Winter is one of the most anticipated seasons of the year, after all, it has some of the best holidays of the year (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, etc.) filled with tasty food, presents, and joy. Some people have families outside of the Bay Area, and so they go on trips to visit them, but many stay in the Bay Area for the holidays. For those who stay, the Bay Area has some pretty awesome events to go to during this time of year for both family and friends.

Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland

One of the first places to check out is the Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland. Go and enjoy the parade that will be taking place, enjoy some seasonal drinks at the coffee shop and slide down the snow hill for free. This will definitely be fun for the entire family. It will take place on Fourth Street in San Rafael, on November 27-28. Friday the 27th   is the time the event will commence, from 4:30 pm to end at 8:00 pm. On Saturday, November 28th, the event will begin at 9am and end at noon. For more information click the link here.

Union Square Tree Lighting

This beautiful lighting only comes once a year here in the Bay Area. Go experience this beautiful sight of thousands of Christmas lights brightening up a giant tree that marks the start of the holidays. While visiting this, you can also do some holiday shopping because it will be a day with some of the biggest sales of the year. This event will take place on Friday, November 27 at 6pm. For further information click the link here.

Ice Rink in Union Square

Skating is a great winter activity for the entire family. For a limited time from November 4th to January 18th, go and skate at the Union Square ice rink near Post Street. The admission is $11 for adults, $7 for children, and skate rentals are $6. For more information click the link here.

Winter Walk

If you enjoy walking as an activity, check out the San Francisco Winter Walk. The event will be held from November 27th to January 1st on Stockton Street between Geary and Ellis. Enjoy free light art shows, Christmas caroling, and many more surprises to get in the holiday spirit. For more information click the link here.

The Nutcracker

For families interested in ballet performances during the holidays, go and watch the San Francisco Youth Ballet Academies beautiful recreation of The Nutcracker. It is available to watch between December 12th and December 13th. Tickets are being sold online for $24 and will be sold at the door for $26. For further information click the link here.

Holiday in the park at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

From November 27th to January 3rd, Six Flags transforms its entire theme park into a Winter Wonderland. Have fun riding the roller coasters, sledding down the snow hill, watching Christmas light shows, and meeting Santa Claus. Admission for adults is $65.99 and $45.99 for children. For details click the link here.

Zoo Lights

On December 19th through the 23rd join the San Francisco Zoo’s celebration to get into the holiday spirit. See beautiful Christmas lights, experience awesome snow flurries, and meet Santa Claus and his reindeer! Admission for adults is $7, kids is $5 and free for children under three. For further information click the link here.

Lighted Boat Parade 

On December 11th, go and experience some beautiful lighted boats in time for the holidays. Many boats will be decorated with Christmas lights and will be in a parade. The parade starts on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. The event will be free. For details click the link here.

Widmer World

Christmas lights may seem very common this time of year, but at Widmer World, Christmas lights are anything but ordinary. Widmer World displays beautiful lights that call for a picture to be taken. To top it off Santa Claus will be there on certain days. This event will be completely free to the public and will be open from December 1st-31st. This event will take place on 3671, Chelsea Court, Pleasanton, CA. For more information click the link here.

San Francisco Academy of Science: ‘Tis the Season for Science

On November 25th to January 3rd, the Academy of Science in San Francisco will be transformed into a floor to ceiling Winter Wonderland. Go experience some amazing snow flurries, Christmas caroling, real reindeer, and holiday themed activities. Admission for adults is $34.99, youth is $29.95 and for children $24.95. For details click the link here.