Christmas is in full swing at North City Shopping Centre, with Santa photos, pet-friendly sessions and extended holiday hours drawing families to the Porirua mall in the lead-up to December 25.
A large Christmas tree and Santa’s grotto are set up in the centre of the mall, where children and families can meet Santa, share their wish lists and have professional photos taken. Santa is visiting daily until Christmas Eve, with sessions operated by Santa Magic and available for both walk-ins and online bookings.
North City has again expanded its popular pet photo sessions, giving dogs and other small pets their own dedicated time with Santa. The sessions run on selected mornings and evenings and must be booked online. The centre says the pet photos have become increasingly popular with local families wanting festive keepsakes that include their animals.
Santa visiting hours vary from day to day, with later sessions on Thursdays, Fridays and in the final days before Christmas. Shoppers are encouraged to allow extra time during peak periods closer to Christmas Eve.
The mall will also operate extended hours throughout the Christmas and New Year period to accommodate increased demand.
Christmas and New Year trading hours at North City Shopping Centre are:
Thursday, December 18: 9am to 9pm
Friday, December 19: 9am to 9pm
Saturday, December 20: 9am to 7pm
Sunday, December 21: 9am to 7pm
Monday, December 22: 9am to 9pm
Tuesday, December 23: 9am to 9pm
Wednesday, December 24: 9am to 6pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: 9am to 6pm
Saturday, December 27: 9am to 6pm
Sunday, December 28: 10am to 6pm
Monday, December 29: 9am to 6pm
Tuesday, December 30: 9am to 6pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am to 6pm
New Year’s Day: 10am to 6pm
Friday, January 2: 10am to 6pm
With Santa on site and a giant tree glowing at the centre of the mall, North City is offering plenty of festive moments for families in the final days before Christmas.