breaks from 1 to 2 p.m. and from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. He also breaks from 3 to 4 p.m. Sundays.
At Hamilton Place, Santa is in the lower-level Center Court. At Northgate, he’s located between Burlington and Sears.
» Rock City: Santa will be at Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights from 6 to 9 nightly starting Friday through Jan. 6 (closed Christmas Eve night).
» Ruby Falls: Santa’s at Ruby Falls’ Christmas Underground from noon to 8 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 1-18. And he’s there daily from noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 19-23.
» Chattanooga Zoo has Santa at its Holiday Lights event, which stretches over three weekends. Hours are 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1-3, Dec. 8-10 and Dec. 15-17.
» Chattanooga Choo Choo will welcome Santa at 4 p.m. Friday. He’s there until 8 p.m. And on Saturday, he visits from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. For more information, go to http://choochoo.com/experience-Chattanooga/santa-choo-choo.
Contact Yolanda Putman at yputman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6431.