Last updated: November 11, 2024
Feel the holiday anticipation in Palo Alto! Discover all the top festive events and activities with our guide. From Palo Alto locals to holiday pilgrims, this guide illuminates the city's festive tapestry.
Experience the joy of skating under twinkling lights at the Union Square Ice Rink, where laughter and holiday spirit fill the air. Alongside this, Let’s Glow SF promises a mesmerizing display of seasonal lights and interactive art installations. And the enchanting trails of Enchant San Jose are something you definitely don't want to miss, offering stunning holiday-themed exhibits and activities for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Immersive holiday light display with behind-the-scenes tours and festive activities.
Filoli Estate & Gardens transform into a spectacular holiday display with thousands of lights, 3,600 strands of lights, and over 7,000 ornaments. The event features a 210-foot-long light tunnel, daytime and evening admissions, and various seasonal activities.
Where: Woodside | More Info: Holidays at Filoli
High-tech projection of animated art on iconic SF buildings.
Let's Glow SF is a free outdoor holiday event showcasing large-scale animated art across seven iconic SF buildings using high-tech projectors and lasers from December 6th to 15th.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Let’s Glow SF
Immersive light displays and family-friendly entertainment.
Thrive City’s Winter Wonderland is a festive celebration featuring immersive light displays and entertainment for the whole family.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Thrive City’s Winter Wonderland
Holiday celebration with live music and festive lights.
Ghirardelli Square transforms into a holiday hub with festive lights, holiday tunes by the SF Boys Chorus, and Santa's arrival to illuminate the square. Visitors can enjoy live music, holiday movies, and the aroma of chocolate, creating a memorable holiday experience.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Ghirardelli Square Holiday Events
Interactive holiday light maze with a captivating original story.
Enchant San Jose features a world-class Christmas light maze, ice skating trail, and seasonal food and drink. The event includes visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, nightly caroling, and mainstage entertainment. It offers various ticket packages and special events like theme nights.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Enchant San Jose
Community-driven Hanukkah celebration with a giant public menorah.
The Bill Graham Menorah Lighting in Union Square is a 48-year tradition featuring a 25-foot menorah, live music, and various activities including kids' crafts and entertainment. It celebrates Hanukkah with community gatherings and lighting ceremonies each night from December 7th to 14th.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Bill Graham Menorah Lighting
Unique blend of holiday shopping and community celebration.
Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden's Winter Festival offers a variety of activities, including a festive marketplace, Over The Garden Fence Winter Edition sale, holiday raffle, and special events like the Grand Opening Party and Holiday Night with Santa. The event provides one-stop shopping for holiday gifts, greenery, and décor in a beautifully decorated and illuminated garden atmosphere.
Where: Palo Alto | More Info: Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden Holiday Workshops
Beautifully decorated garden with holiday shopping and activities.
Gamble Garden's Winter Festival is a weekend celebration featuring a festive marketplace, holiday shopping, wine tasting, and holiday activities for all ages.
Where: Palo Alto | More Info: Palo Alto Holiday Market
On-ice performances by Bay Area drag queens.
SF’s Drag Queens on Ice features an evening of glitz and glam with performances by Bay Area drag queens, offering a unique blend of holiday cheer and on-ice exuberance.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: SF’s Drag Queens on Ice
Live music tribute with tree lighting ceremony.
Celebrate the holiday season with Hillsdale Shopping Center's Rockin' Holiday Show and Tree Lighting, featuring a live music tribute and dazzling lights.
Where: San Mateo | More Info: Hillsdale Shopping Center Tree Lighting
Unique blend of holiday festivities and ice skating with special themed events.
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 with little to no experience can learn from professional instructors every weekend.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Union Square Ice Rink
Inclusive holiday underwear fun run supporting HIV/AIDS services.
Santa Skivvies Run is an annual holiday underwear fun run/walk that weaves through the iconic Castro neighborhood, supporting the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Participants can choose to walk, run, scooter, skip, or skate the one-mile course while wearing festive holiday attire or their own skivvies. The event includes a drag show and award ceremony, providing a body-positive and inclusive celebration.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Santa Skivvies Run
Elegant holiday tea service in a historic garden setting.
Filoli Historic House & Garden offers a variety of holiday workshops and activities, including holiday teas, wreath-making parties, and private fire pit experiences. Guests can explore the beautifully decorated house and gardens, indulge in elegant tea services, and participate in family-friendly activities like visiting Santa.
Where: Woodside | More Info: Filoli Historic House & Garden Holiday Workshops
Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse entertainment and activities.
Redwood City Downtown Holiday Events feature a variety of activities including complementary Santa pictures, assorted vendors, entertainment at Courthouse Square, and a Hometown Holidays Parade Extravaganza.
Where: Redwood City | More Info: Redwood City Downtown Holiday Events
Year-round programs and exhibits showcasing community projects.
The San Mateo County Fairgrounds host a variety of holiday events, including competitive exhibits, special events, and commercial vendors. The grounds offer a range of activities and attractions that celebrate culture, technology, agriculture, horticulture, arts, and sustainability.
Where: San Mateo | More Info: San Mateo County Fairgrounds Holiday Events
