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Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in San Francisco: Turkey Trots, Lights, and More Things To Do With Kids

Delight in the winter wonderland at North Pole Nights. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens
Delight in the winter wonderland at North Pole Nights. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens
11/25/25 - 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 holiday weekend!

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

I am so thankful to live in the Bay Area, which is stuffed with diverse and plentiful things to do with kids. There are Thanksgiving-themed events such as the jaw-dropping Helicopter Turkey Toss, turkey trots in San Francisco and Oakland, and holiday festivities such as the uber-popular Christmas in the Park in San Jose and 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. 

Need a dinner reservation? See our list of great restaurants open on Thanksgiving in the Bay Area. Enjoy 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. 

Most of all, 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 pages.

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

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All aboard the Holiday Lights Train. Photo courtesy of Roaring Camp Railroad
All aboard the Holiday Lights Train. Photo courtesy of Roaring Camp Railroad

Best Things To Do Thanksgiving Day Weekend in San Francisco

Helicopter Turkey Toss & Turkey Hunt at Hiller Aviation Museum

San Carlos
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
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

Oakland Turkey Trot

Oakland
Thursday, November 27, 2025
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—FREE
Opens Thursday, November 27, 2025
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

Silicon Valley Turkey Trot

San Jose
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Join the biggest turkey trot in Silicon Valley in a 5K, 10K, Virtual, CEO/executive run, or kids fun run. Get some exercise and fresh air before the holiday festivities begin. The kids fun zone includes fun activities, arts and crafts, and interactions with local mascots.  READ MORE

Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez

San Jose—FREE
Opens Friday, November 28, 2025
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

Niles Festival of Lights Parade

Fremont—FREE
Friday, November 28, 2025
The Friday after Thanksgiving kicks off the holidays in Fremont with the annual Festival of Lights parade. See more than 60 unique floats, marching bands, costumed characters, and of course, an appearance from Santa.  READ MORE

Santa Lights the Square

San Francisco—FREE
Friday, November 28, 2025
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

Barbie Film with Live Orchestra

San Francisco
Friday, November 28-Saturday, November 29, 2025
Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans. READ MORE

Family Fun Weekend at the Charles M. Schulz Museum

Santa Rosa
Friday, November 28-Saturday, November 29, 2025
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

Winter Lights Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa—FREE
Opens Friday, November 28, 2025
This monthlong holiday fest features ice skating, tree lighting, holiday shopping, and entertainment all the way until the end of 2025.  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

North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy
Opens Friday, November 28, 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

Holiday Lights Train at Roaring Camp

Felton
Opens Friday, November 28, 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

Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton

San Francisco
Opens Saturday, November 29, 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
Opens Saturday, November 29, 2024
The holidays are in full swing at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Milpitas. Holiday Bricktacular features a host of activities for kids of all ages, including holiday builds, creative workshops, and even a meet-and-greet with a LEGO gingerbread man.  READ MORE

The Velveteen Rabbit at ODC

San Francisco
Opens Saturday, November 29, 2025
A beloved holiday tradition, ODC/Dance presents The Velveteen Rabbit performance for tywo weekends. Written by Margery Williams, this classic tale is performed live with the world-class dancers of ODC/Dance with a great musical score.  READ MORE

A Merry-achi Christmas

San Francisco
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Mariachi Sol de Mexico is at the Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco for a festive holiday celebration of Mexican traditions. Led by Jose Hernandez, families enjoy musical performances and holiday favorites from both Mexico and the United States.  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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