Where To See Santa In Martinez This Holiday Season

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

Martinez kids have several chances. Here is a guide to photos-with-Santa events here and in neighboring communities. Some are near, others are kinda far. Some are free, while others have a fee.

Santa House, Downtown Martinez | Through Dec. 23. Santa House S’Elfies allow a unique visit with Santa in his little red house. The experience is $10 (cash or credit card) and includes a short visit with Santa in the Main Street Santa House located at the Plaza on Main Street. Families can take unlimited photos with their own cameras and smartphones in a professionally lit photo area. Not great with a camera or want a shot of the whole family with Santa? No problem. One of Santa’s helpers will be there to assist you.

Frosty's Holiday Boutique | Dec. 1-2. The Martinez Senior Community Center hosts vendors selling gifts, decor and more. Admission is free. Complimentary hot chocolate. Santa is available for free pictures 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday.

Tree Lighting Ceremony, Todos Santos Plaza, Concord | Dec. 1. Pictures with Santa, real reindeer, letters to Santa, carriage rides, shopping at Santa's Village.

Pinole Holiday Tree Lighting, Santa & Kids' Fun | Dec. 2 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Fernandez Park. Children’s activities include holiday crafts, face painting, balloon twisting and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

2nd Annual Winter Market | Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crockett Scout Hall. Shopping, pics with Santa and food. Raffle to benefit John Swett High School PTSA (do not have to be present to win). Vendors will have items from different cultures, religions and traditions.

Visit To The North Pole | Dec. 9-22. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus in the North Pole, during this immersive, live theatre experience at Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. In this exclusive visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their kitchen and workshop, your group of up to six members will enjoy a private meeting and photo opportunity.

Photos With Santa At Sunvalley Shopping Center, Concord | Through Dec. 24. Make your reservation to meet Santa for a picture-perfect moment. After, take off on an interactive adventure at Santa's Flight Academy, complete with his 22-foot-tall sleigh! View Santa set hours here. Reservations are encouraged; walk-up guests are welcome.

Photos With Santa At Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek | Through Dec.24. The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa can be found at his workshop, which is across from SoulCycle. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.

It’s a Wonderful Life Holiday Celebration, Lafayette | Dec. 3. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. when Santa is scheduled to parade along Golden Gate Way starting at the Lafayette Historical Society and arriving at Lafayette Plaza at 5 p.m. A must-not-miss for the little ones. Pick up your Santa pass at the Photo Op table near Old Betsy. Free train tickets will be available at the Lafayette Express Station (near the Park Theater)! Pick up your free ride tickets starting at 4:30 p.m.

Santa At The Oakland Zoo | Through Dec. 23. Visit Santa in the Rides Area every night Dec. 1-23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (line closes at 8:45 p.m.) Bring your own camera. Please note: Santa's hours are subject to change and he may have to head back to the North Pole if it gets too wet. There is no cost to see Santa but you'll need to purchase advance tickets to Glowfari.

Jolly Journeys On Napa Valley Wine Train | Through Dec. 23. Embark on a jolly journey with Santa this holiday season aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. All aboard for a train ride with Santa from Napa to Yountville and back. Available dates are Dec.7-9, Dec. 14-16 and Dec. 19-23. Prices vary by package.

Free Photo With Santa At Bass Pro Shops | Through Dec. 24. Santa is at Bass Pro Shops in San Jose, Manteca and Rocklin through Christmas Eve for Santa’s Wonderland, which includes a free 4x6 photo —and shareable video — taken with Santa Claus himself. Reservations are encouraged.

Professional Portraits with Santa at JC Penney | Through Dec. 18 at stores in Hayward, San Bruno and San Francisco. Studio experts provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere where kids can share their holiday wishes and have their photos taken with the jolly man himself.

Macy's, Union Square, San Francisco| Through Dec. 24. Santa will also be at Macy’s stores in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Orlando. In San Francisco, the jolly Mr. Claus arrived at Macy's Union Square on Nov. 24 and remains onsite through Christmas Eve — except for quick nighttime flights home to the North Pole when children all around the Bay Area are fast asleep. Reservations are required and should be made online at Macys.com/s/holiday-celebrations/sanfrancisco five days before your visit.

Happy Holidays!