No, you don't have to go to Tahoe to find winter fun. Though you won't find snow in San Francisco, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the season. There are many winter festivities, holiday-themed exhibits, ice skating rinks, and even man-made snow to be found around the San Francisco Bay Area. Let's take a closer look at these fun winter festivals!
1. California's Great America WinterFest: 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara
The six-week WinterFest celebration is running weekends, and then daily from December 19-23 and 26-30. The Winterfest offers ice skating, magnificent displays of lights, amazing live holiday shows, 20 rides, and yummy holiday foods at numerous locations.
2. Holidays in the Park: Six Flags, 1001 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo
At Six Flags, experience festive shows, the thrill of sledding down a large snow slope, Christmas lights, Holiday musicals, and more! Stroll through Toy Land, Candy Cane Lane and a cool Christmas Tree Forest. Wow!
3. 'Tis the Season for Science Fest: California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park
Celebrate and enjoy the holidays with a little science. This festival and exhibition will feature performances by musicians, cultural groups, visitors can meet a pair of live reindeer, and experience indoor snow flurries! This event runs through January 8.
4. Holidays on the Farm Festival: 501 Manthey Road, Lathrop
The festivities at Holidays on the Farm are free, so check out Snow Mountain or the Ice Rink. Other activities include; snow tubing, ice skating, light shows, Santa pictures, food and "fake" snow for everyone! Note this event starts on December 17 and runs through January 2.
5. ZooLights Festival: San Francisco Zoo at Sloat Blvd. at the Great Highway
Start your winter fun in San Francisco by enjoying the 100 acre park, conservation center and Zoo at night. ZooLights will have snow, so bundle up! More detailed information here on this event:
SF Zoo Lights Note this event is December 18-30 (closed Dec. 24 and 25), 5–8 p.m.
6. Kimochi Holiday - Silver Bells Arts & Crafts Food Fair: 1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
This takes place on December 17 and features crafts, food, carols, music, and a lot of holiday themed activities. Also, you can create unique silk embroidered art at Kimochi. More information about this event here.
7. Winterfest: Sausalito Waterfront
Sausalito Winterfest on the Waterfront is a seasonal festival that takes place at The Winterfest Tent. Note this runs until December 11 only, so check it out now!
8. Winter Wonderland: Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive,
Sacramento
Celebrate the holiday season at Fairytale Town with festive holiday decorations and dazzling lights! Plus, make holiday themed crafts, and visit the Peppermint Forest, Gum Drop Mountain and the Candy Castle. This Holiday festival runs through December 18.
Let us know what you think. Also, let us know if you have checked any of these places out in the past. If you're curious about more holiday themed things to do then check out 10 Main Streets Surrounding San Francisco That Are Pure Magic During Christmastime.
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