As the holiday season arrives, the Bay Area transforms into a mix of lights, festivals, celebrations, and more.
From spectacular light shows to cozy markets, there are many activities for students and families to get into the holiday spirit. Here are the best 10 places in the Bay Area to check out this December.
Christmas in the Park
Located in San Jose, Christmas in the Park provides two ticketed events: Blinky’s Drive Thru at the Santa Clara Fairgrounds and the Downtown Park Experience in Plaza de Cesar Chavez. The drive thru includes more than 200,000 lights with tunnels, festive displays, and candy canes.
The cost is $25 per car. The separate Downtown Park Experience is described as a winter wonderland, according to the Christmas in the Park website. The experience includes more than 40 musical and animated exhibits and a 65-foot tall Christmas tree.
Filoli
The Holidays at Filoli experience in Woodside, located in the South Bay near Stanford University, offers three holiday adventures. The first adventure, Gilded, is a stroll through Filoli’s historic house and lush winter garden. Tickets are $29 for children and $39 for adults.
Tickets to this event also include admission to Thistlewyck, which is a Christmas-themed village including a post office, elf emporium, toy shop, and train depot. The last adventure is Holiday Lights, a 16-acre night garden with twinkling lights and drinks and snacks.
Union Square
Every year from November through January, Union Square in San Francisco presents the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink. This seasonal rink is popular for its huge, iconic Christmas tree, festive decorations, and holiday window displays including those at Macy’s.
General admission is typically $22, which includes a $5 fee for skate rentals. Union Square has been a known Christmas destination since the late 1920s, making it a long-standing Bay Area tradition.
Ghirardelli Square’s Winter Wonderland
Just two miles from Union Square is Ghirardelli Square, a free-entry Christmas event.
Visitors can enjoy the festive outdoor plaza featuring shops and Ghiradelli’s famous hot cocoa. A surprise event will be hosted on December 20 with a festive burst of Christmas magic, according to the Ghiradelli website. Ghiradelli Square also features seasonal photo spots and holiday treats, which are definitely worth a visit.
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Daly City transports visitors back to the 19th century Victorian era in London. Tickets for this fair range from $18-$45 depending on age and date. Visitors can wander through lamplit lanes and encounter characters from Charles Dickens’ novels.
The immersive experience travels through vintage shops, old-fashioned pubs and musical performances. This festive fair has been a holiday tradition since the 1970s and is a remarkable way to celebrate the holidays.
Glowfari Zoo
In the heart of Oakland, the Oakland Zoo transforms into an animal themed light display for the holidays. The Glowfari Zoo features numerous life-sized illuminated animal lanterns as visitors walk along the pathway. The majestic stroll through this event is approximately a mile long.
Aside from animals, the attraction highlights landmarks from the Bay Area, including the renowned BART train and Fox Theater, in the “Future of Oakland” themed area. Tickets vary by night and may be expensive closer to the date of the visit. This family-friendly view is a great addition to your holiday bucket list.
Holiday Boardwalk Winter land
The generally sunny beachside Santa Cruz Boardwalk transforms into a winter wonderland for the holidays. The iconic amusement park takes on its own seasonal twist with festive lights, decorations and holiday attractions.
In addition to riding the Great Dipper, guests can watch a complimentary light show every 15 minutes or book tickets for the holiday light train and enjoy seasonal festive treats. This typical summer destination is a must-visit for those who want to enjoy the holiday festivities by the shore.
Garden of D’Lights in Ruth Bancroft Garden
In Walnut Creek, visitors can enjoy an immersive walk through the festively lit Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery. The garden is adorned with thousands of lights and lanterns, highlighting this location’s beauty. This botanical attraction is perfect for visitors who enjoy a peaceful atmosphere during the holidays.
Children four and under are free, while tickets for ages five to 17 cost $16, and adult tickets are $29. Make sure to stop by The Garden of D’Lights for those in Walnut Creek this season.
City Center Bishop Ranch
Right here in San Ramon, The LOT is a classic venue to visit with family and friends during the holidays. Guests can glide across the holiday-exclusive ice skating rink or stare in awe at the giant holiday decorated tree in the center of the plaza. Ice skating ticket prices vary from $19 to $25.
The LOT provides a great local option for festive fun while enjoying this location’s other stores and restaurants.
Holiday Tea at Claremont Resort & Club
Located in Berkeley, visitors can visit the Claremont Resort & Club for a holiday tea experience.
Entry to this elegant event costs $135 for adults and $85 for kids. Tea includes three tiers of dishes: pastries, sandwiches, and desserts. Holiday tea is open on various dates throughout December with seating times at 10 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. For those who like themed experiences and amazing views, Claremont is the spot for you.
Whether it’s dazzling light displays or immersive holiday experiences, the Bay Area offers countless ways to celebrate the season.
If you’re looking for a quiet winter stroll or a lively adventure, there’s something for everyone this December.
