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44 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. Christmas events and holiday activities range from breakfast with Santa Claus in Alameda, ice skating to Frozen songs in San Francisco, fancy holiday teas pretty much everywhere, 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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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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

Free Holiday and Christmas Events in San Francisco Bay Area

Nights of Lights

Half Moon Bay - Fridays, November 24 - December 15, 2023
Free
Half Moon Bay is ready for the holidays with events every Friday until December 16. Enjoy the Annual Lighted Parade and Santa Claus with a kids' zone, an ugly sweater party with prizes, and a showing of the funny movie, Elf, under the stars.  READ MORE

Macy's Holiday Celebrations

San Francisco - November 24 - December 24, 2023
Free
Santa is coming to San Francisco! This free event is held at Union Square's Macy's, giving families a chance to meet the big man and snap a picture. READ MORE

Christmas in the Park

San Jose - November 24, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Free
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

Thrive City Winter Wonderland

San Francisco - Select dates from November 29 - December 31, 2023
Free
It's a winter wonderland at Thrive City with a ton of festive experiences for all ages. Start with the annual tree lighting ceremony with live music, a Hannukah celebration with the lighting of the menorah,  and end with a Kwanzaa and Noon Year's Eve. Ice skating, live entertainment, multicultural experiences, photo opportunities, seasonal treats, and so much more are in store!  READ MORE

Hometown Holidays

Redwood City - Saturday, December 2, 2023
Free
Get ready for some holiday fun in downtown Redwood City! Complimentary pictures with Santa, live entertainment, food vendors, and a parade extravaganza are all happening for families of all ages.  READ MORE

Mill Valley Winterfest

Mill Valley - Select Sundays, December 3 & 17, 2023
Free
Mill Valley's annual holiday tradition, Winterfest, is here with double the fun of family-friendly cheer. Downtown Plaza brings a lineup of live entertainment, children's games, and activities like a rainbow slide and giant Connect4 game, as well as a visit from Santa Claus. The event begins with a lighting of the Christmas tree and carols on December 3, and concludes with a day-long holiday bonanza on December 17.  READ MORE

Holiday Festival

Pleasant Hill - Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Free
Get in the holiday spirit at the most magical Holiday Festival in Contra Costa. Activities include live youth holiday performances, a Winter Express train, photo opportunities with strolling characters, festive-themed rooms with hands-on activities, an Art Exhibit Experience, and, of course, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.  READ MORE

Bill Graham Menorah Project: Union Square Menorah Lighting

San Francisco - December 7 - 14, 2023
Free
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

Glowing Hanukkah Pop-Up at Ghirardelli Square

San Francisco - Sunday, December 10, 2023
Free
Ghiradelli Square celebrates Hanukkah with candles, music, crafts, dreidel, and fun for the whole family. Enjoy fresh donuts with Harvey's Donuts, shop at Ghiradelli Square, and listen to an LED Piano Concert with Luminescent Grand.  READ MORE
Is it even Christmas until you see the Nutcracker ballet? Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Ballet
Is it even Christmas until you see the Nutcracker ballet? Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Ballet

Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in San Francisco

Film with Live Orchestra: The Nightmare Before Christmas

San Francisco - Thursday & Friday, November 30 & December 1, 2023
See Disney's The Nightmare Before Christmas on the big screen while the SF Symphony performs the quirky score live.  Jack Skellington's plot to take over Christmas in Tim Burton's film comes alive as part of the Holidays with the Symphony.  READ MORE

Broadway Holiday

Sonoma - Friday - Sunday, December 1 - 10, 2023
California wine country transforms into a holiday spectacular for the whole family. Toast the season under the stars with the best Broadway talents putting on a show reminiscent of Judy Garland with songs, dancing, and performances. READ MORE

Mark Foehringer‘s Nutcracker Sweets

San Francisco - Saturday & Sunday, December 2 - 23, 2023
A unique, 50-minute production perfect for small kids, Nutcracker Sweets takes the best parts of the classic ballet and makes it fun. With beautiful costumes, contemporary dance, ballet, and recognizable characters, it's a great way to introduce this holiday tradition.  READ MORE

Deck the Hall Concert & Singalong

San Francisco - Sunday, December 3, 2023
Sing along to your favorite holiday songs led by conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser with members of the San Francisco Symphony, guest artists, and costumed characters. Songs include Sleigh Ride, All I Want for Christmas is You, Feliz Navidad, and more.  READ MORE

A Christmas Carol

San Francisco - Wednesday - Sunday, December 6 - 24, 2023
Music, costumes, and those spooky ghosts, A Christmas Carol is at the Toni Rembe Theater in San Francisco this holiday season. As one of their family-friendly productions, this production is a Bay Area tradition and is inviting families of all ages to enjoy.  READ MORE

A Merry-achi Christmas

San Francisco - Sunday, December 10, 2023
Mariachi Sol de Mexico is at the Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco for a festive holiday celebration of Mexican traditions. Led by Jose Hernandez, families enjoy musical performances and holiday favorites from both Mexico and America.  READ MORE

San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker

San Francisco - December 13 - 30, 2023
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

Hip-Hop Nutcracker

Redwood City - Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17, 2023
A cast of 35 all-star hip-hop artists come together to perform the Nutcracker in a whole new way. Keeping Tchaikovsky's score, but adding some musical twists, the story of a gifted wooden nutcracker takes Clara into a world of hip-hop dancing that is completely different than the world back home.  READ MORE
Meet with Santa in the stunning Filoli Gardens for a magical picture. Photo by Tiffany Zabala courtesy of Filoli Gardens
Meet with Santa in the stunning Filoli Gardens for a magical picture. Photo by Tiffany Zabala courtesy of Filoli Gardens

Pictures with Santa Claus & Santa Breakfasts in the Bay Area

Santa Claus Arrives by Helicopter!

San Carlos - Saturday, December 2, 2023
Head over to the Hiller Aviation Museum for a special arrival of Santa Claus via helicopter! Additional activities include Christmas Carols by the West Bay Community Band, and kids can tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa Claus

Pleasant Hill - Saturday, December 2, 2023
Have a holiday breakfast with Santa with pancakes, sausage, and more. Holiday cheer and live entertainment, as well as photos with the big man himself, are all available to kick off the holiday season.  READ MORE

Santa Days at Filoli

Woodside - Select dates from December 2- 23, 2023
Meet Santa in the beautiful garden at Filoli for Santa Days. Get a photo with the busy man himself, and enjoy a hot drink and holiday treat in the Woodland Court. Afterward, take a stroll through the garden and the house and see all the twinkling lights and holiday decor.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa in Alameda

Alameda - Saturday, December 9, 2023
The Alameda Recreation and Park District organizes a magical holiday morning with breakfast, arts and crafts, and photo ops with Santa. Santa reads one of his favorite Christmas stories at 11:15 a.m. READ MORE
Let these polar bears give you a hand keeping your balance on the ice! Photo courtesy of the Union Square Ice Rink, Facebook
Let these polar bears give you a hand keeping your balance on the ice! Photo courtesy of the Union Square Ice Rink, Facebook

Seasonal Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in San Francisco

Union Square Holiday Ice Rink

San Francisco - November 1, 2023 - January 15, 2024
Ice skating is back at San Francisco's favorite outdoor rink in Union Square. Enjoy special events like Learn to Skate, Simba Saturdays (until December 30), and Flashback Fridays. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, admire the beautiful tree, and celebrate the holidays. READ MORE

Ice at the Veranda

Concord - November 3, 2023 - February 14, 2024
The ice rink at The Veranda is open and ready to greet families for some holiday skating. Shop, dine, and check out all the activities around the plaza before or after your skate as the lights are up in all the holiday decor.  READ MORE

Snoopy's Home Ice

Santa Rosa - Select dates from November 4 - December 30, 2023
There are so many things to do, besides skating, at one of the most beautiful ice arenas in town. There are holiday events, kid skate dates, and more! Built in 1969 by Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, the arena looks like a Swiss Alpine Village. READ MORE

San Mateo on Ice

San Mateo - Select dates from November 10, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Central Park in downtown San Mateo turns into an ice skating rink starting November 10. Featuring 11,000 square feet of real ice, skaters can have fun on the ice during the day or under the stars at night.  READ MORE

The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink

San Ramon - November 10, 2023 - January 7, 2024
The Kristi Yamaguchi Ice Rink is open and greets families of all ages to skate in San Ramon. Open every day, rain or shine, and even on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.  READ MORE

Merry Meritage Holiday Ice Rink & Winter Village

Napa - Select dates from November 17, 2023 - January 7, 2024
The Meritage Ice Rink in Napa is back this year ready to welcome the holidays. Family and friends can try their skating skills, purchase beverages from the onsite tasting room, and even reserve an igloo or fire pit to really make the evening special.  READ MORE

Walnut Creek on Ice

Walnut Creek - December 15, 2023 - January 15, 2024
Walnut Creek's outdoor ice skating rink is open for the holidays with special events and open skating. Rent a cabana and enjoy a party for a group, head over for an evening on skates, or take a class to learn the basics of gliding on the ice.  READ MORE
Make magical holiday memories with your family. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens
Make magical holiday memories with your family. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens

Favorite Christmas Festivals in the Bay Area

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Daly City - Saturday & Sunday, November 18 - December 17, 2023
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, rent skates for the skating rink, and even purchase a Christmas tree.  READ MORE

Glowfari

Oakland - Select dates from November 18, 2023 - January 28, 2024
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

Winter Wonderland

Santa Cruz - Select dates from November 23 - December 31, 2023
Free
Celebrate the holiday season at the beach in Santa Cruz with rides, games, arcades, decorations, a 3-story tall Christmas tree, photos with Santa, pedal carts, and more. The Beach Boardwalk activities include holiday movies from 5-7 p.m., fire pit rentals with holiday s'mores, and tons of holiday shopping. READ MORE

Holiday Tree Walk

Felton - Select dates from November 24 - December 17, 2023
Ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through Bear Mountain on the Holiday Tree Walk at Roaring Camp. Sip hot chocolate, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy winter-themed activities for the whole family.  READ MORE

North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy - November 24 - December 30, 2023
Gilroy Gardens transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland for the holidays. Fake snow, holiday lights, activities for kids, ice skating, visits with Santa Claus, plus some new experiences for 2023 like the North Pole Light Tunnel and Holiday Feasts in Snowflake Square.  READ MORE

WinterFest at Great America

Santa Clara - Select dates from November 24 - December 31, 2023
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

Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge

Manteca - November 24, 2023 - January 8, 2024
Enter a winter wonderland at Great Wolf Lodge's annual holiday celebration, Snowland. The lodge is decked out in holiday cheer, with all the favorites like trivia, bingo, and dance parties ongoing.  The immersive experience is filled with seasonal must-dos like visits with Santa Claus, gingerbread house making, and more.  READ MORE

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Holiday in the Park

Vallejo - Select dates from November 26, 2023 - January 2, 2024
Hang out for the holidays at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. The park is filled with tons of holiday decor (including a larger-than-life Christmas tree), special shows, rides, and festive treats like gingerbread churros and hot chocolate.  READ MORE

Holiday Bricktacular

Milpitas - December 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
The holidays are in full swing at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Milpitas. Holiday Bricktacular has a ton of activities for kids of all ages including Holiday LEGO builds, MINILAND, scavenger hunts, creative workshops, and even a meet and greet with a LEGO gingerbread man.  READ MORE

Sausalito Winterfest 2023

Sausalito - Saturday & Sunday, December 9 & 10, 2023
Sausalito goes big for the holidays with its annual lighted boat parade and fireworks. With reserved seating options for the best view, families can watch the colorful lights on the waterfront and then enjoy a fantastic fireworks display.  READ MORE

Fairy Winterland

Oakland - Select dates from December 15 - 30, 2023
December sparkles at Children's Fairyland for the return of Fairy Winterland. See twinkling lights, Santa Claus leading the Festival of Lights Parade, special performances, a holiday scavenger hunt, and a cup of hot chocolate or cider. Don't forget to drop your letter to Santa in the special mailbox!  READ MORE
Pinkies up, it's time for holiday tea! Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton
Pinkies up, it's time for holiday tea! Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton

Top Holiday Teas in San Francisco

Holiday Tea at the Fairmont

San Francisco -Select dates from November 24 - December 31, 2023
The beautiful San Francisco Fairmont Hotel is hosting holiday tea for kids and adults. Delicious loose-leaf tea like Holiday Plum Spice, along with house-made scones, tea sandwiches, and sweets are presented in themed decor. Vegan and gluten-free options are available as well.  READ MORE

Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton

San Francisco - Select dates from November 25 - December 23, 2023
A favorite holiday tradition for many Bay Area parents, 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

Crown & Crumpet Holiday Afternoon Tea

San Francisco & Marin - Select dates from December 2 - 31, 2023
A Bay Area favorite, Crown & Crumpet is hosting its annual Holiday Afternoon Tea and both locations are decorated with holiday cheer. An elevated British-themed experience includes pulling a Christmas cracker and a simple craft activity to take home. Savor delicious tea sandwiches, scones, sweets, and tea or hot chocolate.  READ MORE

Marin County Teddy Bear Tea

Mill Valley - Saturday, December 9, 2023
Dress up in your festive outfits for Teddy Bear Tea à la Française this holiday season. Le Petit Jardin is holding its 14th Annual event for little ones with a special tea service, traditional holiday music, interactive teddy bear stuffing, "fireside" story time, and a photo booth. A special reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is in English and French.  READ MORE

Dollie + Me Holiday Tea- SOLD OUT

San Francisco - Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17, 2023
An afternoon tea event with dollies, crafting, and fun at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco. This holiday tradition invites families for hot chocolate, sandwiches, and Dollie and Me sweet treats. Dollie crafting activities are hosted by Kit & Sis, and a goodie bag is given to each kid to enjoy year-round with their dolls.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Vista Collina Resort at The Meritage
Great Wolf Lodge Northern California
Sausalito Waterfront Gabrielson Park