Bay Area Holiday Activity List
The Bay Area is a great place to spend the holiday season. Here are 6 things to do in the area that are always on my Bay Area holiday activity list.
1. Visit Santa!
Our favorite Santa is the one at Stanford Mall in Palo Alto. If you get there early enough in the season, Santa will read a short story to your kids. He usually hands out a stuffed animal or candy canes which is cute.
2. Fantasy of Lights
The Fantasy of Lights is a drive-through or walk-through holiday light display in Vasona Park In Los Gatos. It’s a fun holiday tradition in the South Bay!
3. Ice skating in Downtown San Jose
A seasonal, family-friendly outdoor skating rink where the cost of admission includes rental skates. The SJ ice rink is located outside the San Jose Museum of Art and across from Cesar Chavez Plaza. Children 10 & younger: $15. 11 & older: $17. Bring your own skates: $10
4. San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker
On Christmas Eve 1944, the audience at San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House watched the American premiere of Nutcracker. An instant sensation, the ballet launched a national holiday tradition. It’s a 2-hour show with a 20-minute intermission which could be too much for young children.
5. Tree Lighting in Union Square
Each year San Francisco’s Union Square Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the holiday season and is one of the best Bay Area holiday activities to check out.
Festivities begin at 6 pm with the tree lighting scheduled for 6:40 pm, which means you should get there early for a parking spot. The tree illuminates every night throughout the holidays.
6. Christmas in the Park
Each year San Jose hosts a Christmas in the Park event where local organizations have a tree decorating contest. Families are able to walk around the park to look at all the holiday decorations. The event also has food stands and sells their famous churros and hot chocolate!
7. Zoo Lights at Oakland Zoo
The Oakland Zoo transforms into a wonderland of lights, with animal-themed displays and eco-friendly LED lights. Bundle up, as this event is outdoors, and bring your camera for great holiday photos.
8.WinterFest at California’s Great America, Santa Clara
The park becomes a winter wonderland with light displays, ice skating, and seasonal shows. Arrive early to catch a tree-lighting ceremony, and explore the themed holiday villages for festive treats.
9. Lighted Boat Parade, Sausalito
Watch boats decorated in holiday lights sail along the Sausalito waterfront. Bring a blanket and some hot drinks to stay cozy, and find a good viewing spot early for the best views.
10. Holiday Lights Train, Santa Cruz
Ride a vintage train decorated with holiday lights through the redwoods. Get there early for parking and to enjoy hot cocoa while carolers sing along the route.
