The San Francisco Peninsula is jam-packed with fun holiday activities and Christmas markets in the Bay Area add to the celebration. From an elaborate Victorian-style Christmas party to a festive local shopping experience, these holiday markets offer the perfect blend of shopping, entertainment, and family fun!
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
December 9-10 & 16-17 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Transport yourself to the enchanting world of Victorian-era London at this long-running Christmas party inspired by the imaginative world of Charles Dickens.
Taking place at Daly City's sprawling Cow Palace Arena and Event Center, you'll mingle with vibrantly costumed characters such as Father Christmas, Ebenezer Scrooge, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present while enjoying family-friendly pantomimes and captivating Irish singing performances. Indulge in the aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts and savor the hearty flavors of chunky meat pies, all while exploring over 100 stalls selling collectible treasures and exquisite handicrafts. Add to the festivity and join the thrilling Jekyll and Hyde Pub Crawl across five unique on-site pubs, or test your detective skills in the Sherlock Holmes Experience, where enigmatic codes and mysteries await your unraveling.
2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City
4-H Winter Craft Fair
Sunday, December 10 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Bring the kids to the 4-H annual Winter Craft Fair in San Bruno for Christmas fun. Set up by one of the nation’s largest youth development organizations on their farm located off El Camino Real. You can shop for unique craft gifts, visit the fairy house, or get hands-on and create a holiday wreath for your home.
San Bruno / South San Francisco 4-H Club, 1st Ave, San Bruno
Thursday Night Lights
December 17, 14 & 21 | 6-8 p.m.
Support San Carlos's local businesses while enjoying a festive evening during Thursday Night Lights. This special event features extended shopping hours at local retailers and live entertainment, adding a touch of magic to your holiday preparations. Stroll along picturesque Laurel Avenue and stop by Shelby’s Garden for charming gingerbread houses and Christmas decorations, find a unique ornament at Lark San Carlos, or treat yourself to stylish holiday wear from the woman-owned boutique Unseen. It's a delightful opportunity to celebrate the season and support the community!
City of San Carlos
Nearby Christmas Markets in Bay Area to Check Out
Enchant San Jose
Daily until December 31 | 5.30-10.30 p.m.
This Christmas-lights-filled winter wonderland boasts a maze, a large ice skating rink, and a festive village filled with activities, festive treats, and holiday goodies.
1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose
Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair
Every Saturday & Sunday until December 24 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Berkeley’s Telegraph Avenue will be home to over 200 local artisans selling creative handicrafts, artwork, and handcrafted wares. Expect live music and food vendors to add to the lively atmosphere.
Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley between Dwight and Bancroft Way
Check out the Bay Area's Christmas markets and check out more holiday happenings in The San Francisco Peninsula.