Art and science illuminate the Exploratorium. Glow Fest event photo courtesy of the Exploratorium
Garden of D'Lights, Polar Play Days, and More Fun Things To Do in San Francisco This Weekend
Cheers to Thanksgiving cooking being done by someone else! Photo courtesy of City Experiences
Best Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco (That Kids Love!)
GUIDE
San Francisco Fall Guide: Apple & Pumpkin Picking and Weekend Trips 2024
Mingle with Santa Claus while aboard a holiday train! Photo courtesy of the Sacramento River Fox Train
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near San Francisco for 2024
Snow tubing adventures in NorCal are at the ready for kids of all ages. Photo by Trevor Clark, courtesy of Tahoe Donner
15 Spots for Snow Tubing Near San Francisco and the Bay Area
Hike amongst iconic landmarks. Photo courtesy of Nicole Findlay
Family-Friendly Urban Hikes in San Francisco
Swing by The Outpost at the Presidio Tunnel Tops for all the free fun. Photo by Sandra Lee
100 Fun Free Things To Do in San Francisco with Kids
Explore the City by the Bay. Photo courtesy of Gina Ragland
GUIDE
San Francisco Visitors' Guide for Families
Delight in the wonders of the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Photo by Gina Ragland
37 Great Things To Do with Preschoolers & Toddlers in the San Francisco Bay Area
Kiddos will love the arched drum bridge. Japanese Tea Garden photo by Nicole Findlay
Visiting Golden Gate Park with Kids: Everything You Need To Know
See giant redwood trees is an experience every family should have.
Best Places to See Giant Redwoods in California: A Family Travel Guide
Discover culture and cuisine when strolling through Chinatown with kids in San Francisco. Photo by Nicole Findlay
Chinatown with Kids: 18 Best Things To Do in Chinatown, San Francisco
San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf is packed with things to do for kids of all ages. Photo by xiquinhosilva, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Fisherman's Wharf with Kids in San Francisco: 24 Best Things To Do
​Riding a cable car is a must when in San Francisco! Photo by Gina Ragland
Guide To Riding San Francisco Cable Cars with Kids: Everything You Need to Know
There's so much to see and do in San Francisco with kids. Cable Car by Vasile Cotovanu via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
3 Days in San Francisco with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Hike amongst iconic landmarks. Photo courtesy of Nicole Findlay
Family-Friendly Urban Hikes in San Francisco
Admire the hundreds of animals at the Oakland Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Oakland Zoo
Oakland with Kids: 34 Best Things To Do in Oakland, CA
GUIDE
Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for San Francisco
Take baby to the beach to admire San Francisco's most iconic landmark. Crissy Beach photo by Nicole Findlay for Mommy Poppins
39 Things To Do with San Francisco Babies Before They Turn 1
It feels like sitting on top of the world. Or, at least, on top of the Tops.
Exploring San Francisco's Presidio Tunnel Tops with Kids
Enjoy pretend play, art, science, and so much more at the Sacramento Children's Museum. Photo by Gina Ragland
Sacramento with Kids: 50 Surprising and Fun Things To Do in Sacramento, California
The Bay Area Discovery Museum has the most stunning view of any kids' museum. Ever. Photo courtesy of the Museum
100 Things To Do in San Francisco With Kids Before They Grow Up
Photo by Dnaiel Gorosteita via Pexels
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in San Francisco with Kids Guide

Top Places to See Santa in San Francisco

Meet Santa amid dazzling lights. Photo courtesy of Enchant Christmas
Meet Santa amid dazzling lights. Photo courtesy of Enchant Christmas
12/3/23 - By Sandra Lee

Photos with Santa in San Francisco come in all places and styles at iconic Bay Area landmarks, from Ghirardelli Square to Filoli Gardens. From the South Bay to the North Bay (and everywhere in between), there are endless places to meet Santa in San Francisco with families, kids, and pets. Take a classic photo or sit down with the big man in red for breakfast with plates piled high with pancakes and orange juice. 

And let's not forget about Mrs. Claus, the lady behind the big red suit making everything happen. There are holiday events in the Bay Area where you can decorate cookies and sip tea with her. Scroll below for the most unique spots in the Bay Area to see Santa in San Francisco. 

For more holiday festivities in San Francisco and the Bay Area, check out our Christmas Activities Holiday Guide for San Francisco Bay Area Kids, which includes the Must Do Christmas Events and Holiday Events in San Francisco, where to see the best SF holiday lights, and Polar Express train rides near San Francisco that will make the holiday season even more magical. 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Snap a photo with Santa at iconic San Francisco locales. Photo courtesy of Christmas in the Park
Snap a photo with Santa at iconic San Francisco locales. Photo courtesy of Christmas in the Park

Pictures with Santa in San Francisco and the Bay Area

Santa Visits at Alexander Square

San Ramon - Saturdays & Sundays, November 24 - December 23
Free
Santa's calendar has him landing at Alexander Square.  Bring your family for a magical holiday experience filled with joy, a photo opp and a free gift from Santa. READ MORE

Macy's Holiday Celebrations

San Francisco - November 24 - December 24, 2023
Free
Santa is coming to San Francisco! This free event is held at Union Square's Macy's, giving families a chance to meet the big man and snap a picture. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz - Select dates from November 24 - December 24, 2023
Celebrate the holiday season at the beach in Santa Cruz with rides, games, arcades, decorations, a 3-story tall Christmas tree, photos with Santa, pedal carts, and more. The Beach Boardwalk activities include holiday movies, fire pit rentals with holiday s'mores, and tons of holiday shopping. READ MORE

Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez

San Jose - November 24 - December 24, 2023
Christmas in the Park is a popular holiday event in downtown San Jose. Held for over 40 years, the park turns into a holiday extravaganza with musical and animated exhibits, colorful lights, and a 50 ft. Christmas tree. The forest of trees are decorated by San Jose schools, community groups, and businesses to highlight all that the city has to offer.  READ MORE

Enchant Christmas at PayPal Park

San Jose - November 24 - December 31, 2023
Get ready for the biggest light show coming to San Jose for the holidays. Enchant features over 4 million sparkling lights creating an immersive story-themed maze that families can walk through. Additional activities include ice skating, entertainment, dining, holiday shopping, kids play space, and, of course, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  READ MORE

WinterFest at Great America

Santa Clara - Select dates from November 24 - December 31, 2023
Festive food, shopping, special rides, holiday activities, lights, and live entertainment, the park is transformed into a holiday festival. Ice skate in front of the Carousel Columbia, sip on hot chocolate, send letters to the North Pole, and bake cookies in Mrs. Claus' kitchen.  READ MORE

North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy - November 24 - December 31, 2023
Gilroy Gardens transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland for the holidays. Fake snow, holiday lights, activities for kids, ice skating, visits with Santa Claus, plus some new experiences like the Reindeer Roundup Trail where kids can fill up their "stocking" with fun toys and tasty treats from Santa's nine reindeer. READ MORE

Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge

Manteca - Select dates from November 24, 2023 - January 8, 2024
Enter a winter wonderland at Great Wolf Lodge's annual holiday celebration, Snowland. The lodge is decked out in holiday cheer, with all the favorites like trivia, bingo, and dance parties ongoing.  The immersive experience is filled with seasonal must-dos like visits with Santa Claus, gingerbread house making, and more.  READ MORE

Photos with Santa at Marin Country Mart

Larkspur - Saturdays, December 2 - 16, 2023
Free
Annual photos with Santa are at Marin Country Mart for select Saturdays through December. RSVP is recommended.  READ MORE

Santa on Solano 2024

Berkeley - Saturdays & Sundays, December 2 - 17
Free
Get a free photo (or two) with Santa in Solano for the first three weekends in December. Popcorn and treats are available.  READ MORE

Santa Days at Filoli

Woodside - Select dates from December 2 - 23, 2023
Meet Santa in the beautiful garden at Filoli for Santa Days. Get a photo with the busy man himself, and enjoy a hot drink and holiday treat in the Woodland Court. Afterward, take a stroll through the garden and the house and see all the twinkling lights and holiday decor.  READ MORE

Santa's Annual Stop at Central Valley

St. Helena - Thursday, December 7
Free
Santa Claus is at Central Valley ready to take photos with the whole family. Bring your cameras and wish list to meet the man in the red suit.  READ MORE

Santa Visits the Square

San Francisco - Friday, December 8, 2023
Free
Santa is hanging out at Ghiradelli Square and ready to meet families this holiday season. Take photos with the man in the red suit, check out the many restaurants around, and enjoy a sweet treat at Ghiradelli Chocolate.  READ MORE

Christmas Parade in Napa

Napa - Saturday, December 9
Free
Downtown Napa is hosting its annual holiday parade, where families can see decorative floats, lights, and much more.  Santa is also making an appearance after the parade for pictures.  READ MORE

Hello Penngrove: Pictures with Santa

Penngrove - Saturday & Sunday, December 9 & 10
Free
Santa is here and ready to take pictures! Bring your camera (or phone), or opt to take a professional photo if you'd like.  READ MORE

Free Selfies with Santa at Jack London Square

Oakland - Saturdays & Sundays, December 9 - 24
Free
Jack London Square is inviting Santa to take selfies with families and well-behaved pets. Bring your camera (phones work too!) and take a photo with the big man himself.  READ MORE

Holiday Celebration in Alameda

Alameda - Sunday, December 10
Free
Take photos with Santa and the Grinch at Alameda Landing. Elves, carolers, face paitning, and balloon art are also there for kids to enjoy.  READ MORE

Tiburon Holiday Festival

Tiburon - Sunday, December 10, 2023
Free
A holiday festival for all ages, Tiburon transforms into a winter wonderland with tons of activities for families. Enjoy gingerbread house decorating, face painting, popcorn by The Belvedere, Christmas Tree lighting, carolers, and a visit from Santa!  READ MORE

Children's Santa Cruises on the Potomac

Oakland - Sundays, December 10 & 17
Meet Santa aboard the USS Potomac in Oakland on a 1-hour cruise! Weather-permitting route includes the Oakland Estuary, Bay Bridge, and return to Jack London Square.  Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and water are available on board, as well as a visit and pictures with Santa.  READ MORE

Santa's Holiday Meet n' Greet at Kids Play Zone

Oakland - Saturday, December 23
Get ready for a fun time with Santa at Oaklsn's Kids Play Zone. Bring your phone, come dressed, and be ready to tell Santa what you want for Christmas.  READ MORE
Enjoy tea with Mrs. Claus. Photo courtesy of Sip Tea Room
Enjoy tea with Mrs. Claus. Photo courtesy of Sip Tea Room

Breakfast with Santa in San Francisco and the Bay Area

Tilden Merry Go Round Breakfast with Santa

Berkeley - Select dates from November 25 - December 23, 2023
Have a buffet-style breakfast of eggs, pancakes, pastries, fruit, and more with the big man himself. Then, enjoy unlimited rides, character visits, games, Christmas movies, and a special gift from Santa with family and friends.  READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at Pinstripes

San Mateo - Saturday & Sundays, December 2 - 17, 2023
It's brunch time with Santa Claus at Pinstripes. Families can enjoy a brunch buffet including the signature waffle station, made-to-order omelets, and even a chocolate fountain.  Santa is available to take pictures with guests, and there is even a special wrapped gift at each table to make the holidays even brighter.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa Program at Costeaux French Bakery

Healdsburg - Saturdays, December 2 - 23, 2023 Free
Head over to the Costeaux French Bakery every Saturday in December and get a fresh pastry, croissant, or other breakfast item. From 9-11 a.m., Santa is onsite where kids can tell him what they want for Christmas and take a photo.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa in Alameda

Alameda - Saturday, December 9, 2023
The Alameda Recreation and Park District organizes a magical holiday morning with breakfast, arts and crafts, and photo ops with Santa.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at the Westin St. Francis

San Francisco - Saturday & Sunday, December 9 & 10, 2023
Enjoy a breakfast buffet overlooking San Francisco, with a classic American spread including eggs, bacon, pancakes, fresh fruit, and even a mimosa for each adult. The highlight of the morning will be a special visit from Santa, where every child will have the chance to meet him and take a photo. Back by popular demand, the holiday craft station hosted by local favorite Messy Art Lab will also be available offering fun, art-forward activities for kids to enjoy. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus

San Francisco - Sunday, December 10, 2023
Santa has worked up an appetite and invites the whole family to a delicious breakfast of eggs, breakfast potatoes, assorted pastries, bacon, brioche french toast, and even mimosas and coffee for the adults.  Get a picture with the big man himself in a photo booth, and watch Santa's helpers make dazzling balloons for the kids.  READ MORE

Tea with Mrs. Claus

San Francisco - Friday & Saturday, December 15 & 16, 2023
Join Mrs. Claus in the tea room to enjoy a holiday feast with hot chocolate, freshly baked gingerbread men, and tons of fun for the kids. Hear Mrs. Claus read stories and sing holiday songs, and be sure to snap a photo with her as she walks around sipping tea with all her new young friends.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at the Dream Inn

Santa Cruz- Saturday, December 16
For 5 years running, Breakfast with Santa at the Dreamm Inn has been a family favorite. Families can enjoy full ocean views, a delicious breakfast buffet, cookie decorating, arts and crafts, face painting, storytime, and a special visit with Santa.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at the View at Treeside Restaurant

Santa Cruz- Saturday, December 9
Take in the beautiful views of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay while having breakfast with Santa. The View Restaurant is hosting Santa with pictures, holiday-themed signature cocktails, and fork-to-farm offerings.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Silverado Resort

Napa- Saturdays Through December 23
Every Saturday through Christmas Eve, head over to The Grill at the Silverado Resort for breakfast with Santa Claus himself. Enjoy either a la carte items or a buffet with tasty favorites like muffins, yogurt, scrambled eggs, sausage, juice, and more. READ MORE

Lunch with Santa at the SF Zoo

San Francisco-Saturday, December 9
Santa loves the zoo and is stopping by for an afternoon snack. Join Santa for a full lunch buffet at the San Francisco Zoo and snap a picture with the man in the red suit. Suitable for all ages.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Great Wolf Lodge Northern California
The View at the Chaminade Resort & Spa