Where To See Santa In Berkeley This Christmas Season

BERKELEY, CA — Santa Claus will be back in Berkeley this holiday season after a couple of years of COVID-19 restrictions that made it difficult for kids to crawl up on his lap and make their case that they’ve been good boys and girls over the last year.

Visits and pictures with Santa are at the heart of many families’ holiday traditions, but the coronavirus pandemic gave them a lump of coal. Malls and other places took social distancing measures in both 2020 and 2021 to help contain the spread of the virus, moving Santa meet-ups largely online.

Virtual visits are still an option in many places, but there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person. In Berkeley, kids have several chances:

Kids can share their Christmas Wish List with Santa Thursday, Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m. during the Claremont Club & Spa's annual Tree Lighting with Santa and Carolers. Gather around the spectacular outdoor illuminated five palms, adorned with thousands of snow-white twinkling lights. Animated holiday-themed characters and seasonal finery will grace the iconic resort. Visit with Santa Claus and Claremont Club & Spa's guest of honor from Make-A-Wish, Greater Bay Area. Choral performances, holiday confections and visits with Santa promise to “merry” kids of all ages. Claremont Club & Spa, a Fairmont Hotel, is located at 41 Tunnel Road in Berkeley.

The first three weekends in December beginning at noon, visit with Santa during the Solano Avenue Association's Santa on Solano from noon to 3 p.m. during the only free photo opportunity with Santa in the region. Attendees should bring their own camera to take as many free photos as they like. Scheduled for December 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18 at Peggy Smith’s Allstate Insurance Agency, 1758 Solano Avenue.

Holidays On Fourth Street will offer two opportunities to visit with Santa during it's Saturdays with Santa events. Scheduled for Dec. 3 and 10 from 1-4 p.m., Santa will park his sleigh and visit with families at 1778 Fourth Street (next to Peet’s). Visitors can check out Santa's antique, wooden, red sleigh and chat with him and Mrs. Claus. Bring your camera for pictures.

After visiting with Santa stick around for the Fourth Street Shops' Dazzling Holiday Lights beginning at dusk at Fourth Street and Hearst where holiday lights embroider every tree and glowing balls of light dangle from the branches.

Berkeley children and their families can meet Santa during several Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round Breakfast with Santa events scheduled for December 3, 11, 17, 19, 21, and 23 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Families can enjoy unlimited carousel rides, a buffet-style breakfast, and photos with Santa and his elf while a classic Christmas movie plays on the screens. Capacity will be limited to advanced ticket holders. Santa Claus also stops by the holiday carousel other times, too. Kids pay $35 for the breakfast event, adults $55. Take your own photos at the event which will be held at the Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round, Central Park Drive and Lake Anza Road in Berkeley. Reservations can be made online.
On Saturday, Dec. 17, bring the little ones (ages 2-6) to the Frances Albrier Community Center for a Pancake Breakfast with Santa. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., this free event will give those little ones the opportunity to meet and greet with Santa and his holiday friends with seatings at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. and features fun, singing and pancakes. Pre-registration is required and only two adults per family are allowed. For more information, call (510) 981-5150.