Where To See Santa Near Encinitas This Christmas Season

ENCINITAS, CA — Santa Claus will be back in San Diego County 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 San Diego County, kids have a number of chances:

Carlsbad

Dec. 2: Tree-Lighting Holiday Celebration and Santa. The Forum hosts Crown City Bombers, entertainers, Santa’s arrival & more.

Dec. 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18: Visits With Santa: The Forum. Free, but don't forget your camera!

Dec. 7: Holiday Dinner Series with Santa. At Bob's Steak & Chop House/Omni La Costa Resort and Spa.

Chula Vista

Dec. 4: Starlight Nights. With market, music and rides on Santa’s Holiday Train.

Dec. 11: Friendship Pop Up Market - OMG Santa Event! At Friendship Park.

Poway

Dec. 9-10:'Christmas In The Park' Train Rides & Santa. Old-fashioned holiday tradition that will take you back in time.

Dec. 17: Cookies with Santa at My Gym. Space limited, so book soon.

Ramona

Dec. 3: Christmas Tree Lighting and Festivities. Fun includes classic cars, live music, vendors, kids' crafts, dancing, carolers and Santa.

Rancho Bernardo

Dec. 14-18: Breakfast With Santa: Bernardo Winery. With cookie making, animal friends and more. Save your seat.

Rancho Santa Fe

Dec. 2-4, 9-10, 16-17: Holiday 'Wild Winter' and 'Wild Winter Nocturnal': Helen Woodward Animal Center. Family festivities — day or night — with Santa, critters and more.

San Diego

Dec. 3: Sips and Sweets with Santa. Hosted by AleSmith Brewery.

Dec. 10-11: Winter Express Experience. Story time with Santa, too, at San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

Valley Center

Dec. 9-10: Christmas In The Valley and Santa Visits: Bates Nut Farm. With Polar Express, crafts, carols and more holiday fun.

And more...

JC Penney stores is offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18. In San Diego County, there are locations in Carlsbad, El Cajon, Escondido, National City and San Diego.

Santa is coming to Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores in Seattle and New York City. In San Diego County, there are locations in La Jolla, National City, San Diego and San Marcos.

Santa will be at Macy's stores in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston and Orlando. In San Diego County, there are Macy's stores in Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Escondido, La Mesa, National City and San Diego.