Artistic rendering โ Event may differ
Santa's Riverboat Arrival & Small Business Saturday
Experience a uniquely Petaluma holiday tradition as Santa and Mrs. Claus make a grand entrance by tugboat up the Petaluma River. Arriving at the Turning Basin and River Plaza Shopping Center, they bring festive cheer and photo opportunities. Enjoy live music and performances by costumed dancers before Santa heads off to prepare for Christmas. Afterward, explore historic downtown Petaluma to support local businesses on Small Business Saturday.
What to Expect
Santa's arrival by tugboat on the Petaluma River.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Parking: Parking available at River Plaza Shopping Center and historic downtown Petaluma.
- Pets: No pets allowed
Other Christmas Events Near Petaluma
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families
Vibe
Festive and welcoming
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Special Events & Promotions
- Small Business Saturday promotions
- Support for local merchants
Location
Event Details
Duration
2 hours
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Petaluma
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Pacific Empire Chorus
- Petaluma School of Ballet's 'Nutcracker' dancers
Organizer
Petaluma Downtown Association
Food & Drink
Not specified, but downtown area offers dining options.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to secure a good spot for Santa's river arrival and to enjoy the live entertainment.
- Bring your Christmas wish list to share with Santa and Mrs. Claus during their photo opportunity.
- Plan to walk to historic downtown Petaluma after the event to take advantage of Small Business Saturday deals.
- Check the Petaluma Transit schedule for convenient and free transportation options to and from the event.
- Consider bringing a small gift or donation for local businesses as a gesture of support on Small Business Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Santa arrive?
Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to arrive around noon on November 29, 2025.
Where does Santa arrive?
They arrive by tugboat in the Turning Basin and then appear at the River Plaza Shopping Center.
Is there a cost to attend?
Admission to Santa's Riverboat Arrival is free.
What activities are available?
Activities include meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos, live entertainment, and costumed dancers.
What is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday is a shopping day dedicated to supporting local businesses, which follows Santa's arrival in downtown Petaluma.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.