holidays
Holiday Outing: Christmas at the Tilden Carousel
The Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round transforms every year to a magical winter wonderland. Look for cocoa, ornaments to buy, and sometimes Santa!
Holiday Tea at the Claremont Hotel
This elegant holiday tea at the historic Claremont is perfect for family time that doesn't center around Santa or gifts. My daughter and I were ...
Christmas Fun: USS Potomac Santa Cruise in Oakland
Back for 2023. Ride on a presidential yacht with Santa Claus. Unlimited cookies, cocoa, and views of the Oakland skyline with souvenirs.
10-ish Places to Mail Your Letters to Santa
Here's how to send your children's letters to Santa Claus, some with special mailboxes to the North Pole and some ways even easier!
Best Christmas Lights in the East Bay
We love holiday lights! Whether you stay in the car and do a "drive-by" or get out to stroll, East Bay Christmas light displays are ...
On Sale Now: Glowfari Lantern Festival at the Oakland Zoo
Tix on sale 11/1. Glowfari opens at the Oakland Zoo from Nov. 11 through Mar. 4. Hundreds of gigantic glowing lanterns will be set up ...
Reindeer Ridge Christmas Tree Farm in Sebastopol
For a cut-your-own-Christmas-tree experience with all the trimmings (train & tractor rides, hot cider, farm animals, zip line!), we love Reindeer Ridge.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at Frosty Mountain Tree Farm in Sebastopol
Just me and my four kids under age ten felling our perfect Christmas tree with a saw: a magical day in Sebastopol for my crew.
Worth the Drive: Deacon Dave’s Awesome Christmas Lights in Livermore
Spectacular lights, patriotism, and whimsy make the annual holiday lights at Deacon Dave's totally worth the drive for East Bay families.
Holiday Train Rides Around the Bay Area
All aboard the Polar Express! Here are a few magical holiday train rides for Bay Area families, some of which will sell out quickly.
