2025 San Francisco Bay Area Christmas Events for Kids & Families

Your ultimate weekend planner for a glowing, joyful December

Every Christmas season, the San Francisco Bay Area practically lights up from end to end — with ice rinks, light shows, immersive exhibits, ballet performances, zoo nights, and more. If you’ve got kids, your December weekends could be fully booked. This guide lays out the classic and unique 2025 family-friendly Christmas activities centered around San Francisco, so parents can mix and match based on age, budget, and travel time.

Outdoor Must-Dos: Ice Skating & City Lights

1. Union Square – Safeway Holiday Ice Rink (San Francisco)

Highlights: One of the city’s most iconic holiday traditions — ice skating outdoors among skyscrapers and the Union Square Christmas tree. In 2025, the rink will be open from November 5, 2025 to January 19, 2026, with daily time slots.

Recommended age: Around 4+ (must be able to stand in skates); younger kids can use penguin skate aids.

Parent Tips:

• Reserve tickets online in advance — popular slots (weekend afternoons/evenings) sell out quickly.

• Arrive 30 minutes early to change shoes and get used to the ice.

• After skating, explore the Union Square holiday windows and grab a hot chocolate — a full “Christmas in the city” outing!

2. PIER 39 – 60-Foot Tree & Nightly Light Shows

Highlights: The 60-foot real Christmas tree at the PIER 39 entrance lights up nightly from December 5, 2025 to January 11, 2026, with synchronized music and lights every 30 minutes — a favorite stop for kids.

Recommended age: All ages — even babies can enjoy the lights and music.

Parent Tips:

• Go early to see the sea lions and ride the carousel, then stay for the lights at dusk.

• It gets chilly by the water — bring warm coats and hats.

• For fewer crowds, visit on weekdays or during later time slots.

Immersive Light Walks & Night Gardens

Best for older kids with energy and curiosity

3. Lightscape at SF Botanical Garden (Golden Gate Park)

Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026, evening entry with timed tickets.

Highlights: A ~1-mile lighted trail transforms the garden into a dreamy nighttime world — complete with music, glowing art installations, and interactive displays. Ideal for families who love photography or exploring.

Recommended age: 5+ who can walk the trail and enjoy the visuals.

Parent Tips:

• Strollers are allowed, but watch for inclines and slippery areas.

• Earlier time slots are colder, but kids are more alert.

• Ticket prices vary by date/time; weekday earlier slots are usually cheaper.

4. "Entwined" LED Forest at Peacock Meadow (Golden Gate Park)

Highlights: Since 2020, the “Entwined” LED art forest has returned each winter to Peacock Meadow. Created by artist Charles Gadeken, it features changing-color trees, glowing flowers, and whimsical giant installations — like walking into a fairy tale.

Dates: Expected from early December 2025 through spring 2026; final dates to be announced by SF Parks Alliance.

Parent Tips:

• Free admission, no tickets needed — but the grass can be wet; wear waterproof shoes.

• Great to pair with a daytime bike ride or picnic in the park, then return for the lights.

• Right by JFK Promenade — safe and stroller-friendly for a night walk.

Zoos & Lantern Festivals

Animals + lights = total kid joy

5. Oakland Zoo – Glowfari Lantern Festival

Dates: November 7, 2025 – January 25, 2026, from around 4:30–9:00pm daily.

Highlights: Giant animal lanterns (dinosaurs, sea creatures, African savannah, and more) make this one of the Bay Area’s most beloved nighttime family traditions.

Recommended age: All ages, but best for kids 3+ who can walk and engage.

Parent Tips:

• Glowfari requires separate tickets from daytime zoo admission — reserve your evening session.

• It gets cold up in the hills — bring hats, gloves, and warm coats.

• Some slopes — strollers are okay, but expect a “push uphill” workout.

6. SF Zoo Holiday Events

Highlights: The SF Zoo stays open year-round, but during Christmas it gets festive with decorations, music, and special programs — like the Christmas Carolers at the Zoo on December 20 & 21, 2025.

Recommended age: All ages, especially great for 2–8 year olds.

Parent Tips:

• See animals, ride the train, and enjoy the playground by day — then stay for carols.

• Near the ocean, so it’s breezy — bundle up.

• Parking is generally easy; combine with a beach walk.

Museums & Science Centers for the Holidays

Fun meets learning, indoors and weather-proof

7. California Academy of Sciences – “’Tis the Season for Science” & Welcome Winter Night

Highlights: CAS’s annual winter science series includes exhibits on cold-weather animals, climate change, and interactive elements like indoor “snow,” snowmen, and reindeer fun. “Welcome Winter Night” is a special evening event with face painting, cookies, animal talks, and magic shows.

Event Dates: “Welcome Winter Night” will take place in late November 2025 (TBD).

Parent Tips:

• Consider a family membership — 2–3 visits make it worth the price.

• Younger kids: visit during the day. Older kids: try the night session for an extra “wow” factor.

• Indoors, temperature-controlled — perfect for rainy or very cold days.

8. Exploratorium – “Glow” Winter Light Science Exhibit (Pier 15)

Dates: November 20, 2025 – January 25, 2026

Highlights: The Exploratorium’s “Glow” exhibition fuses science, light, and interactivity — kids can explore shadows, refractions, glowing sculptures, and more hands-on discoveries.

Recommended age: 5+ who can read and interact with exhibits; younger kids will still enjoy the colors and sensory elements.

Parent Tips:

• Pair with Embarcadero walks or Ferry Building visits for a full day out.

• For kids afraid of the dark, prep ahead or avoid very dim areas.

Holiday Performances for Arts & Tradition

A touch of elegance and memory-making

9. San Francisco Ballet – “Nutcracker”

Dates: December 5–28, 2025, with multiple matinee and evening performances at War Memorial Opera House.

Highlights: One of the most iconic Nutcracker productions in the U.S., uniquely set in 1915 San Francisco. A holiday tradition for many Bay Area families.

Recommended age: 5–6+ who can sit quietly for ~2 hours. Some “family-friendly” or “sensory-friendly” shows available.

Parent Tips:

• Book early — tickets go fast as Christmas approaches.

• Tell your kids the story beforehand — it helps them stay engaged.

• Consider dressing up for a “fancy night out” — kids love feeling like little ladies or gentlemen.

10. Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Cow Palace, Daly City)

Dates: Weekends from November 22 – December 21, 2025, including Black Friday.

Location: Cow Palace, Daly City (~20–30 mins from SF)

Highlights: Travel back to 19th-century London — actors in costume, puppet shows, carolers, handmade crafts, mini steam train, and Father Christmas. It’s a full day of immersive fun.

Parent Tips:

• Tickets must be purchased online — no walk-ins.

• Many families dress up — a cape or top hat adds to the photos!

• Mostly indoors — a perfect rainy day activity.

Community Markets & Festive Pop-Ups

11. Local Holiday Markets & Craft Fairs (Bay Area-wide)

Highlights: November–December brings dozens of neighborhood events — from the Swedish Christmas Fair to SFMOMA’s Makers Market or the Telegraph Avenue Holiday Fair. Expect artisan gifts, music, food, and hands-on crafts for kids.

Parent Tips:

• Great for kids 6+ who enjoy browsing booths and crafting.

• Let your child choose a gift for a family member — teach giving and gratitude.

🎄 Final Tips for a Magical Family Christmas Holiday

✅ Check Websites & Book Early

Most popular events use online reservations (especially ice rinks, Glowfari, Lightscape, Nutcracker). The earlier you book, the better the time slot and price.

🕒 Time of Day Matters

• Younger kids: Stick to daytime or nap-friendly events (zoos, museums, indoor fairs).

• Older kids: Add 1–2 nighttime light events for that “winter night + magic lights” feeling.

🧣 Dress Warmer Than You Think

Evening events near the ocean, in the hills, or in open-air gardens are colder than they look — kids cool down fast after running around. Always pack an extra layer, hat, and gloves.

🙋‍♂️ Get Kids Involved

Let your child help choose activities, mark places on a map, or “manage the tickets.” Involving them builds excitement — and long-lasting memories.

From Union Square skating to the glowing forest at Golden Gate Park, from zoo lanterns to Nutcracker ballet — plus countless markets and museum shows — you could spend the entire month of December in holiday mode.

Instead of overbooking, choose 1–2 “must-do” family traditions and sprinkle in a few easier, low-key outings. That way, it won’t feel overwhelming, but your kids will remember, “That year we spent Christmas in San Francisco together.”