Where To See Santa In Castro Valley On Friday

CASTRO VALLEY— Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Castro Valley families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.

In Castro Valley, take free photos with Santa Friday evening at the Christmas Tree Lighting in Castro Village. The extravaganza runs from 5 to 8 p.m., with the tree lighting promptly at 6 near Loard’s Ice Cream. There will also be live music and entertainment. Bring a new and unwrapped toy or gift card to Alameda County Sheriff's deputies at their booth to contribute to their annual toy drive. All donations will benefit unincorporated communities in Alameda County. 

Kids have several more chances to see Santa nearby:

• Dublin Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, Nov. 30 at 6 pm. Dublin Civic Center, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin.Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 2 at 8:30, 9:45, and 11 a.m. Shannon Community Center, 11600 Shannon Ave., Dublin.
• Holiday on the Farm, Dec. 9 from 11 am to 3 pm at Forest Home Farms Historic Park, 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon.
• City of San Ramon Community Tree Lighting, Dec. 2 from 4-6 pm at San Ramon City Hall and Central Park Meadow, 7000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon.
• City Center Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 1 at 6 pm. Take selfies with Santa every Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 through Dec. 23. 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon.
• Hometown Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 2 at 5 pm. Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton.
• Photos with Santa at Stoneridge Mall, 11 am to 7 pm Mondays through Saturday, 12 pm to 6 pm Sundays, through Dec. 24. Outside the Apple Store, 1 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Pleasanton.
• Pet Photos with Santa. Dec 10. Outside the Apple Store, 1 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Pleasanton.
• Santa for children with special needs at Stoneridge Mall. Dec. 3 from 9-10:30 am. Outside the Apple Store, 1 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Pleasanton.
• Livermore Sights and Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting. Dec. 2 at 6 pm. Parade will travel east on First Street to a tree lighting ceremony at Lizzie Fountain.
• Holiday Village in the Park. Dec. 1 from 4-8 pm. 2155 Third Street, Livermore.
• Donuts with Santa, Dec. 16 from 8:30-9:45 am, 10-11:15 am, and 11:30-12:45 pm. Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave., Livermore.

Santa arrived Nov. 5 at Bass Pro Shop Santa’s Wonderland and will hold court through Christmas Eve. Get a free 4x6 photo with Santa. Reservations are encouraged.

Santa will also be at the sixth floor of Macy's Union Square in San Francisco through Dec. 24 from 10-1 p.m. at 2-7 p.m. on most days. Reservations are required. See here to make a reservation and for more information. Don't miss their cherished window displays!

JC Penney stores, including stores in Hayward, San Bruno, and San Francisco, are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18.

Did we miss your event? Email bea.karnes@patch.com