Santa Claus Is Coming To Novato: Where To See Him

NOVATO, CA — Visits and pictures with Santa Claus are treasured traditions for many Novato families.

In Novato kids have several chances to see jolly old St. Nick in person.

Here are the details:

Santa is coming to the Holiday Crafts Faire from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 6 at the Margaret Todd Senior Center for festive fun and holiday cheer. Only one person per family needs to register at this link.

Santa will also be at the Novato Tree Lighting Festival 2025 in downtown Novato. The event starts at 4 p.m. on Dec. 6 on Sherman Avenue.

Enjoy a festive evening featuring live music, community dance performances, and children's activities, including art and crafts, and cookie decorating. Stroll and shop at vendor booths lining Grant Avenue, and visit the local shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, and tap rooms. Santa's Village will be open, where Santa and his elves will be ready for photos and to hear all the children's holiday wishes. Don't miss Santa's grand arrival at 5 p.m. on the Novato Fire Department's ladder truck.

The tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. and the event ends at 7:30 p.m.

Santa is also holding court at the Northgate shopping malls in San Rafael for the following date and times:

NOVEMBER 22 - 30
Tuesday & Wednesday | Noon - 5 p.m.
Thursday | Noon - 7 p.m.
Friday | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday | Noon - 5 p.m.

DECEMBER 1 - 21
Tuesday | Noon - 5 p.m.
Wednesday - Friday | Noon - 7 p.m.
Saturday | 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday | 12 PM - 5 PM

DECEMBER 22 & 23
Monday and Tuesday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Santa Paws Photos *please ensure that your animals are leashed or in carrying case
December 3, 10 & 17 (Wednesdays): Noon – 7 PM