Best Places to See Santa in San Francisco & the Bay Area

The best places to see Santa in San Francisco and the Bay Area in 2025 mix tradition with local flavor, offering something for every kind of holiday mood. Whether you’re after a quiet moment with St. Nick or a full morning of pancakes and carousel rides, the region delivers without the usual tourist overload. These ten spots stand out for their authenticity, ease of access, and attention to detail—no fluff, just real moments worth planning around.

Best Places to See Santa in San Francisco & the Bay Area

The Westin St. Francis, San Francisco

Santa shows up in style at this Union Square hotel, where families gather for a sit-down breakfast with skyline views. The event includes a photo, a visit, and a buffet that covers both kid-friendly picks and adult-friendly mimosas.

• Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
• Location: 335 Powell Street, San Francisco
• Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breakfast-with-santa-at-the-westin-st-francis-tickets-1602981122689
• Tickets: $124.56 per person, available on Eventbrite​

Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round, Berkeley

This vintage carousel becomes a holiday hub, where kids eat, ride, and meet Santa in one go. The event includes a gift from St. Nick, Christmas movies, and games, making it a full morning of low-key fun.

• Dates: December, 2025 (exact dates to be announced)
• Location: Tilden Park, Berkeley
• Website: tildenmerrygoround.org

McCloud Vintage Christmas, Mount Shasta

This mountain town turns into a 19th-century holiday scene, with Santa visiting the mercantile and museum. The event runs over two weekends and includes crafts, caroling, and a tree-lighting, all rooted in local tradition.

• Dates: December 5–7 and 13–14, 2025
• Time: Varies by activity
• Location: McCloud Mercantile and Heritage Museum, McCloud
• Website: mccloudchamber.com
• Tickets: Free; Santa visits included​

Oakland Zoo Glowfari

Santa returns as part of Glowfari, a lantern festival that lights up the hills with glowing animal displays. Families can stop by Santa’s workshop, walk through falling snow, and grab a drink at the hilltop café.

• Dates: November 8 – January 26, 2025
• Time: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
• Location: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland
• Website: oaklandzoo.org

Macy’s Union Square, San Francisco

The city’s most iconic department store hosts Santa with a reservation system, keeping lines short and visits smooth. The setup is classic—red velvet, twinkling lights, and a photo area that feels timeless.

• Dates:December, 2025
• Location: 170 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco
• Website: macys.com

The Village at Corte Madera

This shopping center creates a winter scene in Macy’s Court, with themed decor and a Santa station. The setting is clean and family-friendly, with free photo ops and a convenient spot for Marin County families.

• Dates: December, 2025 (exact dates to be announced)
• Time: Varies
• Location: 2900 Town Center Drive, Corte Madera
• Website: shopcortemadera.com
• Tickets: Free; first-come, first-served​

The Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa

Santa walks through the resort’s holiday village on weekends, offering meetups in a relaxed, upscale setting. The Napa Valley backdrop adds a quiet elegance, and the event includes live music and seasonal treats.

• Dates: December, 2025 (exact dates to be announced)
• Location: 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa
• Website: meritagecollection.com
• Tickets: Free; part of holiday village​

River Plaza Shopping Center, Petaluma

Santa arrives by boat the Saturday after Thanksgiving, making a splash in this riverside town. The event includes hot cocoa, carolers, and a festive market, blending holiday cheer with small-town rhythm.

• Date: End of November, 2025
• Location: 1000 E Washington Street, Petaluma
• Website: riverplazapetaluma.com
• Tickets: Free; weather-dependent​

Sausalito Yacht Club

Families gather for a nautical twist on the classic breakfast with Santa, complete with harbor views and holiday pastries. The intimate setting works well for younger kids who might be overwhelmed by bigger events.

• Date: Saturday, December 7, 2025
• Time: 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM
• Location: 1300 Bridgeway, Sausalito
• Website: https://www.sausalito.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/events/breakfast-with-santa
• Tickets: Free; limited seating​

Town Center Corte Madera

This mall hosts free Santa visits and gift-wrapping during the final two weeks of December. It’s a practical pick for families combining shopping with a photo, and the event draws a steady but manageable crowd.

• Dates: December, 2025 (exact dates to be announced)
• Location: 2900 Town Center Drive, Corte Madera
• Website: shopcortemadera.com
• Tickets: Free; no reservations needed​

The Bay Area’s Santa events work because they feel grounded, not overproduced. Whether it’s a morning at Tilden Park or a quiet visit in McCloud, these moments are built for real connection. Most require some planning, so booking early keeps stress low. No matter which one fits your schedule, the season’s warmth is within reach.

More…

• https://www.overheresf.com/your-complete-san-francisco-christmas-markets-2025-guide/
• https://www.marinmommies.com/photos-ops-santa-claus-marin-and-beyond
• https://www.510families.com/where-to-see-santa-in-the-east-bay/