The Christmas season is here. It’s time again to explore the Christmas spots and attractions in San Francisco. You will see stores covered in lights, building facades adorned with beautiful Christmas decorations and gifts, and meeting Santa in his magical sleigh and reindeer — the most awaited moment for your little ones. The sight of this big guy in a red suit is undoubtedly a dream come true for every child, and besides, they have been nice all year round. Bring your kids with you to take a souvenir photo or have a special breakfast from the lined-up events and activities in the best places to visit and see Santa in San Francisco this holiday season!
After the quest for the perfect firs and pines from the Christmas tree farms in San Francisco, the whole family already knows the drill. That is to find the most spectacular places to see Santa and attend the events in San Francisco! For sure, your kids are now grinning with excitement because, finally, they’ll be seeing the man who’s secretly coming down the chimney at night to fill in those stockings. You can also add to your holiday tradition by joining an event breakfast with Santa and taking a photo in the best places you can find and see him in San Francisco.
Take a break from the heavy shopping holiday craze and take a photo or have a big breakfast with Santa from our list of the best places in San Francisco. Whether you want a traditional meet and greet, or a not-so-traditional Santa sighting, these spots are a must-add holiday bucket list to your family!
Foothill of Sierra Mountains
2131 Peaceful Garden Way, Rescue CA 95672
Phone Number: (530) 677-5369
Oct. 19 – December 15, 2024
One of the best places and events to see Santa in San Francisco is visiting Santa’s Enchanted Workshop. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains, just 15 minutes up HW 50 from Folsom in the greater Sacramento area, they offer kids a personal one-hour visit with Santa in his beautiful cottage workshop and have pictures or take a portrait to create heirloom art pieces for you to cherish for years to come.
This experience offers your children a chance to meet Santa privately while enjoying an enchanted time with him. Your children can share their Christmas wish list with Santa and even find their names on his nice list. They will enjoy milk and cookies, learn about the North Pole, help in his workshop, read a book, and enjoy other sweet moments with our beautiful Saint Nick.
Stonestown Galleria
3251 20th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94132
Phone Number: (415) 564-8848
November 18 – December 24, 2024
Sunday – Friday | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday | 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Make this holiday merry and visit the Big Guy to capture unforgettable picture moments. Embark on an enchanted adventure to take a photo with Santa in San Francisco this holiday season. Join him to create magical memories you and your family will always remember.
Walk-ups are welcome every day until closing time. Please note that multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time.
Alexander Square
808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612
Phone Number: (925) 815-1902
November 29 – December 21, 2024
Saturday – Sunday | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Visit Santa on Black Friday and every weekend in front of the large, beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Bring your family for a magical holiday experience in San Francisco filled with joy, a photo opp and a free gift from Santa!
Thrive City
1 Warriors Way, San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone Number: (888) 479-4667
November 30 – December 31, 2024
Select Days and Time Varies
Celebrate the holidays with an array of festive experiences. Winter Wonderland, presented by Kaiser Permanente, features free events for the family in San Francisco this holiday season, including an ice skating rink where guests can experience the winter season through a smooth synthetic ice skating experience and take part in holiday activities, including a DJ Skate Party, live music, photos with Santa Claus, and more.
Tip off the holiday season with Thrive City’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. Activities include festive food and drinks, a special appearance from Warriors legend Festus Ezeli, a performance by Montell Jordan, known for “This Is How We Do It,” and more. Registration does not guarantee admission. Space is limited and subject to availability. First come, first served.
USS Potomac
540 Water St., Oakland, CA 94607
Phone Number: (510) 627-1215
December 8 & 15, 2024
Sunday | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
A special visitor from the North Pole will be aboard to welcome the kids. The ship is fully decorated in her holiday finery and Santa will have a special gift for the kids. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and water will be available during this short cruise. Everyone are advised to dress warmly.
Arrive 45 minutes before your cruise time. Boarding will begin 15 minutes prior to departure. Prior to boarding, If you wish, watch a 15-minute video in the Visitor Center that provides a glimpse of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s use of the USS Potomac, emphasizes the impact of his administration on the country, and tells the USS Potomac restoration story.
Photo by: Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point St., San Francisco, CA, 94109
Phone Number: (415) 775-5500
December 12, 2024
Thursday | 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
December 19, 2024
Sunday | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Savor samples of Diaspora Co.’s award-winning hot Indian-spiced beverages from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Enjoy a holiday dinner at one of our restaurants. Revil in the festive tunes performed by the Cathedral School for Boys Band from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Don’t forget to visit with Santa
Spend $150 anywhere in the square and bring your receipts to Vom Fass to claim a gift with purchase; more details here. Santa’s elf will also be handing out gift cards to Ghirardelli Square restaurants at random – you might be one of the lucky recipients.
Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre
4705 Third St., San Francisco, CA 94124
Phone Number: (415) 824-0386
December 14, 2024
Saturday | 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Ruth Williams Bayview Opera House invites you to the annual family affair and Holiday Celebration with our 12th Annual Winter Wonderland Main Event! They’ve got something for everybody — get ready for a joyful Holiday movie, hands-on arts and crafts, a holiday marketplace showcasing local vendors, and games for all ages. Plus, enjoy a special preview of Cinderella in partnership with the African-American Shakespeare Company, bringing a fresh and powerful twist to a classic tale.
Bring your family, your best friends, your neighbor, or just yourself to soak in the holiday magic. With free bike raffle upon proof of registration, free drop in family photo, seasonal treats, and Black Santa himself, this Santa event in San Francisco promises to uplift and unite the community to celebrate the holiday season. Don’t miss out on the heart of the holidays — join everyone for a night of connection, creativity, and joy!
Tam Valley Community Center
203 Marin Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941
Phone Number: (415) 388-6393
December 14, 2024
Saturday | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join Tam Valley Community Center for this beloved community tradition. Meet Santa, have a hearty breakfast, play games, and spend time with friends and neighbors in the San Francisco Bay Area, getting into the holiday spirit.
The Restaurants of Neiman Marcus
150 Stockton St., San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone Number: (877) 634-6264
December 15, 2024
Sunday | 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Neiman Marcus San Francisco invites you and your family to join one of its best events this holiday season – Breakfast with Santa and get your picture taken in a photo booth. Santa’s helpers make dazzling balloons. The special menu includes brioche French toast with whipped cream, fresh berries, Vermont maple syrup, a choice of coffee, hot chocolate, orange juice, or apple juice, plus preset on-the-table assorted breakfast pastries.
They will also serve applewood smoked bacon and breakfast sausage crispy red bliss potatoes with red peppers, onions, and winter fruit compote. Kids will have scrambled eggs with herbed creme fraiche.
Disney Museum
104 Montgomery St., Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94129
Phone Number: (415) 345-6800
December 20, 2024
Friday | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Walt Disney Family Museum welcomes back a special guest this holiday season. Santa J Claus will join everyone in reading “T’was the Night Before Christmas” and sharing his own favorite Disney memories and holiday traditions. Santa J. Claus is more than just the beloved figure of Christmas; he’s a global icon spreading joy year-round!
All children must be accompanied by an adult, and a child must accompany all adults. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult who shall be responsible for the child at all times. If you have an infant under the age of one who will be exclusively sitting on your lap, their ticket is free — no registration required.
There’s a lot to love about San Francisco, especially during Christmas time — one of them is meeting the man in the red suit. It is every child’s dream to meet Santa in person. That’s why the Christmas season is the most cherished holiday of all. Make your child’s dream come true by taking them to an event visiting the best places to see Santa in San Francisco, and creating beautiful memories with your kids as you take a photo together or have a holiday breakfast with father Christmas.
So, what are you waiting for? Get the whole family ready, get the car key, and make your holiday as memorable as ever!
San Francisco offers so many opportunities for kids to enjoy and have fun all year round! Check out our list of resources, or browse through our things to do in San Francisco with kids. Still looking for more activities for kids in San Francisco? No problem! Check out our comprehensive listing of places to go in the region and our highly recommended seasonal blog posts.
Best Places to See Santa in the Sacramento Area
Best Places to See Santa in San Jose this Holiday Season
12 Best Christmas Tree Farms in San Francisco Bay Area
15 Things to do on Thanksgiving Day in San Francisco with Kids
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