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! 

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, Brisbane, Burlingame, ColmaFoster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, PacificaRedwood City, and San Carlos, San Mateo

Après Village at Four Seasons Silicon Valley

One of the returning favorites of the holiday season is Four Seasons Silicon Valley's Après Village! Après Village transforms the hotel’s outdoor terrace of Quattro Restaurant into a cozy, enchanting retreat featuring private chalets, festive lights, and seasonal decor that evoke the charm of an alpine getaway. This year, the village is designed to bring friends, families, and colleagues together to enjoy gourmet mountain cuisine, innovative cocktails, and holiday-inspired experiences, all with the signature Four Seasons touch.

Holiday Afternoon Tea – A Festive Treat for the Senses: Four Seasons’ seasonal Holiday Afternoon Tea at [esc] lobby lounge invites guests to indulge in an assortment of finely crafted teas, freshly baked scones, delicate pastries, and savory bites. Set against the backdrop of the beautifully decorated lounge, this holiday tradition is the perfect way to make special memories.
Reservations: Festive Dining & Events Silicon Valley | Four Seasons Palo Alto

 

Ski chalet FS Palo Alto_Apres Village_Marianna Jamadi-77

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

Christmas trees at Holidays at Filoli outdoor garden

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Holiday Specials

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.

Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay Holidays

Festivities include:

Festive Resort Décor and Activities: Families can enjoy precious time together this festive season at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Throughout the season, delight in movie screenings of holiday classics, an interactive game room, and listen to the joyous melodies of carolers. In addition to the Christmas trees and ornaments, the resort’s Executive Pastry Chef Joanna Kaskiw and team will be showcasing gingerbread house displays around the resort beginning November 29th.

Festive Gingerbread Workshop (December 21 & 22): Guided by expert Executive Pastry Chef Joanna Kaskiw, guests can use sweets, sprinkles, icing, and imagination to craft delectably festive masterpieces. Guests are encouraged to be creative, and enjoy coffee, tea, egg nogg and hot chocolate, complete with an apron and toque. Guests will also receive a holiday keepsake and be able to take their creations home upon departure.The workshop will be hosted in the Navio Fireplace Room on December 21 & 22 at 11:30am and 2pm ($285 per table, with a maximum of 4 guests per table). Reserve here.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Navio (December 24): Celebrate the evening before Christmas and indulge in courses inspired by the season’s festivities. Guests are invited to experience an enhanced seven-course Chef’s Christmas Eve Tasting showcasing the finest offerings of the holiday season. Reserve here.

Christmas Brunch at Navio (December 21–22, 25, & 28–29): Gather with loved ones over a holiday feast and celebrate the arrival of Christmas at Navio. Inspired by coastal flavors and the season’s bounty, guests are invited to enjoy an enhanced two-hour Christmas Brunch experience with festive à la carte presentations and craft cocktails.Reserve here.

Festive Dining at The Conservatory: Delight in unforgettable experiences during breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Conservatory, amidst an ocean view backdrop and glimmering holiday décor. The ambiance pairs artfully with heartwarming festive flavors and uniquely crafted cocktails that bring to life the holiday spirit. Reserve here.

Hot Chocolate at The Ocean Terrace: The resort’s scenic Ocean Terrace offers a delectable hot chocolate that can be leveled up with espresso, spirits and more. Children can top their cocoa with sweet treats and classic candies, then take their mugs to the nearby fire pits for a sunset salute with a bagpiper performance. Check out their website for more details!

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.

San  Mateo on Ice

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 Sixth Annual Winter Festival will be held on December 5-7, 2024. 

Holidays at Gamble Garden

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.

Great Dickens Fair