We appreciate the Golden State Warriors for sponsoring our December list of great activities for families. Thrive City has some magical holiday memories planned this season including a nightly snowfall and the largest tree in the Bay Area.
At Chase Center’s Thrive City, the month of December is full of magical moments for all to enjoy. Every day from Dec. 2 to Dec. 31 experience family fun activities like singing along to your favorite carols under a nightly snowfall, submitting your wish list in a North Pole mailbox, and seeing the largest holiday tree in the Bay Area! All activities are free, but special events require RSVP — like the lighting ceremony on 12/2 and the holiday spectacular on 12/18.
So much fun all December long — find Santa, play in the snow, listen to stories, see lights, get crafty, head to the drive-in, take in a show, phew! We know the holidays can get expensive, so we tried to highlight some extra FREE events this month. For even more free and hecka cheap events for families, see this other list over here.
Welcome, December!
If you want to do any planning ahead, check out our Hanukkah guide, holiday performance guide, and guide to winter break camps.
12/1 
Take part in a menorah parade with juggling & a fire show.
12/2 Enjoy a festive lighting ceremony (RSVP!) of the LARGEST tree in the Bay Area with warm drinks and live music.
12/3 See a holiday movie under the stars in Alameda.
12/4 Bundle up to see sparkling boats float by at Oakland’s Lighted Yacht Parade.
12/5 Photograph the King Tides! Learn more >
Week of Monday, December 6
12/6 The Entwined lights at Golden Gate Park are out to enjoy.
12/7 Your toddlers will have a blast seeking birds, butterflies, & blubber.
12/8 Find a rink to try ice skating together.
12/9 Hope it is a nice night for the Montclair Holiday Stroll.
12/10 Visit the Winter Wonderland at Thrive City – sing along to carols under falling snow.
12/11 Drive-through holiday fantasy parade on Fourth Street or Jack London Square Lights up with a laser light show.
12/12 See A Christmas Carol together. Save $10 per ticket (2 pm or 7 pm) with code Welcomehome.
Week of Monday, December 13
12/13 Enjoy the beautiful setting of the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park
12/14 Join the Together Wee Play Drop-In playtime for ages 4 and under.
12/15 Relax for stories on the lawn.
12/16 Soar over the Oakland hills in the festively-lit gondolas and giant light sculptures at the zoo
12/17 Listen to Christmas music in the car as you cruise through Christmas Tree Lane.
12/18 Add some rhythm to your holiday at the Thrive City Winter Wonderland Holiday Spectacular (RSVP) — see Santa, real reindeer, live music, treats, and more!
12/19 Take a selfie with Santa, get cozy in a fire pit, wander the gardens at Filoli.
Week of Monday, December 20
12/20 School’s out! Bring your bike and ball to play at Thousand Oaks park.
12/21 Spend a day at Tilden Park feeding goats. Splurge for the carousel at dusk.
12/22 See Santa in a parade at Fairy Winterland. RSVP required.
12/23 Have lunch with a bald eagle or adventure through the treetops.
12/24 Walk among the peaceful lights at Temple Hill in Oakland.
12/25 Get your little ones outside for a hike!
12/26 Climb the big whale before lunch at the Public Market.
Week of Monday, December 27
12/27 Check out the Art of the Brick LEGO Art Show or Unauthorized Banksy touring gallery.
12/28 See one of two performances of The Magic Lamp at Presidio Theatre.
12/29 Take a snow day!
12/30 Head for SF to the Asian Art Museum. You will love the hands-on teamLab exhibit.
12/31 Ring in the New Year with a kid-friendly celebration.
Find more holiday activities in our East Bay Christmas Events Guide!
[Photos by Kat Choi or Golden State Warriors as indicated]
We appreciate the Golden State Warriors for sponsoring our December list of great activities for families. We can’t wait to check out Thrive City and its epic tree for the holidays.
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