San Mateo Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in San Mateo and surrounding areas
San Mateo welcomes the holiday season with Christmas lights and festive programming around Central Park and the Hillsdale area, where San Mateo On Ice and local Nutcracker performances add seasonal magic. Downtown and near the Caltrain station, holiday activities and light displays draw families to markets, community concerts, and tree‑lighting events. Whether you’re gliding on ice, browsing seasonal markets, or enjoying evening lights and caroling, San Mateo offers many things to do for a memorable holiday season.
Find the best San Mateo Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
27 eventsChristmas tree sales benefiting Bay Area youth since 1947.
Christmas Lights
21 eventsAnnual holiday celebration with tree lighting and Santa.
Christmas Shows
16 eventsHoliday films with live orchestral accompaniment
Christmas Activities
27 eventsAnnual community parade celebrating the start of the holiday season.
Editor's Picks (6)
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San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
(San Francisco)
Historic American Nutcracker performance
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San Francisco Symphony Holiday Concerts
(San Francisco)
Holiday films with live orchestral accompaniment
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Let's Glow SF 2024
(San Francisco)
Country's largest holiday projection arts festival
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The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
(San Francisco)
Outdoor ice skating in Union Square
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A Chanticleer Christmas 2025
(Oakland)
Acclaimed vocal ensemble performing holiday music by candlelight.
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Lightscape at San Francisco Botanical Garden
(San Francisco)
Mile-long illuminated trail with light and music
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Giving Opportunities Near San Mateo
Give back this holiday season with volunteering and charitable opportunities in San Mateo.
Palo Alto Holiday Toy Drive
Join the Palo Alto Holiday Toy Drive to bring joy to local youth...
View full details →San Mateo Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near San Mateo
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near San Mateo!
San Mateo Christmas FAQ
Some of the biggest annual events include the IlluminOdyssey light exhibit at CuriOdyssey and community holiday markets that feature local vendors and festive activities. These events draw families and visitors to celebrate the season together.
San Mateo embraces interactive light exhibits like IlluminOdyssey and hosts neighborhood displays that encourage community participation. Local libraries and community centers also offer creative holiday workshops and events unique to the area.
While specific neighborhoods vary year to year, areas near CuriOdyssey and residential streets close to downtown San Mateo often feature impressive holiday light displays. Nearby San Carlos’ Christmas Tree Lane is also a popular destination.
Christmas markets and artisan fairs are typically held at community centers, parks, and public venues throughout San Mateo and nearby towns. Checking local event calendars will help you find current markets featuring local makers and vendors.
Enjoying neighborhood light displays, visiting public holiday markets, and participating in free library events are great budget-friendly options. Many local parks and community centers also host free seasonal activities for families and visitors.
Families will enjoy IlluminOdyssey’s interactive light and science exhibits, holiday craft workshops at local libraries, and festive markets with kid-friendly activities. These options provide engaging and memorable holiday experiences for children.