Santa Paws Durham: 2026 date, time and what to bring

Santa Paws is Durham Parks and Recreation’s holiday evening for dogs, with photos with Santa, an ugly sweater contest and a pet market. This year it is 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the Durham Armory, 212 Foster St., and the city lists no admission charge.

Last checked 2026-11-08.

Bring your dog to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and have a picture taken together. The evening also has a canine holiday ugly sweater contest, a holiday “Pup-Up” market and a drive collecting dog food and toys, according to the parks department’s event page.

Upcoming dates

• Fri. Dec. 4, 5 to 8:30 p.m.

The parks department has listed only the 2026 date. Santa Paws is part of its yearly special events calendar, alongside Pupalooza and Canine Field Day.

Where it is and parking

Santa Paws is at the Durham Armory, 212 Foster St., a city-owned event hall in downtown Durham, next to Durham Central Park.

The parks department’s page does not give parking advice. Downtown city garages, lots and street meters charge until 7 p.m. on weekdays and are free after that, unless a special event rate applies, so arrivals before 7 p.m. on a Friday should expect to pay. The Durham Centre garage and the other city decks are listed in our getting around Durham guide.

Tickets and cost

• The parks department lists no ticket and no admission charge, and the event’s calendar listing marks it free.
• Vendors in the holiday market sell their own goods.
• If you want to give to the drive, bring dog food or a dog toy.

What to know

• It is a dog event. The parks department invites people to “bring your pup out to meet Santa.”
• Ugly sweater contest: dress your dog in a holiday sweater if you want to enter.
• Weather: events may be canceled for severe weather. Call the parks weather line at 919-560-4636 and press 8 for the event’s status.
• Questions: email Brooke Link at brooke.link@durhamnc.gov or call Durham Parks and Recreation at 919-560-4355.
• Selling at the market: non-food vendors can apply online through the link on the event page. Sponsorship questions go to the same email address.

For more places to take a dog in Durham, see our dog-friendly Durham guide. Other Santa visits, light shows and holiday events are in our holiday lights and Christmas events roundup, and the downtown parade is on our Christmas parade and tree lighting page.

Dates and venues as listed on the Experience Downtown Durham, North Carolina calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is Santa Paws in Durham?

Santa Paws is 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, at the Durham Armory, 212 Foster St.

Is Santa Paws free?

Durham Parks and Recreation lists no admission charge or ticket for Santa Paws, and the event’s calendar listing marks it free.

What happens at Santa Paws?

Dogs and their owners can get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enter a canine holiday ugly sweater contest, shop a holiday pup-up market and drop off pet food and toys for a donation drive.

Is Santa Paws canceled for bad weather?

It can be canceled for severe weather. Call the parks weather line at 919-560-4636 and press 8 for the event’s status.