It’s time! We are entering the most magical time of Bay Area chill without the hassle of plowing snow. Whether you’re all about ice skating under twinkle lights next to the grand Macy’s holiday display or hiking through misty redwoods, winter in the bay has its own kind of magic. Here’s my list of top local holiday activities and the best ways to make the most of this enchanting season.
Ice skating in Union Square, in downtown San Francisco, is the classic Bay Area holiday experience, and while it may be touristy, you don’t want to miss out. Standing next to a towering Christmas tree surrounded by festive department stores, the experience feels like a big city postcard. While the number of skaters from all over the bay cannot be comfortably accommodated by the size of the rink, seeing the overwhelming joy of the crowds of all ages is part of the charm. And yes, the rental skates are dull, and it is not the best rink in the bay, but that slightly chaotic energy is what makes Union Square skating feel so distinctly San Francisco. The music pumping through the speakers is a perfect holiday soundtrack that is impossible not to get swept up in. If you can book a time slot for dusk, the glow from the tree and surrounding storefronts makes the rink feel like a Hallmark classic, easily the most magical moment you’ll get in the city. Despite the cramped space and downtown bustle, Union Square delivers the kind of festive, big-city holiday spirit that makes the whole outing worth it.
If you like the vibe of thousands of Christmas lights provided by high-profile events, but you’d prefer to stay more reserved or on a budget, Fantasy of Lights in Los Gatos’ Vasona Park is the perfect night out. With the much cheaper options to drive or walk through the park’s light displays, everything about the after-dark, at-your-own-pace experience screams family holiday nostalgia. No matter what festivities you will be celebrating this winter, it is undeniable that going through the bridges of lights with a thermos of hot cocoa while leaning out the top of your car’s sunroof will make you feel like an overjoyed six-year-old all over again.
Sometimes the perfect winter activity doesn’t need sparkling lights or big decorations, just the scent of fresh trees and frost nipping at your nose. If you want to reconnect with a truly magical piece of Bay Area nature, spend your morning taking a calm hike through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Santa Cruz. The Redwood Grove Loop Trail has countless hidden secrets, from creatures to creeks and redwoods standing as tall as time. On top of the beauty of your surroundings, if you want an extra boost of holiday spirit, ride on the Roaring Camp Railroads Redwood Forest Steam Train — it’s a special holiday-themed excursion that will take you on a tranquil trip around the gorgeous Santa Cruz winter scenery.
Throughout the year, Filoli Garden in San Mateo is a gorgeous Georgian-style mansion on a vast, luxurious estate. Even better, each winter, the historic estate transforms into a shimmering wonderland, with thousands of twinkling lights draped over its gardens, reflecting ponds and grand houses encompassing a variety of winter package experiences. The atmosphere of soft holiday music, firepits with hot cider and the staff fully committed to the holiday spirit makes the whole experience feel nostalgic and elegant rather than over-commercialized like many of the other opportunities in its upper-middle price range. Unlike the numerous other crowded light shows, Filoli’s gardens give you space to breathe and wander at your own pace, soaking in the true luxury of the chilly season. The mix of nature, history and artistry makes it feel almost like a cinematic experience. Whether you are looking for a family outing or a group event, Filoli offers a serene yet dazzling escape that perfectly captures the holiday spirit.
