Where To See Santa In Petaluma This Holiday Season

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

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

Here are the details:

• Friday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m-8 p.m.: Start the winter holidays in downtown Petaluma on the Theatre Square Plaza by joining Santa and Mrs. Claus while they light up the square with a sparkling Christmas tree in the middle of the square. The festivities start with Santa’s arrival, live music, a laser show, and other performances. Bring your letter to Santa and drop it off at the Wishes For Santa Mailbox. Don’t miss the tree lighting at 7 p.m. This is a great photo opportunity and a festive starting point for the holidays in Downtown Petaluma.
• Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.: Celebrate the season in downtown Petaluma’s Kentucky Street during the Holiday Shopping Stroll with pictures with Santa while wandering through festively decorated shops and passages, discovering one-of-a-kind gifts, and enjoying holiday treats, cheerful libations, live music, and extended store hours. All activities will take place inside participating businesses. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones, or simply soaking in the holiday spirit, there’s something fun on every corner.
• Saturday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m.: Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade. See Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the Petaluma River. Watch the glowing boats of all sizes and types go down the Petaluma River, ushering in the holiday season! Vessels of all sizes including power, sail, and people-powered are welcome to join the Petaluma Yacht Club’s flotilla. The parade leaves the Petaluma Marina at 5:30 p.m. and arrives at the Turning Basin around 6 p.m. There is no fee to attend and no reservations necessary.

Santa is also holding court at several shopping malls in the local area, including:

• Sunday, Dec. 8, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.: A Special Visit With Caring Santa. Sensory-friendly experience exclusively for children with special needs and their families. Reservations are required for this private event at Santa Rosa Plaza.
• Daily through Dec. 24: Photo Time with Santa at Santa Rosa Plaza. Santa Claus is making a list and checking it twice, so reserve your photos with Santa today! He'll be here every day through Christmas Eve. Walk-ups are welcome; multiple families are scheduled for each 15-minute time slot.
• Weekends through Dec. 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Photos with Santa at Montgomery Village. Reservation recommended. $10 donation suggested. See more information here.
• Daily through Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Sundays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.): Photos with Santa are available at Coddingtown Mall through Christmas Eve.
• Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 -11:00 a.m.: Pancakes and Cheer With Santa and Mrs. Claus. Harmony Salmon Creek Education Foundation's inaugural Breakfast with Santa. $10 per child/$15 per adult.
• Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m-4 p.m..: Photos with Santa or with Krampus, as well as Tarot Card Readings with Kay, Create a Snow Globe with California Brick Chicks, are among the activities for children and their grown-ups at the Penngrove Winter Fest (check the website for specific times).
• Friday, Dec. 5, 5-9 p.m.: Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting Celebration at Healdsburg Plaza. In addition to complementary photos with Santa, this winter wonderland features horse-drawn carriage rides, performances by The Healdsburg Chorus, holiday crafts for all ages, a holiday night market and more at Matheson Street and Healdsburg Avenue.
  
• Friday, Dec. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: The Cloverdale winter festival and tree lighting celebration, including visits and photos with Santa, candlelit holiday shopping stroll, music and food, hot cocoa and holiday treats, and local non-profit and vendor stalls.
• Saturdays through Dec. 20, 9-11 a.m.: Breakfast with Santa at Costeaux French Bakery in Healdsburg. Children can confess if they have been naughty or nice and share their Christmas wish list with Santa. A complimentary digital photo will capture the moment and be shared to be cherished for years to come.
• Saturday, Dec. 6, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.: Cloverdale’s Claus for a Cause, an evening of photos with Santa, hot cocoa, candy canes, elves, and festive fun. A $5 suggested donation helps support Cloverdale’s Annual Christmas Gift Program and brings holiday cheer to local youth.