Photo Ops with Santa Claus in Marin and Beyond

Photo Courtesy Town Center Corte Madera

It goes without saying that every Holiday season Santa Claus is an extremely popular guy. He and his small army of little helpers will be making the rounds for photos and other holiday fun at various shopping centers and other locations in Marin County and beyond. (And of course you'll need to tell him what you want for Christmas, too!)

Here's our 2019 guide to photo ops with Santa and more. We make every effort to assure that all listings and hours are as accurate as possible, but occasionally Santa has to take a break to feed the reindeer or tidy up his beard, so make sure to stay on his "nice" list and call or check the venue's website before visiting.

Photos with Santa in Marin and the North Bay

Northgate Mall, San Rafael
November 23–December 24
Northgate in San Rafael invites children to visit Santa and have their pictures taken with Santa Claus. Individual photos and packages are available. Schedule and more info.

Village at Corte Madera
November 29–December 24
Santa will be available for photos and visits at the Macy's Court across from the Children's Play Area beginning November 29. Fast Pass reservations accepted but not necessary. Schedule and more info.

Town Center Corte Madera
November 29–December 24
Visit Santa for free photos from 11 am to 4 pm on November 29, 30, and December 1; December 7 and 8, and December 14–24. More info

Santa's Riverboat Arrival
Petaluma
Saturday, November 30, 11:30 am
Enjoy live entertainment while waiting for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive at noon by riverboat. The Christmas couple are welcomed by costumed dancers from the Petaluma School of Ballet’s “Nutcracker.” Then Santa and Mrs. Claus make their way across the shopping center parking lot where they are available for family photos in their special tent. Be sure to bring your Christmas wish list! Location: River Plaza Shopping Center on E.Washington, Petaluma. Event details.

Sensitive Santa Event
All Children Academics, San Rafael
Saturday, December 7, 9 am–noon
All Children Academics in San Rafael will be hosting a Sensitive Santa event for children with special needs. Meet an understanding Santa in a calmer, more relaxed environment. There will also be a sensory-friendly playground and therapy dogs from Marin Humane. Free, but registration required and donations accepted. $20 donations include a raffle entry! Location: All Children Academics, 1665 Grand Avenue, San Rafael. Event details and registration

Saturdays with Santa
Bon Air Center, Greenbrae
Saturday, December 7, 14 and 21, Noon–3 pm
Santa Claus arrives at noon at Santa’s Workshop aboard a shiny, red fire engine (courtesy of the Larkspur Fire Department) at Bon Air on the first three Saturdays of December to celebrate the season. Children of all ages and pets of all sizes are invited to whisper their wishes to the Man of the Season, pose for a free portrait with Santa, enjoy sidewalk specials, Santa’s elves, children’s activities and people and puppy treats.In the spirit of the season, Bon Air invites visitors to Gather and Give, continuing its long-standing tradition of hosting a Holiday Food Drive with the SF-Marin Food Bank. Collection barrels for canned food are located throughout Bon Air. Location: just off Highway 101, on Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Greenbrae - adjacent to Mollie Stone’s Market. Event details.

West End Nursery, San Rafael
Saturday, December 7, 1–3 pm
Santa will be on hand for photos at the famous West End Nursery Christmas House in San Rafael. Please bring a toy for San Rafael Santa Cop and get free pictures with Santa. Event details

Tiburon Peninsula Holiday Festival
Saturday, December 7, 1–6 pm
Capture the magic of the holidays with photo of your loved ones while they visit Santa at the Tiburon Peninsula Holiday Festival. Please bring your own camera. Event details.

Santa’s On His Way To Tomales Bay!
Nick's Cove, Marshall
Sunday, December 8, 3–5 pm
Out at Nick’s Cove and Cottages, on the banks of Tomales Bay, Santa will be arriving by water sleigh (aka boat) for his 9th annual visit on Sunday, December 8th. In addition to local children, pets and their families getting the chance to visit and take complimentary photos with Santa in the festive Boat Shack from 3–5 pm that day, Nick’s Cove is donating 10% of restaurant sales from the entire day to the Marin Food Bank. There will also be some fun holiday drink specials available that day including our Hot Spiced Apple, Hot Buttered Rum and Nick’s Famous Egg Nog. Event details

WinterFest
Marinwood Community Center, San Rafael
Friday, December 13, 5–7 pm
Bring the family for festive family fun. Actitivies include: photos with Santa, arts and crafts, face-painting, bounce house, delcious holiday treats, live music and more... Food available to purchase. Tickets: $12 in advance or $15 at the door for kids 2–10, free for adults. Location: 775 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael. Event details

Santa Fly-In
Pacific Coast Air Museum, Santa Rosa
Saturday, December 14, 10 am– 2pm
During Santa Fly-In, Santa Claus flies in to the Pacific Coast Air Museum on a helicopter to greet all the kids and listen to their Christmas wishes. Stick around for more fun and the chance to look inside some vintage aircraft. Free museum admission for everyone at this special event! Location: One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. Event details

Town Center Corte Madera
December 7 & 8, 12/14–24, 11 am–4 pm
Shopping during the holidays at Town Center Corte Madera is always a festive occasion for the entire family, with a chance to have a free photo for the kids with Santa Claus, have your gifts wrapped for free by volunteers from Hospice by the Bay, and enjoy some live music to provide the holiday spirit. In space 105 under the Clocktower. Schedule and more info.

Marin Country Mart, Larkspur
Every Saturday in December, 10:30 am–1:30 pm
Santa Claus is coming to the Mart! He will be in Copperfield's from 10:30 am until 1:30pm every Saturday of December until Christmas, listening to your little ones' Christmas wishes and taking complimentary photos. More info