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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 Holiday Windows in San Francisco's Union Square, 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 Hamilton or the iconic Nutcracker. 

Here, we've rounded up our favorite things to do when most kids are on holiday break. 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

Enchant Christmas at PayPal Park

San Jose
Daily, Now Through 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

Panto in the Presidio: Peter Pan

San Francisco
Wednesday - Sunday, Now Through December 29, 2024
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

Hamilton in San Francisco

San Francisco
Select Days, Now Through January 5, 2025
Hamilton is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. READ MORE

Holiday Tea at the Fairmont

San Francisco
Thursday - Sunday, Now Through December 31, 2024
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

Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez

San Jose - FREE
Daily, Now Through 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

Polar Play Days at the Tech Interactive

San Jose
Daily, Now Through January 5, 2025
It's snowy, chilly, and full of STEM-tastic activities at The Tech Interactive in San Jose for Polar Play Days. Build sweet candy structures to withstand a blizzard, slide into some serious fun at our new Sock Skating Rink, take a spin at ICESat-2, and so much more.  READ MORE

'Tis the Season for Science at Cal Academy

San Francisco
Daily, Now Through January 5, 2025
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 baby reindeer, or explore the Ice Lab.  READ MORE

Glow: Play in the Light at the Exploratorium

San Francisco
Daily, Now Through 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

San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker

San Francisco
Tuesday - Saturday, 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

26th Annual Fantasy of Lights

Los Gatos
Daily, December 7 - January 5, 2025
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

New Year's Train at Roaring Camp

Felton
Daily, December 26 - 31, 2024
Bring in the new year aboard the New Years Holiday 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

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

San Francisco
Sunday, December 29, 2024
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

Annual Balloon Drop at Chabot

Oakland
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Count down to 2025 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

Noon Year's Eve at Bay Area Discovery Museum

Sausalito
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
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

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!

Santa Rosa
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
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

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