Bay Area Holiday Magic: Must-Do Activities for Every Lifestyle
Before we share some of our favorites, and client referred holiday activities - SAVE THE DATE - for our client appreciation party on December 4th at Bare Bottle Brewery in Walnut Creek. Official Save the Date and invites will be sent out shortly!
The holidays are here and the Bay Area truly knows how to shine. From glowing light displays to festive markets and family-friendly performances, there’s something magical for everyone, whether you’re a family looking to make memories, a couple planning a cozy date night, or an individual ready to explore.
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Deanna and I love the holidays and creating memories with our families. Growing up, our households were big on tradition. Whether it was our grandparents taking us to the Nutcracker or bundling up in our PJ’s with hot cocoa to take a drive around the neighborhood lights, here’s your curated guide to the most enchanting, can’t-miss holiday experiences across the Bay Area, with clear takeaways and helpful links for more information.
🎄 Christmas Light Displays That Spark Joy
1. Walnut Creek On Ice
Celebrate 20 years of winter magic at Walnut Creek on Ice! Our beloved holiday tradition returns to Civic Park for another season of skating, laughter, and frosty fun in the heart of Downtown Walnut Creek.
👉 Learn more: https://walnutcreekdowntown.com/walnut-creek-on-ice
2. Holidays Parade of Lights + Tree Lighting
Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with music, entertainment, and holiday cheer. The highlight? A dazzling parade and a special Tree Lighting Ceremony led by Santa Claus himself!
👉 Learn more: https://www.broadwayplaza.com/Events/Details/571471
3. Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo
See larger-than-life animal lanterns — from dinosaurs to jellyfish — lighting up the night sky. A spectacular after-dark adventure for kids and adults alike.
👉 Learn more: oaklandzoo.org/glowfari
4. Let’s Glow SF (Downtown San Francisco)
A free projection-mapping experience that transforms downtown buildings into animated art created by global artists — a must-see for city dwellers and couples.
👉 Learn more: sftravel.com
5. Niles Canyon Railway “Train of Lights” (Sunol)
Take a 1.5-hour roundtrip ride through festive countryside with twinkling lights, Santa sightings, and carols. Book early — tickets sell fast!
👉 Learn more: ncry.org
6. Union Square & Pier 39 (San Francisco)
Admire the giant Macy’s Christmas tree, window displays, and the 60-foot musical light show tree at Pier 39 — ideal for family photos or romantic nights out.
👉 Learn more: visitunionsquaresf.com, pier39.com
7. San Jose Holiday Lights at Discovery Meadow
Stroll through more than five acres of glowing lights featuring over 40 dazzling displays and six themed zones. Perfect for families and kids of all ages
👉 Learn more: holidaylightfest.com
8. Holidays at Filoli (Woodside)
Experience a grand estate transformed into a holiday wonderland. Choose from three signature experiences: Gilded (House & Garden Tour), Thistlewyck Village (an enchanted redwood scene), and Holiday Lights (an immersive nighttime walk).
👉 Learn more: filoli.org
Neighborhood Gems:
Deacon Dave Christmas Lights: A local legend with over 920,000 lights! 📍 352 Hillcrest Ave, Livermore
Dourov Christmas Lights: 📍 467 Knottingham Cir, Livermore
Candy Cane Lane: A festive display on Walnut Dr. 📍 4150 Walnut Drive, Pleasanton
Widmer World: 📍 3671 Chelsea Ct, Pleasanton
Four Street: 📍 4th Street, Berkeley
The Arlington: 📍 928 Arlington Ave, Berkeley
Crippsmas Place (Fremont): 50+ homes joined in a neighborhood-wide show. 📍 36040 Wellington Place, Fremont
Thompson Avenue “Christmas Tree Lane” (Alameda): Walkable magic for the whole family. 📍 3200 Thompson Ave, Alameda
Widmer World:
👉 More info: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEBpLx0vCcT/
🛍️ Holiday Markets & Local Shopping
Support local businesses and find unique gifts at these festive Bay Area markets:
1. The Bedford Gallery Craft Fest (Walnut Creek)
Treat yourself with a variety of unique goods and kickstart your holiday shopping. Craft Fest admission is always FREE to the public.
👉 Learn more: https://www.bedfordgallery.org/programs/craft-fest
2. Mission Bay Christmas Market at SPARK Social SF
Food trucks, local vendors, live music, and a wreath-making station — perfect for families or date night.
👉 Learn more: sparksocialsf.com
3. Renegade Craft Fair (Fort Mason, SF)
A Bay Area favorite featuring hundreds of makers offering handmade goods, crafts, and art.
👉 Learn more: renegadecraft.com
4. Embarcadero Center Holiday Market (SF)
Enjoy waterfront views, live entertainment, and artisan gifts in the heart of downtown.
👉 Learn more: embarcaderocenter.com
5. Ferry Building Marketplace (SF)
A year-round favorite that gets extra festive during December — grab artisanal foods, wines, and handmade gifts.
👉 Learn more: ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
6. Holiday Barn Boutique at Sherman Ranch (Pleasanton)
Over 60 vendors, food trucks, and live music — plus a fun animal meet-and-greet for kids.
👉 Learn more: shermanranchboutique.com
7. The Guardsmen Christmas Tree Lot (Fort Mason, SF)
Buy your Christmas tree while giving back — proceeds benefit Bay Area youth programs.
👉 Learn more: sftrees.com
8. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Daly City)
Step into a Victorian London scene — complete with carolers, costumed actors, and old-fashioned treats.
👉 Learn more: dickensfair.com
🎭 Family-Friendly Events & Performances
1. Safeway Holiday Ice Rink (Union Square, SF)
A long-standing Bay Area tradition and a magical experience for all ages.
👉 Learn more: unionsquareicerink.com
2. The Nutcracker Ballets (Multiple Locations)
San Francisco Ballet at the War Memorial Opera House
Diablo Ballet at Lesher Center for the Arts (Walnut Creek)
Contra Costa Ballet at the Henry J. Kaiser Center (Oakland)
Stapleton School of the Performing Arts at the Palace of Fine Arts (SF)
👉 Learn more: sfballet.org
3. Deck the Hall (San Francisco Symphony)
A beloved annual concert filled with holiday cheer, music, and dance.
👉 Learn more: sfsymphony.org
4. Temple Hill Choir Christmas Concert (Oakland)
Classic Christmas choral performances with powerful harmonies and holiday spirit.
👉 Learn more: templehillevents.com
5. AfterGlow Chorus: A Not So Silent Night (Oakland)
A soulful twist on holiday favorites — mixing gospel, pop, and spirituals.
👉 Learn more: afterglowchorus.com
6. Wreaths & Wonder: A Family Workshop (San Jose)
Create your own wreaths with provided materials in a fun, family-oriented setting.
👉 Learn more: sanjoseca.gov/events
7. Make & Meet: Postcard Party – Holiday Edition (Voyager Craft Coffee, SJ)
Design holiday postcards while sipping coffee — ideal for singles and creatives.
👉 Learn more: voyagercraftcoffee.com
8. The Polar Express (Sacramento)
Bringing the Magic of an original, staple christmas story to life. Tickets on sale now!
👉 Learn more: https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1053905/2025-the-polar-express-train-ride-sacramento-california-state-railroad-museum