Where To See Santa In San Francisco This Holiday Season

SAN FRANCISCO— Santa Claus will be back in San Francisco 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 Francisco, kids have several chances:

Children can visit Santa now through Dec. 24 at the Stonestown Galleria Mall, 3251 20th Avenue and have their picture taken with Santa. Reservations are not required to visit with Santa, but if you book a visit ahead of time, you can save 30 percent or more on your photo package. He will be there all day during normal Stonestown Galleria hours.

Kids can share their Christmas Wish List with Santa on the Caltrain Holiday Train when it makes its stops in San Francisco Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4. The train will be at the station, 700 4th Street, from from 4-5:10 p.m. both days to put on a free live show, featuring fun performances and costumed characters. The Caltrain Holiday Train event supports the Salvation Army and the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, so please bring an unwrapped gift to donate.

Those looking to spend a little more for a visit with Santa can attend the Breakfast with Santa at the Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell Street Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon. Santa will be in attendance at this breakfast will have the opportunity to enjoy a breakfast buffet which includes mimosas for the adults, make a holiday-themed craft and take that special photo with Santa. The breakfast is $90 for adults and $65 for children and reservations are required.

Santa will be at Macy’s stores in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston and Orlando. In San Francisco, at the Macys in Union Square, 170 O’Farrell Street, Santa will be at the store daily but his hours vary. Reservations are required and can be made online at the Macy's Holiday Celebrations website.