10 Things to Do with Bay Area Kids this December (2025)
- Jenine
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Looking for things to do with Bay Area kids in December 2025? This guide rounds up the best festive family activities, from Let’s Glow SF (Dec 5–14) and the Westin St. Francis Sugar Castle to classic light displays (like Christmas in the Park, Glowfari, Filoli, Northern Lights in Santa Rosa), plus our Holiday Lights Map. You’ll also find ice skating rinks, can’t-miss museum exhibits (CuriOdyssey, The Tech’s Polar Days, Winter Craft Day at Randall, Fairy Winterland), holiday train fun (Caltrain Holiday Train station celebrations + rides), and even King Tides (Dec 4–5) for a little science with your sparkle.
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Short on time? Use the quick links below to skip to any event.
1-Let’s Glow SF
Dates: Dec 5–14, 2025 (nightly 5:30–10:00pm; kickoff “Countdown to Glow” on Dec 5)
What it is: A free, all-ages projection art festival that transforms multiple Downtown SF buildings into animated light shows—an easy, stroller-friendly night out.
Address (start here): Ferry Building / Harry Bridges Plaza, 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111 (installations span nearby FiDi/East Cut sites).
2-Tidepooling
Dates: Dec 4–6, 2025 (check your local low tide time). These are the next California King Tide dates, which also bring extra-low tides for great tidepool viewing.
What it is: Tidepooling = exploring rocky shoreline at lowest tide (best when it's a negative number) to spot sea stars, anemones, crabs, snails, and more. Go slow, step on bare rock, and never turn your back on the ocean. (High surf/sneaker-wave advisories may apply this week.) It's very important to leave no trace and not touch/ disturb the sea creatures.
Where (great spots & addresses):
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve — Moss Beach • 200 Nevada St, Moss Beach, CA 94038
Bean Hollow State Beach (Pebble Beach lot) — Pescadero • 11000 Cabrillo Hwy, Pescadero, CA 94060. California State Parks+1
Natural Bridges State Beach — Santa Cruz • 2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. (Excellent guided tidepooling when tides are ≤2 ft.)
Pro tip: Aim for the lowest tide of the day (ideally a negative number), arrive 20–30 minutes early, wear grippy shoes, and check conditions before you go.
3-Oogubi Wonderland
Dates: Sat, Dec 20, 2025 • 10:30am–1:30pm • Get tickets here
What it is: A “mini sensory theme park” pop-up with LIVE DJ, snow yard, foam party, glow tent, balloon globe, messy play, sensory toys, plus meet-and-greets with the Grinch & Cindy Lou Who. Ticketed entry; VIP/private lounge options available.
Where: 601 Mission Bay Blvd North, San Francisco, CA 94158 (Mission Bay / SPARK Social area)
4-CalTrain Holiday Train's Free Station Celebrations.
Check out our full list of free holiday activities to do in the Bay Area.
Dates: Sat, Dec 13, 2025 (times vary by station; see official schedule)
What it is: Free, family-friendly on-platform celebrations as the Holiday Train rolls in—music, photo ops, and festive vibes without a ticket. Great quick stop with kids before/after other holiday plans.
Addresses:
• San Francisco (4th & King Caltrain Station) — 700 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
• San Mateo Caltrain Station — Downtown San Mateo (near 1st Ave & B St)
• Palo Alto Caltrain Station (Transit Center) — University Ave at Alma St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
• San José Diridon Station — 65 Cahill St, San José, CA 95110
Pro tip: Arrive 15–20 minutes early for a good viewing spot and check the official schedule for exact arrival times.
5-Visit the Sugar Castle at the Westin St. Francis
Dates: Nov 26, 2025–Jan 3, 2026 (viewable daily during lobby hours)
What it is: A towering, 12-foot sugar castle in the hotel lobby—think turrets, tiny rooms, and whimsical candy details. It’s free to see and super photogenic for kids and holiday photos.
Address: The Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (Union Square).
6-See Neighborhood Lights
I've put together a map with all the best neighborhood light displays! Grab it for FREE here.
7-Holiday Exhibits at Children's Museums
These museum's have some wonderful events for kids during the holiday season and winter break is a great time to visit !
IlluminOdyssey at CuriOdyssey (San Mateo) --
*Discount code: BAKCpromo1225 (valid through 12/31/25)
Polar Play Days at the Tech Interactive (San Jose)
Winter Craft Day at the Randall Museum (San Francisco)-- Only on Dec 13
Fairy Winterland at Fairyland (Oakland)
Iceless Skating at Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito)
GLOW at Exploratorium (San Francisco)
8-Ice Skating
Check out the full list of Bay Area ice skating rinks right HERE
9-Holiday Light Experiences
Here's a list of some of the best holiday experiences happening around the Bay Area this season:
Holiday Lights at Filoli (Woodside)
Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade - Dec 13 & 14
San Jose Holiday Lights -(Discount: JENINE10)
Northern Lights (Santa Rosa)
Marina Holiday Spectacular (San Rafael)
10- Holiday Train Rides
These still have tickets left but selling quick, so don't wait!
Billy Jones Wildcat Holiday Night Train (Los Gatos) - can only purchase tickets day of (Dec 11 - 28)
Holiday Trains at Roaring Camp (Felton)
Santa's Whistle Stop Adventure in Folsom
River Fox Christmas Train (Sacramento)
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