Twin Cities Pet-Friendly Holiday Photo Events: Where to Get Festive Photos With Your Dog in 2025
- Lauren
- Nov 27
- 11 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
The holiday season in the Twin Cities is officially here. If you’re anything like me, that means cozy sweaters, twinkly lights, hot holiday-themed drinks, and of course, adorable photos of your pets! Luckily, the Twin Cities area is packed with pet-friendly holiday events where your pup can meet Santa, explore festive backdrops, and create memories worthy of your holiday card.
Below, I’ve gathered a round-up of pet-friendly holiday photo opportunities happening around Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding suburbs. Whether you’re looking for a classic Santa portrait or something a little more unique, there’s a spot for every dog’s personality.
Twin Cities Area Pet-Friendly Holiday Photos (2025)
Location: Eden Prairie Center, Eden Prairie, MN
Date: Mondays, November 10 - December 24, from 11 am - 7 pm
Cost: Various
Pet Policy: Although we love them all, we request that only dogs and cats on a leash or in a carrier to participate, and you must clean up after your pet.
Event Details: Pet photos with Santa.
Location: NDLB, Maple Grove, MN
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10 am - 2 pm
Cost: $25 Donation
Pet Policy: We welcome all dogs, cats, critters, and kiddos.
Event Details: No appointment is necessary.
Why Go: This event supports No Dog Left Behind (NDLB) Minnesota Canine Rescue. Your $25 donation will support efforts to help dogs in need.
Location: Pet Crossing Animal Hospital, Bloomington, MN
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10 am - 1 pm
Cost: $99
Pet Policy: All friendly, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: 10-minute sessions indoors at Pet Crossing with a holiday backdrop with K Schulz Photography. Includes 2 digitals and the option to purchase more. Sessions happen back-to-back. If you have more than 5 (humans plus pets), I recommend booking two sessions. Sessions can include pets or pets and their people.
Why Go: Professional pet photos at a mini price.
Location: Indoor Zoomies, Minnetonka, MN
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10 am - 12 pm
Cost: $25
Pet Policy: All friendly, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Book your time slot for $25. Receive 1 digital image in time for Christmas cards.
Location: Ridgedale Center, Minnetonka, MN
Date: Mondays and Tuesdays, November 24 - December 16, from 4 - 7 pm
Cost: Various
Pet Policy: All friendly, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Bring your furry friends to meet Old Saint Nick!
Location: RAGOM Office, Minnetonka, MN
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 11 am - 2 pm
Cost: $10 Donation
Pet Policy: All friendly, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: 11 am - 12 pm is set aside for reactive dogs by appointment. 12 - 2 pm is for all dogs.
Why Go: This event supports Retrieve A Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM). Your $10 donation will support efforts to help dogs in need.
Location: NDLB, Maple Grove, MN
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10 am - 2 pm
Cost: $25 Donation
Pet Policy: We welcome all dogs, cats, critters, and kiddos.
Event Details: No appointment is necessary.
Why Go: This event supports No Dog Left Behind (NDLB) Minnesota Canine Rescue. Your $25 donation will support efforts to help dogs in need.
Location: HeadFlyer Brewing, Minneapolis, MN
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 1 - 5 pm
Cost: FREE
Pet Policy: We welcome all dogs, cats, critters, and kiddos.
Event Details: Santa Paws will be visiting the taproom to take pics with all the sweet doggos. Best part is it’s completely FREE! If you do wish to pay a little something, we’ll be taking in donations for Ruff Start Rescue.
Why Go: This event supports Ruff Start Rescue.
Location: Rosedale Center, Roseville, MN
Date: Mondays, December 1 - 15
Cost: Various
Pet Policy: All friendly, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Bring your furry friends to meet Old Saint Nick!
Location: Brew Park, Plymouth, MN
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 6 - 8 pm
Cost: $25
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Dogs must be registered and up-to-date with vaccinations. Registration is quick, free, and mandatory.
Why Go: Get your dog's photo with Santa and then enjoy the indoor dog park!
Location: Bachman's, Maplewood, MN
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 12 - 3 pm
Cost: $10
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Bring the pups and enjoy a beautiful photo in front of a lovely holiday backdrop featuring florals and greenery from Bachman's!
Why Go: This event supports Retrieve A Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM). Your $10 donation will support efforts to help dogs in need.
Location: Livewell Animal Urgent Care of Shoreview, Shoreview, MN
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10 am - 12 pm
Cost: $10 Donation
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Pet photos with Santa
Why Go: All proceeds from this event will be donated to Rescued Pets Are Wonderful (RPAW).
Location: Anytime Puppy Playground, Apple Valley, MN
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 11 am - 2 pm
Cost: $15
Pet Policy: Members only. Verified dogs only. Must be friendly and social.
Event Details: Get festive and furry! Rock those outrageous holiday sweaters with your pup, and snag a Santa photo while you're here!
Why Go: Enjoy a perk of your membership at Anytime Puppy Playground.
Location: NDLB, Maple Grove, MN
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10 am - 2 pm
Cost: $25 Donation
Pet Policy: We welcome all dogs, cats, critters, and kiddos.
Event Details: No appointment is necessary.
Why Go: This event supports No Dog Left Behind (NDLB) Minnesota Canine Rescue. Your $25 donation will support efforts to help dogs in need.
Location: Bone Marché, St. Louis Park, MN
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 12 - 2 pm
Cost: $20 Donation
Pet Policy: We welcome all dogs, cats, critters, and kiddos.
Event Details: Bring your furry friend to our Winter Wonderland Pet Photoshoot and capture memories with a winter-themed backdrop! Registration is required. You will receive 2 digital images from the photoshoot for a $20 donation to the MACC Pack at the door.
Why Go: This event supports Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC). Your $25 donation will support efforts to help dogs in need.
Location: Omni Brewing, Maple Grove, MN
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 12 - 2 pm
Cost: $15 Donation
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Capture the paw-fect holiday photo of your furry friend with Santa himself, enjoy a delicious brew, and help support local rescue efforts at the same time.
Why Go: This event supports Rescue Network. Your donation will support efforts to help dogs in need.
Location: Adventure Is Barking Social Club, Hopkins, MN
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 10 am - 1 pm
Cost: $99
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: This holiday season, we will be hosting a photo shoot at AiB Social Club with K Schulz Photography! The event will consist of 10-minute sessions, from which you'll receive two digital copies of your choosing. If you have more than 5 people and or pets (combined total) in your group, we recommend you book two back-to-back time slots.
Why Go: Professional pet photography at a mini price.
Location: Pet Evolution, Woodbury, MN
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 11 am - 3 pm
Cost: $20 Donation
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: No appointment needed.
Why Go: All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Woodbury Police K9 Fund.
Location: Pet Evolution, Arden Hills, MN
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 11 am - 3 pm
Cost: $20 Donation
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: No appointment needed.
Why Go: All proceeds from this event will be donated to Make-A-Wish Minnesota.
Location: Urban Tails Pet Supply, Minneapolis, MN
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 11 am - 2 pm
Cost: $10 Donation
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: First-come, first-served in the Urban Tails event space.
Why Go: All proceeds benefit Mission Animal Hospital, helping pets and families in need!
Location: Bone Marché, St. Louis Park, MN
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 11 am - 2 pm
Cost: $20 Donation
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Photography by Flannel Loon Photography. No appointment needed.
Why Go: All proceeds from this event will be donated to Fur-Ever Home Rescue.
Location: Bauhaus Brew Labs, Minneapolis, MN
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 12 - 3 pm
Cost: FREE
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Donations are greatly appreciated. Photos will be sent by email within a few days.
Why Go: This event supports Ruff Start Rescue.
Location: Chuck & Don's, West St. Paul, MN
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 11 am - 3 pm
Cost: $15 Donation
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Bring your family, your furry friends, or just yourself, and get your picture with the Big Guy from the North Pole.
Why Go: All proceeds of this event will be donated to Adopt a Husky Minnesota.
Location: NDLB, Maple Grove, MN
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 6 - 8 pm
Cost: $25 Donation
Pet Policy: We welcome all dogs, cats, critters, and kiddos.
Event Details: No appointment is necessary.
Why Go: This event supports No Dog Left Behind (NDLB) Minnesota Canine Rescue. Your $25 donation will support efforts to help dogs in need.
Location: Palace Community Center, St. Paul, MN
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 5 - 7:30 pm
Cost: $20 Donation
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs and cats or other small pets in carriers welcome.
Event Details: Santa is coming to Palace to take pictures with your 4-legged pets. Come take your own photos.
Why Go: Community-focused event catering to all sorts of pets.
Location: Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11 am - 4 pm
Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for kids, kids 4 and under are free
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Santa has also let us know that he'll be here, so get a photo with your fur kids or human kids!
Why Go: All proceeds benefit the Wildlife Science Center.
Location: Pet Evolution, Arden Hills, MN
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11 am - 3 pm
Cost: $20 Donation
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: No appointment needed.
Why Go: All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Ramsey County Sheriffs Foundation.
Location: Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Minneapolis, MN
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 12 - 4 pm
Cost: FREE
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Bring your pets for FREE photos with Santa! All photos will be shared in a Dropbox folder after the event.
Why Go: This event is open to the public, so come on by, snap some pics, and soak in the holiday vibes! While you’re here, grab a beer, coffee, or some tasty food to complete the experience.
Location: NDLB, Maple Grove, MN
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10 am - 2 pm
Cost: $25 Donation
Pet Policy: We welcome all dogs, cats, critters, and kiddos.
Event Details: No appointment is necessary.
Why Go: This event supports No Dog Left Behind (NDLB) Minnesota Canine Rescue. Your $25 donation will support efforts to help dogs in need.
Location: Bone Marché Pet Market, Saint Louis Park, MN
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11 am - 2 pm
Cost: Not Stated
Pet Policy: Rabbits and pocket pets only.
Event Details: No appointment is necessary.
Location: Chuck & Don's, Chanhassen, MN
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10 am - 1 pm
Cost: $15 Donation
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Bring your family, your furry friends, or just yourself, and get your picture with the Big Guy from the North Pole.
Why Go: All proceeds of this event will be donated to Adopt a Husky Minnesota.
Location: The Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 7:15 - 9 pm
Cost: Various
Pet Policy: All animals must be leashed or in an appropriate crate/cage. No wild animals allowed.
Event Details: Pre-registration is required.
Location: NDLB, Maple Grove, MN
Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 6 - 8 pm
Cost: $25 Donation
Pet Policy: We welcome all dogs, cats, critters, and kiddos.
Event Details: No appointment is necessary.
Why Go: This event supports No Dog Left Behind (NDLB) Minnesota Canine Rescue. Your $25 donation will support efforts to help dogs in need.
Location: Chuck & Don's, Lakeville, MN
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 10 am - 2 pm
Cost: $15 Donation
Pet Policy: All well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Event Details: Bring your family, your furry friends, or just yourself, and get your picture with the Big Guy from the North Pole.
Why Go: All proceeds of this event will be donated to Adopt a Husky Minnesota.
Tips for Getting the Best Holiday Photos With Your Dog
Bring high-value treats (freeze-dried treats, string cheese, hot dogs, or whatever your secret weapon treat of choice is)
Wear coordinating outfits: think cozy neutrals, buffalo plaid, or deep greens
Give your dog a potty break before getting in line
Bring a friend to help hold leashes or grab attention
Arrive early; events get busy fast
Let your dog sniff and decompress before stepping onto the set
Celebrate the Season With Your Best Buddy
The Twin Cities are full of ways to celebrate the magic of the holidays with your dog, whether you’re looking for a classic Santa portrait, a glowing winter wonderland, or just a fun excuse to get out of the house and feel festive. No matter which event you choose, you’ll walk away with photos that capture the joy, love, and chaos (let’s be real!) that pets bring to the holidays.
Add an Event:
Am I missing a Twin Cities pet event? Do you have an upcoming event you'd like to add to this blog or a future post? Please submit your event here to get it added to this list!
About Scruff Life Photography:
Hi, I'm Lauren, the pet-loving photographer behind Scruff Life Photography! Based in Minnesota, I specialize in capturing the unique bond between people and their beloved pets. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into your life or are cherishing the years spent with a lifelong companion, I’m here to help you preserve those special moments. Pets are family, and their stories deserve to be celebrated with timeless, professional photos you’ll treasure forever. Let’s create something meaningful together — reach out today to schedule your pet photo session!
