Solano Avenue Holiday

Solano Avenue is a local treasure with the charm of a small town and an unmatched array of restaurants and retail establishments - including professional and personal services.

Where else can you find a larger collection of independently-owned "mom and pop" enterprises?

Where else can you find such a dynamic range of services and get so many things done in one area?

Where else can you find a more culturally rich group of businesses with owners from all over the map?

It's on Solano!

Before you rush-off to the mall on "black Friday", think of Solano first.

We may not have the glitz of your local shopping center, but we have the lasting spirit of "small business" and that counts for double.

Thank you for your continuing support of Solano Avenue.

Happy Holidays - Eid Mabarak, Happy Hanukkah/Kwanzaa, and Merry Christmas from the families who own businesses here.

The Solano Avenue district is standing-by to serve you throughout (and after) this winter season. Please remember, if it worth finding, It's on Solano.

Santa on Solano:

The Albany Chamber of Commerce and the Solano Avenue Association are proud to present "Santa on Solano"!

Come join us for pictures with Santa, snacks, and more!

Santa has taken the time out of his busy schedule to appear on Solano Avenue for four weekends in November and December 12 noon to 4PM:

  • November 30th and December first and 7-8
    (Saturdays and Sundays)
    KNA Copy Centre, 1865 Solano Avenue at Fresno
  • December 14-15 and 21-22
    (Saturdays and Sundays)
    at Whole Health Apothecary, 1229 Solano Avenue at Evelyn

Santa on Solano

Solano Avenue Holiday Postcard

Add it to emails -- invite your friends to join the fun

Click here to visit our press page

where you can find high resolution Santa on Solano promotional materials

Gift Certificates

Stuff a few Solano Avenue Gift Cards in their stockings or slip a few in an envelope, seal it with a kiss and off you go! Solve your problem of finding a gift for that special someone. Available in $10 denominations at:

  • Albany - Five Little Monkeys - 1224 Solano Avenue / 510-528-4411
  • Berkeley - The Mane Alley Salon - 1859-A Solano Avenue / 510-528-6889
  • Mail Order Inquiries - Please call the SAA at 510-527-5358

More gift certificate details >

Toy "Barrels" & Food Donation Locations

Isong Orthodontics:
1301 Solano at Key Route (Albany) 528-2229

Marvin Gardens Realty:
1577 Solano at Peralta (Berkeley) 527-2700

Mechanics Bank:
801 San Pablo at Washinton (Albany) 558-2321

Saint Alban's Episcopal Church:
1501 Washington at Curtis (Albany) 525-1716

Tresses Salon:
1734 Solano at Ensenada (Berkeley) 524-5776

YMCA Albany:
921 Kains at Solano (Albany) 525-1130

Please contact them [individually] for deadlines and details.

Live Entertainment on Solano Avenue

Santa on Solano 2013 Entertainers: (Pending Updates)


(Performances are "weather permitting"; Santa is on Solano "rain or shine".)

  • December 1, 7, 21 and 22 (weekend days):
    Michael Sullivan
    (with our "Santa on Solano" program / locations - noon to 4 pm)

  • December 15th (02:00 - 04:00 pm / Sunday):
    Stannage Avenue Caroling Kids led by Richard Kalman
    (with our "Santa on Solano" program at 1226 Solano)

  • December 21st (12:00 - 01:00 pm / Saturday):
    Carolers at the east end of Solano Avenue
    They are part of the Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra

    • This page last updated on December 18th, 2013