Last updated: November 11, 2024
Eager for holiday festivities in Hayward? Check out our guide for all the festive fun! From Hayward enthusiasts to casual tourists, our guide is your ticket to unforgettable holiday experiences.
Popular events during this season include the enchanting Holidays at Filoli, where stunning garden displays bring the spirit of the season to life. With its breathtaking lights and holiday décor, Enchant San Jose features a captivating maze that delights visitors of all ages. And the Union Square Ice Rink is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a charming experience for those who enjoy skating amidst festive surroundings. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Hayward Holiday Light Displays
Holidays at Filoli
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday displays and historic natural beauty.
- Description
- Filoli transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with illuminated installations, festive decorations, and immersive displays. Visitors can explore the historic House and Garden, indulge in warm drinks and hearty meals, and enjoy exclusive experiences like private fire pits and elegant tea services.
- Where
- Woodside | More Info : Holidays at Filoli
Enchant San Jose
- What to Expect
- Interactive light maze with a captivating original story.
- Description
- Enchant San Jose features the World's Largest Christmas Light Maze, an ice skating trail, Santa and Mrs. Claus visits, and a charming holiday marketplace with seasonal food and drink options.
- Where
- San Jose | More Info : Enchant San Jose
Thrive City’s Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Grand lighting ceremony with community activities.
- Description
- Thrive City’s Winter Wonderland is a festive celebration featuring a grand lighting ceremony, live music, and community activities that bring together the spirit of the season.
- Where
- San Francisco | More Info : Thrive City’s Winter Wonderland
Fairy Winterland
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with twinkling lights and festive activities.
- Description
- Fairy Winterland at Children's Fairyland in Oakland, California, features twinkling lights, festive music, and holiday crafts. Visitors can enjoy hot cocoa and apple cider while participating in activities like ornament making and candle dipping. Santa Claus leads a parade through the park, handing out treats to guests.
- Where
- Oakland | More Info : Fairy Winterland
Entwined at Golden Gate Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive light installation with wind-sensitive tree.
- Description
- Entwined at Golden Gate Park features a 30-ft metal sculpted tree, Elder Mother, which moves with the wind and carries a 25-ft canopy with ever-changing illumination and color. The installation includes six unique QR codes that allow attendees to control the lighting patterns.
- Where
- San Francisco | More Info : Entwined at Golden Gate Park
Yerba Buena Gardens Holiday Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Holiday tree lighting with a living coastal redwood tree.
- Description
- Join us at Yerba Buena Gardens for a holiday tree lighting event featuring a living coastal redwood tree on the Great Lawn. This event is perfect for families and friends looking to get into the holiday spirit. Watch as the tree lights up the night sky, bringing joy and warmth to all who attend.
- Where
- San Francisco | More Info : Yerba Buena Gardens Holiday Tree Lighting
Bill Graham Menorah
- What to Expect
- First giant public menorah outside Israel.
- Description
- The Bill Graham Menorah is a 48-year tradition featuring a 25-foot-tall menorah in Union Square, celebrating Chanukah with thousands of inspired menorahs worldwide.
- Where
- San Francisco | More Info : Bill Graham Menorah
Hayward Holiday Markets and Shopping
Thrift Fest
- What to Expect
- Celebration of vintage and maker vendors with live music and food.
- Description
- Thrift Fest is an indoor event celebrating over 100 vintage vendors and creators at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Enjoy live music, food, and drinks while finding unique pieces that speak to you.
- Where
- Pleasanton | More Info : Thrift Fest
Hayward Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Ghirardelli Square Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with live music and festive food.
- Description
- Ghirardelli Square offers a variety of holiday events, including live music performances, festive food and drink options, and seasonal activities that bring the community together.
- Where
- San Francisco | More Info : Ghirardelli Square Holiday Events
Hayward Other Holiday Activities
Union Square Ice Rink
- What to Expect
- Free ice skating lessons for beginners.
- Description
- The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, presented by Kaiser Permanente, offers outdoor ice skating and holiday festivities in downtown San Francisco. Special events include Drag Queens on Ice, Silent Skate, and Polar Bear Skate. Skaters of all ages can enjoy lessons from professional instructors every weekend.
- Where
- San Francisco | More Info : Union Square Ice Rink
Santa Train Jolly Journeys with the Napa Valley Wine Train
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday experiences with Santa and festive dining.
- Description
- Embark on a holiday journey with the Napa Valley Wine Train, featuring Santa visits, festive meals, and holiday activities.
- Where
- Napa | More Info : Santa Train Jolly Journeys with the Napa Valley Wine Train
Merry Meritage
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with unlimited ice skating and festive activities.
- Description
- Merry Meritage offers a holiday escape with unlimited ice skating, special events like tree lighting and Santa's Story Time, and festive activities like Tinsel Tea and S'mores Fire Pit.
- Where
- Napa | More Info : Merry Meritage
Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round
- What to Expect
- Antique carousel with hand-carved wooden animals.
- Description
- Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round features an antique carousel with hand-carved wooden animals, calliope-style music, and a snack bar offering hot chocolate, ice cream, and carnival food.
- Where
- Berkeley | More Info : Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round
Goodguys 34th Fuel Curve Autumn Get-Together
- What to Expect
- High-energy car shows and racing events.
- Description
- The Goodguys 34th Fuel Curve Autumn Get-Together is a premier automotive event featuring over 2,500 show cars, trucks, and vendor exhibits. It includes AutoCross racing, a swap meet, live music, and various competitions like the Nitro Thunderfest and Demolition Derby.
- Where
- Pleasanton | More Info : Goodguys 34th Fuel Curve Autumn Get-Together
A Lakeside Christmas
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with diverse activities.
- Description
- Lakeside Christmas offers a variety of holiday activities for the whole family, including a tree lighting ceremony, train rides, movies, visits with Santa Claus, and themed art classes.
- Where
- Hayward | More Info : A Lakeside Christmas
Dollie + Me Holiday Tea at The Westin St. Francis
- What to Expect
- Holiday tea experience with dollie crafting.
- Description
- Join Dollie + Me Holiday Tea at The Westin St. Francis for a special afternoon of holiday tea, crafting, and fun with your dolls. Adults enjoy a full tea service and champagne, while children enjoy hot chocolate, sweet treats, and tea sandwiches. Each child receives a goodie bag with precious crafts.
- Where
- San Francisco | More Info : Dollie + Me Holiday Tea at The Westin St. Francis