We found so many lovely events, activities, performances, and outings in celebration of the Christmas season that you might have a hard time choosing a few that sound best for your family.
Thank you to Bay Street Emeryville for sponsoring our guide to our favorite festive Christmas and holiday activities in the East Bay and beyond. Visit Bay Street Emeryville between November 29 and December 24 for their Holiday Pop & Shop Marketplace.
Calendar of Christmas Events | Happening at Bay Street | Book Ahead Christmas Outings | Free, Festive, & Family-Friendly
Book Now: Special Holiday Events & Outings
Happening at Bay Street Emeryville this Season
Nov. 29-Dec. 24, 2025 Holiday Pop & Shop. Find the perfect gifts and holiday spirit at the festive outdoor market featuring handcrafted gifts & treasures from local artisans. Enjoy Joyful Noise sounds of the season with live music, performances, kids’ activities, and magical photo ops.
Dec. 4: Tree Lighting & Parade. Start the evening at Emeryville City Hall for a tree lighting ceremony and a parade to Bay Street’s holiday market with another grand tree lighting and a lovely party with music, merriment, and food.
Dec. 6: Furry Photos with Santa. Reserve your spot for a special photo with Santa Solas and your friendly pet.
Dec. 18 Chanukah Celebration. Menorah lighting at sunset with Emeryville Chabad. Live music, crafts, entertainment, and festive treats.
Free Bay Area Christmas Delights
More Favorite Christmas Outings
Christmas isn’t here until we visit these East Bay spots (year after year).
- Fairy Winterland: Children’s Fairyland is all done up for the winter holidays from Dec. 13 to 28.
- Glowfari is less about the holidays and more about epic light installations in support of conservation, ecology, and animals. But Santa shows up sometimes, and the gondola is plain fun.
- Twinkling lights at the Mountain View Cemetery are lovely and a walkable, strollable, EASY, free outing for little ones throughout December.
- Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round: Evenings at the carousel are a seasonal delight.
- Tilden Park Steam Trains at Christmas is another beautiful, wintry good time, usually for a limited time only.
Big thanks to our sponsor, Bay Street Emeryville. We love to see them shine and twinkle during the holidays.
3 thoughts on “Best Bay Area Christmas Events for Families”
We live in Richmond/San Pablo and aren’t finding much.
Hi Robin, These might not be a fit, but 2 ideas for your vicinity: drive to Marin County Fairgrounds for lights experience (free) and hit the Marin Country Mart for jolly vibes. Find out when the SF Merry Ferry is leaving Richmond for SF, low cost, chilly, and hopefully fun. Our calendar editor is closer to your part of the East Bay. I’ll ask her for more ideas.
Such an awesome site thank you so much it’s been super helpful! 😀