Free Holiday Activities for Bay Area Families (2025 Guide)

Because the best memories don’t need tickets.

This is our running list of free holiday activities for families around the Bay with tree lightings, neighborhood light walks, library crafts, markets, concerts, pop‑ups, and more. Bookmark it, share it, and add the ones you love to the GO Find Fun events calendar.

Note: Please always double‑check times & event info with organizers before you go, as details change fast this time of year.

Want your event included? Leave a comment or email us with the details and “FREE HOLIDAY” in the subject.

Here's our list of Featured Bay Area Free Holiday Activities:

Let's Glow SF — [Downtown San Francisco]

Why it’s awesome: Giant, animated projections light up multiple landmark buildings—like a free, open-air art show you stroll through at night. Totally all-ages and magical for kids who love big colors and moving pictures.

When & Where: Fri, Dec 5–Sun, Dec 14, 2025 • Nightly 5:30–10:00pm • Multiple sites across Downtown SF/FiDi 

Good to know: Free Bay Area holiday activity and outdoors; shows loop continuously, so start anywhere and linger as long as you like. Involves a lot of walking so bring the stroller for the kiddos. Regarding parking, ACE Parking is offering an event flat rate fee of $20 during the 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM event hours at the following locations: 225 Bush Street, 475 Sansome Street, 550 California Street, Post Montgomery Center Garage, 333 Market Street, 100 Pine Street, 275 Battery Street, and 255 California Street. It can be chilly/wind so definitely bring layers. Check the official map/schedule before you go for building locations and special activations.

SJ Christmas in the Park — [San Jose]

Why it’s awesome:  A classic walk-through wonderland with animated holiday displays, a towering Christmas tree, and entertainment. Kids love spotting the whimsical scenes and decorated community trees.

When & Where: Fri, Nov 28, 2025–Thu, Jan 1, 2026 • Daily 12–10pm (opening-night tree lighting at 6:30pm on Nov 28) • Plaza de César Chávez, Downtown San José (Market St. between San Fernando & San Carlos)

Good to know: Free admission. Gets crowded later at night, go early with little ones.

[ website ]

Free Ice Skating at Thrive City — [ San Francisco, Mission Bay (Chase Center)]

Why it’s awesome: A free outdoor rink pops up at Thrive City with short, kid-manageable sessions, music, and festive vibes. Bring your own skates or rentals available on-site. Great “try it” spot for beginners.

When & Where: Dec 23,24, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30• Thrive City at Chase Center, 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco.

Good to know: Free with RSVP (priority admission via Eventbrite); sessions run 20–30 minutes; complimentary skate rentals with a $5 suggested donation; limited capacity, some walk-ups.

Free Ice Skating at San Mateo on Ice — [ Central Park, San Mateo ]

Why it’s awesome: Real-ice rink in Central Park with a few sponsored FREE community days each season with skating and rentals included. Big holiday energy without spending a dime.

When & Where: Rink season Nov 14, 2025–Jan 11, 2026 • 50 E 5th Ave, San Mateo. FREE days on select dates: Nov 18, Dec 2, Dec 16, 2025; two sessions: 3-5pm and 6-9pm

Good to know: Free-day sessions are first-come, first-served and can get busy; arrive at least 30 min early. Past sponsor posts show two evening blocks (e.g., 3–6pm and 6:30–9pm), but always confirm week-of.

[ website ]

Winter Walk — [San Francisco]

Why it’s awesome: Stockton Street transforms into a festive pedestrian plaza with a holiday marketplace, food trucks, live entertainment, and twinkly décor. Santa will be there on select days/times. It's an easy, all-ages stroll that feels like a pop-up winter village. A great free activity for Bay Area families to check out!

When & Where: Sat, Dec 13–Wed, Dec 24, 2025 • Mon–Wed 11:00am–7:00pm; Thu–Sun 11:00am–9:00pm • Stockton St between Post & O’Farrell, Union Square.

Good to know: Free and outdoors; Stockton St is closed to cars during the event (crowds build on weekends). Stroller-friendly. [ website ]

West St. Francis Sugar Castle & Union Square — [San Francisco]

Why it’s awesome: A towering 12-foot sugar castle inspired by a French chateau—think 20 turrets, 30 tiny rooms, a whimsical village at the base, plus a hidden “Francis the dog." Kids love hunting for details while you soak up the lobby magic.

When & Where: Nov 26, 2025– Jan 2, 2026 • Daily during lobby hours • The Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (Union Square).

Good to know: Free to visit in the lobby; weekends get busy, so go earlier to snap a good photo.

[ website ]

Winter Craft Day at Randall Museum — [San Francisco]

Why it’s awesome: Hands-on, make-and-take crafts across art, nature, and science. All ages welcome, best for kids 12 and under.

When & Where: Sat, Dec 13, 2025 • 10:00am–2:00pm • Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94114

Good to know: Admission is free, with some activities being low cost. The museum has a free lot but it fills on busy Saturdays. Indoors and stroller-friendly; restrooms/elevator on site. Check the event page for any activity details.

Springline Holiday Celebration — [Menlo Park]

Why it’s awesome: A free, family-friendly Winter Wonderland with live music, a real snow playground, complimentary photos with Santa, crafts (ornament-making), festive movies, and plenty of food & hot chocolate—big holiday vibes in an easy, walkable plaza.

When & Where: Sat, Dec 6, 2025 • from 4:00pm • Springline Menlo Park, 1300 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (steps from the Menlo Park Caltrain station).

Good to know: Free admission (RSVP/registration typically requested). Garage parking on-site. Stroller-friendly plaza; bundle up for evening temps. Check Springline’s event page day-of for any schedule updates.

Fairmont SF Giant Gingerbread House — [San Francisco, Nob Hill]

Why it’s awesome: A walk-through, two-story Victorian gingerbread house built from thousands of gingerbread “bricks,” candy, and icing. It is free to admire in the lobby. Kids love peeking through windows and spotting the holiday details (tree, tiny train, and more).

When & Where: Grand opening Sat, Nov 22, 2025 at 11:00am; on display through the New Year (view during lobby hours) • Fairmont San Francisco, 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108 (Nob Hill).

Good to know: Weekends get very crowded. Strollers are fine but it can be tight—go early for elbow room. Parking on-site is valet/paid and limited on Nob Hill; consider transit or rideshare. You can also book special experiences (tea/private dining) inside or beside the house if you want to splurge.

Santana Row Spirit of the Row — [San Jose]

Why it’s awesome: Live holiday performances by local arts and community groups, snow showers in Park Valencia, photos with Santa, balloons, and big festive vibes. Easy, outdoor stroller-friendly fun.

When & Where: Tuesdays, Dec 2, 9 & 16, 2025 • 6:00–8:00pm • Santana Row Park / Park Valencia (in front of Maggiano’s), 377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA

Good to know: Free to attend. Expect crowds..arrive a little early. Parking available in Santana Row garages. Stroller-friendly; bring layers for evening temps. Check Santana Row’s site day-of for the performance lineup and any updates.

Caltrain Holiday Train — Peninsula Corridor (SF ⇆ San José)

Why it’s awesome: A festive onboard electric-train experience plus family-friendly station celebrations at four hubs. The on-board train ride requires a paid ticket (new this year), but the station celebrations are free and open to the public. Kids love the special train ride and the party atmosphere on the platforms.

When & Where: Sat, Dec 13, 2025 • Free station celebrations will take place at San Francisco, San Mateo, Palo Alto and San Jose Diridon stations. See the official schedule for exact station times.

Good to know: Tickets are required to board (you’ll get a commemorative Holiday Train ticket that doubles as a Caltrain Day Pass for the rest of the day). Station celebrations are open to the public; times may change, so check the schedule before you go. Platforms are stroller-friendly but can get very crowded. Plan to arrive a bit early.

Snoopy’s Home Ice — Holiday Outdoor Skating Shows (Santa Rosa)

Why it’s awesome: Peanuts vibes + festive skating in quick, free 20-minute shows—perfect attention span for little ones. It’s cheerful, easy, and totally family-friendly during the Merry & Bright Weekend.

When & Where: Fri–Sun, Dec 5–7 • Snoopy’s Home Ice (Redwood Empire Ice Arena), Santa Rosa • Part of the Merry & Bright Weekend lineup. See website for show times and more details.

Good to know: Free—no tickets or reservations needed. Shows are outdoors, so bundle up and arrive a bit early for a good view. Stroller-friendly plaza; restrooms and snacks available at the Warm Puppy Café/arena. Great to pair with a quick stop at the Charles M. Schulz Museum nearby.

MORE:

Neighborhood Light Displays — [various Bay Area cities ]

Why it’s awesome: Cozy, zero-cost magic. Find block after block of twinkly houses, inflatables, and yard displays.

 When & Where: Late Nov–Dec • Dusk–9/10pm • Check out the map below to find holiday lights near you!

Good to know: Free. Stroller-friendly sidewalks, but weekends get crowded—try weeknights. Park a few blocks away and walk in; be mindful of driveways and neighbors. Bring cocoa, layers, and a small flashlight. Please don’t touch displays; some homes set out donation boxes—optional to contribute.

Holiday Parades & Local Tree Lightings — [Various Bay Area Cities (Downtown/Main Street)]

 Why it’s awesome: Marching bands, floats, dancers, and Santa—big festive energy without buying tickets. Sidewalk viewing means easy in/out with kids.

 When & Where: Late Nov–mid Dec • Typically afternoon or early evening • Your city’s downtown/main street (check city events page or Parks & Rec for dates).

 Good to know: Free. Streets close early—arrive 30–60 min ahead to grab a curb spot. Strollers are fine but sidewalks get tight; consider a small blanket for sitting. It can be loud (bands/sirens)—ear protection helps sensitive kiddos. Parking fills fast; look for public garages or take transit. Portable restrooms usually placed near staging areas. Layers, snacks, and glow sticks = happy kids.

Free Photos with Santa — Bass Pro Shops / Cabela’s (Santa’s Wonderland)

Why it’s awesome: A classic, totally free Santa visit with a complimentary 4×6 photo. The in-store “Santa’s Wonderland” setup feels festive without the ticket price. Perfect for quick, low-stress pics.

When & Where: Nov 2–Dec 24, 2025 • Daily hours vary by store • Bay Area nearest Bass Pro Shops include San José (5160 Cherry Ave) and Manteca (1356 Bass Pro Dr) Reserve a timeslot online.

Good to know: Reservations strongly recommended (open up to ~7 days ahead). Some stores accept walk-ups if space allows. Photo packages are optional; the 4×6 print is free either way. Weekdays are calmer, while weekends can be crowded.

Library Crafts & Storytimes — [varies]

Why it’s awesome: Libraries are a great place for festive stories, songs, and movement that build early literacy + fun, make-and-take crafts with all supplies provided and free. Some libraries even have interactive kids areas ( like the ones at Cupertino library, Milpitas library, Morgan Hill library, and Saratoga library)

When & Where: Check your local library’s calendar / website

Good to know: Free; some sessions need registration and fill fast. Stroller-friendly spaces; restrooms on site.

Markets, Fairs, and pop-ups — [varies]

Why it’s awesome: Festive lights, live music, and rows of local makers for easy free-to-enter holiday fun.

When & Where: Late Nov–mid Dec • mostly weekends (daytime + some evenings) • Typically in downtown plazas, waterfronts, parks, community centers, and event halls across the Bay. Check your city's parks & rec page.

Good to know: Most are free admission (shopping optional). Stroller-friendly but aisles get tight—go at opening or near closing to avoid crowds. Parking can be tricky; transit/rideshare helps. Many are indoor/covered or mixed indoor/outdoor—bring layers. Restrooms usually on site or in adjacent venues. Pack a reusable bag, water, and a small snack budget for kid “finds.”

See something missing? Send it our way! If this helped you plan, share this post and tag @bayareakidsgo so more families can find free holiday fun.

P.S. Want the paid stuff too (ice rinks, trains, etc.)? Check our guides and the GO Find Fun calendar for the full list—free + ticketed.