Cherry Creek Shopping Center

Become a member of Santa’s flight crew at Cherry Creek’s Santa’s Flight Academy. Each kid “cadet” gets a flight crew badge, and is fitted with a virtual flight suit and partnered with a friendly elf to inspect and power Santa’s sleigh. Afterward, cadets enjoy a snowfall dance party and visit with Santa. Through December 24.

Park Meadows

Get into the festive spirit at Park Meadows through December 24. This year, the mall celebrates with a Colorado Christmas theme, and features a 35-foot walk-through 3D holiday tree. Themed photo days include pajama day on December 6 and ugly sweater day on December 13. Pet photos are available every Monday night through December 17, 5 to 8 p.m. Make a reservation online to skip the line.

Flatiron Crossing

Located at the base of the Grand Staircase, Santa HQ invites kids to step up to the nice o’meter to find out if they’ve been naughty or nice and check out Santa’s control center—an exact replica of Santa’s North Pole hub. Using the new Elf-ID app and a selfie, kids can create their very own customized Elf-ID card. Through December 24. Reservations are available, but not required.

Southlands

Southlands Pole hosts Santa and a flurry of children’s activities throughout the holiday season. After a photo with the jolly old elf, kids can write letters to Santa (with a special reply) and make homemade ornaments. Children with special needs can visit Santa in a calm, quiet environment on December 8, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Through December 23.

Colorado Mills

On December 2, 9 to 10:30 a.m. kids who need a quieter Santa experience can visit Caring Santa for a photo opp. Adjustments made to the environment support the sensory, physical, and other developmental needs of children of all abilities. Registration is required online.

Southwest Plaza

Kids can share their wish list with Santa at Southwest Plaza through December 24. Santa’s Workshop lets kids become an official toy tester by testing and designing one-of-a-kind toys with Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Thomas & Friends. On December 6, dress the whole family in PJs for a comfy and cute photo op with Santa.