Illustration of a santa visit scene (Free Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!)
Other Christmas Activities

Free Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Visitors drive slowly around the Main Fountain to view an enchanting holiday light exhibition featuring scenes from Santa's workshop. The whimsical display includes a giant Nutcracker soldier, a reindeer sled, a toy train, snowmen, skaters, penguins, a horse and sleigh, and an arch of lights. Buildings and trees are illuminated with hundreds of tiny bright lights, offering a festive backdrop.

What to Expect

Drive-through holiday light displays and remembrance trees around the main fountain.

Event Details

Duration

Month-long.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Piedmont

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Piedmont Funeral Services & Mountain View Cemetery

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and visitors honoring loved ones

Vibe

Festive and reflective

Energy Level

Low

Budget

Free

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Mountain View Cemetery
5000 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611
Oakland, CA
94611

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Free.
  • Hours: 5pm to 9pm every day.

Tips & Advice

  • Drive slowly around the Main Fountain to take in the displays safely, as visitors are asked to view the lights from their cars.
  • Visit the Main Office craft area to decorate an ornament, then hang it on one of the three trees by the fountain.
  • Bring a photo or personal note to add to a clear ornament as a way to remember someone close to you.
  • Choose a colored ornament if you want space to draw or write a note instead of adding a photo.
  • If you cannot attend, call (510) 658-2588 or email info@mountainviewcemetery.org to ask staff to place an ornament for you.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Remembrance ornament decorating at the Main Office runs through December 31, with ornaments hung on three trees in front of the fountain.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What will we see on the drive?

A giant Nutcracker soldier greets you at the start. The display then runs from the front fountain with a reindeer sled, a train of toys, snowmen, skaters, candy canes, bells, poinsettias, penguins, a carriage scene, a horse and sleigh, and a holiday arch of lights. Hundreds of tiny lights outline the buildings and trees.

Do we stay in the car?

Yes. You drive slowly around the Main Fountain with the family to see the lights and decorations.

Can I honor a loved one during the season?

Yes. You can decorate a commemorative ornament at the Main Office and hang it on one of the three Christmas trees in front of the fountain. A crafts area lets you put photos or personal notes inside clear or colored ornaments.

What's the difference between the clear and colored ornaments?

Clear ornaments have room inside for a photo or a note. Colored ornaments have space for you to draw or write a note.

Can someone place an ornament for me if I can't come in?

Yes. Call or email the cemetery and the staff will place an ornament on the remembrance trees for you.

Tags

Santa visitsfamily friendlyfree eventholiday traditionchildrens activitiesfestive atmosphereholiday cheer

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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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team