Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to slow down, reconnect, and step into the magic of the holiday season. Whether you're staying close to home or exploring a new corner of the Bay Area, you’ll find plenty of festive, family-friendly adventures waiting for you. From sparkling light shows to Santa sightings, here are 15 unforgettable ways to spend Thanksgiving week with the kiddos!
1. Go Ice Skating at Snoopy's Home Ice – Santa Rosa
Kick off the holiday season with a glide across the iconic Snoopy’s Home Ice rink. This charming winter wonderland brings classic Peanuts nostalgia to life — and it’s a must for families looking to make cozy memories.
2. Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree at a Local Tree Farm
Bundle up, sip some hot cocoa, and head to a local tree farm for your fresh Christmas tree. Many farms feature festive photo ops, holiday treats, and a chance for the kids to visit Santa.
3. Work Up an Appetite at the Marin Turkey Trot
Start Thanksgiving morning on an energizing note at the Marin Turkey Trot, happening Thursday, November 27 at 8:30 a.m. It’s fun, festive, and the perfect way to feel good before dinner.
4. Attend a Holiday Tree Lighting in the Bay Area
From small-town charm to big-city sparkle, tree lighting ceremonies pop up all over the Bay Area this time of year. Bundle up, bring the kids, and feel the season officially begin.
5. Step Into the Holiday Light Spectacular – Marin County Fairgrounds
Experience winter magic like never before at the Holiday Light Spectacular, opening November 28, Friday–Sunday from 4–9 p.m. Walk through glowing installations, twinkling pathways, and enchanting family photo stations.
6. Marvel at the Fairmont’s Giant Gingerbread House – San Francisco
The Fairmont Hotel’s life-size gingerbread house — opening November 22 at 11 a.m. — is a true holiday showstopper. Kids will be amazed by the candy-covered walls and gingerbread charm.
7. Snoopy’s Home Ice + “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” – Santa Rosa
Make it a perfect Peanuts-themed day: skate at Snoopy’s Home Ice, then head next door to the Charles M. Schulz Museum to watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.
8. Visit the Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Travel back in time to Victorian London at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, running November 28–30 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Enjoy old-world shops, costumed characters, treats, and holiday cheer.
9. Explore the Bay Area Discovery Museum
The Bay Area Discovery Museum’s indoor iceless skating and hands-on activities make it a festive favorite for families. Open November 22–30 (closed Thanksgiving Day), 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
10. Welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Petaluma — by Boat!
Don’t miss one of Marin’s most charming traditions: Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by boat in Petaluma on Saturday, November 29 from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
11. Experience Cirque de Bohème in Sonoma
Cirque de Bohème returns with an all-new show, La Belle Époque, beginning November 28. This intimate French circus performance is whimsical, artistic, and perfect for families seeking something unique.
12. Enjoy a Festive Holiday Afternoon Tea
Dress up, slow down, and savor a classic holiday afternoon tea. Elegant settings, sweet treats, and seasonal flavors make this a cozy family outing.
13. Wander Through Holidays at Filoli
Filoli transforms into a glowing wonderland of sparkling lights, festive decor, and magical gardens. It’s one of the Bay Area’s most breathtaking holiday experiences.
14. Visit the Famous Christmas House at West End Nursery – San Rafael
The Christmas House in San Rafael is a must-see. Wander through elaborate displays, ornaments, and holiday décor that turn the nursery into a winter wonderland.
15. Hop Aboard a Holiday Train or Explore Glowfari
Get tickets for one of the Bay Area’s iconic holiday train rides or experience the dazzling illuminated animal lanterns of Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo, open daily from 4:30–9 p.m. (advance tickets required).
source: marinmommies.com
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