Waiting in a noisy line for a huge booming stranger to put his arms around you is not for every child. Happily, there are Inclusive Santa Claus events in the Bay Area that will accommodate your sensitive or autistic child with kindness and care. There are only a few sittings being offered this year, so reserve your spot soon so your child can enjoy the magic of visiting Santa without all the craziness and hullabaloo.
Reservations are strongly recommended where possible.
Pancakes and Pajamas, Emeryville
This is the 3rd Annual Winter Event: Pancakes and Pajamas, in the city of Emeryville. Enjoy a Winter Wonderland and your favorite winter characters including Santa. Not to mention enjoying a delicious pancake breakfast.
When: December 13, Sensory Sensitive Seating at 12:45 pm
Location: 4727 San Pablo Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608
Tickets: $12 Resident/$17 Non Resident Reserve them here>>
Stonestown Galleria, San Francisco
This Santa experience is for children and pets, so not necessarily a low-commotion situation. But it could be great for those kids who feel better with their pet by their side.
When: Monday/Tuesday starting Nov. 24/25 through Dec. 15/16, 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Location: 3251 20th Avenue, #Suite 390, San Francisco
Tickets: FREE Reserve them here>>
Cypress Primary School, Petaluma
This Santa sighting is an inclusive event for children of all ages and abilities. It includes a parade, therapy dogs, photo opportunities, and a horse-drawn sleigh.
When: December 6; 12 pm – 3 pm
Location: 3880 Cypress Drive, Suite A, Petaluma
Tickets: FREE, Reserve tickets here>>
Stoneridge Shopping Center, Pleasanton
When: December 8, 9 am – 10:30 am
Location: One Stoneridge Mall, Pleasanton
Tickets: FREE Reserve them here>>
Sunvalley Mall, Concord
When: December 7, 9 am – 10:30 am
Location: One Sunvalley Mall Drive, Concord, CA
Tickets: FREE Reserve them here>>
Find many more places to visit Jolly Old Saint Nick >>
The Village at Corte Madera
When: December 7, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Location: 1618 Redwood Highway, Corte Madera at Macy’s Court
Tickets: FREE Reserve them here>>
Robert Livermore Community Center, Livermore
This event offers a calm, welcoming environment where children with autism and other disabilities can meet Santa in a way that suits their unique needs. Enjoy holiday treats, play some games, write a letter to Santa, and bring your smile to have your picture taken with the man in red! Adopt a (stuffed) pet for the holidays. Each child may adopt one stuffed animal and receive an official adoption certificate.
When: December 12; 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm
Location: Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave, Livermore
Tickets: $14, children under two are FREE, Reserve tickets here>>
Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto
When: December 7, 9 am – 10:30 am
Location: 660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto
Tickets: FREE Reserve them here>>
Solano, Fairfield
When: December 7, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Location: 1350 Travis Boulevard, Fairfield
Tickets: FREE Reserve them here>>
Black Santa, Brentwood
The We Get It Foundation hosts the only official Black sensory-sensitive Santa Claus in the Bay Area at different locations each year. Donations are accepted but not required. Professional photographer will be on site.
When: December 20, 2025
Location: TBD
Find out more about the event >
xxx
