Christmas in San Francisco with kids.
San Francisco does Christmas without snow, but it still feels like the holidays. Union Square gets an outdoor ice rink. The botanical garden turns into a light walk at night. And the Bay Area adds zoo lights, a holiday train, and a whole Victorian fair.
Plan for cool, damp evenings and pack layers, even if the day was mild. Most light events use timed tickets, and popular nights sell out.
Before you go
- Book light walks and the holiday train early. Weekend nights in December go first.
- Weeknights are much easier with a stroller than weekends.
- Evenings get cold, especially on hills and by the water. Bring hats and a warm layer.
- Strollers are welcome at some light walks but not on the holiday train, so check each event.
- The free holiday windows at Macy's sit right by the Union Square rink, so pair them in one outing.
Family Christmas events in San Francisco
30 events
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- Ice skating Good for toddlers
Union Square Holiday Ice Rink
- Dates
- Nov 4 - Jan 18 · Daily, 10am-11pm. Closes at 9:30pm on Dec 31. Opens Nov 4.
- Where
- Union Square, Union Square, downtown
- Price
- $22, kids 8 and under $17. Skates included.
- Ages and booking
- All ages. Skate helpers for kids 48 inches or shorter. · Timed 60-minute sessions. Buy online ahead.
An outdoor rink right in the middle of downtown. Sessions last an hour, so it fits between other plans.
Parent tip: Small kids can rent a $6 skate helper. They go first come, first served, so arrive early on weekends.
- Christmas marketsHoliday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Dec 20 · Five weekends, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Also open Fri Nov 27.
- Where
- Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, Daly City, just south of SF
- Price
- $50 adults, $30 ages 5-12, under 5 free (plus fees). Cheaper after 3pm.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Online only. No tickets sold at the door.
A huge indoor fair dressed up as old London at Christmas. Kids get puppet shows, games, crafts, a carousel and a small steam train.
Parent tip: Twilight tickets after 3pm cost less. Parking is $20 per car, so bring a card or cash.
- Shows and Nutcracker
San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker
- Dates
- Dec 4-27 · Dec 4-27. Afternoon and evening shows. Sensory-friendly show on Dec 27.
- Where
- War Memorial Opera House, Civic Center
- Price
- Prices vary by seat. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- School-age kids · Book ahead
The city's big holiday ballet, with a full orchestra. Act 1 is about 47 minutes and Act 2 about 50, with a 20-minute break.
Parent tip: The Dec 27 sensory-friendly show is more relaxed. It is a good pick for a first ballet.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Lightscape at San Francisco Botanical Garden
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Evenings, timed entry.
- Where
- San Francisco Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park
- Price
- Adults from $32, ages 5-17 from $20, 4 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets. Book ahead. Same-day tickets cost $5 more.
A light trail about a mile long, set to music. Plan on at least 45 minutes to walk it.
Parent tip: Strollers are welcome on the paved paths. Other wheeled toys are not.
- Christmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
SF SPCA Holiday Windows at Macy's
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 31 · Wed-Sun, noon-5pm. Closed Nov 26 and Dec 25.
- Where
- Macy's Union Square, Union Square, downtown
- Price
- Free to look
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Store windows filled with adoptable puppies and kittens. It makes a quick, free stop for little kids.
Parent tip: Pair it with the ice rink across the street.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
PIER 39 Christmas Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Nov 23 - Jan 10 · Tree lighting party Thu Dec 3, evening. Holiday season Nov 23 to Jan 10.
- Where
- PIER 39, Entrance Plaza, Fisherman's Wharf
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A 60-foot tree at the front of the pier, with live music and a visit from the North Pole on lighting night.
Parent tip: Lighting night is the busiest. With a stroller, a later December evening is easier.
- Zoo lightsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Jan 31 · Most evenings. Entry 4:30-6:30pm. Closed some Mon-Tue nights, Nov 26 and Dec 24-25.
- Where
- Oakland Zoo, Oakland, East Bay
- Price
- Price changes by date. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets. Book ahead. Tickets are non-refundable.
Hundreds of large glowing animal lanterns spread across the zoo. It is a walk of about a mile.
Parent tip: It gets cold on the hill after dark. Pack hats and a warm layer.
- Christmas lightsHoliday festivalsSanta visitsParades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Christmas in the Park, San Jose
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Jan 1 · Daily, noon-10pm, including Dec 24 and 25. Tree lighting on opening night.
- Where
- Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Downtown San Jose, South Bay
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A free downtown park full of decorated trees and holiday displays. Photos with Santa are free too.
Parent tip: Santa's hours are posted closer to the season. Check before you drive down.
- Holiday trains Good for toddlers
The Polar Express Train Ride, Sacramento
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 21 · Select days. Trains at 3:30, 5, 6:30 and 8pm.
- Where
- California State Railroad Museum, Central Pacific Passenger Station, Old Sacramento, about 90 miles from SF
- Price
- Coach $80-$85. Under 2 free on a lap.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Online only. Often sells out. Some tickets come back through cancellations.
A one-hour train ride based on the picture book. Kids are encouraged to come in pajamas.
Parent tip: Strollers can't go on the train. Park it at the station before boarding.
- Christmas lightsHoliday festivals Good for toddlers
Holidays at Filoli
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Jan 10 · Mid-November to early January. Day visits and evening lights. Check the official site for dates.
- Where
- Filoli, Woodside, Peninsula
- Price
- Timed tickets. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets. Book ahead. No refunds.
A historic house and garden decked out for the holidays. Day tickets include a small Christmas village with toy trains in the redwoods.
Parent tip: Strollers work in the house and garden. Wagons are not allowed.
- Ice skating
San Francisco On Ice at Fisherman's Wharf
- Dates
- Nov 4 - Jan 18 · Daily. Hours vary by day, from 10am or noon.
- Where
- Next to the SkyStar Wheel, Fisherman's Wharf
- Price
- $19-$23 (plus fees). Skates included.
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can stand on skates. Check the minimum age when booking. · Timed 75-minute sessions. Book online.
A new outdoor rink on the waterfront for 2026. Skate buddies for beginners cost $15 a session.
Parent tip: Reserve a skate buddy online on busy days. Bring socks, since rental skates need them.
- Santa visitsHoliday festivals Good for toddlers
Fairmont Gingerbread House and Santa Tea
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Jan 3 · House lit Nov 21 at 11am, then up through the holidays. Santa Teas on select dates.
- Where
- Fairmont San Francisco lobby, Nob Hill
- Price
- No ticket listed to see the house. Teas cost extra; call for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up for the house. Book teas ahead.
A giant gingerbread house fills the hotel lobby. Some afternoon teas include a visit from Santa.
Parent tip: Santa Teas run on Nov 21 and 29, and Dec 5, 18, 21 and 23.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
The Velveteen Rabbit by ODC/Dance
- Dates
- Nov 28 - Dec 6 · Late Nov to early Dec. Most shows at 11am, Sundays at 2pm. Check the official site.
- Where
- Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA, SoMa, Yerba Buena
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages, made for kids · Book ahead
A dance show based on the classic toy-rabbit story. It is a gentler holiday pick than a full Nutcracker.
Parent tip: Morning shows work well for kids who still nap in the afternoon.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Dec 2 · Wed Dec 2, 4-7pm. The tree is lit at 5:30pm. Rain or shine.
- Where
- Civic Center Plaza
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up. You can RSVP online for a reminder.
A free tree lighting with fake snow, holiday crafts and a book giveaway. Santa stops by too.
Parent tip: The first 500 kids age 12 and under get a free toy. Come right at 4pm if that matters to you.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Smuin's The Christmas Ballet
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Dec 24 · Walnut Creek Nov 21-22. Mountain View Dec 3-6. San Francisco Dec 10-24. Matinees at 2pm.
- Where
- Lesher Center, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, and YBCA, Walnut Creek, Mountain View and SoMa
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Age guidance not listed. Ask the box office. · Book ahead
A holiday dance show by a Bay Area ballet company. It plays on three stages around the Bay.
Parent tip: Pick the stage closest to you. The Dec 11 show has ASL, and the Dec 23 show has audio description.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Elf The Musical
- Dates
- Dec 15-20 · Dec 15-20. Evening shows, plus 1pm shows on Dec 17 and 19.
- Where
- Golden Gate Theatre, Mid-Market, downtown
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 8+ suggested. No kids under 5. · Book ahead
The stage musical of the movie about Buddy the elf. It runs about two and a half hours with one break.
Parent tip: The 1pm shows suit kids better than late nights. The Dec 19 show has ASL.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Dec 23 · Wed Dec 23, evening. Doors open 5:30pm.
- Where
- Curran Theatre, Union Square, downtown
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 2+ · Book ahead
A shorter touring Nutcracker. It lasts about 1 hour 40 minutes, with a 20-minute break.
Parent tip: The listing shows both 7pm and 7:30pm. Check your ticket for the start time.
- Christmas lightsHoliday festivals Good for toddlers
San Jose Holiday Lights
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 1 · Nightly, 4:30-10:30pm. Last entry 10pm.
- Where
- 330 W San Carlos St, Downtown San Jose, South Bay
- Price
- Kids $10 on select school nights. Other prices: see the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets online. See the official site for ticket types.
A ticketed light park split into themed zones. Kids can see a Santa area, glowing dinosaurs and ice tunnels.
Parent tip: Ask which school nights have $10 kids' tickets before you buy.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12. Parade at 6pm, fireworks about 7:15pm.
- Where
- Gabrielson Park and the Sausalito waterfront, Sausalito, Marin
- Price
- Free to watch. Reserved seats cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up. Reserved seats are sold online while they last.
Boats covered in lights sail past the Sausalito shore. Fireworks over the water end the night.
Parent tip: The park fills up by early afternoon. Fireworks are loud, so bring ear muffs for babies.
- Santa visits Good for toddlers
A Visit to the North Pole
- Dates
- Dec 16-23 · Dec 16-23. Book a time slot.
- Where
- Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, East Bay
- Price
- Priced per family booking. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Book a time slot ahead. One booking covers you plus up to five guests, babies included.
A short, private Santa visit put on by a local theater group. Kids help Mrs. Claus in the workshop, then meet Santa.
Parent tip: Arrive a little early. Late arrivals may miss their slot.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
IlluminOdyssey at CuriOdyssey
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Jan 24 · Daytime, during museum hours. Check the official site for winter hours.
- Where
- CuriOdyssey, Coyote Point, San Mateo, Peninsula
- Price
- Included with entry: adults $24.95, kids 18 months-17 years $19.95, under 18 months free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up. Buy entry at the museum.
A light exhibit at a hands-on science museum. It comes with regular entry, so you can see it by day.
Parent tip: A daytime light show is handy for kids who go to bed before dark.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Oakland Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Dec 19-20 · Sat Dec 19 and Sun Dec 20, 1pm.
- Where
- Paramount Theatre, Downtown Oakland, East Bay
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages, per the company · Book ahead. Buy through the company's own site, not resellers.
Oakland's own Nutcracker in a grand downtown theater. Both shows are in the afternoon.
Parent tip: A party with the dancers follows each show. It needs its own ticket. The theater is easy to reach by BART.
- Ice skating
Walnut Creek on Ice
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 18 · Daily. Hours change by day, from 10am or 4pm. Check the calendar for closures.
- Where
- Civic Park, Downtown Walnut Creek, East Bay
- Price
- $20 per 90-minute skate session. Ice slide $20.
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can skate or use a skate aid · Buy online or on site. Cards and phone pay only, no cash.
An outdoor rink in a downtown park, with an ice slide next to it. Sessions last 90 minutes.
Parent tip: Skate and glider rentals are first come, first served. Go early on weekends.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
Fairy Winterland at Children's Fairyland
- Dates
- Dec 12-27 · Sat-Sun Dec 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27, noon-7pm.
- Where
- Children's Fairyland, Lake Merritt, Oakland
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Made for young kids · See the official site.
Oakland's storybook park for little kids runs a winter event on three December weekends.
Parent tip: It stays open until 7pm, so you can see the park after dark without a late night.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
The Nutcracker Bird by Berkeley Ballet Theater
- Dates
- Dec 19-20 · Sat Dec 19 and Sun Dec 20, 1pm and 5pm.
- Where
- Regents' Theater, Valley Center for Performing Arts, Oakland hills, East Bay
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Book ahead
A one-act Nutcracker danced by more than 80 young dancers. It lasts about 70 minutes.
Parent tip: At about 70 minutes, it makes a good first ballet for small kids.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
The Biggest Gift
- Dates
- Dec 18-20 · Dec 18-20. Check the official site for show times.
- Where
- Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, East Bay
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Young kids and families · Book ahead
A kids' play about Santa's missing letters, with elves, toys and Rudolph. It runs about 50 minutes.
Parent tip: With no break and a short run time, it fits before nap or dinner.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
Once Upon A Christmas
- Dates
- Nov 27-29 · Nov 27-29. Check the official site for show times.
- Where
- Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, East Bay
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Book ahead
A youth ballet set in Santa's workshop, where toys come to life. It runs about 90 minutes with no break.
Parent tip: A narrator tells the story, which helps young kids follow along.
- Santa visitsHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Snow Showers and Santa Photos at Santana Row
- Dates
- Dec 1-29 · Snow on Tue and Sat, Dec 1-29, 6-8pm. Santa on Dec 1, 8 and 15, 6-8pm.
- Where
- Santana Row (Park Valencia and Oak Tree Lounge), West San Jose, South Bay
- Price
- Santa photos are free. No ticket listed for the snow.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An outdoor shopping street with fake snow on December evenings. Santa poses for free photos on three Tuesdays.
Parent tip: Snow falls every 30 minutes, so you won't wait long. Bring your own camera for Santa.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
Deck the Hall Holiday Concert, SF Symphony
- Dates
- Dec 6 · Sun Dec 6, 3:30pm.
- Where
- Davies Symphony Hall, Civic Center
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Families. No age limit listed. · Book ahead
A family concert of holiday songs, with sing-alongs and costumed characters.
Parent tip: Ask about kids' ticket deals when you book.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Rudolph & Scrooge: A.C.T. Young Conservatory Holiday Double Feature
- Dates
- Dec 5-6 · Dec 5-6. Check the official site for show times.
- Where
- A.C.T.'s Strand Theater, Mid-Market, downtown
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Family show. Best for school-age kids. · Book ahead
Two short holiday plays by young actors: Rudolph first, then A Christmas Carol. The whole show runs about 2 hours 20 minutes.
Parent tip: There is a 15-minute break between the two plays.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in San Francisco, including parades and tree lightings.
Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in San Francisco, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in San Francisco, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in San Francisco, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.
Planning the whole trip? See our full guide to San Francisco with kids.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in San Francisco for Christmas with kids?
Skate at the Union Square ice rink, see the holiday windows at Macy's, and walk Lightscape at the botanical garden at night. Older kids love the Great Dickens Christmas Fair and the Nutcracker.
Outside the city, there's zoo lights at the Oakland Zoo and Christmas in the Park in San Jose.
What are the free Christmas events in San Francisco?
The SF SPCA holiday windows at Macy's Union Square are free to look at. So is the PIER 39 tree and its lighting party.
Christmas in the Park in San Jose is free too. Tap "Free" above to see them all.
When does the Union Square ice rink open?
It runs from November 4, 2026, to January 18, 2027, from 10am to 11pm daily. Tickets are $22, or $17 for kids 8 and under, with skates included.
What are the best Christmas events in San Francisco for toddlers?
Pick short, early outings. The holiday windows, the PIER 39 tree, and an early slot at Lightscape all work well.
Look for the "Good for toddlers" label in the list, and save long shows for older kids.
Christmas in other cities
- Christmas in New York
- Christmas in Chicago
- Christmas in Boston
- Christmas in Washington, DC
- Christmas in Nashville
- Christmas in Seattle
- Christmas in Denver
- Christmas in San Diego
- Christmas in Los Angeles
- Christmas in Atlanta
- Christmas in Houston
- Christmas in San Antonio
- Christmas in Gatlinburg
- Christmas in Philadelphia
- Christmas in Pittsburgh
- Christmas in Las Vegas
- Christmas in Orlando
- Christmas in Miami
- Christmas in New Orleans
- Christmas in Charlotte
- Christmas in Kansas City
- Christmas in Dallas
- Christmas in Austin
- Christmas in Phoenix
- Christmas in St. Louis
- Christmas in Tampa
- Christmas in Cincinnati