30+ Fun Bay Area Holiday Activities and Events 2024
The Bay Area has dozens of fun holiday activities and events between November and January! I’ve scoured the web to find the best holiday activities in the Bay Area this year and compiled them all below.
From ice skating rinks to a giant gingerbread house to pop-up winter villages, there’s a wide variety of fun Bay Area holiday activities for kids and adults!
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Merry Meritage Igloos, Napa
The Meritage Resort in Napa builds an ice skating rink, firepits, and clear igloos to complete their winter village for the Merry Meritage event every year.
You can rent one of these igloos for 2 hours with max 6 people. There are four time slots available on weekends (11am, 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm) and two time slots available on weekdays (4pm and 7pm).
Ice skating, food, and drinks are not included in the igloo booking and must be purchased separately.
Fire pits are also available to book for up to 5 people and include s’mores for the whole group. Time slots for fire pits are the same as igloos, with extra slots available on weekends.
The fire pits are slightly less expensive than the igloos if you still want the rink-side merry experience for less. Ice skating is not included in the fire pit bookings.
Location: Napa
Dates: November 18, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Cost: $150-300+ per igloo/fire pit
Union Square Ice Skating, San Francisco
The classic San Francisco ice rink in Union Square is back again with fun events, theme nights, and lessons.
General admission tickets include your skate rental and 60 minutes on the ice. You can also rent a locker, skate helper, and socks/gloves (though I recommend bringing your own, plus a warm hat and clothes!).
A few of the fun events that caugice rink in Union Squareht my eye are Drag on Ice from 6:30-8pm on December 5 and the Polar Bear Skate (in your swimsuit!!!) from 2:30-3:30pm on January 1.
Location: San Francisco
Dates: November 6, 2024 – January 20, 2025
Cost: $20/person
Macy's Union Square, San Francisco
The Christmas tree lighting in Union Square across from Macy’s has been a yearly tradition for decades — 35 years to be exact.
I’ve been visiting the tree in Union Square since I was a kid, along with all the cute, adoptable kittens and puppies in the Macy’s windows.
Macy’s said it will close this location before the next holiday season. This means 2024 is likely your last chance to check out the cute shelter animals in the windows!
They aren’t sure who will continue the annual Christmas tree lighting yet, so make sure to visit in case it doesn’t return next year.
Location: Union Square, San Francisco
Dates: November 14, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Cost: FREE
Union Square Winter Walk, San Francisco
For just 10 days in December, Union Square is home to the Winter Walk, a pedestrian-only area with seasonal decor, food trucks, bars, craft booths, and live performances.
The Winter Walk is open Monday-Wednesday from 12–7pm and Thursday-Sunday from 10am-9pm, with a visit from Santa on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm.
It’s completely free to visit the Union Square Winter Walk and is a fun and festive thing to add to your San Francisco day trip itinerary during the holiday season.
Location: San Francisco
Dates: December 13–22, 2024
Cost: FREE
Miracle @ PCH Holiday Bar, San Francisco
Pacific Cocktail Haven dresses up for the holiday season with its Miracle @ PCH pop-up holiday bar. It’s just a couple of blocks away from Union Square — a great spot to grab some festive drinks after ice skating at the Union Square rink!
No need to make reservations or buy tickets — you actually can’t even make reservations for it until you have a group of 6-12 people. There’s a $10 entry fee that must be paid at the door with cash or via Venmo and drinks are close to $20 each.
It’s a bit overpriced as far as bars go, but you’re paying for the unique experience and ambiance that only happens for a month each year.
Location: San Francisco
Dates: November 29 – December 31, 2024
Cost: $10/person entry
Exploratorium After Dark - Glow, San Francisco
Every Thursday night from 6-10pm, visit the Exploratorium for its After Dark event that’s completely child-free! Yup, no kids are allowed at Exploratorium After Dark.
This is a rare occasion to visit this “public learning laboratory” without hundreds of kids running around. An exciting opportunity for my fellow childless cat ladies (or parents who just want a wholesome night out without the kids)!
Explore their interactive exhibits, indulge in adult beverages, and enjoy a night of fun—and learning—after dark!
While After Dark at the Exploratorium is year-round (50+ Thursdays a year), their special exhibit “Glow” only runs from the end of November to the end of December.
Location: Pier 15, San Francisco
Dates: November 21 – December 26, 2024
Cost: $23/person
Fairmont Gingerbread House, San Francisco
The Fairmont Hotel builds a giant gingerbread house made of real gingerbread baked by their in-house pastry team. The gingerbread house is on display and free to visit!
You can even book events inside the gingerbread house, like holiday tea or a private dinner. These events of course cost $$$, but would be unique experiences.
In addition to Fairmont’s life-size gingerbread house, they also have a holiday bar where you can get festive drinks and a champagne bar where you can get…champagne (what a surprise!).
Location: 950 Mason Street, San Francisco, California 94108
Dates: November 23 – December 31, 2024
Cost: FREE
Cal Academy, San Francisco
The Cal Academy of Sciences is an incredible science museum in Golden Gate Park, perfect for kids and adults! They have various exhibits, including an aquarium with an albino alligator, an indoor rainforest, and a natural history museum.
During the holiday season, special guests arrive at Cal Academy in the East Garden. These special guests are pairs of baby animals who are on view for two weeks at a time. This year they’ll have baby reindeer (Nov. 23–Dec. 5), baby camels (Dec. 6–19), and baby yaks (Dec. 20–Jan. 5)!
The museum is open 365 days a year, but be sure to check their hours before you visit! They differ for some days in December and occasionally close for private events.
While you can purchase tickets when you arrive, it’s always cheaper to buy them at least the day before — ideally as early as possible if you want to save the most money.
If you are spending a full day or weekend in San Francisco, consider getting a Go City Pass to save money on the museums and attractions! It includes some of the most popular attractions in the city.
Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Dates: November 23, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Cost: $40-50/person
Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco
One of my favorite places in San Francisco during the holidays is Ghirardelli Square. Maybe because it’s where I get delicious sipping chocolate at Ghirardelli, or maybe it’s the classy string lights throughout the square (it’s both!).
They have some shops, restaurants, and a couple of places to get tea.
I recommend coming here just to get some treats from Ghirardelli Chocolate and meander around the square in the evening once the lights come on. It’s a cozy area and hasn’t been too busy when I’ve visited.
The tree lighting ceremony is on November 29, which kicks off the holiday season at Ghirardelli Square. They have events throughout the season as well!
There’s a parking garage that is $18-52, depending on how long you are parked there. If you spend $25+ at any of the Ghirardelli Square shops/restaurants, you will get 50% off the cost of parking Monday-Thursday.
Location: San Francisco
Dates: November 29 – After Dec. 25 (exact date unknown)
Cost: FREE
SF Symphony, San Francisco
The San Francisco Symphony has a holiday-themed performance every night from December 1–21 at Davies Symphony Hall. Performances include The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf movie screening with the live orchestra, and Boyz II Men.
In addition to the holiday-themed performances, the Davies Symphony Hall gets decked out for the holidays with Christmas trees and other festive decor.
The bar in the lobby also gets into the holiday spirit with winter cocktails and treats, plus a hot chocolate cart!
Tickets vary depending on the concert, dates, and seats, but typically start around $99 per person for adults 18+, with discounted tickets for kids 17 and under.
If you plan to drive, you can park at the Performing Arts Garage or Civic Center Garage. You can purchase parking the day of or online ahead of time (this is usually cheaper). Visit the Davies Symphony Hall website for more info about parking.
Location: 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102
Dates: December 1 – 21, 2024
Cost: $99+/person
SF Ballet Nutcracker, San Francisco
The San Francisco Ballet puts on Nutcracker performances once or twice a day between December 6 – 29. They do not have performances on December 9, 16, 19, or 25.
Showtimes are either 2pm, 6pm, or 7pm, depending on the day. Check their website for specific dates and times, as they vary!
Prices range depending on date, time, and seats, but they start at $25/person for weekday matinee performances and $70/person for weekend evening performances.
The full show is just under two hours, including a 20-minute intermission between Act I and Act II.
Location: War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
Dates: December 6 – 29, 2024
Cost: $25
SF Gay Men’s Chorus, San Francisco
Experience the Holiday Spectacular put on by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus at the Sydney Goldstein Theater and their Home for the Holidays concert at Davies Symphony Hall.
They also have performances at Cal Performances in Berkeley and the Green Music Center in Sonoma County for people in the North Bay and East Bay!
The performances are 90 minutes long and prices start at $30.
Location: San Francisco
Dates: December 6 – 24, 2024
Cost: $30+
West Coast Craft Market, San Francisco
Fort Mason Center hosts some of the best craft fairs in the country. I’ve been to many, always coming home with a loot of items from artisans and small businesses.
This year, West Coast Craft is hosting a market at Fort Mason Center on Friday, December 13 from 4-9pm.
It’s completely free to visit, but be sure to save for all the incredible and creative items for sale. Shop from over 100 small businesses at this free outdoor craft fair and find gifts for everyone on your list!
There will be two food trucks—Gregorie Culinary Truck and Rock Club Burgers—at Fort Mason Center from 5-9pm in case you need some food after all the shopping.
There are large paid parking lots at Fort Mason Center, though they can fill up. Street parking is also available nearby.
Location: Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
Dates: December 13, 2024 / 4-9pm
Cost: FREE
Santa Con, San Francisco
One day each year, San Francisco is swarmed with thousands of people clad in red and white costumes and Santa hats, with some wearing white beards.
Santa Con is a completely free event for anyone who wants to attend. There are no tickets for it, though scammers will still try and sell fake ones — don’t fall for it!
Dress up in a festive Santa costume, bring an unwrapped toy (or two or three!) to donate, and meet in Union Square at noon.
The toy drive in Union Square is hosted by the San Francisco Fire Department Toy Program, which provides toys to families with children who have experienced loss due to fire.
The event is family-friendly and for all ages, but for anyone 21+, you can do a Santa bar crawl!
Location: Union Square, San Francisco
Dates: December 14, 2024
Cost: FREE
Oakland Zoo Glowfari
After the animals go to sleep, the Oakland Zoo transforms into an illuminated park for its annual Glowfari event.
Walk through the zoo grounds as you take in the hundreds of hand-painted lanterns in different themes throughout the zoo. Learn about the wildlife and the zoo’s conservation efforts through each animal lantern.
Glowfari tickets are almost as popular as Taylor Swift concerts, so be sure to purchase them as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.
Timed tickets are required to enter and must be purchased in advance. The event runs from 4:30-9pm through January 26. Check the dates online, as Glowfari is not open every day during the season.
While the animals won’t be out for viewing, the restaurants, rides, and the gondola are all still open!
Location: Oakland
Dates: November 8, 2024 – January 26, 2025
Cost: $25-40/person
Oakland Symphony
This year’s holiday performance from the Oakland Symphony is a Tribute to the Legends of Disco on December 15 from 4-6pm at Paramount Theater.
This event brings together the Oakland Symphony Chorus, East Bay Singers, Napa High School Chamber Choir, as well as a few other choirs and individuals from the Bay Area.
The Tribute to the Legends of Disco performance starts at $25/person for adults and goes up to $65 for Premium seating.
Head to the beautiful Paramount Theater, a former Art Deco movie theater now host to the Oakland Symphony and Oakland Ballet, to see this seasonal event.
Paramount Theater does not have parking, but there are parking lots, structures, and street parking nearby. Alternatively, you can take BART to 19th St/Oakland and walk one block to the theater.
Location: Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
Dates: December 15, 2024 / 4-6pm
Cost: $25+/person
Oakland Ballet The Nutcracker
For those in the East Bay who don’t want to venture out to SF, you can still experience The Nutcracker this season!
The Oakland Ballet performs The Nutcracker with the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir at Paramount Theater twice each year. This year, performances are December 21–22 at 1pm.
Prices start around $35/person and go up to $150+. You can buy tickets online from Ticketmaster or at the Paramount Box Office on Fridays from 12-5pm.
Location: Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
Dates: December 21–22, 2024
Cost: $35+/person
Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink, San Ramon
The City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon has opened its Holiday Ice Rink again this year, hosted by Olympic ice skater Kristi Yamaguchi!
This ice rink has 90-minute sessions throughout the day Monday–Thursday from 1pm–7pm and Friday–Sunday from 11am–9pm. Check the schedule to see which days they are closed for holiday breaks.
Choose from one of the special events, like Taylor Swift Night, Elsa Night, the Kristi Yamaguchi Barbie Event, and many more, or visit during the day for a general ice skating session.
General admission for one session is $26/person for 11+ years old and $20/person for ages 3-10. Fire pits are also available to reserve during your 90-minute skate session for $100 each (5 people max).
Location: San Ramon
Dates: November 8, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Cost: $26/person
Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round, Berkeley
The Merry-Go-Round is at Tilden Park and ready for another year of festive rides and breakfast with Santa.
Tickets to ride the indoor merry-go-round are $4 per rider and can be purchased online or in person at the ticket booth. There’s also a cafe with drinks and food, including hot chocolate, matcha, burgers, and sandwiches!
People with small kids have complained about how fast the merry-go-round is, which sounds like fun to me as a childless adult!
Location: Berkeley
Dates: Weekends from December 4 – 22, 2024
Cost: $4/person
Livermore Wine Trolley
Sip on local Livermore wine at Concannon Vineyards before boarding the Livermore Wine Trolley for a tour of the most decorated houses in town!
Tours run every night at 5:30 and 7pm from December 6–29 and start/end at Concannon Vineyards.
Tickets are $77/per person and include a one-hour wine tasting at Concannon Vineyards and a one-hour tour of the lights around Livermore on a festive trolley ride. You have the option to add on a charcuterie box (2-3 guests) and/or a holiday dessert box.
The Livermore Wine Trolley is a really fun way to see all the brightest light displays while listening to festive holiday music. It also stops at the “snow house” where you can get off the trolley and enjoy the falling snow!
I had such a cheery time on the Livermore Wine Trolley a few years ago and highly recommend it!
You must be 21+ — this is not for kids or people under 21.
Location: Livermore
Dates: December 6 – 29, 2024
Cost: $77/person
Walnut Creek on Ice
The outdoor, covered ice rink in Walnut Creek is open again for the 19th season! This year they’ve added a 90-foot ice slide — the only one in the Bay Area!
Sessions for ice skating or the ice slide are $20/person for 90 minutes. You can get a combo ticket for both for $20/person for a 90-minute session on some non-holiday weekdays.
You can book a rinkside fire pit in addition to your ice skating/slide booking, for up to 4 people during your 90-minute session for $50-125.
Location: 1365 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Dates: November 27, 2024 – January 12, 2025
Cost: $20/person
Garden of D'Lights, Walnut Creek
The Ruth Bancroft Garden turns into the Garden of D’Lights each holiday season, offering a self-guided tour of the illuminated garden.
Experience this garden in a unique way while supporting the fundraising efforts of the Ruth Bancroft Garden! From art installations to lasers, the garden is lit up in an array of colors, highlighting the many varieties of plants throughout the grounds.
The Garden of D’Lights is open from November 22 – January 11 on select dates with entry times at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, and 7:30pm. You have one hour to tour the garden, starting at your entry time.
Tickets are $29/person for adults and can sell out — book as early as possible.
Parking on-site is limited, but there is additional parking at Doctor’s Park a couple of blocks away.
Location: Walnut Creek
Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 11, 2025
Cost: $29/person
San Mateo on Ice
The largest outdoor ice rink in the Bay Area this year is in San Mateo’s Central Park, with 11,000 sq ft. of real ice!
Skate sessions are 1.5-2 hours, depending on the date/time slot booked, and start at $18/person.
You can book a 2-hour private, rinkside tent for up to 40 people ages 4+ for $150. The tent booking does not include skating — those tickets can be purchased at the same time as the tent rental though.
Location: San Mateo
Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 12, 2025
Cost: $18+/person
Holidays at Filoli, Woodside
Filoli Historic House and Garden is my favorite place in the Bay Area! The beautiful gardens, grand mansion, and friendly employees make it a delightful Bay Area activity.
During the holiday season, Filoli’s garden is filled with decorative lights and a giant light tunnel, while the mansion is decorated with Christmas decor, trees, and other festive props.
Tickets are $45 each (20% off with membership) and tend to sell out quickly, especially on weekends, so I recommend booking as soon as you can.
Entry times are 4pm, 5:30, and 7pm. I recommend the 4pm entry time to experience Filoli while there’s still a bit of daylight!
You can also book additional add-ons, like a private fire pit, though you can find a free one near the Holiday Bar and Coffee Bar.
I have a full guide to the Holidays at Filoli with all the fun details!
Location: Woodside
Dates: November 16, 2024 – January 12, 2025
Cost: $45/person
Christmas in the Park Drive-Thru, San Jose
Stay warm and cozy in your car as you drive through History Park in San Jose filled with Christmas lights and decorations.
The Christmas in the Park Drive-Thru starts at $25/car and helps to fund the free Christmas in the Park event in downtown San Jose!
Drive through over one mile of displays with more than 200,000 lights while listening to holiday music synced with the lights.
Location: San Jose
Dates: November 21, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Cost: $25/car
Christmas in the Park Downtown, San Jose
The free Christmas in the Park is an event in downtown San Jose at Plaza de Cesar Chavez with a giant tree, festive displays, and rides.
Christmas in the Park has been an annual tradition for over 40 years supported by the community through fundraisers and donations.
The park is open Monday–Thursday from 5–10pm, Fridays 5–11pm, and weekends from 12-10pm.
They have different events throughout the whole season, including a pet costume contest on December 1 and a Toys for Tots fundraiser on December 14.
Location: San Jose
Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Cost: FREE
Aprés Village - Four Seasons Hotel, Palo Alto
One of the most Instagrammed holiday activities in the Bay Area is the Aprés Village at the Four Seasons Hotel in Palo Alto. They build an entire winter lodge on their property so you can experience aprés ski without hitting the slopes first!
There are tables and private chalets you can book, along with a pre-fixe menu, warm drinks, and winter snacks to enjoy as you’re transported to a mountain resort.
Reservations for Aprés Village sell out incredibly quickly and are already filling up for the season.
A table is $95/person with a holiday Italian Mountain Valley theme pre-fixe menu (choose 4 dishes and 1 dessert per person), s’mores, and hot chocolate.
A private chalet is $150/person and you are required to purchase the $95/person pre-fixe menu as well.
Reviews are mixed, probably because the price tag is so high you have higher expectations. It seems last year the pre-fixe menu was only $45/person, meaning they more than doubled it from one year ago.
As much as I would love to check this out, the price turns me off. If spending $95/person (plus tip + drinks) is reasonable for you, I’d say it’s worth checking out!
Location: Palo Alto
Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Cost: $95/person
Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru, Los Gatos
Fantasy of Lights is another drive-thru light display in the Bay Area, often confused with the Christmas in the Park drive-thru in San Jose.
This one is in Los Gatos and is the original holiday lights drive-thru! Tickets sell out early due to the massive popularity and it’s advised to book far in advance if possible.
I went in 2023 and had a jolly time looking at all the fun light displays and listening to holiday music! The traffic in the surrounding areas backs up for miles, so give yourself plenty of time to arrive around your booked entry time.
There is a bathroom in the park if you need it — after you get your tickets checked, they will direct you to go straight to the lights or turn into a parking lot for the bathroom.
I recommend grabbing some festive seasonal drinks at Los Gatos Soda Works after the drive-thru!
Location: Los Gatos
Dates: December 10, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Cost: $32/car
Roaring Camp Holiday Train & Lights, Felton
Tucked in the Santa Cruz mountains is the old-timey Roaring Camp. It’s an original railroad camp that still has steamtrains running daily!
During the holiday season, you can take the Redwoods Train to Bear Mountain for a Holiday Tree Walk or the Beach Train (decked out in lights) to Santa Cruz to admire the holiday lights in town.
Location: Felton
Dates:
Redwoods Train to Bear Mt. Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22
Beach Train to Santa Cruz Nov. 29-30, Dec. 7-8, 14-23
Cost: $50/person
