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Looking for family-friendly events and activities in San Francisco and the Bay Area this weekend? Here are some of the best things to add to your list!
Best Things To Do This Weekend in San Francisco Bay Area with Kids
San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker
San Francisco
Starts Friday, December 6
Exquisite dancing, beautiful sets, beloved characters, and the music of Tchaikovsky are performed live by the San Francisco Orchestra and the San Francisco Ballet Company. A favorite show for the holidays, it's the story of a young girl, a nutcracker, and a Sugarplum fairy. Visit the website here.
Winter Wonderland at Marin Art and Garden Center
Ross
Starts Friday, December 6
A magical holiday experience, the Livermore Pavilion is turning into a Winter Wonderland with a ton of activities for the whole family. Families can enjoy an outdoor skating rink with snow and music, cozy up at the warming hut with hot cocoa and cider, go shopping at the holiday pop-up shops, cookie decorating, Hanukkah celebrations, and so much more. Visit the website here.
Winterfest at Salesforce Park
San Francisco - FREE
Friday - Sunday, December 6 - 8
Enjoy free holiday activities at TJPA’s Salesforce Park at its 5th annual Winterfest celebration. The annual festivities begin on the night of Friday featuring free crafts, live music from Pop Rocks, and dancing. Saturday is Kid's Day with free holiday activities, including a special Winter Storytime, face painting and a visit from winter fairies, a kid's Holiday Sing-a-long, Ornament Making, and more! Sunday is make your own festive wreath with fresh greens, ribbons, and more. A free ticket to attend a session is required, as all supplies are provided but limited. Visit the website here.
Shrek the Musical
Golden Gate Theater
San Francisco
Friday - Sunday, December 6 - 8
Yes, your favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar®-winning, smash hit, DreamWorks animated film. Tony Award-winning duo Jeanine Tesori (music) and David Lindsay-Abaire (book) revisit their first collaboration to deliver a more intimate and engaging experience, a joyful, colorful Shrek that leans into the humanity in all of us and celebrates our differences. Visit the website here.
Hometown Holidays
Redwood City - FREE
Saturday, December 7
Get ready for some holiday fun in downtown Redwood City! Complimentary pictures with Santa, live entertainment, food vendors, and a parade extravaganza are all happening for families of all ages. Visit the website here.
Santa Claus Arrives by Helicopter at the Hiller Aviation Museum
San Carlos
Saturday, December 7
Head over to the Hiller Aviation Museum for a special arrival of Santa Claus via helicopter! Additional activities include Christmas Carols by the West Bay Community Band, and kids can tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas. Visit the website here.
Penngrove Winter Fest
Penngrove - FREE
Saturday, December 7
Downtown Penngrove is celebrating the season with a family-friendly experience that welcomes St. Nick and the mischievous Krampus. Sip & Shop to find holiday gifts, look for unique treasures at the outdoor market, go on the Krampus Walk to meet the legendary figure along with themed foods at local pubs and eateries, hear live music, and more. Kids can engage in crafts at their Children's Maker Workshop, decorate gingerbread cookies, and take pictures with St. Nick. Visit the website here.
Sing You a Merry Christmas at Grace Cathedral
San Francisco
Saturday, December 7
It is officially the most wonderful time of the year, so sing along at Sing You a Merry Christmas, an interactive performance the entire family will enjoy. Tag along with the toys of St. Nicholas’ workshop as they search for the true meaning of Christmas, taking us on a joyous expedition of discovery, following festive clues and decking the halls with all of your favorite Christmas carols. Visit the website here.
Breakfast with Santa at the Westin St. Francis
San Francisco
Saturday, December 7
Enjoy a breakfast buffet overlooking San Francisco, with a classic American spread including eggs, bacon, pancakes, fresh fruit, and even a mimosa for each adult. The highlight of the morning will be a special visit from Santa, where every child will have the chance to meet him and take a photo. Back by popular demand, the holiday craft station hosted by local favorite Messy Art Lab will also be available offering fun, art-forward activities for kids to enjoy. Visit the website here.
The Public Barket Holiday Edition
Emeryville - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 8
The Public Market Emeryville invites dog owners and their furry friends to The Public Barket (Holiday Edition) to enjoy an afternoon of holiday shopping and a curated selection of dog-focused goodies, such as homemade dog treats, bandanas, and leashes, from local makers and artists who have a passion and love for dogs. Fun activations such as a live dog portrait drawing from Artist Sophie Diao (only available on Saturday, December 7) and a mini photoshoot session with dog portrait photographer, Ellen Shershow Photography (only available on Sunday, December 8). Available spotsfor the dog portrait drawing and mini photoshoot session activations are limited and first-come first-serve. Visit the website here.
Tiburon Holiday Festival
Tiburon - FREE
Sunday, December 8
A holiday festival for all ages, Tiburon transforms into a winter wonderland with tons of activities for families. Enjoy gingerbread house decorating, face painting, popcorn by The Belvedere, Christmas Tree lighting, carolers, and a visit from Santa. Visit the website here.
Family Cooking: Donuts and Hot Cocoa for Hanukkah at OFJCC
Palo Alto
Sunday, December 8
Get ready to have some family fun in the OFJCC kitchen with Michelle Greenebaum from Together In The Kitchen. In this hands-on cooking class, parents and kids team up to bake Jewish holiday favorites. After stirring, sifting, whisking, grating and chopping together, enjoy your culinary creations fresh from the oven. Visit the website here.
Gingerbread House Day at Habitot Children's Museum
Emeryville
Sunday, December 8
Celebrate the holiday season by decorating our giant gingerbread house using icing and colorful candy. Museum admission includes museum play time and art studio time. Kids can pretend they're firefighters, shop at the "grocery store" and pretend to be a pizza kitchen chef. Plus, launch rockets, climb the wiggle wall, make art and more. Visit the website here.
Oogubi Wonderland: SantaGrinchCon Sensory
San Francisco
Sunday, December 8
Kids enjoy three hours of calming, brain-developing sensory attractions for the little ones like foam parties, glow rooms, balloon globes, and messy play zones. Adults can hang back and enjoy food trucks, a beer garden, music, and uninterrupted conversations. It's an event for all families. Visit the website here.