Hipster Santa pays visit to Washington Square mall

Published 3:15 pm Friday, December 6, 2024

Hipster Santa holds 4-week-old Henley Clark during his appearance at Washington Square mall on Thursday, Dec. 5.

Those waiting for a cooler, 2020s-era Santa needed to look no further than Washington Square mall as Hipster Santa made his first appearance there to throngs of well-wishers on Thursday, Dec. 5.

Hipster Santa, who sported “naughty and nice” tattoos, a comfy cardigan and man bun, previously served stints at Portland’s Pioneer Place.

A mall spokesperson said Thursday’s crowd was a mix of younger kids, teens, families and adults who came dressed up in “ugly Christmas sweaters, festive party wear, and a lot of hipster plaid.”

“We sold out reservations for Hipster Santa several days before our event,” said Lisa Frisch, senior marketing manager for the mall. “We ended up seeing nearly 100 families and groups.”

Hipster Santa will make one more appearance on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. To make reservations, visit www.shopwashingtonsquare.com/santaphotos.

(Still, there are no plans to turn anyone away who shows up before Hipster Santa makes his return to the North Pole.)

Meanwhile, the traditional mall Santa will continue his regular appearances through Dec. 24.