25 Best Things To Do In The Bay Area This Christmas!
Published by Mauricio Segura in Bay Area · 2 December 2023
BAY AREA
25 Best Things To Do In The Bay Area This Christmas!
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As San Francisco Bay Area residents, we are surrounded by a kaleidoscope of holiday magic as so many locations transform into festive wonderlands. From twinkling lights adorning historic landmarks to charming ice rinks beneath the city skyline, the region is alive with diverse Christmas festivities that cater to every taste and age group. How fortunate we are to call this vibrant corner of the world home, where the holiday season isn't just celebrated; it's a spirited extravaganza promising joy, laughter, and an abundance of family-friendly entertainment. In a place where cultural richness and seasonal charm converge, the Bay Area invites one and all to partake in the merriment and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Here is our list for the 25 best things to experience this Holiday season throughout the Bay Area and beyond!
1. Après Village / Palo Alto
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Admission is free. For more information Click... HERE
2. The Bay Area's Best Holiday Light Displays
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Experience the Bay Area's most creative, charming, and photogenic holiday light displays, setting the stage for a season of festive exploration. Plan ahead to savor each breathtaking moment before the season bids adieu.
For more information Click...HERE
For more information Click...HERE
Photo / ERSE 21 GBT
3. The Bay Area's Best Ice Skating Rinks
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- Union Square Ice Rink / San Francisco
- Thrive City Winter Wonderland / San Francisco
- Yerba Buena Ice Skating / San Francisco
- Oakland Ice Center / Oakland
- Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink / San Ramon
- Walnut Creek on Ice / Walnut Creek
- Walnut Creek on Ice / Walnut Creek
- Winter Lodge / Palo Alto
- San Mateo on Ice / San Mateo
- Nazareth Ice Oasis / San Mateo
- Enchant / San Jose
- Sharks on Ice / San Jose
- Downtown Ice / San Jose
- Après Village / East Palo Alto
- Snoopy's Home Ice / Santa Rosa
- Meritage Resort & Spa / Napa
- Winter Lights / Santa Rosa
Photo / ERSE 21 GBT
4. Christmas at the Patterson House / Newark
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11am & 2pm: Tot Tours for all ages, downstairs only, wheelchair accessible (20 min)
11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm: Full tours for age 6 and over (45 min)
Fee: $3/Adults & Seniors, $2/Children ages 6-17, Children 5 & under free (fee separate from Ardenwood Farm entrance). Info: (510) 791-4196
For more information Click...HERE
5. Christmas Events At Grace Cathedral / San Francisco
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Ticket prices vary. For more information Click...HERE
Photo / @Grace Cathedral Facebook
6. Christmas in the Park / San Jose
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Admission is Free! For more information Click...HERE
Photo / ERSE 21 GBT
7. Concert by Candlelight
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Ticket prices vary. For a listing of all the upcoming candlelight concerts, click... HERE
Photo / ERSE 21 GBT
8. Decorated Boat Parade at Fisherman's Wharf / San Francisco
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FREE EVENT! For more information Click...HERE
Photo / ERSE 21 GBT
9. Entwined at Golden Gate Park / San Francisco
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Entiwned is free admission. For more information Click...HERE
10. Garden of D’Lights / Walnut Creek
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For more information Click...HERE
Photo / @Garden D’Lights Facebook
11. Giant Menorah Lightings at Union Square / San Francisco
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Union Square Menorah Lighting Schedule:
December 7th through December 14th 2023 / 5784 Schedule
Thursday, December 7th
3:30 pm Gathering & Live Music
5:00 pm 1st Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 8th
2:30 pm 2nd Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, December 9th
8:00 p.m. Gathering & Music
8:30 pm 3rd Lighting Ceremony
Sunday December 10th “Bill Graham Menorah Day”
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Fourth Lighting Ceremony @4:45 pm
2:00-4:45 pm: Dreidel House Kids Crafts
2:00 pm: Children's Entertainment with Isaac Zones
3:00 pm: SHAMATI
4:45 pm: Menorah Lighting Ceremony honoring George Zimmer, dignitaries and special guests!
Monday, December 11th
4:30 p.m. Gathering & Music
5:00 pm 5th Lighting Ceremony
Tuesday, December 12th
4:30 p.m. Gathering & Music
5:00 pm 6th Lighting Ceremony
Wedensday, December 13th
4:30 p.m. Gathering & Music
5:00 pm 7th Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, December 14th
4:00 p.m. Gathering & *Live Music*
5:00 pm 8th Lighting Ceremony honoring the Russian Speaking Jewish Community featuring live music by Silicon Valley Klezmer
For more information Click...HERE
For more information Click...HERE
Photo / @Bill Graham Menorah Project
12. Gingerbread House at the Fairmont Hotel / San Francisco
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Admission to see the Gingerbread house is Free! For more information Click...HERE
Photo / ERSE 21 GBT
13. Glowfari / Oakland Zoo
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Adults: $26 Children (2-14)/Seniors (65-75): $22 Under 2 and 76 and over: Free
Photo / ERSE 21 GBT
14. Great Dickens Christmas Fair / Daly City
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General Adult (All day ticket – Ages 13 and up): $45.00
General Youth (All day ticket – Ages 5-12): $25.00
Children under 5: FREE
For more information Click...HERE
Photo / ERSE 21 GBT
15. Holidays at Filoli / Woodside
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Holidays at Filoli daytime tickets (10am-4pm) cost $39 for adults and $29 for children 5-17. Nighttime tickets (4pm-8pm) cost $43 for adults and $33 for children 5-17. Children under 5 get in free, and members get 20% off. Just be sure to reserve in advance. For more information Click... HERE
Photo / @Filoli Facebook
16. Holiday Tree Lightings And Displays / San Francisco
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- Macy's Tree Union Square
- Pier 39
- Presidio
Photo / ERSE 21 GBT
17. Imaginarium / Sacramento
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Tickets run from $17 - $35. For more information Click... HERE
18. Let’s Glow / San Francisco
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FREE EVENT! For more information Click...HERE
Photo / ERSE 21 GBT
19. Napa Valley Wine Train / Napa
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Tickets begin at around $100 per person. For more information Click...HERE
Photo / @Napa Valley Wine Train Facebook
20. Niles Canyon Holiday Train / Fremont
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Tickets run from $35 to $65 per person. For more information Click...HERE
Photo / ERSE 21 GBT
21. Polar Express Train Ride / Sacramento
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Coach Tickets are $80 per person / First Class Tickets are $100 per person. For more information Click...HERE
Photo / ERSE 21 GBT
22. Roaring Camp Railroads Holiday Train / Santa Cruz
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Standard Class Canopy Cars: Adults: $49.95 | Children: $35.95
First Class Coach Cars: Adults : $64.95 | Children: $45.95
For more information Click...HERE
Photo / @Roaring Csamp Railroad Facebook
23. Salesforce Park Winterfest
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Friday, Dec. 8
Holiday lighting celebration: 5-7pm at the Main Plaza
Enjoy a merry kickoff to Winterfest as you count down the lighting of Salesforce Park. They recommend that guests come early to the park’s Main Plaza to see the park illumination between 6-6:45pm. The evening will also include a live performance by the Hot Baked Goods and a free snowflake craft for kids at the Recess Cart.
Saturday, Dec. 9
Kids Day: 10am-3pm at the Main Plaza
An all-day celebration for kids and families to ring in the holidays.
- 10-10:30am: Special Winter Storytime by SF Public Library
- 10:30am-12pm: Face Painting & Visit from Winter Fairies by Happily Ever Laughter
- 12-2pm: Holiday Caroling by the Merrie Olde Christmas Carolers
- 2:30-3pm: Circus Performance by Circus Bella
Ugly Sweater Silent Disco: 5-7pm at the Main Plaza
Dress in your favorite ugly sweater and head to this free silent disco powered by HUSH! Concerts. Headphones are available first-come, first-served (with ID) and guests can listen to three different DJ sets throughout the evening. Beverages will be available to purchase from Barebottle.
Sunday, Dec. 10
Wreath Making Party: 9am-5pm at the Main Plaza
Create your own handmade wreath for free at this lively Wreath Making Party happening all day. Make sure you pre-register for a wreath-making session on the TJPA website starting Nov. 27, because walk-in availability will be limited. Wreath-making sessions will take place from 9-11am, 12-2pm, and 3-5pm; and guests can enjoy live music from Trixie Rasputin and Louise between 12-5pm.
Admission is free! For more information Click...HERE
Photo / @Salesforce Park Facebook
24. Theatre of Lights / Old Sacramento
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Event is FREE! For more information Click...HERE
25. Watch the Best Traditional Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol Live On Stage Productions
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NUTCRACKER:
- SF Ballet / War Opera House / DEC 13-31,2023
- Oakland Ballet / Paramount Theatre / DEC 16-17, 2023
A CHRISTMAS CAROL:
- Toni Rembe Theatre / San Francisco / DEC 6-24, 2023
- Dean Lesher Center for the Arts / Walnut Creek / DEC 7-21, 2023
- Toni Rembe Theatre / San Francisco / DEC 6-24, 2023
- Dean Lesher Center for the Arts / Walnut Creek / DEC 7-21, 2023
Photo / ERSE 21 GBT
As you can see, the Bay Area's holiday offerings are a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. From enchanting gardens and festive villages to iconic installations and cultural celebrations, the region invites residents and visitors to revel in the magic of the season. It's a winter wonderland like no other, promising joy, warmth, and unforgettable moments for all. Lets us know which of these you end up enjoying and what you thought. Merry Christmas to ALL!