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
Enchant Christmas at PayPal Park. Photo courtesy of the event.
13 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in San Francisco for Kids
Glowfari is an otherworldly and amazing 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 for 2024

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Holiday & Christmas Crafts for Kids
Armed with our giant list of Christmas crafts, you'll keep kids busy until the New Year!
101 Christmas Crafts for Kids, Plus Christmas Games and More At-Home Activities
Keep Rudolph's teeth clean with this Christmas science experiment.
Reindeer Toothpaste Recipe Christmas Science Activity for Kids
We’ve tested out dozens of Christmas cookie recipes over the years, and these are the very best.
10 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes To Bake with Kids
Easy Handmade Thumbprint Holiday Cards Kids Craft
Hot chocolate bombs are a tasty winter treat for kids!
How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs in 5 Easy Steps
Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas movies filled with Santa, elves, and reindeer.
A Charlie Brown Christmas and More Kids' Holiday Movies to Watch This Holiday Season

Latest Christmas/Hanukkah News

Get out for some cool sights and fun things to do over Christmas break in CT! Winter Lantern Festival photo courtesy of Lyman's Orchard
Christmas Vacation in CT: 35 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
Make the most of the school holiday break with these fun activities in CT.
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Dine among a beautiful display of holiday lights on Christmas in Southington, one of the restaurants open on Christmas in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of Cava Restaurant
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Connecticut
Relax and let these amazing Connecticut restaurants handle Christmas dinner!
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Connecticut is full of happiness, joy, and free Christmas and holiday activities, like Santa at Cabela's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Bass pro Shops
20 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Connecticut for Kids
Explore the free holiday events all over Connecticut for 2024!
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Raise a hand if you're excited for the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut! Magic of Lights photo courtesy of the XL Center
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Connecticut
Find the biggest and brightest light displays in CT for 2024's holiday season!
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There's a long list of reasons why Mystic, CT is the most magical Christmas town around! Photo courtesy of the Mystic Chamber of Commerce
Why Mystic, CT is the Most Magical Christmas Town Around
Explore the holiday fun in and around Mystic CT!
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Uh-oh! The elf tangled up your tree lights! Photo by Mark Baylor, courtesy of Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
  VIDEO
50 Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas for 2025: Easy & Funny Ideas to Delight Kids
Simple but hilarious Elf on the Shelf shenanigans that will delight your kids.
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