Christmasville in Emeryville photo by Leah Marie, LeahMarieStudio.com
TMNT Sketch Day, Beagle Scouts Family Day, and More Fun Things To Do in San Francisco This Weekend
Cheers to Thanksgiving cooking being done by someone else! Photo courtesy of City Experiences
Best Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco (That Kids Love!)
GUIDE
San Francisco Fall Guide: Apple & Pumpkin Picking and Weekend Trips 2024
Mingle with Santa Claus while aboard a holiday train! Photo courtesy of the Sacramento River Fox Train
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near San Francisco for 2024
Snow tubing adventures in NorCal are at the ready for kids of all ages. Photo by Trevor Clark, courtesy of Tahoe Donner
15 Spots for Snow Tubing Near San Francisco and the Bay Area
Hike amongst iconic landmarks. Photo courtesy of Nicole Findlay
Family-Friendly Urban Hikes in San Francisco
Swing by The Outpost at the Presidio Tunnel Tops for all the free fun. Photo by Sandra Lee
100 Fun Free Things To Do in San Francisco with Kids
Explore the City by the Bay. Photo courtesy of Gina Ragland
GUIDE
San Francisco Visitors' Guide for Families
Delight in the wonders of the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Photo by Gina Ragland
37 Great Things To Do with Preschoolers & Toddlers in the San Francisco Bay Area
Kiddos will love the arched drum bridge. Japanese Tea Garden photo by Nicole Findlay
Visiting Golden Gate Park with Kids: Everything You Need To Know
See giant redwood trees is an experience every family should have.
Best Places to See Giant Redwoods in California: A Family Travel Guide
Discover culture and cuisine when strolling through Chinatown with kids in San Francisco. Photo by Nicole Findlay
Chinatown with Kids: 18 Best Things To Do in Chinatown, San Francisco
San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf is packed with things to do for kids of all ages. Photo by xiquinhosilva, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Fisherman's Wharf with Kids in San Francisco: 24 Best Things To Do
​Riding a cable car is a must when in San Francisco! Photo by Gina Ragland
Guide To Riding San Francisco Cable Cars with Kids: Everything You Need to Know
There's so much to see and do in San Francisco with kids. Cable Car by Vasile Cotovanu via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
3 Days in San Francisco with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Hike amongst iconic landmarks. Photo courtesy of Nicole Findlay
Family-Friendly Urban Hikes in San Francisco
Admire the hundreds of animals at the Oakland Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Oakland Zoo
Oakland with Kids: 34 Best Things To Do in Oakland, CA
GUIDE
Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for San Francisco
Take baby to the beach to admire San Francisco's most iconic landmark. Crissy Beach photo by Nicole Findlay for Mommy Poppins
39 Things To Do with San Francisco Babies Before They Turn 1
It feels like sitting on top of the world. Or, at least, on top of the Tops.
Exploring San Francisco's Presidio Tunnel Tops with Kids
Enjoy pretend play, art, science, and so much more at the Sacramento Children's Museum. Photo by Gina Ragland
Sacramento with Kids: 50 Surprising and Fun Things To Do in Sacramento, California
The Bay Area Discovery Museum has the most stunning view of any kids' museum. Ever. Photo courtesy of the Museum
100 Things To Do in San Francisco With Kids Before They Grow Up
Photo by Dnaiel Gorosteita via Pexels
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in San Francisco with Kids Guide

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2023 in San Francisco: Turkey Trots, and More Things To Do

Seeing the Lion King will really top off a lovely Thanksgiving Day Weekend! Production photo by Matthew Murphy, courtesy of Disney.
Seeing the Lion King will really top off a lovely Thanksgiving Day Weekend! Production photo by Matthew Murphy, courtesy of Disney.
11/21/23 - By Sandra Lee

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

It's Thanksgiving Day weekend! Whether you are hosting, traveling, bringing your favorite sides, or dining out, it's a wonderful weekend to spend time with family and friends.

I personally am so thankful to live in the Bay Area, stuffed with diverse and plentiful things to do with kids. There are Thanksgiving-themed events like the jaw-dropping Helicopter Turkey Toss, Turkey Trots in San Francisco and Oakland, and holiday festivities like the uber-popular Union Square Holiday Ice Skating and a Winter Wonderland in Santa Cruz. So keep kids busy over Thanksgiving Day Weekend, make some memories, and most of all, enjoy some family time together. 

For more turkey day festivities, see the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco and where to see holiday lights in San Francisco after the pies are all gone. Gobble up our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families for activities to keep the kids entertained before it's turkey time. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Mommy Poppins! 

Are you on social media? We are constantly posting local events and funny mommy moments on our Facebook and Instagram.

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

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Step into the Santa Cruz Winter Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.
Step into the Santa Cruz Winter Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.

Best Things To Do Thanksgiving Day Weekend in San Francisco

Helicopter Turkey Toss & Turkey Hunt at Hiller Aviation Museum

San Carlos - Wednesday, November 22, 2023
The Hiller Aviation Museum is known for using a helicopter to celebrate events and holidays, and this Thanksgiving is no different. The museum is dropping soft, squeezable turkeys that kids can take home with them from a helicopter. Other activities include a Turkey Hunt, where kids win a prize if they can find all the hidden turkeys hidden around the museum.  READ MORE

The Lion King

San Francisco - Starts Wednesday, November 22, 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

Oakland Turkey Trot

Oakland - Thursday, November 23, 2023
Oakland's annual Turkey Trot is back with a 5K and Festival of Thanks. There are finishing medals for adults and kids, custom art installs by local favorites including a fun photo backdrop, and more.  Run for Wildlife Run is for kids 2-8 years old presented by the Oakland Zoo.  READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz - Opens Thursday, November 23, 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

Niles Festival of Lights Parade

Fremont - Friday, November 24, 2023
Free
The Friday after Thanksgiving kicks off the holidays in Fremont with the annual Festival of Lights Parade. See over 60 unique floats, marching bands, costumed characters, and of course, an appearance from Santa.  READ MORE

Enchant Christmas at PayPal Park

San Jose - Opens Friday, November 24, 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

Macy's Holiday Celebrations

San Francisco - Opens Friday, November 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

Holiday Lights 2024

Watsonville - Opens Friday, November 24, 2023
See dazzling lights from the comfort and warmth of your car at the Holiday Lights Drive-Through experience in Watsonville. Families can see giant Christmas trees, Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and lighted tunnels all set to music on the radio.  READ MORE

Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez

San Jose - Starts Friday, November 24, 2023
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

Santa Lights the Square

San Francisco - Friday, November 24, 2023
Free
The SF Boys Chorus leads the crowd with a collection of holiday tunes before Santa comes to officially illuminate Ghiradelli Square with lights! Santa is available afterward in the carillon to take photos, all with a complimentary Ghiradelli Chocolate chocolate square.  READ MORE

Garden of D’Lights

Walnut Creek - Opens Friday, November 24, 2023
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

Holiday Lights Train at Roaring Camp

Felton - Opens Friday, November 24, 2023
A family favorite is back at Roaring Camp for the holidays. The Holiday Lights Train takes guests on vintage cars decked out in colorful lights. Additional activities include a holiday sing-along, live music, hot-spiced cider, and a Santa visit. READ MORE

Winter Lights Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa - Opens Friday, November 24, 2023
Free
A month-long holiday fest with ice skating, tree lighting, holiday shopping, and entertainment all the way until the end of 2024.  The tree lighting ceremony is the day after Thanksgiving with free fun for the whole family including holiday drinks and treats, photos with Santa, and more.  READ MORE

Meet the Grinch

San Jose - Friday, November 24, 2023
Free
Get ready for the holidays with a photo opportunity to meet the Grinch in Park Valencia! Then walk around Santana Row to see all the holiday lights and festivities.  READ MORE

North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy - Opens Friday, November 24, 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

The Polar Express Train Ride at California State Railroad Museum

Sacramento - Starts Friday, November 24, 2023
Sacramento hosts one of its most popular holiday experiences that is not to be missed. Guests begin with entertainment by Polar Express characters, then board the train to the North Pole with hot cocoa and sweet treats. On arrival, the magical elf and Santa himself board the train with a special gift for all passengers.  READ MORE

Family Fun Weekend at the Charles M. Schulz Museum

Santa Rosa - Friday & Saturday, November 24 & 25, 2023
Join cartoonist and storyteller Joe Wos for a family fun weekend at the Peanuts Museum. Live performances and cartoon workshops are available throughout the day. Guests can also explore the galleries, watch animated specials, and get that popular Peanuts-inspired photo op! READ MORE

Christmas Tree Train at Skunk Train

Willits - Opens Saturday, November 25, 2023
Visit the world's largest Christmas tree on a journey on board the Skunk Train through the redwoods. Guests can enjoy seasonal treats, holiday decor, and family fun.  Meet Santa at the Willits Depot, climb aboard one of the historic motorcars, and take a photo.  READ MORE

Panto in the Presidio: Peter Pan

San Francisco - Starts Saturday, November 25, 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

Union Square Holiday Ice Rink

San Francisco - Open 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

The Escape Game Los Angeles

San Francisco - Daily, closed on Thanksgiving
The Escape Game offers an escape from ordinary life that allows your family to be the heroes of your own adventure. Here's how it works: You and your team are locked in a room and have one hour to complete a mission and escape.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article: