 |
| Los Gatos Children's Holiday Parade |
People seemed to enjoy my first foray back into holiday planning last weekend, so I decided to expand on it! I'll keep adding activities as I find them -- if you notice anything I've missed, please let me know!! Merry, merry!
Ongoing Seasonal Events
Christmas in the Park, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Downtown SJ. Friday, 5:00-11:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Christmas in the Park Drive Thru Light Show, History San Jose. 5:00-9:30 Friday and Saturday, 5:00-8:30 the rest of the week.
Downtown Ice, Downtown San Jose. 90 minute sessions begin every two hours from 12:00-10:00 p.m.
Enchant, PayPal Park, San Jose. Runs through December 29th. 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday, 4:30-9:30 on Saturday, 4:30-7:30 on Sunday.
Fantasy of Lights Drive Thru Light Show, Vasona Park, Los Gatos. December 10 - January 5 (excluding 12/25, 12/31, 1/1), 6-10 p.m. Requires advance reservations.
Polar Play Days at the Tech Interactive, Downtown San Jose. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Winterfest at Great America, Santa Clara. Runs select nights through January 5. Open this weekend on Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens. Friday, 5-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1-9 p.m.
IlluminOdyssey at CuriOdyssey (San Mateo). CuriOdyssey always has the best family programs, and this winter installment (available through January 26) is a cool one.
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo. Daily (except for Christmas Eve and Christmas) in December and select nights in January. 4:30-9:00 p.m.
The Great Christmas Dickens Fair, Daily through December 22. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The Cow Palace, Daly City. I've never been but hear rave reviews!
'Tis the Season for Science, The California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, SF. Open daily through January 5, including Christmas and New Year's!!!! Baby animals (camels through 12/19, then yaks through 1/5), snow flurries, pop up events, and entertainment.
Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad Holiday Train, Oak Meadow Park, Los Gatos. Open from 6-9 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays, from December 12th - January 5th. Carousel will also be open. You can see a portion of the Fantasy of Lights drive thru from the train -- I actually prefer to see it this way!
Roaring Camp Holiday Tree Walk, Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton. Take the Redwood Forest Steam Train to the top of Bear Mountain, where you can get off to sip cider and meet Santa. Also holiday activities back at the base town. December 14-15, 21-22.
Roaring Camp Holiday Lights Train, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Travel through Santa Cruz on vintage excursion cars adorned with holiday lights. December 14-23.
Saturday, December 14th
Dollie & Me Holiday Tea, hosted by Kit & Sis, Westin St. Francis, San Francisco. 1-3 p.m.
Children's Heritage Holiday with History San Jose, History Park. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. I love this event! Feels like a wonderful small town Christmas celebration.
Winter Wonderland at the Plex, San Jose. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Art and Alpacas at Alma Bonita Animal Rescue, 1-4 p.m. Paint a holiday-themed alpaca masterpiece while alpacas roam about and interact with the artists. All ages welcome. We LOVE Alma Bonita!
Breakfast with Santa, Mayfair Community Center, San Jose. 10 a.m - 1 p.m.
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa, Bascom Community Center, San Jose. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Free!! Must register in advance.
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa, Southside Community Center, San Jose. 10 a.m. - 12: p.m. Must register in advance.
How the Grinch Stole Camden, Camden Community Center, San Jose. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Must register in advance. (Only six spots remaining at time of posting.)
Gingerbread House Decorating Party with Santa, Evergreen Community Center, San Jose. 10:00 - 12:30 p.m. (Only three spots remaining at time of posting.)
Laser Holiday Magic Light Show, Fujitsu Planetarium at De Anza College, Cupertino. 7-8 p.m. Ages 5+.
Sunday, December 15th
Dollie & Me Holiday Tea, hosted by Kit & Sis, Westin St. Francis, San Francisco. 1-3 p.m. We'll be there! One of my favorite events of the holiday season!
Winter Wonderland at the Plex, San Jose. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Menorahs and Miracles, Children's Discovery Museum, San Jose. Museum hours 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; special programming from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Brunch with Santa at the Hayes Mansion, San Jose. 9:00 or 11:15 a.m.
Saturday, December 21st
Winter Cookie Decorating and Treats, Southside Community Center, San Jose.9:30-10:45 a.m. Ages 6-12. (Only 3 spots remaining at time of posting.)
Santa at the Royal T Ranch, Gilroy. 1-3 pm. Santa photos, animal greetings, holiday crafts, cocoa and cookies at this family farm in Gilroy. Register at 408-644-5647.
Sunday, December 22nd
Santa at the Royal T Ranch, Gilroy. 1-3 pm. Santa photos, animal greetings, holiday crafts, cocoa and cookies at this family farm in Gilroy. Register at 408-644-5647.
Brunch with Santa at the Hayes Mansion, San Jose. 9:00 or 11:15 a.m.
Sunday, December 29th
Santana Row Hanukkah Celebration, San Jose. 4-6:30 p.m. Menorah-lighting, kids' activities, live music.
January 1st, 2025
Hanukkah on Main St. Community Candle Lighting, Los Gatos Civic Center. 4:30 p.m.
January 2nd, 2025
Chanukah Train, Roaring Camp Railroad, Santa Cruz. 5:00 and 6:30 p.m. Lighting of the Menorah, games, refreshments.
I'll add more events and activities as I have time! Hope you find just the right activity for your family!
xo, Kristin