Santa's Riverboat Arrival in Petaluma 2026

Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to Petaluma on Saturday, November 28, 2026, for a festive holiday tradition the whole family will love!

When Santa visits Petaluma, he leaves his sleigh at home! Instead, he and Mrs. Claus make a grand entrance aboard a Lind Marine tugboat, sailing up the Petaluma River to the Turning Basin before heading to River Plaza Shopping Center for holiday festivities, photos, and family fun. The celebration begins at 11:30 am with live entertainment from the Pacific Empire Chorus. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to arrive around noon, where they'll be greeted by costumed dancers from the Petaluma School of Ballet's Nutcracker.

After their arrival, Santa and Mrs. Claus will head to a festive tent outside Taps on the River to meet families and pose for holiday photos. Don't forget to bring your Christmas wish lists!

Be sure to arrive early and enjoy the festivities! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with families until 1:30 pm, when they'll head off to their next holiday destination.