There’s still time to enjoy holiday lights and New Year’s fun in the Bay Area! Several family destinations offer New Year’s celebrations on the afternoon or early evening of December 31 for little ones who won’t be awake at midnight.
Featured Celebrations
Holidays at Filoli ~ Woodside, through 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.
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo ~ through 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!
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
Countdown in Wonderland – Oakland, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration – Piedmont, December 31
Noon Year’s Storytime Celebration (Free) – Pacifica, December 31
Noon Year’s Storytime Celebration (Free) – Foster City, December 31
Noon Year’s Storytime Celebration (Free) – East Palo Alto, December 31
Noon Year’s Storytime Celebration (Free) – San Carlos, December 31
Noon Year’s Storytime Celebration (Free) – Millbrae, December 31
Noon Year’s Storytime Celebration (Free) – Half Moon Bay, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Educational Park Library – San Jose, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Biblioteca Latinoamericana – San Jose, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Calabazas Library – San Jose, December 31
New Year’s Eve at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, December 31
New Year’s Train – Santa Cruz, December 31
Downtown First Thursdays – San Francisco, January 1
Amusement Parks & Zoos
Boardwalk Winter Wonderland – Santa Cruz, November 27 – January 4
North Pole Lights at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, November 29 – December 31
Winter Fest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – Vallejo, November 28 – January 5
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo – November 7 – January 25
Holiday Light Displays
Holidays at Filoli – Woodside, November 22– January 11
New Year’s Train – Santa Cruz, December 26 – 31
Christmas at Temple Hill – Oakland, November 28 – December 31
Christmas in the Park – San Jose, November 28 – January 1
Blinky’s Illuminated Holiday Drive-Thru – San Jose, November 21 – December 31
Garden of d’Lights – Walnut Creek, November 21 – January 11
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 15 – January 12
Downtown Ice – San Jose, November 26 – January 20
Skating at The Meritage – Napa, November 25 – January 4
Oakley on Ice – Oakley, November 21 – January 4
Walnut Creek on Ice – Walnut Creek, November 21- January 19
Luma Ice – Petaluma, December 10 – January 6
