Where To See Santa In Temecula This Christmas Season: 2023

TEMECULA, CA — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Southwest Riverside County families. There's nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person, and Patch has rounded up some of the best places to see him and snap photos.

In Temecula, kids have several chances to spy on the big man in action but get into the true holiday spirit with Santa's Electric Light Parade, planned for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, along Jefferson Avenue and Del Rio Road.

"We are making spirits bright at the annual Santa's Electric Light Parade! The parade will begin at 7 p.m. sharp at the intersection of Jefferson Ave. Del Rio Road," a city spokesperson said. "Be sure to bring your blankets and chairs as you watch the entries travel south along the parade route into Old Town Temecula." Santa Claus is always there to wave to the kiddos at the end of the parade!

Santa will make special appearances across Riverside County through Christmas Eve.

Temecula's Promenade Mall, located at 40820 Winchester Road, is among the places to spot him. Reservations are recommended for a magical visit through Christmas Eve, and remember, Santa will see multiple families during your 15-minute reservation window. Check the website for details.

The city of Murrieta, together with Dunkin Donuts, is hosting Donuts with Santa from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 2 at Town Square Park. Admission is one non-perishable food item per child, and donuts will be handed out to the first 400 kids who arrive.

In Lake Elsinore, Winterfest is best for getting into the holiday spirit. Held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Historic Main Street on Dec. 2, this annual tradition will surely fill your family with holiday joy. Take Photos with Santa (Gediman Square) from 3 to 5 p.m. before the parade and from 7 to 8 p.m. afterward.

In Wildomar, a Breakfast with Santa is planned from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Dec. 9 at the Marna O'Brien Park. Santa will be there for photos and a chance to have the littles share their Christmas wishes. Breakfast includes pancakes, donuts, sausage, and coffee.

Santa will also appear at Dos Lagos Mall, 2780 Cabot Drive Suite 140 in Corona, from Dec. 2 through Christmas Eve. Tickets and reservations are suggested. Note: you must ride the train to take photos with Santa. Check the website for the most up-to-date information.

You can also find Santa at the Santa Photo Experience at Ontario Mills through Dec. 24 at One Mills Circle, Ontario. Note: multiple families will visit Santa during each 15-minute reservation window. Advanced reservations, available on this website, are recommended.

Further north, find Santa at Cherry Valley's 123 Farm, open from 5 to 10 p.m., Dec. 1-3, 8-10, and 15-23. Advanced tickets, available for $10 per person, are recommended. The farm is located at 10600 Highland Spring Avenue in Cherry Valley. Memberships are available, and the farm is open to the public during the festivals. Christmas Nights at 123 Farm feature festive food and drinks, tractor wagon rides*, s'mores pits* and Santa* with a display of over one million lights." Visit Santa's Workshop for free photos. Available on select days from 5–10 p.m.*, rain or shine. On certain Fridays, Santa will start at 5:30 p.m. Check the website for the most current information.

To the east, Santa will appear at The Shops At Palm Desert through Dec. 23, located at 72840 CA-111, Palm Desert. Special advanced reservations are recommended for photos with Santa. Dates are also available for Breakfast with Santa and Storytime With Santa. See the website for all the details, including having your pet pose with the big red elf himself!

Also, if you time your visit right, you can see Santa Claus while riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Visitors can expect holiday festivities throughout December, such as a tree-lighting event, events with Santa Claus, and choir performances.

Across the country and in San Bernardino, Santa has made scheduled arrivals at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Santa's Wonderland and will hold court through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged.

Santa will also be at Macy's flagship stores in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Orlando.

Where is your favorite spot to see Santa?

If you have a photo of the big man with your littles that you would like to share, be sure to let us know! Email your Patch Editor with a little message of holiday memories for a chance to have your family photo featured on Patch.