Our family tradition is to take a Christmas Day hike. If that’s not your scene, find a range of activities open on December 24 & 25.
Big holiday thanks to the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for sponsoring today’s round-up of family-friendly things to do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. With colorful costumes and moments that will make kids’ eyes light up, this concert celebrates kindness, inclusion, and being exactly who you are. Home for the Holidays is more than a concert. It’s a festive tradition filled with laughter, heart, and holiday cheer for everyone!
What’s Open on Christmas Eve
- San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Presents Home for the Holidays! is a heartwarming celebration the whole family can enjoy. Bursting with festive fun, this high-energy show blends beloved holiday classics with fresh new favorites, playful surprises, and joyful queer magic. From the timeless charm of Irving Berlin and Elton John to the iconic flair of Lady Gaga, this concert offers breathtaking music and dazzling choreography.
When: Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at 4 pm and 7 pm
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
Buy tickets (save 20% with our link) >> - More Education and Culture
- See a performance of The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus at 4 pm or 7 pm at Davies Symphony Hall. Save 20% with code JOY. Some restrictions apply.
- Enjoy the nature playspace and gardens at OMCA.
- Reserve tickets to the Oakland Zoo, which is open on Christmas Eve but with special holiday hours.
- Ride a ferry to San Francisco. It’s the most scenic public transportation and a thrill for both kids and adults.
- Enter between 7:30 am and 9 am for free entry to the San Francisco Botanical Garden.
- Observe wildlife on a Wander Woods Walk at Cal Academy in San Francisco.
- Visit the de Young Museum from 9:30 am to 4 pm.
- Take a trip to the Imaginarium Holiday Lights Festival in Sacramento.
- Plan a day trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, open from 10 am to 5 pm.
- Head over to The Randall Museum, entrance is free, and they are open till 5 pm.
- More Fun and Games
- Watch a movie; many theaters are open over major holidays, including the drive-in. The SpongeBob Movie will be playing at the Alameda Theater.
- Play games at High Scores Arcade in Alameda, which is open 12:30 pm – 10 pm.
- Reserve an open skate spot at Oakland Ice Center.
- Go to Plank in Oakland for food, bowling, and arcade fun; they will be open 11 am – 5 pm.
- Try for a hole-in-one at Alameda’s Subpar Miniature Golf, open till 6 pm.
- Urban Air Adventure Park in Concord is open from 10 am to 4 pm.
- And/or church
What’s Open on Christmas Day
- Donut run! A number of donut shops are open on Christmas morning.
- Take a spin around the rink at Ice at The Veranda. Reserve a space in advance.
- Spend the day with the penguins at Cal Academy in San Francisco is open from 11 am to 5 pm.
- Road trip to Imaginarium Holiday Lights Festival in Sacramento.
- Run through the lush lawns, hide in the trees, or visit the spectacular Children’s Garden. San Francisco Botanical Garden hosts a Free Admission Day from 7:30 am to 4 pm.
- Watch the animals open their presents at the San Francisco Zoo, which is open 365 days.
- Discover holiday windows at Union Square. There is plenty of festive fun to see and do in San Francisco this Christmas.
Outdoor Fun That Never Closes
- Little Farm is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- A big list of outdoor destinations for families, most of which are accessible on holidays and totally toddler-friendly.
- Plan your day around being at a great holiday light show when it gets dark. We like Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda.
- Head toward the water. Try Oakland’s Shoreline Park where you can see the big container ships. Or fly kites in the Berkeley Marina if it’s not raining.
- Head to the Oakland Hills. Search for salamanders in the Redwoods or walk the labyrinth at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve.
- Bring your bike to a flat elementary school playground or the Ohlone Parkway in North Berkeley.
- Explore some of the East Bay’s secret paths and staircases.
Thank you again to the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for sponsoring today’s round-up of family-friendly things to do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Coupon code JOY to save 20% on Christmas Eve, for both the 4 pm and 7 pm performances. Some restrictions may apply.
