THE 7 BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE BAY AREA THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

There's no shortage of fun holiday events in the Bay Area. Here are 7 of our favorites:

Union Square Ice Rink: Ice skating is a classic winter activity, and Union Square is one of the best places to do it in San Francisco. There's also a Christmas tree nearby, making it the perfect spot for a festive outing. This year, it’s open from November 3, 2021 until January 17, 2021. General admission is $19 for an hour and includes skate rental. Tickets are sold online only to minimize contact between workers and attendees.

Fairmont Gingerbread House: San Francisco hotels really get in the holiday mood as well, and one of the most magnificent hotel holiday displays is at San Francisco’s Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill. The hotel constructs an enormous two-story gingerbread house every year on display in the lobby. It’s so big that adults can walk through it. Kids will especially enjoy the working miniature trains that encircle the creation. 

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair: If you're looking for something a little livelier, head to Oakland's Telegraph Avenue for the annual Holiday Street Fair. There's live music, food vendors, and lots of holiday shopping opportunities. With 200+ local artisans offering their handcrafted wares for sale, there will be a little (or big!) something for everyone.

Glowfari is replacing the Oakland Zoo’s usual Zoo Lights is a new nighttime festival. Animal shaped lanterns dot the zoo grounds, and guests take a one-mile stroll through the sights. The California Trail gondola will be open to take in views from above, including of some prehistoric additions to the festival. Advance reservations are required, and capacity is limited. The event is open December 1-23, 26-31, 2021, January 1-2, 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-30, 2022 (timed entry tickets). Cost: $24 adults, $20 seniors/children, 10% discount for Oakland Zoo members.

Christmas Tree Lane: A residential street in the little East Bay town of Alameda is a holiday attraction that draws in guests from around Northern California. Houses are decked in thousands of lights, most with a unique theme, from Nightmare Before Christmas to Peanuts and more. Exact details will be posted closer to time on the street’s Facebook page. The attraction is free to visit evenings from December 4, 2021 – New Year’s Day 2022. 

Cirque de Bohème in Sonoma is back with an old-style circus show based on the French tradition of the 1920s that will transport you into a magical world filled with enchantment, adventure and wonder. Showing weekends, November 26–December 26

Holiday Hikes: If you're looking for a more natural way to celebrate the winter season, it's hard to beat a hike in one of the Bay Area's many parks. A few great hikes that are at least partially lit up by Christmas lights after it gets dark include Muir Woods, Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve in Cupertino and McLaren Park in San Francisco.

It's hard to pick just one favorite Bay Area holiday event, but we're sure you'll find something that will make your season bright. Enjoy!