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Enchant in San Jose dazzles with over 4 million sparkling lights. Photo courtesy of Enchant in San Jose
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11/22/22 - By Sandra Lee

Looking for the best things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area this Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this long weekend!

It's Thanksgiving week! Whether you are hosting, traveling, bringing your favorite sides, or going out to eat, it's a wonderful weekend to spend time with family and friends. I personally am so thankful to live in the Bay Area, which is packed with all these diverse and plentiful things to do with kids. There are Thanksgiving-themed events like the amazing Helicopter Turkey Toss and Turkey Trots in Marin and San Jose, and holiday fare like Union Square Holiday Ice Skating and a Winter Wonderland in Santa Cruz. So keep kids busy, make some memories, and most of all, enjoy some family time together. 

For more holiday inspiration and family fun, check out our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families for Thanksgiving crafts, movies (who knew?), and even Thanksgiving jokes. 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.

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Jog before you gobble! Walnut Creek Turkey Trot photo courtesy of Forma Gym, Facebook
Jog before you gobble! Walnut Creek Turkey Trot photo courtesy of Forma Gym, Facebook

Best Things To Do Thanksgiving Weekend in the San Francisco Bay Area

Helicopter Turkey Toss & Turkey Hunt

San Carlos - Wednesday, November 23
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

Walnut Creek 30th Anniversary Turkey Trot

Walnut Creek - Thursday, November 24
Thanksgiving morning calls for a little exercise with your community before the big meal. Walnut Creek is hosting its annual Turkey Trot downtown with a 5K, 10K, Kids Fun Run, and a 5K Wheel and Walk so everyone can join in on the fun.  READ MORE

Bank of Marin Turkey Trot

Novato- Thursday, November 24
Run before you feast by joining the Bank of Marin Annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. With options of 10K, 5K, and Youth 1 Mile, everyone can join in on the fun. Registration is required to join the race.   READ MORE

Winter Wonderland

Santa Cruz - Opens Thursday, November 24-27 Free
Climb aboard the Holiday Express for a train ride, take a spin on the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread Man Golf, or warm up by the fire and cook s'mores. Don't forget to visit with Santa. READ MORE

Silicon Valley Turkey Trot

San Jose- Thursday, November 25
Join the biggest Turkey Trot in Silicon Valley in a 5K, 10K, Virtual, CEO/Executive Run, or Kids Fun Run and 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

WinterFest at Great America

Santa Clara - Opens Friday, November 25
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

Enchant Magic

San Jose - Opens Friday, November 25
Get ready for the biggest light show coming to San Jose for the holidays. Enchant features over 4 million sparkling lights creating an immersive story-themed maze that families can walk through. Additional activities include ice skating, entertainment, dining, holiday shopping, and, of course, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  READ MORE

Macy's Santaland

San Francisco - Opens Friday, November 25 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

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train

Felton- Opens Friday, November 25
A family favorite is back at Roaring Camp for the holidays. The Holiday Lights Train takes guests on vintage cars adorned with colorful lights. Additional activities include a holiday sing-along, live music, hot-spiced cider, and a Santa visit. READ MORE

Movie Night at Marin Country Mart

Larkspur - Friday, November 25: The Polar Express
Free
Hang out with friends and family and see a family-friendly classic film under the tent at Marin Country Mart. READ MORE

The Velveteen Rabbit

San Francisco - Friday-Sunday, November 25-27
A beloved holiday tradition, ODC/Dance presents The Velveteen Rabbit performance for 3 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

Family Starlight Workshop

Oakland - Saturday, November 26
This workshop is all about the stars and the sky at Chabot Center. After the lesson, stay for a complimentary viewing with hot cider, hot chocolate, and cookies.  READ MORE

100th Birthday of Charles M. Schulz Celebration

Santa Rosa - Saturday, November 26
Celebrate the 100th birthday of Charles M. Schulz with a ton of activities for the whole family. Grab a complimentary commemorative sticker and see the new exhibit, The Spark of Schulz: A Centennial Celebration. Enjoy some birthday cake (while supplies last), sing Happy Birthday with Roustabout Theater's young performers, and check out live cartooning performances by Joe Wos!   READ MORE

Holiday Tea at the Fairmont

San Francisco - Weekends through January 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

Merry Meritage Holiday Ice Rink & Winter Village

Napa- Wednesday - Open daily 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

Union Square Holiday Ice Rink

San Francisco - Open daily 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

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