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Santa Claus in San Francisco: The Top Places to Find Him in 2025
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: November 3, 2025
He's making a list and checking it twice! Yes, it's Santa Claus and he is coming to San Francisco!
Every year, Santa is a busy man and is all over SF.
You can have breakfast with him at the Westin St. Francis, get pictures taken with him at Ghirardelli Square, and say hello to him at Macy's in Union Square.
Father Christmas at the Dickens Fair in San Francisco, it's one of many places to visit with Santa this Christmas
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Stonestown Galleria
Address: 3251 20th Ave
Dates: 11/21 - 12/24
Get your picture taken with Santa at the Stonestown Galleria Mall.
Reservations are encouraged. He will be there all day during normal Stonestown Galleria hours.
Each spot is for 15 minutes, and several families will be scheduled during each time slot
Ritz-Carlton Tree Lighting Ceremony
Address: 600 Stockton Street
Date & Time: 12/3 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Join the Ritz-Carlton for their annual tree lighting ceremony and visit from Santa Claus.
Santa and his helpers will light the tree and then stay to take photos with the kids.
The Ritz will also offer cider, hot chocolate, and cookies.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Address: Cow Palace at 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City
Dates & Times: November 22 - December 21
Father Christmas makes an appearance twice a day at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair every year at the Cow Palace.
He greets kids and families on the Father Christmas stage, where you can take pictures with your own camera.
This event runs every Saturday and Sunday from November 22 to December 21. It's also open on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Breakfast with Santa at the Westin St. Francis
Address: 335 Powell Street
Date & Time: December 6 from 9 am to 11:30 am
Santa will be on hand this December at the Westin St. Francis. During breakfast, you will overlook the gorgeous SF skyline, take some photos with Santa, and enjoy a fantastic breakfast buffet (which will include mimosas for the adults).
You will also have the opportunity to celebrate by creating a holiday-themed craft.
The breakfast starts at $125 for adults and $93 for children (plus a service fee).
>> Visit this page for reservations
Pier 39
Address: Pier 39 in Fisherman's Wharf
Dates: TBD for 2025
Santa is visiting Pier 39! These complimentary visits are on select Mondays and Saturdays from TBD.
This year's schedule will be available soon, so stay tuned!
>> Visit their official site for more details
Winter Walk in Union Square
Address: Stockton Street between O'Farrell and Post
Dates and Times: TBD for 2025
They have confirmed he will be there, but he's still juggling his busy calendar for this holiday season! More details will be available soon. This year's event is from December 13 - 24, but Santa will only visit on a few of those days.
Grab a picture with Santa during the Winter Walk event in Union Square.
This is an outdoor event, so dress warm!
Visit their official site for more details.
Santa at Boudin Bakery
Address: 160 Jefferson Street
Dates and Time: TBD for 2025
Spend some time with Santa at Boudin Bakery this December! He is visiting the Fisherman's Wharf location from 11 am to 5 pm on select days this month.
While you are there, make sure to pick up some goodies for your upcoming holiday events!
More Christmas and Holiday Events
Macy's in Union Square
Address: 170 O'Farrell Street
Dates & Times: TBD for 2025
Where else will you find Santa Claus in San Francisco? Well, of course, Union Square! He will be making stops daily at the Macy's in Union Square.
Head up to the 6th floor to visit Santaland and tell Santa what you want this Christmas! Photo opportunities are also available.
Must make your reservations five days in advance of your visit. Find reservations here.
>> Other fun places to shop in Union Square
Santa Storytime at the Disney Museum
Address: 104 Montgomery Street in the Presidio
Date & Time: TBD for 2025
Head over to the Disney Museum for this year's Storytime with kids. Santa will read "T'was the Night Before Christmas" and share some of his own Disney memories.
The event takes place in the Disney Museum Theater and costs $5 per person. Find out more here.
Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus
Address: 150 Stockton Street
Date & Time: TBD for 2025
Spend the morning with Santa inside Neiman Marcus in San Francisco's Union Square.
Tickets to this event include breakfast with pastries, French toast, scrambled eggs, and other morning goodies.
You will also have the chance to meet with Santa and his helpers as they create cute holiday decorations and paint faces.
St. Mark's Square Interfaith Holiday Kick Off
Address: 1111 O'Farrell Street near Japantown
Date & Time: Sunday, December 1, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
This two-hour event features holiday cheer and is a fun one for the entire family.
Santa will be on hand for some great photo opportunities. You can also decorate holiday cookies, create holiday cards, and enjoy live music.
Christmas Circus Show "Santa Crashes San Francisco"
Address: Alcazar Theatre at 650 Geary Street
Dates & Times: TBD for 2025
This annual show is a fun way to celebrate the holidays.
It includes a Christmas show with circus acts, comedians, and Santa!
This high-energy performance is at the Alcazar Theater. Performances include acrobats, gymnasts, magicians, singers, dancers, and so much more.
It's an immersive show, so you can join in on the fun if/when you want!
Holidays at Unity Plaza
Address: Unity Plaza at 1002 - 1040 Ocean Avenue
Dates & Times: TBD for 2025
Get into the holiday spirit at this year's Holidays at Unity Plaza. The event features live performances, a winter wonderland where you can take pictures with Santa, food, drinks, and other fun activities.
The Fern Alley Music Series
Address: Fern Street between Polk and Larkin
Dates & Times: TBD for 2025
This December, The Fern Alley Music Series features live music, local artists, and a chance to meet with Santa Claus.
Enjoy eats from local restaurants, find unique holiday gifts, and more!
Santa Lights the Square
Address: 900 North Point Street in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf
Date & Time: TBD for 2025
Enjoy a few hours with Santa at "Santa Lights the Square." This annual Ghirardelli Square event usually takes place the day after Thanksgiving from 4:30 pm to 8 pm.
The Boys Chorus will perform starting at 4:30 pm. You can then welcome Santa starting at 5:30 pm as he lights the Square.
Santa will return to Ghirardelli Square on the following days:
- TBD
San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker: One of the biggest events of the season is the SF Ballet's Nutcracker. This company was the first to perform this international classic in the US. It's a holiday tradition here and one you do not want to miss.
SantaCon SF: The adults version of celebrating the season is to dress up as Santa for a holiday bar crawl. Join thousands of others in red and white as you head all around the city enjoying drink specials and making new friends. Click here for this year's event details.
All December Events: Are you looking for other fun things to do this month? In addition to holiday events and activities, you will also find some great theater and SF Symphony performances. Other top events this month include the Charles Dickens Festival, 49ers games, and more. Click here for the entire December calendar.
Hi, I’m Jill!
I’ve been sharing San Francisco travel advice since 2009 and have helped millions of people explore the city like a local. Whether you’re dreaming of sea lions, cable cars, or a great sourdough bread bowl, I’m here to help you plan an unforgettable trip with real tips from someone who actually lives here.
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