Celebrate the holiday season with a festive light displays and holiday performances.
Featured Holiday Events
IlluminOdyssey ~ San Mateo, November 15 – January 25
IlluminOdyssey is back! Fill your winter with wonder at an immersive, interactive light experience at CuriOdyssey. Inspired by the science of light, IlluminOdyssey is an immersive, interactive installation that will mesmerize kids and adults of all ages. CuriOdyssey’s four-level Redwood Hall will transform into a glowing forest of science—light your way through a maze of luminous botanical geometry, play with rainbow refraction and swirling projections, paint with light on phosphorescent surfaces, and dance with your shadow.
Holidays at Filoli ~ Woodside, November 22 – January 11
‘Tis the season to make special memories, bask in the vibrant landscape, and spend time together. Step into the magic of the House decked in holiday cheer and explore the winter Garden, where inspiration glows. New this year, Thistlewyck, a whimsical village made specifically for families features miniature trains, fairy houses, an Elf Emporium, Post Office, and the Train Depot Toy Shop. Complete the Thistlewyck Passport—a scavenger hunt activity for kids, which includes free hot cocoa and a special gift from the Trailhead Toy Shop.
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo ~ Oakland, November 7 – January 25
This wildly popular, family-friendly experience is back with hundreds of new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to conservation. Finish your experience with a ride on the train through the great red island of Madagascar, a wondrous world full of lemurs, chameleons, and other unique flora and fauna!
Holiday Light Displays
Lightscape – San Francisco, November 21 – January 4
Winter Glow Experience: A Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show – Pleasanton, November 21 – January 4
Blinky’s Illuminated Holiday Drive-Thru – San Jose, November 21 – December 31
Garden of d’Lights – Walnut Creek, November 21 – January 11
Holidays at Filoli – Woodside, November 22 – January 11
Holiday Tree Walk – Felton, November 28 – December 23
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train – Santa Cruz, November 28 – December 23
Christmas at Temple Hill (Free) – Oakland, November 28 – December 31
Christmas in the Park (Free) – San Jose, November 28 – January 1
Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru – Los Gatos, December 9-30
Amusement Parks & Zoos
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo – Oakland, November 7 – January 25
Boardwalk Winter Wonderland – Santa Cruz, November 27 – January 4
North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, November 28 – December 31
Six Flags Holidays in the Park – Vallejo, November 28 – January 4
Holiday Events & Performances
Fairy Winterland – Oakland, December 13-28
Toy Trains (Free) – Santa Cruz, December 18-29
The Nutcracker by San Francisco Ballet – San Francisco, December 5-28
Holidays at the Bankhead – Livermore, November 28 – December 31
Reindeer Games – San Francisco, December 17-28
New Years Celebrations
Noon Year’s Eve at Bay Area Discovery Museum – Sausalito, December 31
Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! – Santa Rosa, December 31
Thrive City Kwanza and New Year’s Eve Celebration – San Francisco, December 31
Balloon Drop at Chabot Space and Science Center – Oakland, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration – Piedmont, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, December 31
New Year’s Eve at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, December 31
New Year’s Train – Santa Cruz, December 31
Holiday Ice Rinks
Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square – San Francisco, November 5 – January 19
Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Rink – San Ramon, November 7 – January 4
San Mateo on Ice – San Mateo, November 14 – January 11
Oakley on Ice – Oakley, November 21 – January 4
Walnut Creek on Ice – Walnut Creek, November 21- January 19
Downtown Ice – San Jose, November 26 – January 20
Skating that The Meritage – Napa, November 25 – January 4
Luma Ice – Petaluma, December 10 – January 6
