Where to Get Photos with Santa in the East Bay

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 advance reservations.

Where to see Santa Claus in the East Bay

Christmasville Santa Claus Photos, Emeryville

Every Christmasville session includes a private visit for your family to the North Pole and professional photos. The photographer, Leah Marie Studio, will capture the whole story as you and your family star in your own scene of the childhood magic of Santa. Your session fees include your favorite photo from the shoot. Optional upgrades, cookie decorating, and discounted packages are available when you book your session.

Book now for available sessions Nov 3 – Dec 17. ** Sessions are extremely limited so make sure you BOOK ahead of time to secure your spot and get your photos back in time for the holidays. ** As of right now, Santa Steve (above) is available weekends from noon to 4 pm and Santa Solas (below) is available weekends from 5 pm to 8 pm. 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.

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

4:30 PM: Indoor Tree Lighting with Santa & Carolers @ Claremont Club & Spa, Berkeley

Thursday, November 30, 2023

5:30 PM: Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting @ Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
6:30 PM: Holiday Tree Lighting @ Moraga Commons Park, Moraga

Friday, December 1, 2023

5:30 PM: It's a Wonderful Night @ Downtown San Leandro, San Leandro
5:30 PM: Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Todos Santos Plaza, Concord

Saturday, December 2, 2023

12:00 PM: Santa on Solano Ave. @ Peggy Smith Allstate Insurance, Berkeley
3:00 PM: Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa @ Fernandez Park, Pinole
4:30 PM: Light up the Night @ Downtown Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill
5:00 PM: Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting @ Downtown Pleasanton, Pleasanton
5:45 PM: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Jack London Square, Oakland
6:00 PM: Hot Cocoa Stroll @ Downtown Alameda, Alameda

Sunday, December 3, 2023

12:00 PM: Santa on Solano Ave. @ Peggy Smith Allstate Insurance, Berkeley
3:30 PM: Holiday Tree Lighting @ Hercules Community Swim Center, Hercules
4:30 PM: It’s a Wonderful Life Holiday Celebration @ Downtown Lafayette, Lafayette

Thursday, December 7, 2023

4:00 PM: 21st Annual Montclair Village Holiday Stroll @ Montclair Village, Oakland
5:00 PM: Santa Visits @ Downtown Alameda, Alameda

Friday, December 8, 2023

3:00 PM: Holiday On The Plaza @ Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza, Berkeley

Saturday, December 9, 2023

10:00 AM: Breakfast with Santa (RSVP) @ Albert H. DeWitt O’Club, Alameda
12:00 PM: Santa on Solano Ave. @ Peggy Smith Allstate Insurance, Berkeley
12:00 PM: Selfies with Santa Claus @ Jack London Square, Oakland

Sunday, December 10, 2023

12:00 PM: Kids' Holiday Celebration @ Alameda Landing, Alameda
12:00 PM: Santa on Solano Ave. @ Peggy Smith Allstate Insurance, Berkeley
12:00 PM: Selfies with Santa Claus @ Jack London Square, Oakland

Thursday, December 14, 2023

5:00 PM: Santa Visits @ Downtown Alameda, Alameda

Saturday, December 16, 2023

12:00 PM: Santa on Solano Ave. @ Peggy Smith Allstate Insurance, Berkeley

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

Weekends in November plus nightly in December through Dec. 23. Santa Claus will be setting up his small workshop in the ride area of the Oakland Zoo on Fridays – Sundays in November and every night December 1-23 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 16 to Christmas Eve (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

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 City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon

Weekends from November 26 to December 18, 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 >

Fairy Winterland, Oakland

On certain dates from December 15 to 23, 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. 26 and Dec. 23. 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.
Location: Main Street Plaza, Martinez
See full schedule and details >

Santa Weekends @ Filoli, Woodside

Select dates from Dec. 2-23, guests at Filoli are invited to snap a selfie with Santa Claus on his magical golden throne at Woodland Court. Sensory early hours are also available. Santa visits are included with admission on select dates.
Location: Filoli, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside
Book now >

Find other sensory-friendly Santa Claus experiences >

Special Sit-Down Experiences with Santa (RSVP!)

Christmasville Santa Claus Photos, Emeryville

Book now for sessions Nov 3 – Dec 17. Your family’s private Santa Claus encounter includes professional photographs of memorable holiday scenes. Sessions are extremely limited so reserve in advance to secure your spot and get your photos back in time for the holidays.
Optional upgrades: Decorate cookies in the North Pole kitchen, add photo products, or select additional images. Discounted packages are available when you book your session!
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

December 9-10 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. 9 or Sunday, Dec. 10.

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