Looking for Santa this holiday season? Whether you want a classic photo op or to see him arrive by surfboard or fire engine, you’ll find Santa across the Monterey Bay region. Here’s a roundup of local appearances—both one-time and ongoing—so your family can plan some festive fun.
Be sure to check any event with the sponsor to be sure date and time is correct and there haven’t been any changes.
MONTEREY COUNTY
Del Monte Shopping Center — Santa’s Workshop (Mall Santa)
Monterey — Daily throughout December
1410 Del Monte Center • Guest Services: (831) 373-2705
Visit Santa in his cozy workshop for photos and wish-lists at the mall’s annual holiday display.
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Northridge Mall Santa Visits
Salinas — Daily throughout December
1410 Del Monte Center • Guest Services: (831) 373-2705
Photos with Santa will be available from November 21 to December 24. Visit Santa’s set in center court near Round1. Santa’s Grand Arrival will be November 21.
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Dinner With Santa at Jacks Monterey (Portola Hotel & Spa)
Monterey — November 29, 2025 • 5:00-8:00 PM
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey • (831) 649-4511
A festive family dinner where Santa stops by tables for photos and holiday cheer in the Portola’s beautifully decorated restaurant.
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Breakfast with Santa at Jacks Monterey (Portola Hotel & Spa)
Monterey — November 30 & December 7, 2025 • 8:30-11:30 AM
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey • (831) 649-4511
Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet and personal visits with Santa in this family-friendly Monterey tradition.
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Cannery Row Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Meet
Monterey — November 28, 2025 • Tree lighting at 5:45 PM; Santa 6-9 PM
Steinbeck Plaza, Cannery Row & Prescott Ave • (831) 649-6690
The annual waterfront celebration features live entertainment, caroling, and the lighting of Cannery Row’s towering Christmas tree, followed by Santa photos.
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Christmas on the Wharf (Santa’s House on the Wharf)
Monterey — Weekends, December 5–21, 2025 • Fri 5–8 PM, Sat 11 AM–8 PM, Sun 1–6 PM
Old Fisherman’s Wharf • (831) 238-0777 • info@montereywharf.com
Meet Santa in his seaside cottage, enjoy music, lights, and cocoa as the Wharf sparkles with maritime holiday décor.
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Pacific Grove Holiday Parade of Lights (features Santa)
Pacific Grove — December 4, 2025 • 6-8 PM
Downtown Pacific Grove, Lighthouse Ave • (831) 373-3304
A charming small-town parade filled with floats, bands, and a cheerful Santa waving from his sleigh.
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Carmel-by-the-Sea Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting (Santa arrives)
Carmel-by-the-Sea — December 5, 2025 • 3-7 PM
Devendorf Park, Ocean Ave & Mission St • (831) 624-1366
Celebrate the start of the season with live music, caroling, menorah lighting, and a visit from Santa in downtown Carmel.
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Marina Christmas Tree Lighting & “Santa in the Neighborhood”
Marina — December 5, 2025 • 6-7:30 PM (lighting); Santa visits neighborhoods next day
Vince DiMaggio Park, 3200 Del Monte Blvd • (831) 717-4117
Join the community for music, treats, and tree lighting, then watch for Santa touring Marina the following evening.
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Marina Santa in the Neighborhood Visits
December 6, 2025 • 6-7:30 PM (lighting); Santa visits neighborhoods in Marina, routes to be determined.
Join the community for music, treats, and tree lighting, then watch for Santa touring Marina the following evening.
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Salinas “Country Christmas” (California Rodeo Salinas) – Photos with Cowboy Santa
Salinas — December 11, 2025 • 5-7 PM
Salinas Sports Complex, 1034 N Main St • (831) 775-3100
A Western-themed celebration featuring Cowboy Santa, festive treats, and family fun at the Rodeo Grounds.
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Seaside “Cereal with Santa” (Oldemeyer Center)
Seaside — December 13, 2025 • 9-11 AM
986 Hilby Ave, Seaside • (831) 899-6800
Kids enjoy breakfast cereal, crafts, and a visit with Santa at this Seaside family favorite.
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Monterey Zoo Presents Santa Photos with Live Reindeer
Salinas — December 14, 2025 • 11 AM-2 PM
Monterey Zoo, 400 River Road, Salinas • (831) 455-1901
Bring the family to meet two of Santa’s real live reindeer as he stops by to visit the zoo. A fun, unique, educational experience for the entire family this holiday season. No reservations needed, just show up between 11am and 2pm.
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SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Downtown Santa Cruz “Visits with Santa” (at Childish Toy Shop)
Santa Cruz — Weekends in December • 12-4 PM
1122 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz • (831) 429-8433
Children can meet Santa inside this charming downtown toy store surrounded by holiday décor.
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – Winter Wonderland (Photos with Santa)
Santa Cruz — November 27, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (select dates)
400 Beach St, Santa Cruz • (831) 423-5590
Enjoy sparkling lights, rides, and seasonal treats while snapping a picture with Santa at the seaside amusement park.
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Boardwalk Winter Wonderland – Movie with Santa & Brunch with Santa
Santa Cruz — Movie: December 7 • 4:30-7:30 PM; Brunch: December 14 • 9-11:30 AM
The Grove at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk • (831) 423-5590
Watch a family holiday film or enjoy brunch with Santa in this special seasonal series.
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Roaring Camp Holiday Lights Train (includes Santa visit)
Santa Cruz/Felton — November 28-29; December 6-7, 13-23 (select departures)
Departs from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk • (831) 335-4484
Ride through the redwoods on a vintage train covered in lights and meet Santa during your journey.
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Surfin’ Santa Visits Capitola
Capitola — November 29, 2025 • 12-2 PM (arrives at noon)
Capitola Beach/Esplanade Park • (831) 475-6522
Watch Santa make a splashy arrival by surfboard, followed by photo opportunities on the beach.
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Aptos Village Green – Holiday Market & Tree Lighting (photos with Santa)
Aptos — December 6, 2025 • 1-4 PM
448 Granite Way, Aptos • (831) 688-1467
Browse local crafts and enjoy festive music as kids take photos with Santa at this community celebration.
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Scotts Valley “Light Up the Night” Tree Lighting (photos with Santa)
Scotts Valley — Early December evening (check 2025 date)
360 Kings Village Rd, Scotts Valley • (831) 438-1010
A bright community celebration with tree lighting, performances, and Santa photos for all ages.
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Watsonville “Holiday Lights in the Plaza” (includes Santa)
Watsonville — November 21, 2025 • 5-6 PM
City Plaza, 358 Main St, Watsonville • (831) 768-3240
Enjoy music, lights, and Santa’s arrival in the heart of downtown Watsonville to kick off the holiday season.
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