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12/17/23 - By Sandra Lee

Holiday break plans can be tricky, but luckily, plenty is going on in San Franciso and the Bay Area to keep the kids busy. While movie marathons and pajamas all day sound perfect, there are some entertaining events and things to do in the Bay Area that get your family out of the house and exploring. You can catch some of the holiday events you might've missed, like WinterFest at Great America and Enchant Magic in San Jose, visit a museum in the middle of the week, like the IlluminOdyssey in San Mateo and Polar Play Days in San Jose, or see a show like The Lion King or Potted Potter. 

Here, we've rounded up our favorite things to do when most kids are on holiday break, and we're adding more events to our San Francisco activities calendar every day. 

If you plan to take a local getaway during the holiday break, get inspired with things to do in Lake Tahoe with kids, see the best things to do in Oakland with kids, embark on the best day trips from San Francisco, and peruse our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for San Francisco. 

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Discover the science of light at IlluminOdyssey. Photo courtesy of CuriOdyssey
Discover the science of light at IlluminOdyssey. Photo courtesy of CuriOdyssey

Top Things To Do During Holiday Break in San Francisco

Fairy Winterland

Oakland - Friday - Tuesday, December 26 - 30, 2023
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

Santana Row Snow Showers

San Jose - Tuesday & Saturday, December 26 & 30, 2023
Free
It’s snowing on The Row! Santana Row brings the North Pole to San Jose for a fun, holiday celebration. Enjoy outdoor snow showers & holiday tunes every 30 minutes in Park Valencia in front of Maggiano’s. READ MORE

New Year's Holiday Lights Train at Roaring Camp

Felton - Tuesday - Sunday, December 26, 2023 - January 3, 2024
Bring in the new year aboard the New Years Holiday Lights Train. Ride vintage train cars beautifully decorated with holiday lights through the streets of Santa Cruz. Light-up hula hoopers and a live DJ will keep spirits bright and help bring in 2025 right. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz - Daily through Wednesday, December 27, 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, fire pit rentals with holiday s'mores, and tons of holiday shopping. READ MORE

The Holiday Train at the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad

Los Gatos - Thursday - Saturday, December 28 - 30, 2023
The Holiday Train is back with a ride through Vasona Park to see the beautiful Fantasy of Lights display.  Grab a bite to eat at the Snack Shack before getting onboard for a magical holiday evening.  READ MORE

Hiller Aviation Museum Kid's Carnival

San Carlos - Friday, December 29, 2023
Hiller Aviation Museum is hosting a kids-only event featuring aircraft checkouts, cockpit exploration, and helicopter and glider construction perfect for little aviators.  READ MORE

The Lion King

San Francisco - Closes Saturday, December 30, 2023
Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, The Lion King is at the Orpheum Theatre for the holidays to bring the magic of the Pride Lands. Featuring some of the most beautiful music from artists Elton John and Tim Rice, this musical is perfect for the whole family.  READ MORE

North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy - Daily through Saturday, 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 like the Reindeer Roundup Trail where kids can fill up their "stocking" with fun toys and tasty treats from Santa's nine reindeer. READ MORE

Panto in the Presidio: Peter Pan

San Francisco - Closes Saturday, December 30, 2023
Panto is a UK holiday tradition, bringing satire, audience participation, and sing-along to popular fairy tales. Audience members can help boo villains, cheer for the heroes, and sing along to popular songs played by a live band. Oh, and watch out for flying candy!  READ MORE

26th Annual Fantasy of Lights

Los Gatos - Daily through Saturday, December 30, 2023
Enjoy a walk or drive through a 1.5-mile magical display of lights while listening to holiday music. Highlighted displays include an erupting volcano in the Dinosaur Den, Santa shooting hoops, playful penguins, pirate cannons, and tunnels full of moving lights. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Bay Area Discovery Museum

Sausalito - Sunday, December 31, 2023
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is hosting a Noon Year's Eve Party complete with a dance party and a countdown with an epic ball drop. Then, enjoy all the winter-themed spaces and activities around the museum for the rest of the day like iceless skating!  READ MORE

WinterFest at Great America

Santa Clara - Daily through Sunday, 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

23rd Annual Balloon Drop at Chabot

Oakland - Sunday, December 31, 2023
Count down to 2024 around the world with balloon drops at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. at the Chabot Space and Science Center. With drop times for the 5 and under and 6-12, this family-friendly event is a great way to celebrate the New Year! READ MORE

City of Lights Driving Tour

Petaluma - Daily through Sunday, December 31
Free
Families can load up the car and take a driving tour through Petaluma to see the holiday lights. The self-guided tour goes through beautifully decorated homes and businesses.  READ MORE

39th Annual Japanese New Year’s Bell-Ringing Ceremony

San Francisco - Sunday, December 31, 2023
The Asian Art Museum is ready to ring in the New Year with a 2,100-pound, 16th-century Japanese temple bell. The ceremony includes a purification ritual and chanting of the Buddhist Heart Sutra. Then it's open to the public, giving families the chance to leave behind anything negative from the previous year. READ MORE

Holiday Windows at Macy's Union Square

San Francisco - Thursday - Sunday through December 31, 2023
Free
The cutest San Francisco tradition is back at Macy's. The Holiday Windows, featuring adorable, adoptable kittens and puppies will be on display daily. Snuggle with one of the SF SPCA's Animal Assisted Therapy ambassadors on select days, and bring blankets, toys, towels, and flat sheets to the donation station.  READ MORE

Circus Bella's Kaleidoscope - A Winter Holiday Spectacular

San Francisco - Closes Sunday, December 31, 2023
Circus Bella is returning to San Francisco with their new indoor seated show KALEIDOSCOPE 2023, performing in the round under a Picturesque Circus Tent for three weekends. With seating all around the tent, families with kids of all ages can see circus acts and slapstick humor in an intimate setting for the holiday season.  READ MORE

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!

Santa Rosa - Sunday, December 31, 2023
The Peanuts gang is hosting a New Year's party complete with fun crafts, and a showing of Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! on the big screen. Kids of all ages enjoy two balloon drops, a Baby Balloon Drop (for kids 4 and under) at noon, followed by another one at 3 p.m. READ MORE

Holiday Tea at the Fairmont

San Francisco - Daily through Sunday, 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

Enchant Christmas at PayPal Park

San Jose - Daily through Sunday, December 31, 2023
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

Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez

San Jose - Daily through Monday, January 1, 2024
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

Holiday Bricktacular at Legoland Discovery Center

Milpitas - Daily through Monday, 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 builds, creative workshops, and even a meet and greet with a LEGO gingerbread man.  Families can create joy in the biggest-ever donation of LEGO® sets to children in need by building a LEGO heart at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Bay Area, new for 2024. READ MORE

Garden of D’Lights

Walnut Creek - Tuesday - Saturday through January 6, 2024
Experience the Ruth Bancroft Garden in a whole new way at its annual Garden of d'Lights. Members and non-members of all ages can stroll through the garden and see mature cacti, succulents, and trees that are transformed into botanical sculptures covered with beautiful lights.  READ MORE

Potted Potter

San Francisco - Select dates through Sunday, January 7, 2024
Fans of Harry Potter are in for a treat as two-time  Olivier Award-nominated actors Daniel Clarson and Jefferson Turner try to condense all seven Harry Potter books into 70 minutes. The hilarious duo brings The Unauthorized Harry Potter Experience to the Palace of Fine Arts for a limited time.  READ MORE

Holidays at Filoli

Woodside - Daily through Monday, January 7, 2024
Holidays at Filoli are super popular with families, with the house and garden transformed into a winter wonderland. The main house is decorated with all the holiday cheer, while the garden is winterized and beautiful.  Special add-ins include private fire pit experiences, flora parties, and ballroom signature lounge.  READ MORE

'Tis the Season for Science

San Francisco - Daily through Sunday, January 7, 2024
Indoor flurries, icy science experiments, and musical performances are going on now at the California Academy of Arts and Sciences. Families can check out the Naturalist Center and learn how animals thrive in arctic climates, tour a winter night sky at the Planetarium, see a live show, or explore the Ice Lab.  READ MORE

San Mateo on Ice

San Mateo - Daily through Sunday, January 7, 2024
Central Park in downtown San Mateo will turn 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

BayLUG Giant Lego Display

Palo Alto - Saturdays & Sundays through Sunday, January 7, 2024
Check out this year's LEGO display built by BayLUG, a group of enthusiasts dedicated to designing and building LEGO creations. Inspired by the Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton, the display takes Minifigures from the western town through the redwood grove and Bear Mountain. Aside from the themed display, families can see the gingerbread village including a post office, houses, a hospital, a fire station, and streets.  READ MORE

Merry Meritage Holiday Ice Rink & Winter Village

Napa - Daily through Sunday, 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.  The special tree lighting ceremony will be held on November 23 and is free to attend. READ MORE

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Holiday in the Park

Vallejo - Daily through Sunday, January 7, 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

The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink

San Ramon - Daily through Sunday, 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.  Special days include Grinch Night, Pajama Night, Santa at the Rink, Family Photo Night, and more.  READ MORE

Polar Play Days at the Tech Interactive

San Jose - Tuesday - Sunday through January 15, 2024
It's snowy, chilly, and full of STEM-tastic activities at The Tech Interactive in San Jose for Polar Play Days. Build a roller coaster alongside penguin friends, learn about NASA's ICEStat-2 Satellite to measure ice thickness, feel like a real astronaut in the Jet Pack Chair, play in the Polar Play Zone, and so much more.  READ MORE

Union Square Holiday Ice Rink

San Francisco - Daily through Monday, January 15, 2024
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

Northern Lights at LBC Sculpture Center

Santa Rosa - Daily through Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Free
Bringing families into the magic of winter nightfall, Winter Lights attracts more than 25,000 people each year. The self-guided tour takes you through new sculptures by local artists, tunnels of twinkling lights, and much more.  READ MORE

IlluminOdyssey

San Mateo - Tuesday - Sunday through January 28, 2024
Inspired by the science of light, CuriOdyssey is presenting its popular exhibit, IlluminOdyssesy, with interactive activities and kid-friendly glowing art. The four-level Redwood Halls transform into a glowing forest of science where families can walk through a botanical maze, play with rainbow refraction, paint with light, and more.  READ MORE

Glowfari

Oakland - Select dates through Sunday, 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

Glow: Play in the Light at the Exploratorium

San Francisco - Select dates through Sunday, January 28, 2024
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

Places featured in this article:

Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad
Presidio Theatre Performing Arts Center
Chabot Space and Science Center
Downtown Petaluma
Museum of American Heritage
Vista Collina Resort at The Meritage