Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for San Francisco Bay Area Kids

The most magical time of year is here: the holiday season! Find fun Christmas activities near San Francisco and the whole Bay Area, from San Jose to Oakland and beyond! Plus restaurants open on Thanksgiving, Hanukkah events, Christmas light shows, and find out where to see Santa Claus this season.

Check out our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide to all the best things to do in San Francisco Bay Area this holiday season.

Christmas Activities for San Francisco Kids
Meet Santa amid dazzling lights. Photo courtesy of Enchant Christmas
Top Places to See Santa in San Francisco
Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah with Kids: Hanukkah Gifts, Fun Crafts, and a Little History
Christmas in the Park is an annual festive affair in San Jose. Photo courtesy of Christmas in the Park.
Best Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in San Francisco
The snow and lights at North Pole Nights are guaranteed to drop jaws. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens
23 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in San Francisco for Kids
Glowfari is an otherworldly lights experience. Photo courtesy of the Oakland County Zoo
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in San Francisco
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

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Hot chocolate bombs are a tasty winter treat for kids!
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Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas movies filled with Santa, elves, and reindeer.
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Latest Christmas/Hanukkah News

The dazzling Glow Light Show offers a leisurely drive through illuminated installations for all ages. Photo courtesy of the event
Christmas Weekend 2025 in Atlanta Top Things To Do: Ice Skating, Holiday Lights, and More
Christmas weekend in Atlanta is full of fun activities. Happy holidays!
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Millions of twinkling lights completely transform the Atlanta Botanical Garden into the magical winter wonderland of Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Photo courtesy of the garden
What's Open on Christmas Day 2025 in Atlanta: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Visit great Atlanta places open on Christmas.
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Drive about four hours to Gaitlinburg's Ober Mountain for its 350-foot snow tubing track with a 50-foot drop! Photo courtesy of Ober Mountain
Best Snow Tubing Near Atlanta for Families in 2025
Enjoy the best family snow tubing near Atlanta...without Icemageddon!
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Atlanta’s Unusual & Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities
Hang with Scuba Claus and more characters at these odd Xmas events!
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Head to Ponce City Market's Skate the Sky event to ice skate during winter break! Photo courtesy Ponce City Market
Atlanta Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s with Kids
Find family-friendly events during winter break in ATL!
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The Hard Rock Cafe has something for everyone this Christmas, including two-course and three-course dinner options.
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta
Skip Christmas cooking and dine at these Atlanta restaurants.
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