The Week Before Christmas (Made Easier)
School’s out. Spirits are up. Pick your vibe!
Hi parents,
This is that week! When the kids are officially out of school, routines are loose, excitement is high, and everything feels a little sparkly and a little unhinged.
Instead of a packed calendar, this week’s guide is designed to help you choose what fits your family’s energy. Think of it as a menu, not a checklist. One outing is plenty. Staying in counts too.
✨ Seasonal Happenings (Choose What Fits)
These run across multiple days, so you can slot them into your weekend whenever it makes sense.
San Mateo on Ice
10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (hours vary by day) | Central Park, San Mateo
A festive outdoor skating rink right in the heart of downtown. You can lace up and skate or simply watch with hot cocoa while soaking in the holiday energy. A classic winter outing that works just as well for a quick visit as it does for a full evening.
Ages 4+ | ~$23 (includes skates) | More details
Holidays at Filoli (Daytime & Evening Lights)
Daytime house tours & evening garden lights | Filoli Historic House & Garden, Woodside
By day, explore the historic house decorated in elegant holiday style. By night, wander glowing gardens filled with twinkling lights and fire pits. Choose the vibe that fits your family’s energy — calm and uncrowded during the day, magical and lively after dark.
All ages | ~$39–$49 (timed entry) | Tickets & details
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Cow Palace, Daly City
Step into Victorian London with costumed performers, music halls, shops, and festive food stalls. It’s immersive, theatrical, and full of surprises - best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, especially with younger kids. This is the final weekend of the season.
Ages 6+ | ~$30–$45 | More details
IlluminOdyssey at CuriOdyssey
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | CuriOdyssey, San Mateo
A glowing, interactive exhibit where kids can play with light, shadows, and color, paired with outdoor zoo exploration. A great daytime option when you want something engaging but not overwhelming.
Ages 2–10 | Included with admission | More details
⭐ This Weekend’s Special Highlight
Hip Hop Nutcracker
2:00 PM & 7:00 PM | San Mateo Performing Arts Center, San Mateo
A high-energy, modern remix of the Nutcracker set to hip-hop choreography. This fresh take on the holiday classic is fast-paced, fun, and especially appealing to older kids and teens who may not love traditional ballet.
Ages 5+ | Ticket prices vary | More details
🌙 Neighborhood Magic (Low Effort, High Reward)
If you want festive vibes without tickets, planning, or schedules, holiday light streets are your friend. These are perfect for quick evening walks or to drive through - especially with younger kids.
Eucalyptus Avenue Holiday Lights
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Eucalyptus Ave (1900 block), San Carlos
One of the most beloved holiday streets on the Peninsula, where nearly every house goes all out with lights, music, and decorations. A great first stop if you’ve never done a Christmas light walk before.
All ages | Free | More details
Christmas Tree Lane (Fulton Street)
After dark | Fulton St (1700–1800 blocks), Palo Alto
A long-standing neighborhood tradition dating back decades, with small lit trees lining the street and beautifully decorated homes. Calm, charming, and very walkable.
All ages | Free | Neighborhood tradition (no official site)
Parrott Drive Holiday Lights
After dark | Parrott Dr, San Mateo
A short but sweet stretch of homes known for creative, kid-friendly decorations. Easy to pair with dinner downtown or another nearby light stop.
All ages | Free | Neighborhood tradition
Candy Cane Lane (Redwood City)
After dark | 1200 block of Dewey St, Redwood City
A beloved neighborhood tradition since the 1960s - homes along Dewey Street go all out with lights, characters, and homemade stovepipe candy canes in each yard.
All ages | Free | More details
Easton Drive Holiday Lights
After dark | Easton Dr, Burlingame
A lesser-known local favorite with coordinated lights and a cozy neighborhood feel. A great option if you want something festive without big crowds.
All ages | Free | Neighborhood tradition
Tip: Go earlier in the evening for fewer crowds and happier kids. Weeknights tend to be calmer than weekends.
💛 Little Joys
You don’t need to do it all. One outing is enough. Staying in counts. The magic isn’t in how much you pack in - it’s in how it feels.
Hope this helps take one thing off your plate this week. If you know another parent who’d appreciate this guide, feel free to pass it along.
See you next week!