Planning your perfect Holiday Season on the San Francisco Peninsula
The Holiday Season may be stressful for a variety of reasons, but researching activities to do with family and friends is something we're happy to take off your plate. We'd do your shopping for you if we could! Whether you live in the Bay Area or not, there are plenty of reasons to relish in the shopping, decorations, and experiences offered. Take a look at some of the activities below, and we're sure you'll find something that you'll love!
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Holiday Special
Holiday decorations and festivities have returned to The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay! For the holiday season, the resort comes to life with holiday decor and displays, from twinkling lights and coastal-colored ornaments to the extravagantly adorned Christmas tree on the Ocean Lawn. Check out their website for more details!
Downtown Tree Lightings on the Peninsula
You can find the festive spirit anywhere you go on the Peninsula! Some downtowns are even hosting Christmas tree lightings for everyone to enjoy. You can find these in Atherton, Brisbane, Burlingame, Colma, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Pacifica, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, and South San Francisco!
Après Village at Four Seasons Silicon Valley
One of the returning favorites of the holiday season is Four Seasons Silicon Valley's Après Village! Simulating a cozy mountainside retreat with mini-chalets and a synthetic skate rink, the seasonal pop-up features a festive village like no other in the Bay Area for the whole family to experience. This year, Après Village & Skate Rink welcomes a delectable addition – an innovative food truck for patrons to enjoy. The Après alpine-inspired menu is made complete with house-made signature s’mores and hot beverages.
Holidays at Filoli
Tucked in the gorgeous Woodside landscape, Filoli is a destination on the Peninsula that always provides fantastic seasonal events. The estate will be glowing with holiday lights throughout the season, and there are a wide variety of activities to partake in, such as Santa Days on select dates in December, a private fire pit experience, Holiday Tea in the Garden House, and much more! See the full list of activities and events here.
Ice Skating at San Mateo Ice
You don't need to find cold weather to find an outdoor skating rink! Downtown San Mateo is welcoming all to the skating rink in Central Park. There are special events with the rink throughout the winter, so be sure to check their website for directions, details, and more.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree - Half Moon Bay
There is certainly convenience in having an artificial Christmas tree at home, but nothing quite beats the smell of real pine throughout the house! The tradition of cutting your own Christmas tree with the family can be realized in Half Moon Bay along Highway 92! Visit Santa's Tree Farm to bring yours home.
Gamble Garden Winter Festival
If you're looking for unique gifts for friends and family, look no further than Gamble Garden in Palo Alto! Enjoy one-stop shopping for holiday gifts, greenery, and décor in the festive atmosphere. Gamble Garden’s Fifth Annual Winter Festival will be held on November 30 - December 2, 2023.
Great Dickens' Christmas Fair
The Great Dickens' Christmas Fair returns to the Cow Palace in Daly City! Enter the winding lanes of Victorian London and immerse yourself in a world of music halls, theatres, pubs, dance parties, and charming shops overflowing with hand-made holiday treasures. Discover holiday revelry in this lamp-lit city brimming with hundreds of lively and colorful characters from the imagination of Charles Dickens.
