Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for San Francisco Bay Area Kids

The most magical time of year is here: the holiday season! Find fun Christmas activities near San Francisco and the whole Bay Area, from San Jose to Oakland and beyond! Plus restaurants open on Thanksgiving, Hanukkah events, Christmas light shows, and find out where to see Santa Claus this season.

Check out our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide to all the best things to do in San Francisco Bay Area this holiday season.

Christmas Activities for San Francisco Kids
Meet Santa amid dazzling lights. Photo courtesy of Enchant Christmas
Top Places to See Santa in San Francisco
Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah with Kids: Hanukkah Gifts, Fun Crafts, and a Little History
Christmas in the Park is an annual festive affair in San Jose. Photo courtesy of Christmas in the Park.
Best Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in San Francisco
Enchant Christmas at PayPal Park. Photo courtesy of the event.
13 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in San Francisco for Kids
Glowfari is an otherworldly and amazing experience. Photo courtesy of the Oakland County Zoo
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in San Francisco
Mingle with Santa Claus while aboard a holiday train! Photo courtesy of the Sacramento River Fox Train
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near San Francisco for 2024

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Holiday & Christmas Crafts for Kids
Armed with our giant list of Christmas crafts, you'll keep kids busy until the New Year!
101 Christmas Crafts for Kids, Plus Christmas Games and More At-Home Activities
Keep Rudolph's teeth clean with this Christmas science experiment.
Reindeer Toothpaste Recipe Christmas Science Activity for Kids
We’ve tested out dozens of Christmas cookie recipes over the years, and these are the very best.
10 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes To Bake with Kids
Easy Handmade Thumbprint Holiday Cards Kids Craft
Hot chocolate bombs are a tasty winter treat for kids!
How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs in 5 Easy Steps
Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas movies filled with Santa, elves, and reindeer.
A Charlie Brown Christmas and More Kids' Holiday Movies to Watch This Holiday Season

Latest Christmas/Hanukkah News

Cross County Center’s popular pop-up ice skating rink is located right in the heart of the center. Photo courtesy of Cross County Center
Christmas Vacation in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: 40 Things To Do with Kids
Stave off holiday break boredom with these fun picks for local kids.
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Take a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express in Whippany, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Morristown and Eerie Railway
Enchanting Christmas and Holiday-Themed Day Trips from NYC
Head over the river and through the woods to enjoy one of these seasonal day trip destinations.
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Treat your family to northern Italian cuisine for Christmas dinner at Mulino's in White Plains.
Restaurants Open on Christmas in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Gift yourself a dinner out at a local restaurant this Christmas.
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During Christmas in NYC, Midtown Manhattan is chock-full of glittery eye candy. Photo by Ally Noel
Christmas in New York: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
There's no place like the Big Apple at Christmas.
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Enjoy the free holiday parade and drone show at the Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown. Photo courtesy of the event
32 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Kids
Enjoy these no-cost events throughout the region this holiday season.
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Legoland New York has gotten a seasonal makeover with plenty of festive fun, food, and attractions during its Holiday Bricktacular.
Why a Visit to the Legoland New York Holiday Bricktacular Is a Seasonal Must-Do
Legoland New York's holiday makeover is complete. Here's a look at the seasonal fun in store.
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