Planning your perfect Holiday Season on the San Francisco Peninsula
‘Tis the season for exploring! With crackling fires by the ocean, dazzling light displays, and local farms growing Christmas trees, the holidays are a special time here on The San Francisco Peninsula. Read on for ten festive activities to add to your Bay Area holiday bucket list!
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, Colma, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Pacifica, Redwood City, and San Carlos, San Mateo!
Experience Après Village
Each year, the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley transforms its restaurant into an outdoor winter wonderland at their Après Village from November 21, 2025, and running through January 4, 2026. A nostalgic holiday retreat inspired by the charm of alpine escapes, this year’s edition promises more wonder, transforming the Quattro's outdoor terrace and the expanded village area into a festive haven of twinkling lights, cozy chalets, and seasonal delights. Open daily from 4:30 to 9:30 pm, Après Village invites guests to gather under the stars for gourmet fare, holiday cocktails, and immersive experiences to capture the spirit of the season.
Reservations: Festive Dining & Events Silicon Valley | Four Seasons Palo Alto
For groups of four, consider reserving your own semi-private, wooden chalet for the ultimate cozy experience. On Sunday evenings, enjoy fireside movies featuring holiday favorites and recent releases. Reserve your tickets for weekend evenings from 4:00 - 9:00 PM or book a private event from Monday through Thursday.
Explore Holidays at Filoli
Take a stroll through thousands of twinkling lights during Holidays at Filoli. From November 22, 2025—January 11, 2026, explore the extensive gardens of this beautiful estate in Woodside, shop for unique gifts, and relax by the fire while enjoying spiced cider or mulled wine. Whether you attend during the daytime, evening, or on a themed night, each offers a unique experience. During the daytime, you can experience all of the beautiful lights with the perks of a coffee bar and the Estate Trail open to exploring.
Skate at San Mateo on Ice
Grab your skates and head over to San Mateo’s Central Park from November 14, 2025, through January 11, 2025, for outdoor ice skating. For those looking to throw a private party, you can even book the rink all to yourself! In addition, there will be free, community skate days on November 18, December 10, and December 17.
Discover The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Visit Victorian London at the Cow Palace! Enjoy street scenes, lively music, English foods, and handcrafted holiday gifts at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair on weekends from November 22 - December 21, 2025. You’ll also be able to purchase one-of-a-kind treasures directly from Dickens Fair artisans.
Attend Beach Break Film Festival
Calling all film lovers! Beach Break Entertainment is putting on their third annual Beach Break Film Festival on December 28-30, 2025, and this is certainly something you won't want to miss. The festival will showcase local California filmmakers and have screenings of these unique films at the Coastal Repertory Theater in Half Moon Bay. Reserve your seats and see the lineup, here!
Visit a Local Farm
The beginning of the holiday season is a great time to see the bounty produced on The San Francisco Peninsula, and some of our local farms offer unique behind-the-scenes tours. For a perfect day trip with the whole family, visit the goats at Harley Farms Goat Dairy in Pescadero and purchase fresh cheese for your holiday spread!
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Choose and cut your own Christmas tree at one of our local tree farms! In Half Moon Bay, Santa’s Tree Farm & Village has been operating for almost 50 years and grows six different types of lush trees. Running from November 22 through December 14, 2025 (weekends), you can expect a unique holiday experience featuring train rides and festive activities. Another great option along the California coast in Pescadero is Rancho Siempre Verde (RSV Trees), where you can find your perfect tree, make a fragrant wreath, and take a tractor ride.
See the Winter Festival at Gamble Garden
The Winter Festival at Gamble Garden is a sight for all ages. On December 4-6, 2025, experience a wonderland of holiday trees and twinkling lights. The event includes wine, hors d’oeuvres, a holiday tree lighting ceremony, and holiday shopping with 20 vendors. Children 8 and under enter for free.
Cozy Up by the Fire
Cozy up next to a crackling fire while sipping on spiced cider or hot chocolate. Many restaurants and hotels in the area feature fire pits for you to enjoy. Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and Jettywave Distillery are great choices for a warm fire and delicious food. Nearby, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay also has outdoor fire pits overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Blow Your Own Glass Ornament
Learn how to create two, one-of-a-kind glass ornaments to take home at Half Moon Bay Art Glass. Their classes are taught by skilled instructors and are perfect for adults and children ages 6 and up.
Taste Wine at San Francisco Wine School
If you equate the holidays with wine, you may be interested in taking a wine class. The San Francisco Wine School has multiple in-person and virtual courses for complete beginners or more experienced wine connoisseurs. Learn how to taste and talk about wine at your next party!
Pop-Up Miracle Bar in San Carlos
Check out the Miracle Pop Up at Highlanders as it transports you into a festive wonderland! In the heart of San Carlos, you can grab “Christmas-politans” and “Candy Cane Lanes" drinks when you go out with friends or a post-dinner stop.
Looking for more travel ideas? Check out all the great holiday activities on the Peninsula!