The weather might not reflect it, but it’s Christmas time, which means finding the perfect location to see Santa and asking him for that special Christmas gift. Find your favorite light show, grab a Christmas tree, and make a wish list this year in San Diego, all while enjoying a visit with Santa.
Here are our favorite locations around San Diego to find Santa and tell him everything you might need for Christmas.
Santa’s Village at SkyPark
- Address: 28950 California 18
- Date: 11/17 thru 1/8
Santa’s Village at SkyPark is a must-see if you’re in the San Diego area. The village is filled with lights and Christmas cheer that your family will love to see. You’ll be able to have breakfast with Santa, tea with Mrs. Claus and photo ops throughout your visit. Reservations are highly recommended for this experience. While you’re there, you can also ice skate and watch the light show.
San Diego Zoo
- Address: 2920 Zoo Dr
- Dates: 11/25 thru 11/27; 12/3 thru 12/4 and 12/24: 12 pm to 4 pm and 12/9 thru 12/23 and 12/25: noon to 8 pm
The San Diego Zoo should already be a bucket list destination when you’re in San Diego, but they add a little extra charm with their Jungle Bells during the holidays. They deck the halls with all the Christmas fixings, including photos with Dr. Harry Lion, Churchill Polar Bear, and Sydney Koala. There is live music, acrobatic elves, and pictures with Santa. Santa is located in the Lose Forest, where his entire factory will be waiting to be explored.
Seaport Village
- Address: 849 W Harbor Dr
- Date: 11/19 thru 12/24: 11 am to 5 pm
Grab a stunning photo with Santa at the waterfront in Seaport Village. Santa is waiting for all to pose in front of the Chris Harvey Gallery. While there, get a little shopping done since there are over 54 retail shops.
Surfing Santa in Seaport Village
- Address: 849 W Harbor Dr
- Date: 11/26 from 1:45 pm to 5 pm
Seaport Village has a second opportunity to meet Santa on November 26. Santa will wear board shorts and a Hawaiian shirt for a Surfin Santa celebration at Seaport Village. Santa will be at the lifeguard tower, ready to take pictures with anyone who loves to be a little less traditional. Live music and entertainment begin at noon.
Santa’s Treehouse
- Address: 15263 Lawson Valley Rd
- Date: Saturday and Sundays starting 12/26 thru 12/18
Mr. and Mrs. Claus are hanging out in their treehouse, waiting to snap a photo. Kids can chat about their wish lists, tour the treehouse, and sit by the fire while visiting Santa. Make your reservations here to see the treehouse; all proceeds will help sponsored families in need.
Santa Paws Pet Night
- Address: 4545 La Jolla Village Dr Suite E-25
- Date: 12/5, 12/12, and 12/19 from 4 pm to 7 pm
Santa will be at the Westfield UTC starting November 17, but on special nights, he can also meet your four-legged fur baby. Your furry pal can snap a photo with Santa; everyone is welcome, even if they don’t have a pet. The mall is also collecting donations for The Humane Society, and reservations are recommended.
Carlsbad
Santa at the Forum
- Address: 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad CA
- Date: 12/3, 12/4, 12/10, 12/11, 12/17, 12/18 from 1 pm to 5 pm
Beginning December 3, every Saturday and Sunday, Santa will be at the Forum Carlsbad. He’ll be waiting for a family photo in the Garden Area between YETI and Allbird. Photographers are not on site, so bring your own camera, and photos are complimentary.
The Shoppes at Carlsbad
- Address: 2525 El Camino Rd
- Date: 12/4 from 9 am to 10 am
Santa Cares Day is back at The Shoppes for children with special needs and their families. The event is open to families before the mall opens with a sensory-friendly, less hectic event and photo with Santa. This Santa visit is designed to have a comfortable and inviting environment for all children to feel at ease with Santa. Reservations are encouraged.
San Diego offers numerous stunning and incredible locations that are perfect to visit Santa. Your entire family will have a great time seeing Old Saint Nick and enjoying all the holiday cheer San Diego has to offer. Make sure to get a reservation for your favorite Santa before heading out.