Must-Visit Winter Attractions Around the Bay
By: Kenric Hoang
Winter is not just a festive and beautiful time of the year, but also a great recess from school and finals for a few weeks. Fully enjoy this break and embrace the holiday spirit by marvelling at these ornate displays or participating in these fun activities.
- Christmas in the Park
Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Location: Plaza de César Chávez, San Jose
Christmas in the Park has been an annual tradition for over 40 years, transforming downtown San Jose into a holiday wonderland. Visitors can stroll through a forest of decorated Christmas trees, or enjoy over 40 animated exhibits and live entertainment. You definitely can’t miss the marvel of the 65-foot illuminated Community Giving Tree.
(Image Credit: https://terrehilldays.com/christmas-in-the-park/)
- Glowfari at Oakland Zoo
Dates: December 1-23 / 26-31, 2024 – January 1-5 / 8-12 / 15-19 / 22-26, 2025
Location: Oakland Zoo, Oakland
This family-friendly experience features hundreds of animal lanterns illuminating the zoo grounds. Each lantern adds to the narrative surrounding the animals’ stories and their role in the ecosystem. Highlights include themed areas like the Nile River, a farmyard, and even dinosaurs on the California Trail.
(Image Credit: Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE, https://www.sfgate.com/sf-culture/article/oakland-zoo-glowfari-winter-lights-18570811.php)
- Downtown Ice Skating
Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 20, 2025
Location: Circle of Palms Plaza, San Jose
Glide under the twinkling night sky at San Jose’s iconic outdoor ice rink. Surrounded by palm trees adorned with lights, it’s a quintessential holiday activity for families and couples alike.
(Image Credit: https://www.sjdowntownice.com/)
- Fairy Winterland
Dates: December 14-15, 18-23, & 26-30, 2024
Location: Children’s Fairyland, Oakland
This multicultural celebration transforms Children’s Fairyland into a festive wonderland. Activities include visits with Black Santa, nightly Festival of Lights parades, tap-dancing Christmas trees, and complimentary hot cocoa and cider. It is a wonderful experience for families during the winter time.
(Image Credit: https://www.510families.com/fairy-winterland-oakland/)
- Enchant Christmas
Dates: November 22 – December 29, 2024
Location: PayPal Park, San Jose
Home to the world’s largest Christmas light maze, Enchant Christmas offers a mesmerizing holiday experience. Visitors can explore magnificent light sculptures, glide along an ice-skating trail, shop at the Christmas market, and enjoy live entertainment.
(Image Credit: https://www.enchantchristmas.com/city/san-jose-ca-paypal-park)
- Winter Wonderland Rides
Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Location: Adjacent to Plaza de César Chávez, San Jose
Complementing Christmas in the Park, Winter Wonderland features classic carnival rides, including a 60-foot Ferris wheel and a vintage carousel. It’s a festive amusement experience for all ages and a must for amusement park enjoyers in the winter.
(Image credit: https://www.winterwonderlandsj.com/)
- Garden of D’Lights
Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 11, 2025
Location: Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek
This botanical garden becomes a luminous spectacle with thousands of multicolored lights and lasers illuminating the unique plant collections. The 3.5-acre garden offers a serene and magical evening experience.
(Image credit: https://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/garden-of-dlights/)
- Sharks Ice Skating
Dates: Year-round
Location: Sharks Ice, San Jose
Sharks Ice skating rink offers a different ice skating experience. As the official practice facility for the San Jose Sharks, Sharks Ice has public skating sessions on multiple rinks. It’s an excellent venue for both beginners and seasoned skaters to enjoy indoor ice skating.
(Image credit: https://www.sharksiceatsanjose.com/)
- Christmas Tree Lane
Dates: December 2 – December 31, 2024
Location: 3200 block of Thompson Ave., Alameda
Since 1938, residents of Thompson Avenue have adorned their homes with elaborate holiday decorations and lights for local tradition. This lane is much like our local Nicolet Avenue, but still well worth the drive. Visitors can stroll down the street to enjoy the festive displays and community spirit.
(Image credit: Rusty Blazenhoff)
- Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round
Dates: November 29 – December 31, 2024
Location: Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley
Though a smaller attraction, the Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round makes up for it with its history and holiday cheer. This carousel is festively decorated for the holiday season, offering enchanting rides accompanied by holiday music. Special events include visits from Santa and themed activities, making it a nostalgic experience for all.
(Image credit: Nancy Rubin)