Where To See Santa In Union City This Christmas Season

UNION CITY, CA — Santa Claus will be back in Union City 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 Union City, kids have two chances:

Children can share their Christmas Wish List with Santa Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon during Union City's Snacks with Santa at the Ruggieri Senior Center, 33997 Alvarado-Niles Road. Featuring cookies and hot cocoa, children up to the age of 12 can visit with Santa and have their photo taken with him, too.

"Maybe, if you’ve been good this year, Santa will have something special for you to take home," the city said.
Space is limited so a maximum of two adults may enter the building with each child, which requires advance registration.
Santa will also appear Dec. 3 at the Union City Police Department's annual Kids Ornament Party featuring Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Held in the UCPD lobby at 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, the event features hot chocolate, cookies, popcorn, and an ornament to take home plus a visit with none other than Santa Claus.