Nov 22

Santa Sightings

Here’s our running list of opportunities for you to corner Santa and tell him all about the perfect boots you want (oh yeah: and the latest over-priced talking Elmo for Junior). They are organized by date and separated into a list of Recurring Events vs. One-time Events. Enjoy!

Recurring Events

Monday – Saturday, November 20th – December 24th
Photos with Santa at Stonestown Galleria
Come take advantage of this perfect photo opportunity for your family and friends while letting the kids whisper their gift ideas to Santa! Children visiting Santa will receive a free coloring book, It Takes Just One, while supplies last.

Time: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Location: 3251 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132
Cost: Free

Monday – Saturday, November 27th – December 24th
Santa Under the Dome at Westfield San Francisco Centre
Don’t miss your chance to visit Santa Under the Dome this holiday season!
Time: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Location: 865 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Cost: Free

Saturday & Sunday, November 27th – December 19th
Santa Claus is making a special stop aboard our weekend holiday brunch cruises. While the kids have their photo taken with Santa, just sit back, take in the sights, listen to relaxing music, linger in the sun and visit the captain. Our lavish brunch buffet features a savory selection of all your favorites and includes complimentary champagne.
Time: 11:00am – 1:30pm
Location: Pier 3, San Francisco, CA 94111
Cost: $121 ($76/adult; $45/child; Free for children <3)

Daily, November 29th – December 24th
Photos with Santa at Hillsdale Shopping Center
Get your picture taken with Santa!
Time: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Location: Sixty 31st Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403
Cost: Free

Daily, November 29th – December 24th
Pictures with Santa at Serramonte Center
Get your picture taken with Santa!
Time: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Location: 3 Serramonte Center, Daly City, CA 94015
Cost: Free

Saturdays & Sundays, December 4th – December 19th

Breakfast with Santa at the Hyatt Regency
Breakfast with Santa children’s buffet brunch will be featured in Eclipse Cafe. Santa Claus will visit tables or little ones can sit on Santa’s lap and request their special wishes. Children’s menu includes mini chocolate chip pancakes with raspberry sauce, gingerbread pancakes topped with powdered sugar, Krispy Kringle bacon, Rolly Polly sausage, Mrs. Claus’s cinnamon raisin French toast, Christmas cookies, milk and fresh fruit.
Time: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Location: 5 Embarcadero Ctr, San Francisco, CA 94103
Cost: $35 ($25/adult; $10.50/children 4-12)

Daily, December 18th – December 24th

Santa Train at the Napa Valley Wine Train
The Santa Express Train is a magical experience for the young and the young at heart. Ride the express train with our special guest, Santa! Ole’ Saint Nick is going to bring some friends and carolers on board. This is a fabulous holiday experience for the whole family. These are NOT the regular three-hour lunch and dinner trains. This train runs only for an hour and a half from the City of Napa to the Town of Yountville and back, and is filled to overflowing with happy children waiting to see Santa and his friends.
Ages: 18 months and over
Time: 9:00am – 10:30pm
Location: 1275 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559
Cost: $40 ($20/person; Call ahead for reservations)

One-time Events
Friday, December 3rd
Storytime with Mrs. Claus at Stonestown Galleria
Children visiting Santa will be delighted to be greeted by none other than Mrs. Claus. She will read her favorite holiday stories to entertain Santa’s biggest fans while they anxiously wait to share their holiday wishes with Santa. The first 100 children each Friday will receive a mini plush animal.
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: 3251 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132

Saturday, December 4th

Breakfast with Santa at the Hillsdale Shopping Center
Enjoy children’s holiday entertainment and an Outback Steakhouse breakfast of scrambled egg croissant with cheese, bacon, fresh fruit, orange juice and hot chocolate. Plus, a special meet and greet with Santa himself! Event takes place in Macy’s Center Court, Lower Level. Tickets available online, or by calling Brown Paper Tickets Hotline at 1-800-838-3006.
Time: 8:00am – 9:00am
Location: Sixty 31st Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403
Cost: $18 ($9/person)

Saturday, December 4th
Santa Claus Holiday Tea at The Palace Hotel
Join us as we celebrate the holidays with the timeless tradition of Holiday Afternoon Tea in the renowned Garden Court. The Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in what is heralded as one of the world’s most beautiful public spaces. Includes a photo with Santa.
Ages: 4+ years
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: 2 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Cost: $80 ($40/person)

Saturday, December 4th

Union Street kicks off its annual Fantasy of Lights Holiday celebration, where young and old alike can enjoy holiday festivities. Thousands of holiday lights set off the Victorians, transforming Union Street into a magical backdrop for Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a huge team of elves to celebrate along with jugglers, live ponies dressed as reindeer, a monkey, and balloon artists. Merchants will host open houses with specialties in their stores. This is truly a holiday tradition that should not be missed. Santa arrives at 5:30pm! Meet Santa and get a photo!

Time: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Union Street & Steiner Street
Cost: Free

Sunday, December 5th
Inaugurated 30 years ago by the late Louise M. Davies, this holiday classic is a Symphony family tradition. Treat your children to this festive holiday concert featuring the magical music of winter performed by members of the San Francisco Symphony and special guests. The post-concert parties in the lobbies include entertainment, art and crafts activities, decorated trees, and refreshments. “Angel packages” including a pre-concert reception with Santa Claus are available. Call the Volunteer Council for details at (415) 503-5500.
Ages: 3+ years
Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm
Location: 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102
Cost: $72 (Tickets start at $36/each)


Sunday, December 5th
Alameda City Hall
Noon – 4:00pm: Synthetic skating rink (20 min time slots requiring pre-registration, skates provided for ages 2+)
12:30pm – 3:30pm: Horse drawn carriage ride
1:00pm – 2:30pm: Come visit and take a picture with Santa!
1:00pm – 3:00pm: Live reindeer petting zoo
2:30pm – 3:15pm: Marionette Puppet Show
3:15pm – 3:45pm: Holiday Storytime

Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Location: Oak St & Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501
Cost: Free

Saturday, December 11th

Breakfast with Santa at Corte Madera Recreation Department
Enjoy breakfast with Santa Claus and your family!
Time: 8:00am – 10:30am
Location: 498 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925
Cost: $16 ($10/adult + $6/child)


Saturday, December 11th

Breakfast with Santa at Presidio Cafe
Enjoy a family style breakfast that includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, coffee, juice and milk and have an opportunity to visit with Santa Claus.  Reservations required.
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: 300 Finley Rd., San Francisco, CA 94129

Cost: $30 ($20/adult; $10/children 4-11; Free for <3)
Sunday, December 12th
Santa’s Brunch at the Corinthian Yacht Club
Come & meet Santa!
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Location: 43 Main Street, Tiburon, CA 94920
Cost: Free

Sunday, December 12th
Santa & Friends at the San Francisco Zoo
Come enjoy a great brunch with eggs, sausages and waffles with all the fixings plus fruit, beverages and more! You won’t want to miss: Santa and his reindeer in from the North Pole Making ornaments and gingerbread cookies Listening to stories with our elf friends A special visit from some Zoo residents
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Location: 1 Zoo Road, San Francisco, CA 94132
Cost: $41 for non-members ($23/adult; $18/child 2-12)