Photos 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 2018 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

• Town Center Corte Madera
  November 23–25, December 1&2, 8&9, 15–24
  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 the 770 Office Building lobby next to Barnes & Noble. 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
• Northgate Mall, San Rafael
  Through 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.
• Santa Photos
  Village at Corte Madera
  November 21–December 24
  Santa will be available for photos and visits at the Macy's Court across from the Children's Play Area beginning November 21. Get a free gift with Santa Photos! Reservations accepted but not necessary. Schedule and more info.
• Photos with Santa
  West End Nursery, San Rafael
  Saturday, December 1, 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
• Selfies with Santa and Mrs. Claus
  Tiburon Festival of Lights
  Saturday, December 1, 2–5 pm
  Capture the magic of the holidays with photo of your loved ones while they visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in a winter wonderland at the Boardwalk Shopping Center. Please bring your own camera. Event details.
• Santa’s On His Way To Tomales Bay!
  Nick's Cove, Marshall
  Sunday, December 2, 3–5 pm
  Santa Claus is visiting Tomales Bay! Arriving by way of his trusty “water sleigh,” and replete with treats and holiday wishes, Santa will pull up to the dock at the Boat Shack at Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar & Cottages for his 8th annual visit on Sunday, December 2. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, cider, and cookies in the Boat Shack while you wait for your turn with Santa. A photographer will be on hand but you're welcome to take your own photos, too. Event details
• WinterFest
  Marinwood Community Center, San Rafael
  Friday, December 8, 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 at the door for kids 2–12, free for adults. Location: 775 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael. Event details
• Sensitive Santa Event
  All Children Academics, San Rafael
  Saturday, December 8, 9 am–4 pm
  All Children Academics in San Rafael will be hosting a Sensitive Santa event for children with special needs. The typical visit to Santa can be extremely overwhelming and a less than positive experience for the child with special needs. Long lines, loud noises, and crowds often lead to overstimulation and stress. "Sensitive Santa" is an opportunity for children to meet Santa in a calmer, more relaxed environment. Free, but registration required and donations accepted. Location: All Children Academics, 1665 Grand Avenue, San Rafael. Event details and registration
• Santa Fly-In
  Pacific Coast Air Museum, Santa Rosa
  Saturday, December 8, 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 this event! Location: One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. Event details
• Santa Claus at the BADM
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Saturday & Sunday, December 15 & 19, 8:30 am–12:30 & 1–4:30 pm
  Meet Santa in the afternoon (1–4:30 pm), included with general admission or free for members.  Get your tickets for an exclusive Snacks with Santa event in the morning! Discounted tickets are available for members. Limited spots available. Event details
• Space Santa
  The Space Station Museum, Novato
  Saturday, December 15, 1–3 pm
  Space Santa lands at the Space Station Museum in Novato on Saturday, December 15 from 1 to 3 pm. Bring your camera! Free! Make sure you check out some of their cool space exhibits while you're there. Event details