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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Get set for a holiday adventure in San Bruno with our guide. Discover all the exciting festive happenings. From San Bruno regulars to holiday tourists, our guide unlocks the city's festive treasures for everyone.

Popular events highlight the charm of the season, such as the Union Square Ice Rink, where you can glide across sparkling ice amid festive decorations. The enchanting SF Ballet’s Nutcracker brings the holiday spirit to life with its captivating performances and delightful music. And the Holidays at Filoli is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring stunning gardens and beautiful light displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

San Bruno Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Historic estate with extensive holiday lighting and decorations.

Description:

Filoli Estate transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with meticulously adorned houses and gardens, featuring over 3,600 strands of lights, a 210-foot light tunnel, and 7,000 ornaments. Guests can enjoy daytime delights with warm drinks and lunch at the Quail Café, while evening admission offers immersive displays under the stars.

Where: Woodside | More Info: Holidays at Filoli

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What to Expect:

Holiday tree lighting ceremony with Santa visit and toy donations.

Description:

Join your neighbors for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Colma Town Hall. Festivities include a visit from Santa, hot cocoa, and treats. The holiday tree lights will illuminate Town Hall at 7:15 PM, officially welcoming the holiday season. Toy donations for charity are also accepted.

Where: Colma | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting - Colma Town Hall

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What to Expect:

Vintage train cars with thousands of colorful lights.

Description:

The Holiday Lights Train by Roaring Camp Railroads features vintage excursion cars adorned with thousands of colorful lights, rolling through Santa Cruz city streets past homes. Live music by Steve Bennett and visits with Santa Claus and his elves add to the festive atmosphere.

Where: Felton | More Info: Holiday Lights Train - Roaring Camp

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What to Expect:

Interactive holiday light maze with a story-based adventure.

Description:

Wander through the 80,000 square feet of breathtaking light sculptures in the Reindeer Games maze, where you'll search for the missing bells the reindeer need to fly Santa's sleigh. The maze is part of a captivating original story that unfolds as you explore.

Where: San Jose | More Info: Light Maze - Enchant: San Jose

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San Bruno Holiday Markets and Shopping

San Bruno Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.

Description:

San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker is a timeless holiday classic featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic score, elaborate sets, and world-class dancers. Set in early 20th-century San Francisco, this production includes a historic setting, beautiful costumes, and a delightful storyline.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: SF Ballet’s Nutcracker

Event Organizer?

San Bruno Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Unique blend of holiday festivities and ice skating.

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 with little to no experience can learn from professional instructors every weekend.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Union Square Ice Rink

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with festive lights and decorated Christmas trees.

Description:

Ghirardelli Square transforms into a holiday destination with festive lights, holiday movies, and the aroma of chocolate. Enjoy a self-guided Christmas Tree Stroll with trees decorated by talented students, shop at the Holiday Marketplace, and take photos with Santa.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Ghirardelli Square Christmas Activities

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What to Expect:

Family-friendly celebration with live entertainment and iconic sea lion viewing.

Description:

Pier 39 HapPIER Holidays features a variety of special events, including the citywide celebration of Fleet Week, classic events like the Sea Lion Anniversary, and Tulipmania. The event offers a lively atmosphere with diverse activities for all ages.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Pier 39 HapPIER Holidays

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What to Expect:

Interactive Santa chats with a North Pole mailbox.

Description:

At City Center Bishop Ranch, meet Santa every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm in festively decorated Alexander Square. Parents can take photos of their children's chats with Santa, and a North Pole mailbox is available for those too shy for an in-person chat.

Where: San Ramon | More Info: Selfies with Santa - Center City Bishop Ranch

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What to Expect:

Antique carousel with hand-carved animals and calliope music.

Description:

Tilden Park Merry Go Round offers a classic carousel experience with hand-carved and painted wooden animals, accompanied by calliope-style music. Enjoy hot chocolate, cafe latte, matcha, apple cider, hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and other snacks. The event is pet-friendly and LGBTQ-friendly, with special hours and reservations available.

Where: Berkeley | More Info: Winter Wonderland - Tilden Park Merry Go Round

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