This year’s list of Santa Claus photo locations is brought to you by Christmasville in Emeryville. Santa Claus in late December is still visiting Fairyland and a few local shopping centers. Scroll all the way down to find him. Ho ho ho.
Santa Claus is coming to town alright, but where? And when? Here are a gazillion wonderful opportunities (not to mention if you find Santa on a train or boat). Sensitive Santa and Black Santa Claus are also checking their lists twice. Our list will grow throughout the Christmas season as we discover Santa Claus in new places.
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
Christmasville is a magical photo experience with Santa in Emeryville. Your family will be guided in a memorable, private encounter with the Jolly One — and wind up with beautiful, professional photographs. Let’s celebrate the Holidays like never before.
Every Christmasville session includes a private visit for your family to the North Pole through Santa’s busy workshop. You will join him in his living room while he checks his list twice and asks you what you want for Christmas. 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: Add Christmas cards, photo albums, framed canvas prints, and additional images. Discounted packages are available when you book your session!
Book now for available sessions Nov 12 – Dec 18. ** These 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 4 pm to 8 pm. 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.
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.
No Events
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 on Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
From November 17 to Christmas Eve (closed for Thanksgiving), Santa Claus is offering photos near True Food Kitchen. 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 >
USS Potomac Santa Yacht Cruise, Oakland Estuary
On Sundays, December 11 0r 18 at 3 pm or 5 pm, children can hang around Santa Claus and elves on a one-hour cruise of the Oakland Estuary on the presidential yacht, USS Potomac. Plan to take your own photos.
Location: Jack London Square
Fairy Winterland, Oakland
From December 16 to 30, children can visit Santa Claus and join in as he leads the nightly parade. 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 >
Alameda South Shore Center, Alameda
From November 25 to December 24, Santa Claus has a set-up for daily photos with free gifts for children on Tuesdays while supplies last. Appointments are strongly recommended. Photo packages are available with pets, too. Prices are approximately $25 to $60 for photo packages.
Location: Alameda South Shore Center, 523 Mulberry Street, Alameda
Check schedule and details on website >
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 >
Santa Photos at Southland Mall, Hayward
From November 26 to December 21, Santa Claus is ho-ho-hoping to see you. Photo packages run from $20 to $50.
Location: Southland Mall, One Southland Mall Drive, Hayward
Reserve a spot >
Santa House, Martinez
Select dates between November 27 and December 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
Weekends from December 3-23, guests at Filoli are invited to snap a selfie with Santa Claus on his festive golden throne at Woodland Court. Santa visits are included with admission on select dates.
Location: Filoli, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside
Book now >
Special Sit-Down Experiences with Santa (RSVP!)
Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round Breakfast with Santa, Berkeley
December 3, 11, 17, 19, 21, and 23 from 8:30 to 11:30 am, 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 >
Breakfast with Santa & Craft Fair, Pinole
December 4 only. Preregistration is required for this breakfast, crafts, storytime, and photo experience. Admission to the craft fair and Santa visit is free, but the pancake breakfast is $7-$10 and first come, first served.
Location: St. Joseph School, 1961 Plum Street Pinole
Reserve your spot >
Breakfast with Santa, Alameda
December 10 only. Preregistration is required for this breakfast, crafts, storytime, and photo experience. $19 (Ages 13 & Up) / $10 (Ages 2 – 12) / FREE (Under 2 Years)
Location: Albert H. DeWitt O’Club, 641 West Redline Avenue, Alameda
More information >
Brunch with Santa Claus @ Jelly Belly, Fairfield
December 10 from 10 am to 11:30 am. $200 per 10-person table includes lots of food, fun with Santa Claus, and a visit with Mr. Jelly Belly and friends. Family-style only.
Location: Jelly Belly Factory, 1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield
Buy tickets in advance >
The Black Santa Holiday Faire, Suisun City
Dec. 10 & 11 from 11 am to 5 pm. A two-day celebration and vendor craft fair with a VIP Black Santa experience tied into a book, Santa Claus is Coming to The Town: A Fun Christmas Book for Kids by local author, Mishi Booker. The VIP Santa Experience is approximately one hour and costs $25 per child; it includes photos with Santa, arts and crafts, and one copy of the book. Adults do not need a ticket. Additional children are $15 (no book).
Location:Â Suisun Harbor Theatre, 720 Main Street, Suisun (about 45 minutes away from Oakland)
Breakfast with Santa, Concord
December 11 & 18 at 10 am to 1:30 pm. $10 per person includes holiday breakfast with Santa, a meet-and-greet, a mini concert with a toy band and a Cappella singers, and a showing of The Grinch (2018) at the Veranda Theater.
Location: Outside Longport Fish Co. at the Veranda, 2015 Diamond Blvd Suite 100, Concord
Buy tickets in advance >
Visit Santa at a petting zoo, Brentwood
December 11, Reserve your spot for a “lovely personal experience with Santa” at Prancing Princess Pony. Your 45-minute session includes one pose with Santa Claus, meet and greet Frozen princesses, and time in the petting zoo. $100 per group of up to 6 people, single photo included (BYO camera). For an extra fee, register for a CUTARTS silhouette. Hot chocolate is available for sale.
Location: Rafter D Ranch, 8400 Byron Hwy, Brentwood, CA 94513
Website to reserve >
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
