Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for San Francisco Bay Area Kids

The most magical time of year is here: the holiday season! Find fun Christmas activities near San Francisco and the whole Bay Area, from San Jose to Oakland and beyond! Plus restaurants open on Thanksgiving, Hanukkah events, Christmas light shows, and find out where to see Santa Claus this season.

Check out our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide to all the best things to do in San Francisco Bay Area this holiday season.

Christmas Activities for San Francisco Kids
Meet Santa amid dazzling lights. Photo courtesy of Enchant Christmas
Top Places to See Santa in San Francisco
Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah with Kids: Hanukkah Gifts, Fun Crafts, and a Little History
Christmas in the Park is an annual festive affair in San Jose. Photo courtesy of Christmas in the Park.
Best Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in San Francisco
The snow and lights at North Pole Nights are guaranteed to drop jaws. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens
23 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in San Francisco for Kids
Glowfari is an otherworldly lights experience. Photo courtesy of the Oakland County Zoo
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in San Francisco
Mingle with Santa Claus while aboard a holiday train! Photo courtesy of the Sacramento River Fox Train
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near San Francisco

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Holiday & Christmas Crafts for Kids
Armed with our giant list of Christmas crafts, you'll keep kids busy until the New Year!
101 Fun Christmas Crafts and Games for Kids to Do at Home
Keep Rudolph's teeth clean with this Christmas science experiment.
Reindeer Toothpaste Recipe Christmas Science Activity for Kids
We’ve tested out dozens of Christmas cookie recipes over the years, and these are the very best.
10 Best Christmas Cookies to Bake with Kids (Easy, Fun, and Festive Recipes for Families)
Easy Handmade Thumbprint Holiday Cards Kids Craft
Hot chocolate bombs are a tasty winter treat for kids!
How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs in 5 Easy Steps
Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas movies filled with Santa, elves, and reindeer.
A Charlie Brown Christmas and More Kids' Holiday Movies to Watch This Holiday Season

Latest Christmas/Hanukkah News

Christmas Day Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. Photo courtesy of City Experiences
What's Open on Christmas Day in Chicago: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Not everything is closed on Christmas Day. Get out of the house and enjoy one of these fun ideas.
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The trees at Morton Arboretum are aglow like you've never seen. Photo courtesy of the Arboretum
Chicago’s Unusual & Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities
Hidden gem holiday events for seasonal family fun.
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Jack Frost Winter Walk Pop-up is open daily through Jan. 1. Photo courtesy of the event.
Chicago's Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Years with Kids
Winter break is here. We can help fill the days with fun, engaging activities.
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The artfully decorated Peninsula is a wonderful venue for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dining, Holiday decorations by Kehoe Designs, photography by Mark Segal
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Chicago
These local restaurants are open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both.
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Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago 2025
Brighten up your holiday nights with a visit to one of these elaborate lights displays and...
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The zoo is all aglow! Lincoln Park Zoo Lights photo by Brandon Tucker, courtesy of the zoo.
31 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Chicago for Kids
Get ready for a season full of holiday fun—all of it FREE.
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