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
The snow and lights at North Pole Nights are guaranteed to drop jaws. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens
23 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 Fun Christmas Crafts and Games for Kids to Do at Home
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 Cookies to Bake with Kids (Easy, Fun, and Festive Recipes for Families)
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

  VIDEO
Don’t Miss Holiday Circus Spectacular "Merry Mayhem" at the New Victory Theater
Tickets start at just $30.
READ MORE
The tunnel through the Christmas tree at 1221 Avenue of the Americas is a delightful surprise! Photo by Jody Mercier
The Most Unique Christmas Trees in NYC You’ll Want to See (and Snap!) this Holiday Season
Forget Rockefeller Center, these trees have plenty of charm and fewer crowds.
READ MORE
The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025
Cue the holiday music, pack a thermos of hot cocoa, and hit the road for a holiday lights show.
READ MORE
Sit on Santa's lap at Historic Richmond Town, which transforms into an old-time Dickens Village for the holidays. Photo courtesy of Historic Richmond Town
Where to Take Photos with Santa in NYC 2025
Cozy up to Santa for a seasonal photo session at these local NYC spots.
READ MORE
No matter which direction you look, Rockefeller Center sparkles during the holiday season.
24 Things To Do at Rockefeller Center Beyond the Christmas Tree this Season
Rockefeller Center sparkles during the holiday season. Here are the best things to do.
READ MORE
Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2025. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo
Top Tips for Visiting Macy's Santaland in 2025
Santa arrives Friday! Here's what you need to know to nab a reservation at Macy's.
READ MORE
Load more