This company has taken my kids , grandkids and great grandkids Santa pictures for over 50 yrs. I've had occasional problems that I needed adjustments with. I can't express enough appreciation for all the help they've provided me. All at no charge. They're the nicest people. I wish them nothing but success. Brooke read more

tl;dr: DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU HAVE NEURODIVERGENT KIDS. The Santa we saw was rude and cruel when my kid took a little longer because he had sensory issues with the flash. We took our kids to see Santa at Lake Forest Park Town Center. I believe the Santa who was working at the time was Bobj B. My 7-year-old son was having a sensory issue with the flash, so we tried a photo without flash first, then (since that didn't work), we tried one with flash after. The photographers had some trouble getting the flash to turn back on, and we had to try to get the kids to smile and look at the camera multiple times because the flash kept not going off. After a few minutes of this, my son started getting nervous about the flash, and wouldn't look at the camera. I finally gave up on the photographers and asked if I could just take a picture with my phone, and said that I'd still pay the (stupidly high) fee. At this point, Santa started getting frustrated and was repeatedly rude to my son. He pointed to the line and told my son that he was "ruining Christmas" for all those kids. I told Santa that he needed to stop, and he said "I've been doing this for 20 years, and I've only lost it on one kid, but this kid has me close." He said this to me in front of my kids, who still believe in Santa. If you have "lost it" on ANY kids, then you shouldn't be Santa. And if you get really close just because a kid has sensory issues with a flash, then you need a new career. There's no way my kid is the first one he's treated like this, and it's absolutely unacceptable. Yes, my kid took a little bit longer, but that's mostly because the photographers couldn't figure out their equipment. As a side note, the photographers were very kind and apologetic, and offered to have us come back for free photos with a different Santa, but we're just so done at this point. I've emailed the company, but haven't heard back from them yet. Maybe they don't care how their employees are treating kids? read more

Went to Crossroads to see if we could get a Santa photo and the Santa immediately gave my daughter bad vibes. Since she was nervous we started to walk away to talk about it privately. We hear: "Are you gonna get a picture? Hello?!" from the gal at the cash register. We walk around the corner HALFWAY ACROSS THE MALL to be out of sight when Santa himself suddenly cuts us off to ask if we're getting a picture. NOPE! If you stalk me across the mall there's no way I'll give you business. Not appropriate. read more

Quick Summary: They can't even get their photos in focus and don't respond to emails. Full Story: We got a Santa photo at their Third Place Books/Lake Forest Park location and were given a quick review there with a digital copy to be received later. When we got a chance to inspect the digital copy on our own devices it was immediately apparent that they missed the focus mark. The tree behind them was sharp as a tack, Santa and my kids - not so much. I reached out to them via email asking if we could work out some kind of reshoot, but never heard back. If you're selling yourself as photographers, you should at bare minimum be able to get a shot in focus. Never mind that the shot itself was also poorly staged. And if you're going to be a quality business then you should respond to emails. If you can, find your Santa photos elsewhere. read more

What can I say about this experience....We have been to Arthur & Associates before when they were at the downtown Macy's and the experience was always good. When Macy's closed, I feared our tradition was over but then I saw that Santa would be in multiple places during the Christmas season, so we picked one (UVillage) and made an appointment. 1. The display could not have been anymore plain - Santa, in a chair and bare wood walls. Not great but if this had been the only issue, it would have been fine. 2. Santa did not look Jolly except when he (Santa) sat on my granddaughter's father's lap. Yes, you read that right. After a picture will all my grandkids (except one who is very anti-Santa), Santa asked if he could sit on the lap of my granddaughters dad - this brought Santa great joy and what a gift, he had them add this photo to my package free of charge. 3. Santa, decided to share his unsolicited parenting advice to the parents of the anti-Santa 5 year old - not his place and my son and his wife were pretty offended. 4. Santa's helper made a comment also about my anti-Santa grandson - he said that he wasn't sure what he (my grandson) could have done that was so bad that he wouldn't want to talk to Santa. 5. The building with Santa is very small and we had a large group - 6 grandkids, 6 adults and two strollers - half of the adults had to go stand out in the freezing rain with the strollers - a tent or something would have been better. Hands down the worst Santa experience we have ever had. read more

ONE 5X7 photo with santa (masks on and santa behind a shield) at the Bellevue Sq Mall is $42! INSANE. I realize they are losing money during Covid but to pass ALL of the extra operating expense onto the customer is crap. Go to Issaquah Santa and you can do a mask-free photo and you can get one photo for around $16! DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE unless you want to be price gouged. read more

Worst Santa at Federal Way mall ever he looked like he had been chain smoking for 50 years and they took three photos every single one was bad and too bright they ignored my plea for another way to be taken, for the price I expect them to try harder especially since there was not another living soul in line it was just us, also for the price he could actually try to act like Santa he never asked what she wanted for Christmas or anything. The best part is they still have not emailed me the original like they said they would we were heavily relying on it to make prints for the grandparents this year. I do not recommend. read more

Santa Doug at Pacific Place is the absolute best Santa in the Pacific NW. He has the most jolly smile and is just a perfect Santa. Why would you wait for hours and hours just across the street for Nordstrom and its weird modern art backdrop when you can visit the coolest Santa around (Santa Doug) and only wait for 30 minutes! Best Santa experience! Thank you. read more

We stood in the line for 1.5 hours only to get 3 exactly similar images with poor photography. I requested for a digital image only and it's been 2 days and I haven't received any email with the image within 24 hours. Very disappointing service. read more

If I could give 0 stars I would. Don't get me wrong about policy, I follow them all of the time. Apparently for the past 7 years, other than when I skipped during Covid restrictions, every photographer, every Santa, and every coordinator at U-Village has been breaking the pet policy. I have always had my dogs, who are 5 pounds and 9 pounds sit with Santa at U-Village, on his lap. Santa even had a special blanket he brought out to put on his lap. Well tonight, I learned that a policy, that is not posted anywhere, exists that does not allow Santa to handle the pets. I understand the rationale behind the policy, allergies being one, but I was also the last person of the night. I did that purposely on my own to be considerate. I made a reservation weeks ago, called to confirm they would be open because it is snowy and icy, had a friend drive just in case so I would not miss the appointment, and when I was getting my pups ready, the photographer then told me about this policy. I was told that every year before, the people who all work for A&A broke the rules. I am pretty livid. This is probably the last year my 17 year old will be alive, and I have missed all of the pet store Santas now. I generally spend close to $140 here, which was worth it to me before. I called to ask about the policy not being posted to be told too bad. They advertise pets are ok to bring to this particular location and yet they do not state any pet policy about pets on stools or the need to have owner in photo. If I had known, I could have made the decision weeks ago to go elsewhere. It is the lack of transparency that is upsetting and then to not accept any responsibility. All they said is they heard me, and understand and that they will look into it with their web designer for future. I read reviews the other day and was surprised to see the low the ratings and complaints were, but I have a better understanding now. Next year I will check out the pet store Santas, which is fine, I just wish now that I could still do it this year. Arthur and Associates, you don't have to think about posting your policy now, I did it for you. Merry Christmas read more

Do Not come to Redmond Town Center if you have small children. The staff does not help kids look or smile at the camera. They also do not have a "clicker" to take the photo, so the person behind the camera isn't looking through the camera, waits for the kids to look up and then looks in the camera to take the pictures... Guess what, a toddler has moved by then. I had to ask them to take another picture, and when both of my kids were actually looking and smiling, santa looked pissed, he wasn't even smiling. Also, they don't have prices online, so you are absolutely shocked after you've stood in line outside for 45 minutes to learn that two 5x7s end up $43 after tax... No digital copies (they are even more) I have great pictures of my kids with Easter Bunnies, previous Santas (Northgate Mall was great except the wait).... But i will NEVER go to Arthur and Associates again. read more

We are making Santa pictures at the Bellevue Square Mall every year. They use to have a beautiful background but now everything is so dark. If you have a dark hair or wear something dark you won't see yourself in the picture. Very poor lightening for a professional picture too. My phone takes better pictures. I end up asking for a refund and decide to take pictures with my phone home by the Christmas tree. This is going to be the last year taking the pictures there. I will give zero stars if I had the option. read more

I feel bad leaving a less than stellar review but here goes... This was my sons first time seeing Santa since he is 11 months old. At this point I felt like the experience is more for the parents and less for the child since it is more traumatizing for little ones to be put into a strangers lap. All of the people working were very nice and the whole set up outside redmond town center is great (heat lamps, little cottage you go inside). However our Santa seemed like maybe he should be heading into retirement? He was yawning when kids were there, and when they asked us to come in because it was cold outside Santa said "it's not much warmer in here".. Okay? Then when it came to photo time, our son did very well (no crying) and the overall picture was good, but framed terribly. They cut my sons hand half way out of the photo. So Santa and his chair and my son are in the pic with just the edge of his hand out of the frame. I know it seems like not a big deal but when you are paying almost $40 for one .jpg photo File, I was expecting it to be more professionally shot. It felt rushed (a little expected), but for the money I was expecting a more experienced photographer. Next year we might try again or go somewhere else. I probably wouldn't pick the same Santa either (they rotate). It is convenient in Redmond town center. read more

Today I took my 10 year old to get her picture taken with Santa. This is the first year I didn't have money to pay for a picture and thought it would be perfectly okay for my child to see Santa and me get a couple of snapshots. The photography studio Arthur & Associates didn't just tell me I shouldn't one of their associates tried to get in and block the shot and then harassed me so bad I was shaking to take the pictures. I haven't worked in 3 years and all I wanted to do was have my child see Santa and get a picture like everyone else. My poor child was so shocked and scared she didn't even smile in the pictures. I was completely embarrassed to be treated like that. I called Everett Mall and talked to one of their managers and they were super nice and apologized for the behavior of the studio and explained they would make this right. What really upset me is that the manager at the mall said the photography studio could have called one of the mall managers and just offered us a free coupon and all that embarrassment could have been saved. Because of the actions of the associates and how we were treated I told the Everett Mall manager we wouldn't be back to that mall or Santa again. She explained the photography studio doesn't represent the mall at all and were very sorry. I don't think it is that unreasonable for parents who don't have money to be able to take a picture or two with their camera. I think this photography studio needs to learn what the meaning of Christmas really is. This is something I wont get over any time soon. Sincerely A Fan of Christmas whose magic is shaken because of this photography studio. read more

2 stars and not 1 because its a cute setting in Country Village but frankly could be found anywhere so meh. The prices this year were way to high!!! $29 for 1 5x7 is way more then we have ever paid and my whole family has been using this company for years! Why so high? There wasn't anything special about them. I ended up just getting the digital email sent ($42) because we needed multiples and we already drove down from Marysville.This has always been a family tradition but unless the prices lower we will just do the pictures ourselves since we basically did anyways. read more

Took my 15 months old to the country village in Bothell and the pics came out great! The service was awesome as well!! Santa and 2 girls, they all tried to help making my boy smile and treated him very kindly I will definitely go back there next year and recommend this location to my friends! Thanks a lot, Jessica eggnog!!! read more

I took my slightly apprehensive three year old to see Santa. After a six hour wait for the Nordstrom Santa and a lost reservation I decided to go to Pacific Place to see their Santa. I'm so glad I did!! He was wonderful and treated my little guy with so much respect and kindness. He really listened to what he wanted and gave him a hug! He was super and the whole experience was just great! I will be bringing my son back next year! read more

We were planning to visit the Nordstrom Santa after reading the RedTricycle article, but the line was so long and it was out side of the store. I was not going to let a 9 months old waiting in the 30 degree weather to see Santa. Luckily we did a quick search and found the Pacific Place Santa. There was no line on a busy Saturday in Dec. and it was inside on the 2nd floor of the mall. Santa and his helpers were super friendly and patient. They try to get baby's attention and get her to smile for the camera. The price the photo was a little pricey but reasonable. We ordered one of the package with 1 5x7, 2 Wallet Size sheets and the digital image for $55. I think next year we'll just order the digital image package for $35 and print our own photos. Pacific Place also has the festive flurry of snowflakes every evening at 6pm. Next time we'll to be there around snow flake falling. read more

We've taken our girls to Lake Forest Park for Santa pictures for many years. They've always done a good job, and took a good picture this year. BUT, our girls are 10 and 13 now. They feel uncomfortable sitting on a strange man's lap, which I support. I told them they wouldn't have to sit on his lap, and saw them standing by Santa for their photo. While I was paying, though, one of Santa's "helpers" said to my 10 year old "If you sit on Santa's lap, you'll get an extra candy cane."! Yikes!! Unfortunately, my daughter loves candy canes, and she did sit on his lap, even though she was very uncomfortable. Obviously, she needs more "training", but what bothers me most is that this "elf" would even do that. He looked to be in his early 20's, and should know better. I called Arthur and Associates today to let them know. I talked to a man who didn't seem too bothered by it. He said they hire teenagers for a month, so what could they do? No apology, no "we'll train them better", no nothing, except for "we do 100-200 photos a day". Not sure if I can give them business next year. We do like to do Santa photos just to have this wonderful visual timeline of their growth, even if they are standing next to Santa..Maybe somewhere else next year. read more

Just took my daughter to the U-Village Santa today and it was a pretty bad experience. The staff members themselves were fine, but they hired a terrible Santa to work the afternoon shift at U-Village. He mumbled "ho ho ho" when we walked in and otherwise made very little effort to engage my daughter. He halfheartedly tried to pick her up and didn't try to make her laugh or smile. The pictures came out OK but I regret paying for them. read more

We took my son to Pacific Place last night for a photo with Santa. He cried, but Santa and the staff were all great. I would have given this 4 stars except I haven't received my photos. I purchased digital files. When the cashier told me I would probably get them via email in an hour or so but to call the next day if I had not received anything, I knew that was a sign that they probably had regular issues with e-files. As expected, it's the next day and I haven't received an email. I left a message at the number they gave me, which noted to leave your info if you did not receive your photos via email (a sign that it is indeed a regular problem). It doesn't make sense that they can't come up with a reliable system to provide digital files. I hope I don't have to wait too long to get the photos. read more

We've been visiting their Santa downtown for the last 10 years. Always a great picture and multiple years with the same santas. Last year I accidently threw away our picture. I emailed them gave them a date, time and description. They were able to find my picture and mailed it to me. They are awesome! read more

My daughter had a wonderful experience with the Santa at U-Village! He was kind, attentive and friendly. She even agreed to sit on his lap. We had a terrible experience with another Santa and another photographer a couple of days before. This completely made up for that. We will absolutely return to Santa at U-Village again next year if Arthur & Associates are the photographers! read more

We have been impressed year after year with their customer service and quality of Santa photos. This year was over the top. Because they are no longer at the location we had pictures last year, we received a voucher for a $50 credit at another location. The first try at pictures, our youngest wanted nothing to do with Santa, so we tools picture with only our oldest. As we are driving away, our youngest decides she wants to sit on Santa's lap. When we get back in and are ready to pay for our pictures, they won't let us pay and print the photos for free. Incredible, patient, and kind service. Thank you for making this a positive experience for 6 years now. read more