If you're like me, you look forward to Christmas all year and then after Halloween you're thinking, "Whoa! Here already?"
Christmas does come (thank goodness!), and while it's important to give Thanksgiving its due, logistically it's usually helpful to get started on some elements of Christmas now--shopping, cards, and the annual family picture. Coronavirus will certainly limit the number of usual Santa photo ops around town, but businesses and organizations are as creative as ever to offer beautiful spots for families to hire a pro or set up a tri-pod for a sparkling scene.
Check out these great spots for Santa photos and family pictures around town.
1. Fun Photos with Angel Pardue
Sunday, November 14
Get a vintage vibe this year posing with VW Bus outside Quinn's Mercantile downtwon. Pro photog Angel Pardue will provide five images for the session. Use the ticket link to reserve times and pay in advance.
2. Christmas Photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus
November 28
Take advantage of this free opportunity and charming setup to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus! at All Things Home in Eagleville for great photos for the whole family.
3. A Magical Night with Santa!
December 4
Santa cares for first responders, and he'll be stopping by La Vergne Rescue Unit, Inc. to read stories, take pictures, and help with cookie decorating. Cost is $5.
4. Pictures with Santa
December 6
Bring all the babies-- four-legged and two-legged!-- to see Santa at My 4 Dogs Academy and Spa and get their picture taken with Patricia Drach Photography. Contact to reserve spot and pay in advance.
5. Country Cove Christmas Tree Farm
November 21- December 24
Get an experience and a great photo! This fresh tree lot is a beautiful scene for the Christmas card. Reservations with professional photographers are full for the season (and strictly not allowed during tree season) but you can still get out the selfie stick for some awesome shots.
6. Holiday Farm Festival
November 20-22
Kingdom Acres, a local CBD and Hemp farm, will host a holiday market, petting zoo, and holiday photo op at their innaugural free holiday festival.
7. Photos with Santa at Stones River Mall
November 13-December 5
Reservations are encouraged, and lots of hand sanizer in use, but YES, Santa will still visit Stones River Mall this year! Find a slot online, or make plans for a walkup (they'll be allowed if time permits). Photo packages range from $39.99- $49.99.
8. Fountains Winterfest
November 20- January 5
Snag a one-of-a-kind picture on the ice at The Fountains at Gateway's Winterfest experience! Get action shots while ice skating, and take some cozy pictures around the patio fires.
9. Sinking Creek Farm
Ongoing
Beautiful, socially-distanced, and outdoors, Sinking Creek's magical photo stations are Christmas card perfect. Reserve a spot online with a pro, or have fun on your own.
10. Wildwood Christmas Tree Farm
November 21-December 26
What kids REALLY want to dress up and pose for a photo? Get them tromping through this idyllic Woodbury farm for the perfect Tannenbaum, and then take some action shots on the kids outdoor play area. Want to go pro? Contact them for their onsite photographer's availability, or schedule a time with your pro of choice (hourly fees apply).
11. A Classic Front Street Christmas
December 12
Get photos with Santa, take a classic car ride, and even get the kids a free haircut at this charming, no-cost celebration in Smyrna's historic train depot district.
12. Christmas Craft Fair
November 25
Head to the Grove at Williamson Place for their third annual fair of local holiday vendors. Admission is a deal-- $1 a person!-- and Santa will be onsite for photos.
13. Bell Buckle Old Fashioned Christmas
December 19
It might be a little late to make the Christmas card, but you can get some magical photos with Santa and carolers at this classic Bell Buckle event. FREE
14. Parade of Lights
December 5
Take in LaVerge's annual parade which this year will celebrate a "Blue Christmas", honoring the city's first responders. The parade will start at Veterans Memorial Park and end at LaVergne City Hall, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance for pictures and wish-list making.
15. Santa Portraits at Loveless Photography
December 4-5
Get a gorgeous shot of your little ones chatting with Santa in one of the city's finest studios. Call to reserve a spot and ask about special event pricing.
Know of another great holiday photo op around town? Please share with readers in the comments below!
Laura Beth Payne is a writer mama and Murfreesboro native who lives in the Blackman community with her husband and two children. Follow her at @murfreesboromama on Facebook and Instagram. Got a column idea? Email her at laurabethpayne@gmail.com.