Santa Paws

Santa posing with a labradoodle and its two owners
Santa and Mrs. Claus posing with a white dog and his owner

Join us for an evening of holiday fun with your canine friends. Bring your pup out to meet Santa and get photos with your pet! This event also includes a canine holiday ugly sweater contest, holiday pet market, and canine food and toy drive.

Santa Paws

Friday, December 1, 2023
5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Durham Armory, 212 Foster Street

Event Attractions

  • Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause
  • Holiday "Pup-Up" Market
  • Ugly Sweater Contest 
  • Canine Food and Toy Drive

Photo Booth

The 2023 photos with Santa are sponsored by Assorted Poppies Photo. Photos with Santa will be $10 per session. All proceeds are being donated to Carolina Boxer Rescue. No preregistration required.

Santa Paws Logos
Santa Paws Logos (1)

Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest

Dress your canine friend up in their ugliest holiday sweater and enter to win a gift basket! The 2023 ugly holiday sweater contest is sponsored by Hollywood Feed! Be sure to stop by the Hollywood Feed booth to enter the contest

HWFlogotrans Opens in new window

Holiday Pup-Up Market

Get some Holiday shopping done by shopping our local vendors that will be in attendance!

Backpack Butter
Binky & Bell
Carolina Biscuit Co.
Created Lex
Eno Animal Hospital
Farmina USA
Finn & Flops
Handsome Hound Dog Treats
Tessa Studios
The Dog Moms of Durham
The Dog Mom’s Closet
Ulti-Mutt Wags and Play LLC
Urban Tails Veterinary Hospital
Veterinary Emergency Group
Whiskers, Wags & Wares
Wiggle Tail Bakery LLC

Canine Food Drive and Toy Drive

Donate food and toys to pups in need this holiday season. You might even meet your new best friends through one of our participating rescues!

 Animal Protection Society of Durham
Carolina Boxer Rescue
Perfectly Imperfect Pups

Event Cancellation Information

Events may be canceled in the case of severe inclement weather.

  • Call the weather line at 919-560-4636 and press Number 8 for the status of the event.
  • Visit Facebook and/or Twitter

Event Contact

For event information, email Michelle Shaffer at michelle.shaffer@durhamnc.gov or call 919-560-4355, ext. 27261.