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The snow and lights at North Pole Nights are guaranteed to drop jaws. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens
The snow and lights at North Pole Nights are guaranteed to drop jaws. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens
11/9/25 - By Sandra Lee

There are so many Christmas events and holiday activities in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Our favorite ones are below to help you plan and take advantage of all the Bay Area has to offer during the most magical time of the year. 

Just like that, it's the holiday season.

There's a reason one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time says, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." The twinkling lights, ice skating rinks,— festive songs, and celebrations are nothing short of spectacular, and the San Francisco Bay Area has all of them. Discover the best Christmas events and holiday activities that should be on your list, including breakfast with Santa Claus, ice skating in San Francisco, fancy holiday teas, and so much more. 

For more Christmas events and holiday family outings, see our post dedicated to the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in San Francisco, the best Polar Express train rides and Christmas trains, plus more festive holiday fun in our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for San Francisco Bay Area Kids.

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Lace up your skates at Union Square's Holiday Ice Rink. Photo courtesy of the rink
Lace up your skates at Union Square's Holiday Ice Rink. Photo courtesy of the rink

Best Holiday and Christmas Events in San Francisco Bay Area

Union Square Holiday Ice Rink

San Francisco
Daily, November 5, 2025-January 19, 2026
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

Glowfari

Oakland
Select dates, November 7, 2025-January 25, 2026
Oakland Zoo is up in lights for Glowfari, featuring hundreds of beautiful glowing animal lanterns scattered throughout. Families can walk around the animals of the forest with iconic wildlife, frosty friends of the Arctic, the Deep Ocean, and the Bayou swamp.  READ MORE

San Mateo on Ice

San Mateo
Daily, November 14, 2025-January 11, 2026
Central Park in downtown San Mateo turns into an ice skating rink. Featuring 11,000 square feet of real ice, skaters can have fun on the ice during the day or under the stars at night.  READ MORE

Glow: Play in the Light at the Exploratorium

San Francisco
Select dates, November 20, 2025-January 25, 2026
Play experimental LED dungeon crawlers, see real objects float with movie screen technology, paint the walls with digital light, walk inside 3D illusions, and so much more.  These family programs and more get everyone thinking and exploring the magic of light. READ MORE

Walnut Creek on Ice

Walnut Creek
Daily, November 21, 2025-January 19, 2026
Walnut Creek's outdoor ice skating rink is open for the holidays with special events and open skating. Rent a cabana and enjoy a party for a group, head over for an evening on skates, or take a class to learn the basics of gliding on the ice.  New this year is a 90-foot ice slide. READ MORE

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Daly City
Saturday, November 22-Sunday, December 21, 2025
A one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair has costumed players interacting with patrons, theatrically lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, food and beverages, and holiday shops. Families can sip on hot spiced cider, see a puppet show, engage in arts and crafts, and even see a Victorian fairy.  READ MORE

Holiday Tea at the Fairmont

San Francisco
Friday, November 22, 2025-Sunday,-January 4, 2026
The beautiful San Francisco Fairmont Hotel hosts holiday tea for kids and adults. Delicious loose-leaf tea such as Holiday Plum Spice, along with house-made scones, tea sandwiches, and sweets are presented in themed decor. Vegan and gluten-free options are available as well.  READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz—FREE
Thursday, November 27, 2024 (Thanksgiving)-Sunday, January 4, 2026
Celebrate the holiday season at the beach in Santa Cruz with rides, games, arcades, decorations, a three-story tall Christmas tree, photos with Santa, pedal carts, and more. Activities include holiday movies, fire pit rentals with holiday s'mores, and tons of holiday shopping. READ MORE

Holiday Lights Train at Roaring Camp

Felton
Select dates, November 28-December 23, 2025
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 singalong, live music, hot-spiced cider, and a Santa visit. READ MORE

North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy
Friday-Sundays, November 28-December 31, 2025
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens. This extraordinary experience includes jolly characters, fun live shows, ice skating under the stars, festive food and drinks, Santa's Workshop, magical light displays, and more. READ MORE

Winterfest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Vallejo
Friday, November 28, 2025-Sunday, January 4, 2026
Enjoy the holidays at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. The park is filled with tons of holiday decor, including a larger-than-life Christmas tree, special shows, rides, and festive treats like gingerbread churros and hot chocolate.  READ MORE

Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez

San Jose—FREE
Daily, November 28, 2025-January 1, 2026
Christmas in the Park is a popular holiday event in downtown San Jose. The park turns into a holiday extravaganza with musical and animated exhibits, colorful lights, and a 50-foot Christmas tree. The forest of trees is decorated by San Jose schools, community groups, and businesses to highlight all that the city has to offer.  READ MORE

Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton

San Francisco
Select dates, November 29-December 23, 2025
Teddy Bear Tea in the winter wonderland of the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is a favorite holiday tradition. Kids can enjoy tea service with hot chocolate, scones, teddy bear treats, and assorted sandwiches while an animated show of holiday elves and characters perform singalongs, skits, and tell stories. Kids 2-11 receive a teddy bear gift and keepsake to take home.  READ MORE

Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Milpitas
Daily, November 29, 2025-January 1, 2026
Meet LEGO Santa, help the master builder with a special holiday LEGO build, trade holiday minifigs, check out the Dallas mini-land decked out in holiday decor, and more. READ MORE

Thrive City Winter Wonderland

San Francisco—FREE
Select dates, November 30-December 31, 2025
Thrive City is a winter wonderland with a host of festive experiences for all ages. Start with the annual tree lighting ceremony with live music; a Hannukah celebration with menorah lighting; and end with Kwanzaa and Noon Year's Eve. Ice skating, live entertainment, multicultural experiences, photo opportunities, seasonal treats, and more are in store. READ MORE

San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker

San Francisco
Select dates , December 5-28, 2025
Exquisite dancing, beautiful sets, beloved characters, and the music of Tchaikovsky are performed live by the San Francisco Orchestra and the San Francisco Ballet Company. A favorite show for the holidays, it's the story of a young girl, a nutcracker, and a sugarplum fairy.   READ MORE

Santa Claus Arrives by Helicopter at the Hiller Aviation Museum

San Carlos
Saturday, December 6, 2025
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

Breakfast with Santa at the Westin St. Francis

San Francisco
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Enjoy a breakfast buffet overlooking San Francisco, with a classic American spread including eggs, bacon, pancakes, fresh fruit, and even a mimosa for each adult. The highlight of the morning will be a special visit from Santa, where every child will have the chance to meet him and take a photo. READ MORE

Mark Foehringer‘s Nutcracker Sweets at Fort Mason Center

San Francisco
Saturday, December 6-Sunday, December 21, 2025
A unique, 50-minute production perfect for small kids, Nutcracker Sweets takes the best parts of the classic ballet and makes it fun. With beautiful costumes, contemporary dance, ballet, and recognizable characters, it's a great way to introduce this holiday tradition.  READ MORE

Sing You a Merry Christmas at Grace Cathedral

San Francisco
Select dates, December 13-23, 2025
It is officially the most wonderful time of the year, so sing along at Sing You a Merry Christmas, an interactive performance the entire family will enjoy. Tag along with the toys of St. Nicholas’ workshop as they search for the true meaning of Christmas, taking us on a joyous expedition of discovery, following festive clues and decking the halls with all of your favorite Christmas carols. READ MORE

Fairy Winterland

Oakland
Saturday and Sundays, December 13-28, 2025
December sparkles at Children's Fairyland for the return of Fairy Winterland, a tradition for over 20 years. See twinkling lights, Santa Claus leading the Festival of Lights Parade, special performances including tap dancing penguins and trees, a wishing wall, complimentary hot chocolate or cider, and more Don't forget to drop your letter to Santa in the special mailbox. READ MORE

Home Alone Film with Live Orchestra

San Francisco
Friday, December 19-Saturday, December 20, 2025
Experience the beloved holiday hit Home Alone on the big screen like never before, with John Williams’ exuberant score performed live by the San Francisco Symphony. Starring an adorable Macaulay Culkin, this hilarious and heartwarming comedy is holiday fun for the entire family.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Ft. Worth

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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