Santa Claus is coming to town. We’re lucky to have a diversity of Santas in the Oakland Area, but it can still be hard to know where to find a consistent Black Santa experience. So we’ve rounded up a few you can count on.
Black Santa Claus visits the Bay Area
Nov 16-17 & Dec. 9-10: Santa’s Flight Academy, Concord
Sunvalley Shopping Center is hosting Black Santa for four days at its interactive Santa’s Flight Academy experience.
Black Santa hours: Reserve your spot for November 16-17 or December 9-10. Reservation time slots are 15 minutes long.
For parents to know: Reservations are required. Professional photo packages start at about $40 and include many variations and even a phone call from Santa.
Reservations Required >
Nov. 30, Dec. 8, 14, 22: Black Santa at Macy’s, San Francisco
Macy’s will be offering photos with African American Santa on select days this holiday season. Reservations are required and open up online 5 days in advance. Digital picture packages start at $40.
Black Santa hours: November 30, December 8, 14, and 22 from 10 am to 2 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm.
For parents to know: Santa will be on the 6th floor of Macy’s. Visiting in the morning is best as line and wait times will be long.
Reservations Required >
Dec. 8: Black Santa at St. Joseph School, Pinole
Free photos with African American Santa, Gingerbread House Contest, local vendor marketplace, holiday entertainment, dance lesson, kids arts & crafts, and hot breakfast! Free event. Pajamas encouraged.
Black Santa hours: December 8 from 9 am to 2 pm, Santa will be having breakfast and taking photos with children.
For parents to know: Santa arrives at 9:30 am and this event is free. Pre-order breakfast here >
Find out more about the event >
Find more places where Santa Claus is coming to the Town >
Dec. 12: Black Santa at Montclair Village Holiday Stroll, Oakland
This event is a full community celebration with festive decorations, entertainment, and shopping. Santa Claus is just one of the wonderful attractions.
Black Santa hours: December 12 from 4 pm to 8 pm, Santa will be at the Montclair Village visiting and taking photos with children.
For parents to know: Professional Winter Wonderland photos with Santa will be taken by Leah Marie Studio for $30.
Find out more about the event >
Dec. 14: Holiday Meet and Greet, Kids Play Zone, Oakland (Registration Required)
This event is a little kid holiday party with all the playing you could want at Kids Play Zone in West Oakland including pictures with Black Santa.
Black Santa hours: The party begins December 14 at noon. Santa will join the party in progress visiting and taking photos with children. Bring your own camera.
For parents to know: This event is $25 per child (which includes 2 adults) and includes admission to the play space.
Secure tickets here >
Dec. 14-23: Black Santa Claus at Children’s Fairyland, Oakland
‘Tis the season for Black Santa’s visit to Children’s Fairyland. Celebrating this holiday tradition since the 90s, Fairyland is committed to sharing the important and magical experience of Black Santa with Oakland and the Bay Area. Visitors can snap photos with Black Santa and join him in a dance party.
Black Santa hours: December 14-15, 18-23 from 10 am to 4 pm. Santa will be in Fairyland for Fairy Winterland.
For parents to know: Santa will lead a dance party and hand out a treat (my guess is candy canes). Santa will have a mailbox for letters in the chapel, and there is no definitive word on lap-sitting this year.
Black Santa Claus photos in Christmasville, Emeryville
Christmasville is a magical photoshoot experience with Santa in Emeryville. Your family will receive a private audience with Santa Claus that you will be remembered forever. You must book ahead for your 15-minute or 30-minute photoshoot. As of this writing, one of the Santa Claus choices is a Black Santa named Solas.
Santa Solas hours: Spots are filling up! By reservation only. 15-minute sessions. Santa Solas works on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. Reserve your spot >
For parents to know: This is a high-quality professional photoshoot and would be perfect for holiday cards. You get one photo included with your shoot. All prints and products are additional and can be decided upon after you see your images.
If you know of more Bay Area locations to visit Black Santa, please drop them in the comments!
xxx
1 thought on “Visit with Black Santa in Oakland & More”
Thank you so much for compiling this list. I was so happy to know all the locations Black Santa was available, and be able to take my 10 month old to take pictures with Santa for his 1st Christmas.