Where to Celebrate the Holidays Around the Bay Area: Festivals, Light Shows & Hidden Gems
The Bay Area may not get white-blanket winters, but we definitely know how to bring the holiday magic. From sparkling light tunnels in San Francisco to small-town tree lightings on the Peninsula and cozy winter markets in the East Bay, December is one of the best times to explore our neighborhoods.
Whether you’re new to the area or planning family traditions, here’s a curated guide to the most festive (and photo-worthy!) places to celebrate the season.
SAN FRANCISCO HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
GLOW: Discover the Light – Embarcadero & Downtown SF
Let’s Glow SF is one of those events that instantly reminds you why the Bay Area is such a magical place to live. For ten nights, downtown San Francisco transforms into a glowing open-air gallery, with iconic buildings, from the Ferry Building to Salesforce Tower — illuminated by larger-than-life art projections created by talented artists from around the world.
The whole city feels brighter, more colorful, and full of holiday energy.
It’s the perfect outing whether you're planning a family night, a festive date, or just want to grab your friends and wander through the city with a warm drink in hand. Expect plenty of “wow” moments, incredible photo ops, and a chance to support local businesses while soaking in the holiday spirit — Bay Area style.
Event dates: December 6-14, 2025
Daily hours: 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
📍 Main landmark / meeting point: Ferry Building – 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105.
Launch / kickoff & best viewing area: Harry Bridges Plaza (in front of Ferry Building) — where the countdown and first lighting happens.
Other participating buildings (various downtown addresses): The show spans up to 8 iconic buildings across downtown SF including major sites such as Salesforce Tower, others along Market Street, SoMa, and East Cut.
Illuminate SF Festival of Light
Event Dates:
Illuminate SF usually runs from the day after Thanksgiving through the end of January — roughly late November through January.
📍 Embarcadero waterfront, SoMa (South of Market), Golden Gate Park, Union Square / North Beach / Chinatown / Nob Hill, Bayview / Mission Bay / Potrero Hill / South Beach, and SFO airport.
Every winter, the heart of downtown San Francisco transforms into a classic holiday wonderland. The Union Square Holiday Ice Rink turns a bustling city plaza into a festive ice-skating rink — complete with twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and the towering San Francisco skyline as backdrop. It’s the kind of spot where families grab cocoa, friends meet for a fun night out, and couples stroll hand-in-hand on ice under city lights.
It’s especially magical because you’re skating right in historic Union Square — surrounded by shops, restaurants, and all that quintessential San Francisco holiday energy.
Whether you’re a first-time skater or just out for good vibes, it’s a must-do seasonal experience.
Event Dates: November 5, 2025 - January 19, 2026
Daily hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
📍 333 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 — in the heart of Union Square, near the corner of Geary and Stockton (close to Geary & Powell).
It’s a citywide celebration featuring more than 60 light installations, some permanent, some here just for the season, all glowing across San Francisco. You can make a whole evening out of it by creating your own little “light crawl,” wandering from Market Street to the Bay Bridge. Honestly, it’s the perfect excuse for a cozy date night or a spontaneous adventure with friends.
Union Square Holiday
Ice Rink
PENINSULA FESTIVITIES
Filoli Historic House & Garden – Winter Lights
Filoli during the holidays feels like stepping straight into a real-life enchanted garden. As soon as the sun sets, the entire estate comes alive with glowing pathways, shimmering trees, and beautifully lit historic architecture that makes every corner feel magical. It’s peaceful, elegant, and the kind of place where you can slow down and actually feel the season.
Families love it for the whimsical displays, couples love it for the romantic atmosphere, and honestly, anyone with a camera will leave with their new favorite winter photos. Grab a warm drink, wander through the gardens, and enjoy a holiday experience that truly feels one-of-a-kind on the Peninsula.
📍 Filoli Historic House & Garden86 Cañada Road, Woodside, CA 94062
Hometown Holidays – Redwood City
Imagine a downtown plaza buzzing with cheerful energy, twinkling lights overhead, the smell of hot cider in the air, children’s laughter mixing with holiday music, and friendly neighbors bundled up in cozy scarves. That’s Hometown Holidays.
This event transforms the heart of Redwood City into a festive celebration of community. You’ve got carnival rides, local vendors selling handmade crafts and treats, live music and holiday performances, Santa-photo ops, and even a holiday parade with floats, lights, and crowd-pleasing joy.
It’s the kind of event where families, couples, and groups of friends all feel welcome. Whether you’re grabbing coffee, shopping for unique gifts, or simply strolling under festive lights — Hometown Holidays captures the warmth of community and the best kind of holiday magic around town.
Event Dates: December 13, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
📍 Downtown Redwood City
Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063
Event Dates: November 22, 2025 - January 11, 2026
Daily hours: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
San Mateo on Ice –
Central Park
There’s something delightfully nostalgic about gliding across an ice rink under the California sky and San Mateo on Ice brings that magic right to the heart of the Peninsula. With real ice, twinkling lights overhead, and a cozy, festive atmosphere, it’s the kind of holiday outing that feels relaxed, cheerful, and just a little bit magical.
Whether you're a first-time skater holding on tight, couples sharing laughs on the ice, or families building winter memories, it’s a place where you can skate under the sun or stars, sip hot cocoa, and soak in holiday vibes with your favorite people.
Plus, the location makes it easy to mix skating with a stroll through downtown San Mateo, it’s winter fun meets small-town charm.
Event Dates: November 14, 2025 - January 11, 2026
Time: The time vary depending on the day and session. check their website for the latest calendar and to book a time slot.”
📍 Central Park, San Mateo — 50 E 5th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
East Bay Holiday Magic
Oakland Zoo — Glowfari
Event Dates: December 6, 2025 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
(Other Jack London Square holiday pop-up events may happen nearby on adjacent weekends — check jacklondonsquare.com/events.)
Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo is one of those holiday experiences that hits different, colorful lanterns glow all across the zoo grounds, bigger-than-life animal scenes light up the pathway, and everywhere you look there’s something whimsical and joy-filled. Whether it’s the twinkling lights along the forest path, the giant glowing flamingos, or the way the lanterns make the trees and walkways feel downright enchanted, this event brings out the kid (and kid-at-heart) in all of us. It’s perfect for families, date nights, or exploring with friends — plus you can sip warm drinks, enjoy churros or snacks, and soak in the winter vibes in a totally unique setting
Event Dates: November 7, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
(Note: Some dates are closed — check the zoo site when planning.)
📍 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605
Jack London Square – Holiday Night Market / Joy to the Town! Holiday Market
Jack London Square’s holiday markets are that kind of laid-back, East Bay gem where you can stroll at your own pace, pick up unique local gifts, and feel the waterfront breeze while sip-shopping, listening to music, and snapping festive photos. With local makers, food stalls, holiday decor, and plenty of surprise moments around every corner, it’s one of those events that feels authentically community-centric — not rushed, just joyful. Perfect for a Saturday afternoon outing or a relaxed evening with hot drinks and good company by the bay.
📍 Jack London Square, 472 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607