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15 Must Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in San Francisco for Kids

Check out the life-size gingerbread house when you take holiday tea at the Fairmont! Photo courtesy of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco
Check out the life-size gingerbread house when you take holiday tea at the Fairmont! Photo courtesy of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco
11/26/23 - By Sandra Lee

There are so many Christmas events and holiday activities in San Francisco and the Bay Area, and my favorite ones are below to help you plan and take advantage of all the Bay Area has to offer during the most magical time of the year. 

Just like that, it's the holiday season! There's a reason one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time says, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." The twinkling lights, ice skating rinks, festive songs, and celebrations are nothing short of spectacular. This time of year also allows us to connect, be together, create traditions, and make memories as a family.

We've rounded up the very best Christmas events and holiday activities that need to be on your list, from breakfast with Santa Claus, ice skating in San Francisco, fancy holiday teas, and so much more. 

For more Christmas events and holiday family outings, we have a whole post dedicated to the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in San Francisco, the best Polar Express train rides and Christmas trains, plus more festive holiday fun in our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for San Francisco Bay Area Kids! 

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Macy's Santaland is a can't-miss holiday outing. Photo by Greg Coppola, courtesy of Macy's
Macy's Santaland is a can't-miss holiday outing. Photo by Greg Coppola, courtesy of Macy's

Best Holiday and Christmas Events in San Francisco Bay Area

Union Square Holiday Ice Rink

San Francisco
November 6 - January 20, 2025
Ice skating is back at San Francisco's favorite outdoor rink in Union Square. Enjoy special events like Learn to Skate, Polar Bear Skate, and Flashback Fridays. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, admire the beautiful tree, and celebrate the holidays. READ MORE

Glowfari

Oakland
November 8 - January 26, 2025
Oakland Zoo is up in lights for Glowfari, featuring hundreds of beautiful glowing animal lanterns scattered throughout. Families can walk around the animals of the forest with iconic wildlife, frosty friends of the Arctic, the Deep Ocean, and the swap of the Bayou.  READ MORE

Glow: Play in the Light at the Exploratorium

San Francisco
November 21 - January 26, 2025
Play experimental LED dungeon crawlers, see real objects float with movie screen technology, paint the walls with digital light, walk inside 3D illusions, and so much more.  Tons of family programs will get everyone thinking and exploring the magic of light. READ MORE

Enchant Christmas at PayPal Park

San Jose
November 22 - December 29, 2024
Get ready for the biggest light show coming to San Jose for the holidays. Enchant features over 4 million sparkling lights creating an immersive story-themed maze that families can walk through. Additional activities include ice skating, entertainment, dining, holiday shopping, kids play space, and, of course, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  READ MORE

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Daly City
November 23 - December 22, 2024
A one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair has costumed players interacting with patrons, theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, food and beverages, and holiday shops. Families can sip on hot spiced cider, see a puppet show, engage in arts and crafts, and even see a Victorian fairy.  READ MORE

Holiday Lights Train at Roaring Camp

Felton
November 29 - December 23, 2024
A family favorite is back at Roaring Camp for the holidays. The Holiday Lights Train takes guests on vintage cars decked out in colorful lights. Additional activities include a holiday sing-along, live music, hot-spiced cider, and a Santa visit. READ MORE

Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez

San Jose - FREE
November 29, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Christmas in the Park is a popular holiday event in downtown San Jose. Held for over 40 years, the park turns into a holiday extravaganza with musical and animated exhibits, colorful lights, and a 50 ft. Christmas tree. The forest of trees are decorated by San Jose schools, community groups, and businesses to highlight all that the city has to offer.  READ MORE

WinterFest at Great America

Santa Clara
November 29 - January 5, 2025
Festive food, shopping, special rides, holiday activities, lights, and live entertainment, the park is transformed into a holiday festival. Ice skate in front of the Carousel Columbia, sip on hot chocolate, send letters to the North Pole, and bake cookies in Mrs. Claus' kitchen.  READ MORE

Thrive City Winter Wonderland

San Francisco - FREE
Select dates from November 30 - December 31, 2024
Thrive City is a winter wonderland with a ton of festive experiences for all ages. Start with the annual tree lighting ceremony with live music, a Hannukah celebration with the menorah lighting, and end with Kwanzaa and Noon Year's Eve. Ice skating, live entertainment, multicultural experiences, photo opportunities, seasonal treats, and more are in store. READ MORE

San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker

San Francisco
December 6 - 29, 2024
Exquisite dancing, beautiful sets, beloved characters, and the music of Tchaikovsky are performed live by the San Francisco Orchestra and the San Francisco Ballet Company. A favorite show for the holidays, it's the story of a young girl, a nutcracker, and a Sugarplum fairy.   READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at the Westin St. Francis

San Francisco
December 7, 2024
Enjoy a breakfast buffet overlooking San Francisco, with a classic American spread including eggs, bacon, pancakes, fresh fruit, and even a mimosa for each adult. The highlight of the morning will be a special visit from Santa, where every child will have the chance to meet him and take a photo. Back by popular demand, the holiday craft station hosted by local favorite Messy Art Lab will also be available offering fun, art-forward activities for kids to enjoy. READ MORE

Fairy Winterland

Oakland
December 14 - 30, 2024
December sparkles at Children's Fairyland for the return of Fairy Winterland, a tradition for over 20 years. See twinkling lights, Santa Claus leading the Festival of Lights Parade, special performances like tap dancing penguins and trees, a wishing wall, complimentary hot chocolate or cider, and more Don't forget to drop your letter to Santa in the special mailbox!  READ MORE

Elf in Concert with the SF Symphony

San Francisco
December 19 - 21, 2024
One of the most popular holiday movies filled with "singing loud for all to hear," Elf is on the giant screen at the SF Symphony, accompanied by a live orchestra playing the musical score of John Debney. READ MORE

Bill Graham Menorah Project: Union Square Menorah Lighting

San Francisco - FREE
December 25, 2024 - January 2, 2025
Celebrate the annual Chanukah Festival of Lights in Union Square with the lighting of the Menorah. The 8-day event draws thousands of visitors to San Francisco, as well as artists and community leaders from the Bay Area.  READ MORE

Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton

San Francisco
November 30 - December 23, 2024
A favorite holiday tradition, Teddy Bear Tea in the winter wonderland of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is one for the books. Kids can enjoy tea service with hot chocolate, scones, teddy bear treats, and assorted sandwiches while an animated show of holiday elves and characters do sing-alongs, skits, and tell stories. Kids ages 2-11 receive a teddy bear gift and keepsake to take home.  READ MORE

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