Get kids into the holiday spirit with loads of great events happening all across the Bay Area. Expect cancellations due to rain. Please confirm with event organizer.

Check out my lists for:

Christmas Houses :: Holiday Tea :: Photos with Santa
Holiday Train Rides :: Ice Skating Rinks

Friday, December 14, 2018

NUTCRACKER

The Nutcracker, San Mateo Performing Arts Center (map)
Petaluma School Of Ballet Presents The Nutcracker, Petaluma School of Ballet (map)
Santa Rosa Theater Presents The Nutcracker, Spreckels Performing Arts Center (map)

THEATER

The Velveteen Rabbit, YBCA Theater, San Francisco (map)
Circus Bella Presents Kaleidoscope, Mersea Meadow (map)
A Christmas Carol, Geary Theater (map)
Sleeping Beauty, The Panto! PantoSF @ Custom Made Theatre (formerly The Tides) (map)
The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Young Performers Theatre, San Francisco (map)
The Wizard Of Oz, Berkeley Playhouse (map)
Annie, 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa (map)
A Christmas Carol: The Broadway Musical, Playhouse, San Anselmo (map)
Mary Poppins, San Francisco Playhouse (map)
Sister’s Christmas Catechism, Marin Center Showcase Theater (map)

TREE LIGHTING

Illuminate SF, San Francisco, CA (map)
IlluminOdyssey, CuriOdyssey, San Mateo (map)

Holidays Along the Farm Trails

Meet your farmers, vintners and artisan producers; cut down your own Christmas tree; shop for home-grown and handmade gifts; source ingredients for your holiday meals; see how cheese is made; greet farm animals; sample delicious food; and discover some of Sonoma County's best kept secrets!

Fairy Winterland

Children's Fairyland (map)

In December, Fairy Winterland celebrates the winter holidays of many cultures: Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Diwali, and Chinese New Year. Join us for stories, crafts, a festival of lights, and a visit from Santa.

’Tis The Season For Science

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco (map)

Experience a winter wonderland in the heart of San Francisco. Outdoor snow flurries, a hands-on polar-themed exhibit, and festive ice rink make the Academy a holiday destination for science lovers of all ages.

Night Bloom

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park (map)

Light and sound will transform the iconic San Francisco landmark into a glowing landscape of interactive experiences this holiday season.

Lantern Light Festival

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton (map)

Lantern Art Festival is a huge light show, Bigger, Better, more beautiful than your traditional light show. Lanterns are built on site up to 30 feet tall.

Lighted Boat Parade

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA (map)

The Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District and the St. Francis Yacht Club will join once again to present the oldest and largest lighted holiday boat parade on San Francisco Bay. Boats festooned with lights and holiday decorations, will parade along the waterfront on December 14, 2018.

Saturday, December 15, 2018

CRAFT FAIRS

World Crafts Faire, Bolinas Community Center (map)
The Holiday Pup-Up Shop! Batch (map)
Holiday Street Fair, Berkeley (map)

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Breakfast With Santa Is Back For The Holiday! Hyatt Regency, San Francisco (map)
Snacks With Santa, Bay Area Discovery Museum (map)
Breakfast With Santa Ollie, Aquarium of the Bay (map)

GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Gingerbread Doghouse Workshops, Schulz Museum Education Annex Schulz Museum Education Annex (map)
Gingerbread House Tour! Sausalito, CA (map)
Gingerbread House Decorating Classes, Cake Art Supplies (map)
Gingerbread Dog & Cat House Decorating Workshop, Marin Humane (map)

NUTCRACKER

San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker, San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House (map)
Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets, Cowell Theater (map)
The Nutcracker, San Mateo Performing Arts Center (map)
Petaluma School Of Ballet Presents The Nutcracker, Petaluma School of Ballet (map)
Marin Dance Theatre: Sophie And The Enchanted Toyshop, Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium (map)
Berkeley City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker, Smith Center Ohlone College (map)
Santa Rosa Theater Presents The Nutcracker, Spreckels Performing Arts Center (map)

THEATER

Wonderland: Alice's Rock And Roll Adventure, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM, BACT Berkeley Center (map)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM, Creativity Theatre, San Francisco (map)
The Velveteen Rabbit, 1:00 PM & 4 PM, YBCA Theater, San Francisco (map)
The Wizard Of Oz, 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM, Berkeley Playhouse (map)
Sleeping Beauty, The Panto! PantoSF @ Custom Made Theatre (formerly The Tides) (map)
Wizard Of Oz, Young People's Edition, Novato Theatre Company (map)
Cirque De Bohème Presents Yesterday, Cornerstone (map)
Circus Bella Presents Kaleidoscope, Mersea Meadow (map)
The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, 2:00 PM 4:30 PM, Young Performers Theatre (map)
Mary Poppins, 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM, San Francisco Playhouse (map)
A Christmas Carol, Geary Theater (map)
The Christmas Ballet, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco (map)
Annie, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM, 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa (map)
A Christmas Carol: The Broadway Musical, Playhouse, San Anselmo (map)

TREE LIGHTING

Illuminate SF, San Francisco, CA (map)

Holidays Along the Farm Trails

Fairy Winterland

Children's Fairyland (map)

Fun Family Fitness Class

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Mill Valley Recreation (map)

Join Coach Tilda for a fun workout for the entire family!

Wreath Making Workshop

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
McNears Beach Park (map)

Bring the beauty of nature to your front door with a festive, homemade wreath!

Farmer’s Market Holiday Celebration

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Marin Country Mart (map)

The annual Farmer’s Market Holiday Celebration features Whoville singers (and a VERY special surprise guest!), a Santa Sing Along, letter writing to Santa, cookie Decorating, holiday crafts and a whole lotta fun - plus Hot Toddies on the Farmshop patio for the grown ups!

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Cow Palace, San Francisco (map)

Visit London - at the historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls! 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.

Snowflake Craft

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Civic Center Library (map)

Join us for a fun family craft: create decorative snowflakes from craft sticks, glue and paint.

Concerts In The Park

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Noe Valley Recreation Center (map)

Concerts take place in the children's playground with performers positioned near the sandbox.

IlluminOdyssey

CuriOdyssey, San Mateo (map)

A WINTER LIGHT EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS!

Family Art Making

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
de Young museum (map)

Family Art Making offers a free, drop-in art project led by professional teaching artists.

Family Matinees: Clairdee & Friends

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
SFJAZZ (map)

’Tis The Season For Science

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco (map)

Nature Hike

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Vallejo Home Parking Lot (map)

Shake off that December chill with a hike along the lower Montini Preserve Trail and experience history, nature and a good time.

Naturalist Creekwalk Tours In Search Of Coho Salmon

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Samuel P. Taylor State Park (map)

Each winter we look forward to following the endangered coho salmon as they return to Lagunitas Creek to spawn.

Marin City Library's 3rd Annual Snowman Social

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Marin City Library (map)

Join us for an afternoon of food, crafts, fun, and maybe a little bit of magical snowman science.

Christmas With Walt Disney (2009)

4:00 PM
The Walt Disney Family Museum (map)

In this charming film directed by Don Hahn and produced exclusively for the museum, Diane Disney Miller shares stories of Walt’s life during the holidays—at work and at home with his family.

Night Bloom

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park (map)

Light and sound will transform the iconic San Francisco landmark into a glowing landscape of interactive experiences this holiday season.

Lantern Light Festival

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton (map)

Lantern Art Festival is a huge light show, Bigger, Better, more beautiful than your traditional light show. Lanterns are built on site up to 30 feet tall.

San Rafael Lighted Boat Parade

5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
San Rafael Yacht Club to Terrapin Crossroads

Holiday boat parades on the San Rafael Canal have been helping Marin families celebrate for more than 50 years. Each year, thousands of spectators line the route to admire and shout holiday greetings to dozens of beautifully decorated, brightly lit boats as they pass.

Movie Under The Winter Tent

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Winter Tent (map)

Gather your friends and family, low-back lawn chairs and comfy blankets to enjoy The Polar Express under the Winter Tent.

Presidio Stargazing Party

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Main Parade Grounds (map)

The SF Amateur Astronomers bring their giant telescopes and help guests see the night sky’s most interesting astronomical beauties.

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Breakfast With Santa

Breakfast With Santa Is Back For The Holiday! Hyatt Regency, San Francisco (map)
Snacks With Santa, Bay Area Discovery Museum (map)

CRAFT FAIRS

World Crafts Faire, Bolinas Community Center (map)
Fancy Flea, Marin Country Mart (map) CANCELLED
SFMade Holiday Fair At CCA, California College of the Arts (map)
Holiday Street Fair, Berkeley (map)

GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Gingerbread Doghouse Workshops, Schulz Museum Education Annex Schulz Museum Education Annex (map)
Gingerbread House Tour! Sausalito, CA (map)

MUSIC

Tim Cain’s “Family Christmas Sing Along” & Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Rancho Nicasio (map)
Enriching Lives Through Music Winter Concert, Showcase Theater (map)
Sing Along Messiah, Dance Palace (map)
Singers Marin Presents ’Tis The Season…Sing Joy! Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium (map)
Holiday Brass, Davies Symphony Hall (map)

NUTCRACKER

San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker, San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House (map)
Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets, Cowell Theater (map)
The Nutcracker, San Mateo Performing Arts Center (map)
Petaluma School Of Ballet Presents The Nutcracker, Petaluma School of Ballet (map)
Santa Rosa Theater Presents The Nutcracker, Spreckels Performing Arts Center (map)

THEATER

Wonderland: Alice's Rock And Roll Adventure, 10:30 AM & 1:30 PM, BACT Berkeley Center (map)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM,Creativity Theatre, San Francisco (map)
The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, 11:00 AM 2:30 PM, Young Performers Theatre (map)
Cirque De Bohème Presents Yesterday, Cornerstone (map)
Circus Bella Presents Kaleidoscope, Mersea Meadow (map)
Wizard Of Oz, Young People's Edition, Novato Theatre Company (map)
Sleeping Beauty, The Panto! PantoSF @ Custom Made Theatre (formerly The Tides) (map)
The Velveteen Rabbit, 2:00 PM, YBCA Theater, San Francisco (map)
The Wizard Of Oz, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Berkeley Playhouse (map)
Mary Poppins, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, San Francisco Playhouse (map)
A Christmas Carol, Geary Theater (map)
The Christmas Ballet, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco (map)
Annie, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM, 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa (map)
A Christmas Carol: The Broadway Musical, Playhouse, San Anselmo (map)

TREE LIGHTING

Illuminate SF, San Francisco, CA (map)

Holidays Along the Farm Trails

Fairy Winterland

Children's Fairyland (map)

Sweat4Paradise Donation Based Family Stroller Strides Class

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
San Rafael Civic Center Lagoon Park (map)

Join Fit4Mom Marin for a fun, family friendly Stroller Strides class to raise money for the victims of the recent fires in Paradise, CA. This class is free with a suggested donation amount of $10, but any amount is greatly appreciated. All proceeds will go directly to those impacted by the fires. Please come out and support this great cause! CANCELLED

BABY RAVE Oakland

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
3903 Broadway Third FloorOakland, CA, 94611United States (map)

BABY RAVE Oakland is a new kid-friendly dance party that is sure to get you and your little one moving and shaking to the music together!

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Cow Palace, San Francisco (map)

Lower School Open House

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Brandeis Marin (map)

We've designed this special day to give you and your entire family an inside look into our extraordinary school.

#SundaysOnSherman

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
City of Novato Flex Space (map)

Please join us on Sunday, December 16th as we take over the City of Novato Flex Space outside the Administration building to play! Sundays on Sherman is a chance for community members of all ages to come outside and participate in structured and unstructured play!

Science On The Big Screen: Robot & Frank

11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Lawrence Hall of Science (map)

During our 50th anniversary year, we reached out to scientists at UC Berkeley and beyond to learn what movies inspired them. Beginning on Sunday, November 11, join us for our Science Film Festival featuring four popular science films and one new documentary. Each movie will be introduced by scientists who inspired and were inspired by it.

’Tis The Season For Science

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco (map)

Christmas With Walt Disney (2009)

1:00 PM
The Walt Disney Family Museum (map)

In this charming film directed by Don Hahn and produced exclusively for the museum, Diane Disney Miller shares stories of Walt’s life during the holidays—at work and at home with his family.

Night Bloom

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park (map)

Light and sound will transform the iconic San Francisco landmark into a glowing landscape of interactive experiences this holiday season.

Lantern Light Festival

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton (map)

Lantern Art Festival is a huge light show, Bigger, Better, more beautiful than your traditional light show. Lanterns are built on site up to 30 feet tall.