Where To See Santa In Castro Valley This Christmas Season

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — Santa Claus will be back in Castro Valley 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 Castro Valley, kids have two chances:

Kids can share their Christmas Wish List with Santa Dec. 2 at Castro Valley's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Scheduled to be held from 5-8 p.m. at the Castro Village Shopping Center, Castro Valley Boulevard at Santa Maria Avenue, the event features live music, entertainment and free photos with Santa.

Then on Saturday, Dec. 3, head on over to the First Presbyterian Church of Hayward at 2490 Grove Way and get a head start on that holiday shopping by at the First Pres Holiday Market. Scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. the event features local makers, crafters, artists, small businesses and brands and of course, Santa.

Hayward residents will also have opportunities to visit with Santa at Christmas at the McConaghy House. Scheduled for Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event features a fully decked out for the holidays Meek Mansion and of course a visit from Santa.

From now through Dec. 21, children can have their photo taken with Santa each day while sharing their Christmas list with the jolly old elf at the Southland Mall, 1 Southland Mall Drive in Hayward.