Santa's Riverboat Arrival & Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 29, 2025

11:30am - 1:30pm

River Plaza Shopping Center & Downtown Petaluma

When Santa arrives in Petaluma, he leaves his sleigh at home. Instead, he and Mrs. Claus make a uniquely Petaluma arrival - they sail up the Petaluma River on a Lind Marine tugboat, arrive in the Turning Basin and stop in the River Plaza Shopping Center for pictures and activities!

Starting at 11:30 am, families will enjoy live entertainment from the Pacific Empire Chorus while waiting for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive! The Christmas couple will arrive around noon and will be welcomed by costumed dancers from the Petaluma School of Ballet’s “Nutcracker.” Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their way across the parking lot to their festive tent outside Taps on the River where they will be available for family photos. Be sure to bring your Christmas wish list! 

Santa would love to spend all afternoon in Petaluma, but in order to hear from all the good boys and girls all over the world, he will have to be on his way to his next destination at 1:30 pm.

Don’t let the fun stop there! Keep the festive mood flowing by taking your Shop Small swag bag and make the short walk to historic downtown Petaluma to support local merchants.  When we all shop small, it's not just for the things we love, but for the businesses we love, for the community we call home, and to help promote local economic growth. Learn more about Small Business Saturday and visit the official Small Business Saturday Facebook page. And take advantage of shop small benefits by using your American Express card by viewing this link.