Santa Claus is coming to town alright, but where? And when? We found almost a gazillion wonderful opportunities to visit with the big guy. Our list will grow throughout the Christmas season as we discover Santa Claus in new places. Sensitive Santa and Black Santa Claus are also checking their lists twice. (not to mention if you find Santa on a train or boat).
This year’s list of Santa Claus photo locations is brought to you by Christmasville in Emeryville, your magical photoshoot experience with Santa. Ho ho ho.
We try to indicate whether events are BYO cameras or with photographers on hand. Prices vary. Hop to Santa’s Calendar. Please note that some locations require reservations.
Where to see Santa Claus in the East Bay
Christmasville Santa Claus Photos, Emeryville
Christmasville is a magical photo experience with Santa to the North Pole. During your private session, your family will visit Santa in his wonderful workshop! You will join him in his living room while he checks his list twice and asks you what you want for Christmas. Leah Marie Studio, will capture the whole story as you and your family star in your own scene of the childhood magic of Santa.
Book now for available sessions on weekends from Nov 2 – Dec 22. Sessions are extremely limited so make sure you BOOK ahead of time to secure your spot and get your photos back in time for holiday cards. Options include visits with one of two Santas, Family Portraits in the Christmasville setting without Santa Claus, or a Selfie Stroll for a DIY experience. Book now >>
Lots more places to see Santa Claus in the East Bay
Here is a rolling list of the next 20 Santa Claus sightings (and sittings). Clicking the red title will take you right to our calendar entry with lots more info.
Ho Ho Ho! Santa Claus will be setting up shop here, too
Count on some regular appearances by Santa Claus in the following places throughout November and December.
Santa at the Oakland Zoo, Oakland
Fridays to Sundays in November and Nightly in December through Dec. 23, 2024. Santa Claus will be setting up his small workshop in the ride area of the Oakland Zoo from 6 to 9 pm (the line closes at 8:45 pm). To see Santa at the zoo, plan to buy Glowfari tickets. Santa’s hours are subject to change and he may have to head back to the North Pole if it gets too wet. Seeing Santa is free with paid admission to the zoo. Bring your own camera.
Website for details and tickets >
Santa on Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
From November 14 to Christmas Eve, 2024 (closed for Thanksgiving), Santa Claus is offering photos near SoulCycle. Reservations are suggested. There will be pet nights, too. Photo packages run from $40 to $50.
Location: Broadway Plaza near 120 Broadway, Walnut Creek
Website for details >
Santa Claus Photos at Alameda South Shore Center
TBD Daily from November 24 to December 24 (closed for Thanksgiving), Santa Claus will be sitting for portraits. Look for pet-friendly events and a gift card giveaway, too. Photo pricing not provided.
Location: Alameda South Shore Center, Alameda
Website for details >
Santa at 3Crosses Christmas Village, Castro Valley
Select dates November 22 – December 23, 2024, Snap a photo with Santa at the Christmas Village set up on the grounds of 3Crosses Church. There’s also an ice rink (paid), bounce house and train rides. Plan to take your own photos.
Location: 3Crosses Church, 20600 John Drive, Castro Valley
Website for details >
Santa at City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon
November 29-30, December 1, 7-8, 2024, Have the kids’ photos taken with Santa in Alexander Square. Rest assured. No reservation is required. Stop by the ice rink or North Pole mailbox while you’re there.
Location: City Center Bishop Ranch, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon
Website for details >
Santa on Solano Avenue, Berkeley
December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22, 2024, Meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Solano Avenue. Bring your own camera. Location is District Homes office.
Location: 1758 Solano Avenue, Berkeley
Website for details >
Selfies with Santa Claus, Oakland
December 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22, 2024, Come see Santa Claus in his forest set-up across from PLANK on the waterfront of Jack London Square. Visits are free; BYO camera.
Location: Jack London Square, Oakland
Website for details >
Fairy Winterland, Oakland
December 14-15, and 18-23, 2024, children can visit Santa Claus and join in as he leads the nightly parade. Lap sitting is TBD. Find out more about Santa Claus at Children’s Fairyland. Plan to take your own photos.
Location: Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland
Website for details >
Santa House, Martinez
Select dates between Nov. 30 and Dec. 23, 2024. Experience Santa House to capture unlimited photos with Santa. Families must snap pictures themselves, but there will be a professionally lit display and Santa’s helpers available to assist. $10 cash, please.
Location: Main Street Plaza, Martinez
See full schedule and details >
Find other sensory-friendly Santa Claus experiences >
Special Sit-Down Experiences with Santa (RSVP!)
Christmasville Santa Claus Photos, Emeryville
Book now for sessions Nov 2 – Dec 22, 2024. Your family’s private Santa Claus encounter includes professional photographs of memorable holiday scenes. Sessions are limited so reserve in advance to secure your spot and get your photos back in time for the holidays.
Optional Upgrades: Add extra time with Santa and help him with some special activities in his workshop. Add Christmas cards, photo albums, framed canvas prints, and additional images.
Location: Christmasville, 1311 61st Street, Emeryville
Book now >>
Christmasville is dedicated to keeping the magic of Christmas alive. Give your kids an experience they will never forget and something to talk about all season long.
Breakfast with Santa, San Francisco Westin
December 7 only. The Westin throws a lovely Santa brunch with family-friendly favorite foods, engaging crafts, a view of the Bay Area for miles, and lots of face-time and stories with Santa Claus himself.
Location: Westin St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco
Register for Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
Holiday Pancake Breakfast, El Cerrito
December 7 only. Enjoy a short stack with all the fixings, make arts & crafts, and visit with Santa Claus (BYO camera).
Location: El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito
Register for Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
Breakfast with Santa, San Francisco Neiman Marcus
December 15 only. Santa Claus is waking up early for this delightful breakfast with photos, fabulous balloon animals, and face painting. Plan to bring your own camera.
Location: Neiman Marcus at Union Square, San Francisco
Register for Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024
Pancake Breakfast with Santa, Berkeley
December 14 only. Register for a delicious pancake breakfast that comes with a meet-and-greet-opportunity with Santa and his North Pole friends.
Location: Live Oak Community Center, 1201 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Register for Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024
Pancakes and Pajamas, Emeryville
December 14 only. Register for a delicious pancake breakfast complete with a hot cocoa bar, arts and crafts, and photos with Santa. Dress code is Pajamas!
Location: ECCL Cafeteria, 4727 San Pablo Ave, Emeryville
Register for Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024
Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round Breakfast with Santa, Berkeley
December 7, 8, and 14, 2024, families can enjoy unlimited carousel rides, buffet-style breakfast, and photos with Santa and his elf while a classic Christmas movie plays on the screens. Capacity will be limited to advanced ticket holders. Santa Claus also stops by the holiday carousel other times, too. Kids pay $35 for the breakfast event, adults $55. Take your own photos.
Location: Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round, Central Park Drive &, Lake Anza Rd, Berkeley
Reservations required >
Visit to the North Pole, Walnut Creek
December 14-22, 2024, families enjoy a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in a trip to the North Pole during this photo opportunity. Lasts about 10 minutes.
Location: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
Website for details >
USS Potomac Santa Cruise, Oakland
December 8 and 15, 2024, Santa will be aboard the USS Potomac as it cruises around the Oakland estuary. Children can meet with Santa and receive a little gift. Plan to take your own photos. Read more about the 1-hour cruise >
Location: Docked at Jack London Square, near 540 Water Street, Oakland
Tickets Required >
Find more places to go this Christmas in our East Bay Holiday Activities Guide.
Thanks to Christmasville in Emeryville for getting super creative to make holiday magic for families and for sponsoring this post. Ho ho ho!
Thanks again to Leah Marie Studio and the adorable, memorable Christmasville in Emeryville.
xxx
