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Santa Claus in San Francisco: The Top Places to Find Him in 2022
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: November 29, 2022
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 Hyatt Regency Hotel, get pictures taken with him at Ghirardelli Square, and enjoy the lights with him at the Zoo Lights event.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Stonestown Galleria
Address: 3251 20th Ave
Dates: 11/18 - 12/24
Other Details: Get your picture taken with Santa at the Stonestown Galleria Mall. Reservations are not required to visit with Santa, but if you book a visit ahead of time, you can save 30% or more on your photo package. He will be there all day during normal Stonestown Galleria hours.
Ritz Carlton
Address: 600 Stockton Street
Date & Time: 11/29 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Other Details: 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 stick around for photos with the kids. The Ritz will also offer cider, hot chocolate, and cookies.
Breakfast with Santa at the Westin St. Francis
Address: 335 Powell Street
Date & Time: December 10 from 9 am to 12 pm
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 get the chance to celebrate by making a holiday-themed craft.
The breakfast is $90 for adults and $65 for children.
>> Visit this page for reservations
Macy's in Union Square
Address: 170 O'Farrell Street
Dates & Times: 11/25 - 12/24
Other Details: 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
San Francisco Zoo
Address: Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway
Dates & Times: No Santa in 2022
Other Details: You will have several chances to see Santa at the SF Zoo this holiday season. He will be visiting every Saturday and Sunday from Thanksgiving Day Weekend through to December 29. Their festival this year is called Joy at SF Zoo. In addition to visiting with Santa, you can also visit Candy Cane Lane, Poinsettia Plaza, and learn more about his reindeer. There will be fun activities and goodies all season long.
>> What else there is to see and do at the SF Zoo
Japantown Center Malls
Address: East Japan Center Mall at 1737 Post Street
Dates & Times: No Santa in 2022
Other Details: Santa will make an appearance at the Japantown Center Malls for two days in December. Pose with him for your holiday pictures and don't forget your Christmas wish list! There is no photographer on hand, so bring along your own camera for that perfect photo. Free.
>> More things to do in Japantown
>> Additional free kids activities in San Francisco
Other Fun Holiday Events
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. Click here for details.
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.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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