St. Nick is coming to town

This time of year, Las Vegas icons Elvis, Marilyn and Frank are eclipsed by one superstar who comes to town but once a year. Santa Claus is the most popular and requested act at area entertainment companies with more than 50 Santas booked each and every day to work parties, malls and the many attractions around town.

If you are looking for the big guy this time of year to take a memorable photo of your wee ones, or fur babies, or just for you, we have found where he will be through the month of December.

And if you want to see thousands of St. Nick lookalikes take to the streets, head downtown Saturday for the Las Vegas Great Santa Run. The 5K race/walk gets underway at 10 a.m. and benefits Opportunity Village.

Meadows mall

Santa Claus will be available for photos in the Sears Court from noon-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon-6 p.m. until Dec. 10, from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 11 , from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 12, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 13, from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 14-17, from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 18-23 and from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 24.

Pets (dogs and cats only) can see Santa on Monday evenings, 6-8 p.m., through Dec 14.

Prepurchasing a photo package at http://www.meadowsmall.com/en/events.html.

Meadows mall is at 4300 Meadows Lane.

Fashion Show mall

Guests can not only able to meet Santa and pose for a photo but they can find Santa at the North Pole via an interactive adventure featuring Shrek in the Great Hall/Runway through Dec. 12 Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Dec. 13-20 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 21-23 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Dec. 24 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Fashion Show mall is at 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

Downtown Summerlin

Santa will be available for photos and visits through Dec. 24. Pet photo nights are Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m.

Photo hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Hours change to 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Dec. 6, Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday Dec. 13 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 14-Dec. 18 is 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Dec. 19 from 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Dec. 20 from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and Dec. 24 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

To view photo pricing and reserve your spot via the Fastpass lane, visit http://www.downtownsummerlin.com.

Downtown Summerlin is at 1980 Festival Plaza Drive.

Magical Forest at Opportunity Village

Magical Forest is back and features a visit from Santa as well as entertainment, food and attractions through Jan. 3. Hours of operation are Sunday-Thursday from 5:30-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5:30-10 p.m.

Take a ride on the Forest Express Passenger Train, Cheyenne's Enchanted Carousel, Rudolph's Raceway and much more.

To purchase tickets, visit http://magicalforest.org/.

Magical Forest is at 6300 W. Oakey Blvd.

Shark Reef Aquarium Mandalay Bay

Santa Claus is trading in his reindeer for the more than 2,000 animals in the 1.6 million gallon tank for Santa in the Shipwreck at Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Santa will spreading holiday cheer and sweet treats with his pal, Santa Jaws, from Dec. 20-Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Children 12 and under will receive complimentary candy and a photograph with Santa with each paid admission.

Non-Nevada residents admission is $20 for adults and $14 for children 5-12 years of age. Nevada resident admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children 5-12 years of age. Children 4 and under are free.

Shark Reef Aquarium is at 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

Silverton

Fans of Silverton have already seen the mermaids swimming in the 117,000-gallon saltwater tank each weekend, however, Santa Claus will be taking over the tank on Dec. 22-23 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Children of all ages are welcome to take photos with our Underwater Santa and his elves, as they swim around and interact with the fish.

Silverton Hotel is at 3333 Blue Diamond Road.

Ethel M

Come see Santa Claus at the Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden every Friday through Sunday until Christmas from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Performances by local choirs will be every Friday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ethel M is at 2 Cactus Garden Drive in Henderson.

Town Square

Schedule your time to visit with Santa at Town Square through Dec. 23, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

To schedule your date, visit http://tslvsanta.com/.

Town Square is at 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

Galleria at Sunset

Visit Santa and check out the spectacular holiday light show featuring a 40-foot Christmas tree and 200 watts of sounds in the Center Court through Dec. 24 starting each day at 5 p.m.

Galleria at Sunset is at 1300 W. Sunset Road in Henderson.

Tivoli Village

Santa will be at Tivoli Village through Dec. 24, Fridays through Sundays. Hours are Fridays from 12 p.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Tivoli Village is at 440 S. Rampart Blvd.

The District at Green Valley Ranch

Santa photos will take place each Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Dec. 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Dec 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The District is at 2240 Village Walk Drive in Henderson.

Linq Promenade

The annual Winter Parq show begins Saturday and continues through Jan. 1. A sexy Santa will roam the promenade from 8-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.

The Linq Promenade is at 3535 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

Colorado River

For a unique St. Nick experience, families can join Black Canyon River Adventures on Christmas Eve day for an unforgettable 12-mile journey along the Colorado River with Santa Claus and his helpers. The 4.5-hour tour departs at 10 a.m. Dec. 24. For more information, visit blackcanyonadventures.com.

Meet at Lake Mead RV Village in Boulder City.