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Santa drops in to Hiller Aviation Museum for photo-ops with all the kids. Photo courtesy of the museum
Santa drops in to Hiller Aviation Museum for photo-ops with all the kids. Photo courtesy of the museum
12/3/25 - 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!

The holiday season has officially begun, and the San Francisco Bay Area has plenty of events to help you get in the spirit.

Get some early shopping done while kids decorate cookies and sip on hot cocoa in Redwood City at the annual Winter Wonderland and Merry Marketplace. Santa arrives by helicopter at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, ready to listen to Christmas wishes. Finally, head over to San Francisco on Sunday for Deck the Hall, a family-friendly concert complete with all the holiday classics. 

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

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

Winter Festival at Gamble Gardens

Palo Alto
Thursday, December 4-Saturday, December 6
Three days of winter festivities at Gamble Gardens start with an opening party (adults only), followed by activities for the whole family.  Browse the marketplace for holiday gifts and decor, enjoy a festive night with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and get dressed up for holiday tea in the garden.  READ MORE

First Friday Night at CuriOdyssey

San Mateo
Friday, December 5
Come early and stay late on the first Friday of the month for CuriOdyssey's First Friday Night. With music, science, animals, and a cash bar, it's an event for parents and kids to enjoy together.  READ MORE

Christmas Parade in Napa

Napa—FREE
Saturday, December 6
Downtown Napa is hosting its annual holiday parade, where families can see decorative floats, lights, and much more.  Santa also makes an appearance after the parade for pictures.  READ MORE

Holiday Celebration in Alameda

Alameda—FREE
Saturday, December 6
Take photos with Santa and the Grinch at Alameda Landing. Elves, carolers, face paitning, and balloon art are also there for kids to enjoy.  READ MORE

Santa Claus Arrives by Helicopter at the Hiller Aviation Museum

San Carlos
Saturday, December 6
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

Penngrove Winter Fest

Penngrove—FREE
Saturday, December 6
Downtown Penngrove is celebrating the season with a family-friendly experience that welcomes St. Nick and the mischievous Krampus. Sip and shop to find holiday gifts, look for unique treasures at the outdoor market, go on the Krampus Walk to meet the legendary figure along with themed foods at local pubs and eateries, hear live music, and more. Kids can engage in crafts at their Children's Maker Workshop, decorate gingerbread cookies, and take pictures with St. Nick. READ MORE

The Nutcracker at the CAIS Theatre

San Francisco
Saturday, December 6
San Francisco Youth Ballet presents its annual performance of The Nutcracker. Nominated for the annual Goldstar National Nutcracker Award, this magical, full-length version features professional guest artists and the youth talent from the San Francisco Youth Ballet Academy.  The two-hour production (including a 15-minute intermission) is geared toward families and is a perfect opportunity to introduce young children to this holiday ballet tradition.  READ MORE

Winter Wonderland & Merry Marketplace in Redwood City

Redwood City—FREE
Saturday, December 6
Join us for an enchanting winter evening filled with cookie decorating, bouncing on inflatables, and a cozy hot cocoa station. Don't forget to bring your camera—Santa will be there for photo opportunities. Also visit the Merry Marketplace, where young ‘kidpreneurs’ will sell their holiday creations, perfect for holiday shopping.  READ MORE

Kids Night At The Museum

Santa Rosa
Saturday, December 6
Parents have a night off while the kids play at the Charles M. Schulz Museum after hours. With a pizza dinner, games, crafts, coloring activities, and cartooning (of course!), everybody wins! Recommended for kids 5-10. READ MORE

Tiburon Holiday Festival

Tiburon—FREE
Saturday, December 6
A holiday festival for all ages, Tiburon transforms into a winter wonderland with tons of activities for families. Enjoy gingerbread house decorating, face painting, popcorn by The Belvedere, Christmas Tree lighting, carolers, and a visit from Santa!  READ MORE

Menorahs and Miracles at the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

San Jose
Sunday, December 7
Learn more about the joyful celebration of Hanukkah in this partnership event with JCC Los Gatos. Families can make celebratory candles, listen to a storytime in Hebrew, Russian, and English, and enjoy songs performed by Yavneh Day School students. Go on a miracle scavenger hunt and savor a traditional Hanukkah treat. READ MORE

Deck the Hall at Davies Symphony Hall

San Francisco
Sunday, December 7
Treat your family to a concert of holiday favorites and sing-alongs led by conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser with members of the San Francisco Symphony, guest artists, and beloved costumed characters. READ MORE

Mill Valley Winterfest

Mill Valley—FREE
Sunday, December 7
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 a Santa Claus visit. A kiddie train will also circle Lytton Square.  READ MORE

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About the Author

Sandra Lee
Sandra Lee is the community publisher and social media manager for Mommy Poppins Bay Area. With nearly a decade of writing in the parenting space, she’s passionate about helping parents create unforgettable memories with their kids. Her work has appeared in Tiny Beans, Zulily, and more. When she's not exploring or creating content, you’ll find her baking or practicing her hip-hop moves.
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