Where To See Santa In San Leandro This Christmas Season

SAN LEANDRO, CA — Santa Claus will be back in San Leandro 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 Leandro, kids have several chances:

Kids can share their Christmas Wish List with Santa Friday, Dec. 2 during the city of San Leandro's It's a Wonderful Night Holiday Tree Lighting & Celebration in Downtown San Leandro.

Held at the intersection of E. 14th Street and W. Juana Avenue, the annual event will feature the annual tree lighting, holiday performances, photos with Santa, outdoor holiday cinema, crafts for kids, a holiday light show, and new this year, Holiday Market. The holiday tree lighting will be at 5:30 p.m. in Estudillo Plaza and the main event will be centered around W. Juana Avenue between E. 14th Street and Washington Avenue.

Then on Wednesday, Dec. 7, join the San Leandro Police Department, 901 E. 14th Street, for Holiday Cookies with the Cops from 5:30-8 p.m. Take photos with Santa and his friends, decorate cookies and enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and holiday popcorn balls. Don't forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the city's annual toy drive.

"Beware the Grinch will also be here so hide the cookies," San Leandro PD advised.