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Top Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in San Francisco Bay Area for Kids in 2022

Check out the life-size gingerbread house when you take holiday tea at the Fairmont! Photo courtesy of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco
Check out the life-size gingerbread house when you take holiday tea at the Fairmont! Photo courtesy of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco
11/20/22 - By Sandra Lee

There are so many holiday events and Christmas activities in the San Francisco Bay Area, and we've rounded up our favorite ones to help you plan and take advantage of all the Bay Area has to offer this time of year.

Because just like that, the holidays are here. There's a reason the song says this is the most wonderful time of the year: the twinkling lights, ice skating rinks, festive songs, and celebrations are pretty amazing, but it also gives us a way to connect, be together, and make memories as a family.  We've got breakfast with Santa Claus in Almeda, ice skating to Frozen songs in San Francisco, fancy holiday teas pretty much everywhere, and so much more. 

Bookmark this page—we'll update it with amazing new Christmas activities as we learn about them. For more holiday family outings don't miss our list of the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in San Francisco, plus more at-home festive fun in our Holiday Events and Christmas Activities Guide!

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Macy's Santaland is a can't-miss holiday outing. Photo by Greg Coppola, courtesy of Macy's
Macy's Santaland is a can't-miss holiday outing. Photo by Greg Coppola, courtesy of Macy's

Free Holiday and Christmas Events in San Francisco Bay Area

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa’s Arrival

San Mateo - Friday, November 18
Free
Gather around the North Block Plaza at Hillsdale Shopping Center for its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, done by Santa Claus himself. Stick around afterward for the Feliz Navidad family fiesta featuring live Mariachi, Ballet Folklorico dancers, giveaways, and tons of activities for the whole family.  READ MORE

Macy's Santaland

San Francisco - November 25 - December 24
Free
Santa is coming to San Francisco! This free event is held at Union Square's Macy's, giving families a chance to meet the big man and snap a picture. READ MORE

Christmas in the Park

San Jose - November 25- January 1
Free
Christmas in the Park is a popular holiday event in downtown San Jose. Held for over 40 years, the park turns into a holiday extravaganza with musical and animated exhibits, colorful lights, and a 50 ft. Christmas tree. The forest of trees are decorated by San Jose schools, community groups, and businesses to highlight all that the city has to offer.  READ MORE

Holiday Festival

Pleasant Hill - Wednesday, December 7
Free
Get in the holiday spirit at the most magical Holiday Festival in Contra Costa. Activities include live youth holiday performances, a holiday express train, photo opportunities with strolling characters, holiday traditions from around the world, an Encanto-inspired room, a LEGO village, and, of course, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.  READ MORE

Niles Festival of Lights Parade

Fremont- Friday, November 25 Free
The Friday after Thanksgiving kicks off the holidays in Fremont with the annual Festival of Lights Parade. See over 60 unique floats, marching bands, costumed characters, and of course, an appearance from Santa.  READ MORE

Hometown Holidays

Redwood City- Saturday, December 10 Free
Get ready for some holiday fun in downtown Redwood City! Complimentary pictures with Santa, live entertainment, food vendors, and a parade extravaganza are all happening on December 10.  READ MORE
Is it even Christmas until you see the Nutcracker ballet? Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Ballet
Is it even Christmas until you see the Nutcracker ballet? Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Ballet

Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in San Francisco

Frozen – The Musical

San Francisco - November 18- December 30
The Tony Award-winning musical is coming to the Bay Area for the holidays! See Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Sven, and Kristoff, along with the rest of the characters perform one of the most popular Disney movies. With new songs, one-of-a-kind performances, and ice palaces, it's a memorable event.  READ MORE

San Francisco Youth Ballet Academy: The Nutcracker

San Francisco - Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4
The 21st annual production of The Nutcracker is shown for one weekend only, performed by the very talented young dancers of the San Francisco Youth Ballet Academy. See young Clara as she goes on an adventure filled with sweets, fairies, and a prince. The 2-hour production is for families, and a great way to introduce young kids to the classic holiday ballet. Photo opportunities are available after each performance.  READ MORE

Elf in Concert

San Francisco - Wednesday & Thursday, December 21 & 22
One of the most popular holiday movies filled with "singing loud for all to hear," Elf is on the giant screen at the SF Symphony, accompanied by a live orchestra playing the musical score of John Debney. READ MORE

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Live

San Francisco- Friday & Saturday, December 16 & 17
A classic holiday movie starring Jim Carrey, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, is on the big screen, while the San Francisco Symphony performs the score live to picture.  READ MORE

A Christmas Carol

San Francisco- November 30- December 24
Music, costumes, and those spooky ghosts, A Christmas Carol is at the Toni Rembe Theater in San Francisco this holiday season. As one of their family-friendly productions, this production is a Bay Area tradition and is inviting families of all ages to enjoy.  READ MORE

Mark Foehringer‘s Nutcracker Sweets

San Francisco- December 3-18
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

San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker

San Francisco- December 8-27
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
Meet with Santa in the stunning Filoli Gardens for a magical picture. Photo by Tiffany Zabala courtesy of Filoli Gardens
Meet with Santa in the stunning Filoli Gardens for a magical picture. Photo by Tiffany Zabala courtesy of Filoli Gardens

Pictures with Santa Claus & Santa Breakfasts in the Bay Area

Santa Claus Arrives by Helicopter!

San Carlos - Saturday, December 3
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 Claus

Pleasant Hill - Saturday, December 3
Have a holiday breakfast with Santa with pancakes, sausage, and more. Holiday cheer and live entertainment, as well as photos with the big man himself, are all available to kick off the holiday season.  READ MORE

Santa Days at Filoli

Woodside - December 3- 23
Meet Santa in the beautiful garden at Filoli for Santa Days. Get a photo with the busy man himself, and enjoy a hot drink and holiday treat in the Woodland Court. Afterward, take a stroll through the garden and the house and see all the twinkling lights and holiday decor.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa in Alameda

Alameda - Saturday, December 10
The Alameda Recreation and Park District organizes a magical holiday morning with breakfast, arts and crafts, and photo ops with Santa. Santa reads one of his favorite Christmas stories at 11:15am. READ MORE
Let these polar bears give you a hand keeping your balance on the ice! Photo courtesy of the Union Square Ice Rink, Facebook
Let these polar bears give you a hand keeping your balance on the ice! Photo courtesy of the Union Square Ice Rink, Facebook

Seasonal Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in San Francisco Area

Snoopy's Home Ice

Santa Rosa - Through January 7
There are so many things to do, besides skating, at one of the most beautiful ice arenas in town. There are holiday events, kid skate dates, and more! Built in 1969 by Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, the arena looks like a Swiss Alpine Village. READ MORE

Merry Meritage Holiday Ice Rink & Winter Village

Napa - Through January 8
The Meritage Ice Rink in Napa is back this year ready to welcome the holidays. Family and friends can try their skating skills, purchase beverages from the onsite tasting room, and even reserve an igloo or fire pit to really make the evening special.  READ MORE

San Mateo on Ice

San Mateo - Through January 8
Central Park in downtown San Mateo turns into an ice skating rink starting November 11. 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

Union Square Holiday Ice Rink

San Francisco - Through January 16
Ice skating is back at San Francisco's favorite outdoor rink in Union Square. Enjoy special events like Learn to Skate, Frozen's Let It Go Wednesdays, and Flashback Fridays. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, admire the beautiful tree, and celebrate the holidays. READ MORE
Make magical holiday memories with your family. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens
Make magical holiday memories with your family. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens

Favorite Christmas Festivals in the Bay Area

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Daly City - November 19 - December 18
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, rent skates for the skating rink, and even purchase a Christmas tree.  READ MORE

Winter Wonderland

Santa Cruz - November 24- January 1
Celebrate the holiday season at the beach in Santa Cruz with rides, games, arcades, decorations, a 3-story tall Christmas tree, photos with Santa, pedal carts, and more. The Beach Boardwalk activities include holiday movies from 5-7pm, fire pit rentals with holiday s'mores, and tons of holiday shopping. READ MORE

Holiday Tree Walk

Felton - November 25 - December 18
Ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through Bear Mountain on the Holiday Tree Walk at Roaring Camp. Sip hot chocolate, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy winter-themed activities for the whole family.  READ MORE

Holidays at Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy - November 25 - December 30
Gilroy Gardens transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland for the holidays. Fake snow, holiday lights, activities for kids, ice skating, visits with Santa Claus, plus some new experiences for 2022.  READ MORE

WinterFest at Great America

Santa Clara - November 25 - January 1
Festive food, shopping, special rides, holiday activities, lights, and live entertainment —the park is transformed into a holiday festival. Ice skate in front of the Carousel Columbia, sip on hot chocolate, send letters to the North Pole, and bake cookies in Mrs. Claus' kitchen.  READ MORE
Pinkies up, it's time for holiday tea! Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton
Pinkies up, it's time for holiday tea! Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton

Top Holiday Teas in San Francisco

Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton

San Francisco - November 26 - December 23
A favorite holiday tradition for many Bay Area parents, Teddy Bear Tea in the winter wonderland of the Ritz-Carlton is one for the books. Kids can enjoy tea service with hot chocolate, scones, teddy bear treats, and assorted sandwiches while an animated show of holiday elves and characters do sing-alongs, skits, and tell stories. Kids receive a teddy bear gift and keepsake to take home.  READ MORE

Crown & Crumpet Holiday Afternoon Tea

San Francisco & Marin - Weekends starting December 3
A Bay Area favorite, Crown & Crumpet is hosting its annual Holiday Afternoon Tea and both locations are decorated with holiday cheer. An elevated British-themed experience includes pulling a Christmas cracker and a simple craft activity to take home. Savor delicious tea sandwiches, scones, sweets, and tea or hot chocolate.  READ MORE

Magical Tea at Top of the Mark

San Francisco - December 3-18
Top of the Mark in San Francisco brings back Magical Tea for kids and adults ages 4 and up. Featuring activities like cookie decorating with the pastry chef, balloon art with Raul the Master Balloonatic, and face painting with Fire Pixie, as well as a buffet of tea sandwiches, scones, treats, and more, it's a magical evening not to be missed. READ MORE

Marin County Teddy Bear Tea

Mill Valley - Saturday, December 10
Dress up in your festive outfits for Teddy Bear Tea à la Française this holiday season. Le Petit Jardin is holding its 13th Annual event for little ones with a special tea service, traditional holiday music, interactive teddy bear stuffing, "fireside" story time, and a photo booth. A special reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is in English and French.  READ MORE

Dollie + Me Holiday Tea

San Francisco - Saturday & Sunday, December 17 & 18
A mother-daughter afternoon tea event with dollies, crafting, and fun at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco. This holiday tradition invites mothers/daughters, aunties, grandmothers, and kids for hot chocolate, sandwiches, and dollie and me sweet treats. Dollie crafting activities are hosted by kit & sis, and a goodie bag is given to each kid to enjoy year-round with their dolls.  READ MORE

Holiday Tea at the Fairmont

San Francisco- November 25-December 1
The beautiful San Francisco Fairmont Hotel is hosting holiday tea for kids and adults. Delicious loose-leaf tea like 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

Places featured in this article:

Chinese American International School
Vista Collina Resort at The Meritage