December Begins: Markets, Lights & Little Adventures
The big events, the small joys, and everything in between.
Hi parents,
December is officially here - twinkly lights, festive weekends, and that feeling of “Wait… how is the year almost over?” If your calendar is already filling up, this week’s guide is designed to make things a little easier.
Instead of hunting around for ideas, I pulled together a curated weekend list plus the big seasonal events happening all month long - the ones worth bookmarking early because they sell out fast or make for great spontaneous outings.
Scroll, screenshot, and plan at your own pace - here’s what’s happening around the Peninsula and the Bay this weekend (& all month long).
What’s happening this weekend?
Friday, December 5
Gamble Garden Holiday Teas
11:00 AM & 1:00 PM | 📍 Gamble Garden, Palo Alto
A cozy holiday tea in the historic Main House with sweet and savory bites at shared tables - lovely for a special outing with a caregiver, grandparent, or big kid.
Ages 6+ | Ticketed event | Event Details
Winter Festival Marketplace
10:00 AM–4:00 PM | 📍 Gamble Garden, Palo Alto
One-stop holiday shopping for gifts, greenery, and décor in a festive garden setting. Free coffee and a relaxed, neighborhood feel.
All ages | Free entry (shopping extra) | Event Details
Let’s Glow SF
5:30–10:00 PM | 📍 Downtown San Francisco
Animated holiday light projections transform downtown buildings into glowing art — perfect for an evening stroll with cocoa in hand.
All ages | Free | Event Details
Once Upon a Garden: Family Night
5:00–8:00 PM | 📍 Gamble Garden, Palo Alto
Come in costume and step into a storybook garden at night with Santa photos, ballet performances, fairy crafts, character meet-and-greets, and treats for the whole family.
All ages | Ticketed event | Tickets & Details
First Friday Nights at CuriOdyssey
5:00–8:00 PM | 📍 CuriOdyssey, Coyote Point, San Mateo
Stay late at the science and wildlife center for glowing themed activities, animal encounters, and food from a local vendor - great Friday night energy without being overwhelming.
All ages | Ticketed event | Tickets & Details
Saturday, December 6
Gamble Garden Holiday Teas
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 2:30 PM | 📍 Gamble Garden, Palo Alto
Multiple tea times to gather with friends or family for a festive spread of sweet and savory treats in the Main House.
Ages 6+ | Ticketed event | Tickets & Details
Gamble Garden Winter Festival Marketplace
10:00 AM–4:00 PM | 📍 Gamble Garden, Palo Alto
Day two of the outdoor marketplace with greenery, gifts, and holiday décor in a charming garden setting.
All ages | Free entry (shopping extra) | Event Details
San Mateo Winter Wonderland
5:00–7:00 PM | 📍 Central Park, San Mateo
Lights, music, crafts, and festive cheer - an easy, drop-in outdoor celebration right in the heart of San Mateo.
All ages | Free | Event Details
Santa Arrives by Helicopter @ Hiller Aviation Museum
9:30 AM–12:00 PM (Santa lands around 10:30) | 📍 San Carlos
Santa literally arrives in a helicopter. Kids can watch the landing, meet Santa, and explore planes afterward.
Ages 2–10 | Free (museum admission extra) | Event Details
Clayroom Holiday Market
11:00 AM–4:00 PM | 📍 San Mateo (Bay Meadows)
A cozy holiday market with handmade ceramics and local makers - perfect for easy browsing with a stroller and warm drinks.
All ages | Free entry (shopping extra) | Event Details
California Avenue Holiday Spectacular
12:00–4:00 PM | 📍 Palo Alto (Cal Ave District)
Celebrate the winter season and enjoy live music, dance performances, crafts, and photos. Stop by the Stanford Research Park booth for a free holiday beanie while supplies last.
All ages | Free | Event Details
Burlingame Winter Market
10:00 AM–2:00 PM | 📍 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame
A festive outdoor market with local makers, treats, live music, and plenty of holiday cheer - perfect for a cozy Saturday wander.
All ages | Free entry | Event Details
Redwood City Winter Wonderland
5:00–8:00 PM | 📍 Courthouse Square, Redwood City
Join us for an enchanting winter evening filled with cookie decorating, bouncing on inflatables, and enjoying a cozy hot cocoa station. The marketplace is free for all to attend, but you’ll need an Activity Band to participate in all other activities.
All ages | Free (Activity band: $10 per child) | Event Details
Sunday, December 7
Makers & Minis: Holiday Craft Session
10:00–11:30 AM | 📍 Burlingame
Makers and Minis is a morning of crafting with your little one - a chance for grown-ups also to become makers and enjoy creating clay ornaments and glowing lanterns together.
Ages 4–8 | Ticketed event | Tickets & Details
North Fair Oaks Winter Fiesta
12:00–3:00 PM | 📍 Redwood City (North Fair Oaks)
Join the North Fair Oaks Community Celebration in Redwood City. Enjoy an afternoon filled with kids’ activities, delicious food, community resources, and photos with Santa.
All ages | Cost: Free | Event details
Air Power Adventure — Hiller Aviation Museum
11:00–11:30 AM | 📍 San Carlos
A short hands‑on science demo exploring how aircraft fly - great for curious kids.
Ages 5–12 | Cost: Included with admission | More Details
Panto in the Presidio
1:00 PM | 📍 Presidio Theatre
Peter Pan returns this 2025 holiday season! Awaken your childlike wonder this holiday season with a wildly fun take on the family classic. The adventure begins in San Francisco before soaring away to the magical world of Neverland, featuring familiar characters such as Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, and the Lost Boys.
Ages 5+ | Ticketed event | Tickets & Details
What’s happening this month?
Events worth bookmarking - these run throughout December.
📍 Peninsula
IlluminOdyssey at CuriOdyssey
Museum hours | 📍 San Mateo
Glowing tunnels, interactive light exhibits, and a mini zoo kids adore.
Ages 3–12 | Regular admission | More Details
San Mateo on Ice
Daily sessions | 📍 San Mateo (Central Park)
A festive outdoor rink with music, lights, and skate rentals.
Ages 4+ | Paid admission | More details
Holidays at Filoli - Daytime
Daily time slots | 📍 Woodside
Holiday-decorated historic house and beautiful garden stroll.
All ages | Ticketed event | More Details
Filoli Night Garden (Lights)
Evening sessions | 📍 Woodside
Magical illuminated gardens with tunnels, trees, and glowing pathways.
All ages | Ticketed event | More Details
📍 San Francisco
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Weekends through Dec 22 | 📍 Cow Palace, Daly City
Step into a Victorian London holiday world with costumed characters, shops, treats, performances, and festive streets.
All ages | Ticketed event | Tickets & Details
Safeway Holiday Ice Rink
Daily | 📍 Union Square
Skate under the big Christmas tree in Union Square - classic city-holiday moment.
Ages 4+ | Paid admission | More details
Breakfast with Santa - Westin St. Francis
Weekends | 📍 Union Square
A festive holiday brunch with Santa photo ops in a landmark hotel.
Ages 2–10 | Ticketed event | More Details
Panto in the Presidio
Showtimes all month | 📍 Presidio Theatre
Interactive, musical holiday pantomime for families with lots of audience participation.
Ages 5+ | Ticketed event | Tickets & Details
📍 East Bay
Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo
Evenings through January | 📍 Oakland Zoo
A nighttime lantern walk with larger-than-life glowing animals and illuminated pathways. Tickets open 28 days before each date, so plan ahead - popular nights tend to sell out fast.
All ages | Ticketed event | Tickets & Details
Hope this helps take one thing off your plate this week. Feel free to forward this to another parent who could use an easier way to plan their weekend.
💛 Akriti