Where to Get Photos with Santa Claus in the East Bay

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.

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).

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 at the North Pole. During your private session, your family will visit Santa in his cozy workshop, check his list twice, and share your Christmas wishes while Leah Marie Studio captures every magical moment.

Book now for available sessions on weekends from Nov 1 – Dec 20, 2026. 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 November 6 – 15, and then nightly from November 20 – December 23, 2026. 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. Rain cancels. 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, 2026 (closed for Thanksgiving), Santa Claus is offering photos near True Food Kitchen. Reservations are suggested. There will be pet nights, too. Photo packages start at $45.
Location: 1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Website for details >

Downtown Martinez Santa House, Martinez

Select days November to December, 2026, Swing by Santa’s house on Main Street in Martinez to meet with Santa. Bring your own camera. $10 per family.
Location: Plaza on Main Street, Martinez
Website for details >

Santa on Solano Avenue, Berkeley

December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20, 2026, Meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Solano Avenue. Bring your own camera. Location is the District Homes office.
Location: 1758 Solano Avenue, Berkeley
Website for details >

Fairy Winterland, Oakland

December 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27, 2026, children can visit Santa Claus in the small chapel and join him for a freeze dance. 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 >

Find other sensory-friendly Santa Claus experiences >

Special Sit-Down Experiences with Santa (RSVP!)

Christmasville Santa Claus Photos, Emeryville

Book now for sessions Nov 1 – Dec 20, 2026. Designed to be welcoming and calm, your family’s private Santa Claus encounter includes professional photographs of memorable holiday scenes at your child’s pace. Sessions are extremely limited, and they sell out every year. Book early 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
Reserve Your Spot Today >>

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.

Holiday Pancake Breakfast, El Cerrito

2026 Date TBD. Enjoy a short stack with all the fixings, make arts & crafts, and visit with Santa Claus (BYO camera). Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
Location: El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito
Register >

Breakfast with Santa, San Francisco Westin

December 5 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. 5, 2026

Santa Brunch Cruise, San Francisco

December 5 only. Join Santa for a festive brunch cruise on the Bay, complete with  dining and opportunities to snap holiday photos with Santa.
Location: Pier 3, Hornblower Landing, San Francisco
Register for Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026

USS Potomac Santa Cruise, Oakland

December 13, 2026, only, 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 >

Visit to the North Pole, Walnut Creek

December 13 – 23, 2026, Visit the North Pole, where Santa’s elves guide families through the North Pole Workshop before a personal visit with Santa in an immersive experience filled with holiday magic.
Location: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive Walnut Creek
Advanced Registration 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