You deserve a chance to meet Santa Claus, whether you are a child, adult, dog, or lizard.
Don’t pout – you have some opportunities. He’ll be in town.
Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown is hosting the annual Holiday Photos in Santa’s Winter Wonderland from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is $1 per person, and photos with Santa are $10. Photos will be emailed the following week, or can be printed off on-the-spot for an additional $10.
“When we first started this, the idea was people without a lot of means would be able to come someplace and take their own Christmas photos,” said Kerby Thompson, producing artistic director for Cortland Repertory Theatre. “It’s just a nice way to celebrate the holidays.”
The event includes many selfie spots, including an upside-down Christmas tree, all created by the theater’s volunteers. New this year, is a selfie-spot that is a moving, holiday-themed projection, Thompson said.
Free face-painting, and milk and cookies will be available, and Mrs. Claus will help kids with coloring and ornament-making.
“It’s indoors, so the weather doesn’t bother us,” Thompson said. “It’s just a nice event people look forward to.”
For those without kids, Cortland Repertory Theatre is having its first Cocktails with Santa event from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.
Adults without children can explore the Winter Wonderland, partake of a cash beer and wine bar, and visit with Santa. Admission is $1.
‘“It’s something new for Cortland,” said board member Michele Ball. “Adults can come get their own photos, with Santa or without.”
Photos with Santa are at the same rates as the event for those with kids, and the theater’s volunteers can take photos on visitor’s phones.
Well-behaved pets are also welcome for photos with Santa.
For those who want pet photos, but in a more secluded environment, Artisan Elements, 77 S. West St. in Homer, plans its first Furry Friend Photos with Santa event 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21. Proceeds from the vendor fees will go to Country Acres Animal Shelter, which will be on-site with adoptable pets.
Some animals get skittish when around other animals or crowds, so pet photos are done in a separate room of the store with has its own entrance, said Amber Oursler, owner of Artisan Elements Collective.
Both Santa and the Grinch will pose for photos. Walk-in sessions are $25 cash or $30 for card or Venmo. Between three and five digital photos will be sent via text or email.
“Even though we are gearing it towards puppy photos, we absolutely encourage families, friends or couples to come,” Oursler said. “You can bring your cat, you can bring your ferret, you can bring your lizard; we really don’t mind who wants a photo with Santa or the Grinch.”
“Country Acres does amazing things for our entire county,” Oursler said. “That in and of itself is a reason to come get a photo done. After that, it’s memories. Like, how hilarious are the photos of your cat or your dog or your lizard with Santa?”
The shelter also will accept donations from its wishlist, which includes trash bags, window cleaner, training collars, paper towels, dog treats and dryer sheets.
Sadie’s Ginger Snaps will sell homemade dog treats, and Grounds4Pounds coffee will give away samples and donate to the shelter for each purchase.
For families looking to spend some quality time with Santa, he will eat breakfast at 9 a.m. Sunday at Cortland Country Music Park, at 1824 Route 13, Cortlandville.
Pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, gravy, biscuits and bacon will be served, the Experience Cortland website says. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for kids ages five to 10 and under are free.
New and unwrapped toys will be accepted for Toys for Toys at the event.
For those in Dryden looking for a breakfast with Santa, he will be at the Dryden Hotel from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, part of Holiday in Dryden, a two-day event at a variety of locations.
At 5 p.m. Saturday, he will arrive at the tree-lighting at Dryden Presbyterian Church.
Santa Claus will pose for photos with his elves in a comic-con style event 11 a.m. to 5 pm. Dec. 9 at Heroes and Villains comic book store in the Cortland Corset building at 75 E. Court St.
“Get your cameras ready, and prepare yourself to meet some super talented guests, find awesomely unique Christmas gifts, and of course tell Santa what you want for Christmas,” store’s Facebook page states.
