2025 December Bay Area Family Holiday Activities — Full Guide

Every December is the most anticipated time for Bay Area families. Kids get holidays, the city fills with festive lights, and museums, zoos, and parks roll out seasonal events designed especially for families and children. From classic Christmas experiences to science exploration, nature education, holiday markets, ice skating and immersive light art — the Bay Area offers a rich diversity of family holiday activities.

To help parents plan holiday outings, here’s a curated list of the most worthwhile family events across San Francisco, East Bay, South Bay and the Peninsula in December 2025. Whether your kids love outdoor adventure, hands‑on creation, animal discovery, or immersive light experiences — there is something for everyone.

2025 December Bay Area Family Holiday Activities

San Francisco｜City Holidays with Lights & Immersive Experiences

In December, San Francisco’s festive atmosphere stretches from downtown streets all the way to the waterfront. Kids especially enjoy the city’s special seasonal experiences — from immersive light shows to ice rinks and winter-only museum exhibits.

Union Square Holiday Ice Rink

One of the most beloved annual family activities. Children can skate surrounded by sparkling lights and a towering Christmas tree, while parents and kids glide hand-in-hand beneath the glow — a beautifully symbolic parent-child tradition. Holiday window displays and live street performances nearby add more surprise and joy for the little ones.

Exploratorium’s Winter Science Month

Perfect for hands-on learners and the endlessly curious. This science museum launches a winter program themed around “light, shadow, snow, and temperature,” where kids can explore light refraction, examine ice crystal structures, and even simulate small-scale weather. The interactive exhibits are friendly for all age groups — making it a great balance of learning and fun during the holidays.

Another top pick is the Pier 39 Holiday Spectacular. From late November through December, the pier lights up with a massive Christmas tree and a lineup of street magic, bubble shows, festive music, and snow-like bubble effects. Kids are surrounded by every element of holiday cheer — plus sea lions, a carousel, and beautifully decorated storefronts make this a family favorite year after year.

South Bay｜Zoo Light Shows, Tech Exploration & Nature Trails

The South Bay offers a family-friendly lineup just as exciting as San Francisco — and often better suited for younger children and nature-loving families.

Oakland Zoo Glowfari

Running all through December, Glowfari lights up the night with giant animal lanterns in a glowing journey across African savannas, tropical rainforests, and snowy landscapes. Kids can go on a visual “safari,” spotting their favorite lantern animals like giraffes, elephants, and polar bears. The venue is spacious — perfect for strollers — and includes a nighttime gondola ride, giving little ones a magical view of the lights from above.

Children’s Discovery Museum (San Jose)

This local favorite transforms for the holidays with hands-on seasonal activities like snowflake crafts, winter-themed science experiments, storytime, and festive menus at the museum cafe. Nearly every zone is open for free play and exploration, making it a dreamland for energetic, curious kids.

The Tech Interactive (San Jose)

For families into tech, this museum’s winter theme focuses on “AI and Natural Phenomena,” featuring storm simulators, VR polar expeditions, and kids’ robotics workshops. With hands-on exhibits and family-friendly labs, it’s an ideal way to blend STEM learning with holiday fun.

If you’d rather get outdoors, check out Santa Clara County Parks’ Winter Nature Trails. Many parks run limited-time “Nature Scavenger Hunt” activities — kids can look for pinecones, animal tracks, winter flowers, or different leaf types along family-friendly trails, all while learning about local ecology through play.

Peninsula｜Immersive Light Gardens & Forest-Themed Christmas Adventures

Family holiday events on the Peninsula blend nature, culture, and immersive lighting into one-of-a-kind seasonal experiences.

Filoli Historic House & Garden – Holidays at Filoli

From late November through early January, Filoli transforms into a storybook garden of light and color. Kids can stroll through glowing paths, colorful gardens, light tunnels, and interactive installations — all set against the backdrop of a beautifully decorated historic estate. It’s one of the most photogenic holiday spots in the Bay Area, with family photos looking straight out of a Christmas postcard.

Pigeon Point Light Station – Winter Coastal Education Days

For families who love the outdoors, Pigeon Point offers winter nature sessions in December. Kids can take part in coastal birdwatching, tidepool ecology talks, and lighthouse history tours. The stunning ocean views and soft winter light create a peaceful setting — perfect for a short family getaway with an educational twist.

If you prefer a cozier holiday vibe without big crowds, check out local Christmas villages in towns like La Honda or San Carlos. These community-decorated streets feature handmade displays, storytime sessions, and mini holiday markets — offering a low-key and heartwarming festive experience for families.

East Bay｜Nature Education Meets Holiday Culture

East Bay offers an excellent mix of nature-based learning, festive lights, and hands-on cultural experiences perfect for families with kids.

Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round Holiday Carousel

Every December, this beloved Berkeley carousel transforms with unique holiday themes. Surrounded by forest light displays, hot cocoa stands, handmade cookies, and a glowing Christmas tree, it becomes a festive haven for toddlers and young children. The carousel’s hand-carved animal seats add extra magic to the experience.

Habitot Children’s Museum – Winter Art Festival

Great for hands-on kids aged 2–8, this museum hosts winter art workshops like snow-globe making, festive watercolor painting, and mini science experiments. It’s an engaging way to keep little ones creative and curious during the break.

Lindsay Wildlife Experience – Winter Animal Encounters

Perfect for nature-loving families, this program lets children meet owls, hawks, porcupines, and other wildlife up close. Seasonal classes focus on how animals adapt to winter — from finding food to staying warm — blending holiday fun with real-life science education.

Bonus: Seasonal Adventures Beyond the Bay Area

If you're up for a short road trip, consider these family-friendly winter attractions just outside the Bay:

Monterey Bay Aquarium – Winter Ocean Wonderland

Kids can learn about how marine life adapts to colder seasons, watch live feeding demos, and join ocean-themed craft sessions — all while exploring one of California’s top aquariums.

Gilroy Gardens WinterFest

This theme park turns into a glowing winter fairytale, featuring Santa Claus, light gardens, storybook decorations, and child-friendly rides — ideal for kids aged 3–10.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – Holiday in the Park

For older kids and teens, this event combines large-scale light displays with amusement rides and festive shows. The Aurora Borealis-style lighting effects are a particular highlight — perfect for thrill-seekers looking for holiday sparkle.

Make December 2025 Your Family’s Warmest Memory Yet

The Bay Area in December offers more than just twinkling lights and holiday cheer — it’s a wonderland of science, nature, creativity, and fun for kids of all ages. From city-center light shows to quiet forest trails, from hands-on museums to dazzling amusement parks, there’s something for every family.

This winter, plan a holiday season filled with learning, laughter, and meaningful traditions. Whether your child is a toddler, grade-schooler, or curious teen, these activities turn vacation time into an opportunity for connection, discovery, and joy.