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Union Square Winter Walk, Sausalito Winterfest, and More Fun Things To Do in San Francisco This Weekend

The holidays get whimsical! Production photo courtesy of Cirque Dreams Holidaze
The holidays get whimsical! Production photo courtesy of Cirque Dreams Holidaze
12/11/24 - By Sandra Lee

Looking for the best things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

San Francisco is the place to be on Friday for free holiday happenings. Winter Walk at Union Square returns. Don't miss out on the Winter Walk Matterhorn—a towering, glittering-filled croissant. After seasonal treats and holiday shopping in Union Square, ride a festive cable car to Winter Wonderland at the San Francisco Marina. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the SF Marina with a lighted boat parade and see famous holiday characters, like Santa and The Grinch. 

Winter on the Wharf surfs into Santa Cruz with not sand, but snow! Glowing Hanukkah illuminates Ghirardelli Square with interactive activities and an LED piano concert. 

More Things To Do in San Francisco and the Bay Area This Week with Kids:

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Union Square transforms into a winter wonderland. Winter Walk photo courtesy of the Union Square Alliance
Union Square transforms into a winter wonderland. Winter Walk photo courtesy of the Union Square Alliance

Best Things To Do This Weekend in San Francisco Bay Area with Kids

The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert

San Francisco
Thursday & Saturday, December 12 & 14
Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Michael Caine stars as penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge who learns the true meaning of Christmas. Watch this beloved holiday classic on the big screen as the Symphony performs the score live. READ MORE

Winter Walk at Union Square

San Francisco - FREE
Starts Friday, December 13
The Union Square tradition is back by popular demand! Bring the whole crew to downtown San Francisco for two blocks of fun from Post to O'Farrell St. Enjoy food trucks, bar gardens, entertainment, family-friendly activities, and all the holiday cheer. Santa is making an appearance on December 14-15 and December 21-22.  READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at the San Francisco Marina

San Francisco - FREE
Friday, December 13
Bring the whole family to a Winter Wonderland at the San Francisco Marina. Featuring a lighted boat parade, family fun and celebration of the Marina's 100th anniversary. READ MORE

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

San Francisco
Friday - Sunday, December 13 - 15
Imaginative and fun for children, seniors and everyone in between, Cirque Dreams features a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, acrobatics, and much more. An original music score includes new twists on seasonal favorites such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Carol of the Bells.” Singers, dancers, penguins, toy soldiers, and reindeer invoke the dreams behind a child’s eye on the most magical of nights.  READ MORE

Lighted Boat Festival in Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay - FREE
Saturday, December 14
Families can celebrate the holidays in Half Moon Bay at the Lighted Boat Festival at Pillar Point Harbor. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, kids’ crafts, and live performances by local bands. The evening will culminate with a spectacular lighted drone show for the grand finale.  READ MORE

San Francisco 22nd Annual Parol Lantern Festival

San Francisco - FREE
Saturday, December 14
Celebrating Filipino culture, Yerba Buenas Gardens is hosting its annual Parol Festival with live music, holiday treats, art, and a parol lighting ceremony. Stroll through the gardens and check out the lanterns, sample traditional Filipino treats, and watch performances by local artists to celebrate the memorable holiday.  READ MORE

Marin County Teddy Bear Tea

Mill Valley
Saturday, December 14
Dress up in your festive outfits for Teddy Bear Tea à la Française this holiday season. Le Petit Jardin is holding its 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

Winter on the Wharf

Santa Cruz - FREE
Saturday, December 14
Celebrate Winter on the Wharf with holiday decorations, Wharf specials and see Santa arrive on the Wharf by a vintage fire engine. Letters to Santa can be mailed out in a special mailbox, play in the snow with Frozen's Elsa and Anna, and enjoy custom balloon designs and face painting. READ MORE

Winter Crafts Day at the Randall Museum

San Francisco - FREE
Saturday, December 14
Get crafty and make presents and decorations for the winter holidays this year at the Randall Museum’s annual Winter Crafts Day. Everyone can create one-of-a-kind hand-made gifts and items to decorate their homes. Create gnome sculptures, decorate laser cut ornaments, design handmade cards and more! Explore the museum for unexpected surprises while enjoying familiar favorites likes building wooden trains, live entertainment and more. READ MORE

Sausalito Winterfest 2024

Sausalito
Saturday & Sunday, December 14 & 15
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

WinterFest at Chabot Space & Science Center

Oakland
Saturday & Sunday, December 14 & 15
For two magical weekends, step into a world of icy planets and far away galaxies this winter at Chabot. Glide across the sock skate rink, spin and twirl in your coziest socks, enjoy some hot cocoa and channel your inner space explorer with gingerbread rovers inspired by cosmic missions. Enjoy innovative snow-making activities and timed snowfall events, adding a touch of winter wonder to your experience.  READ MORE

Glowing Hanukkah Pop-Up at Ghirardelli Square

San Francisco - FREE
Sunday, December 15
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

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