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Santa Claus in San Francisco: The Top Places to Find Him in 2026
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: January 4, 2026
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 Pier 39.
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: TBD
Get your picture taken with Santa at the Stonestown Galleria Mall.
Reservations are encouraged. He will be there all day during Stonestown Galleria's normal 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: TBD
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: TBD
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: TBD
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
Santa Lights the Square
Address: Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point Street in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf
Date & Time: TBD
Enjoy a few hours with Santa at "Santa Lights the Square." This annual Ghirardelli Square event 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:
- December 12, during the Holiday Market from 3 pm to 7 pm
- December 19 from 4 pm to 7 pm
- Surprise Event on Saturday, December 20, from 4 pm to 5 pm
Storytime at the Walt Disney Family Museum
Address: 104 Montgomery Street in the Presidio
Date & Time: TBD
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.
Park Chalet Brunch
Address: 1000 Great Highway
Dates & Times: TBD
Head over to the Park Chalet for their holiday brunch for more photo ops with Santa Claus!
In addition to Santa, this event also features:
- A special kids breakfast
- Live acoustic guitar carols
- A kids holiday coloring page
- Crackling fireplace
This event is focused on kids 10 and under.
Reservations are highly recommended!
St. Mark's Square Interfaith Holiday Kick Off
Address: 1111 O'Farrell Street near Japantown
Date & Time: TBD
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.
Pier 39
Address: Pier 39 in Fisherman's Wharf
Dates: TBD
Santa is visiting Pier 39! These complimentary visits will happen on most Saturdays and Sundays from late November to mid-December.
>> Visit their official site for more details
More Christmas and Holiday Events
Winter Walk in Union Square
Address: Stockton Street between O'Farrell and Post
Dates and Times: TBD
They have confirmed he will be there, but he's still juggling his busy holiday calendar! More details will be available soon.
This year's event is from TBD, 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
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!
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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