Are mall Santa photos passé? Parents opt for private sessions with their kids:  ‘Craving a more personalized experience’

Classic mall Santa photo shoots are a tradition that spans generations — but these days, parents are opting for something less conventional.

Rather than having their children sit on a mall Santa’s lap for a quick snapshot, moms in New Orleans are booking private studio sessions with the jolly, old Saint Nick for a professional photoshoot.

“I feel like young parents are craving a more personalized experience,” Marianne Sabrier, co-owner of The Red M Studio in Metairie, told Axios.

On top of having a private moment with Santa, these studio sessions are marketed as more convenient and meaningful than going to the mall.

Sabrier and her husband, Steve, are wedding and lifestyle photographers who started offering studio time four years ago after hearing about experiences going for $1,000 in Texas.

At the time, the duo offered a 10-minute session for $200, during which Santa would read the child’s letter to him or her that was sent by parents in advance.

However, they didn’t promote a Santa Claus Experience this year partly because she felt their small business couldn’t compete with larger studios. However, other places are having immense success, especially when moms offer their recommendations in Facebook groups.

Chocolate Santa/Gentilly Santa is one New Orleans location that books quickly and allows walk-ins, and Don Daigrepont Studio is known for its Santa with green gloves — and offering pet photographs as well.

Others even offer their own “experience.”

Milestone Photography in New Orleans has “Magic Moments with Santa,” which promises that the child and Kris Kringle will “play together” for 30 minutes, read stories, check the naughty or nice list, learn about the North Pole and more for a total price of $375 — a $250 package plus a $125 session fee.

Meanwhile, the nearby Lakeside Shopping Center offers a majority of its mall Santa photos for just $25.

Many moms might be booking private Santa sessions, but mall Santas are not yet a thing of the past, Axios reported. Lakeside is still expected to see long lines, especially the week before Christmas.