The Best of Winter in the Bay Area 2024/2025: What to Do and See
Winter is coming. Get into the holiday spirit by embracing the best of winter by gazing at dazzling holiday lighting displays, twirling around a pop-up outdoor ice rink, and indulging in seasonal produce.
Bring on the winter charm and visit a Christmas tree farm, sniff the magnificent magnolias in bloom, and sip festive drinks in cozy bars with fireplaces.
Updated 12/3/24
Winter Blooms at SF’s Botanical Garden
You may not think to visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden in winter, but the Garden’s diverse collection of plants means something is always in bloom. In winter, you’ll want to head to the gorgeous Moon Viewing Garden to see the camellias. Plus, the South African, Succulent and the Rhododendron Gardens are in bloom too.
Plus, don’t miss one of the Garden’s main highlights. One of San Francisco’s most breathtaking natural marvels, the annual bloom of nearly 100 rare and historic magnolias with trees reaching 80 feet, is typically at its peak from mid-January through March. Plants aren’t the only thing you’ll see. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident hummingbirds who will be battling for the aloes in bloom.
Winter Produce
We’re lucky in California for our abundance of crops and winter is no exception. Winter is the time to embrace root vegetables like carrots, turnips, and rutabaga, plus cruciferous crops such as cauliflower, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kohlrabi, romanesco, broccoli, and collards, which thrive in the Californian winter. Leafy greens like chicory and arugula, which are milder in the winter, are bountiful too.
Later in the season, around mid-February, the asparagus crop will come in. For something sweet, look to citrus fruits like mandarins, oranges, grapefruits, pomelos, kumquats, and lemons.
Check out CUESA, SF Farmers Markets, or Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association to find a farmers market near you.
Cozy Bars with a Fireplace
When the nights grow longer, sometimes you just want to cozy up with a drink by a roaring fire.
The Riptide
Sunset District | Often described as one of San Francisco’s most charming and cozy bars, with a rustic atmosphere and original knotty pine walls, it’s reminiscent of a small town lodge. When you’re out by Ocean Beach, escape Karl The Fog and cruise into The Riptide for a nightcap by the roaring fire.
Spark Social
Mission Bay | Our Bay Area winters are not that chilly, so when the weather’s nice, head outside to Spark Social food truck park for a bite at one of the many food trucks. Be sure to grab a drink at the bar and then take up a chair by their fourhuge fire pits where you can roast some marshmallows over the open fire and make S’mores.
Park Chalet
Golden Gate Park | The coastal beer garden at Park Chalet is a great place in the summer for a drink, but in the winter when the weather cools, head inside and warm up around the inviting stone fireplace, under the glass ceiling.
Zeki’s Bar
Nob Hill | Perched atop Nob Hill, climb the hill to the “friendliest bar in San Francisco.” Built just after the great San Francisco earthquake in 1909, the bar is a relic of the past, but its charm remains. With two brick fireplaces and dark wood interior, it’s a perfect winter retreat. Plus, they have trivia (Wednesdays at 8:30pm), board games and a pool table, so you’ll want to stay for another round. There also used to be free bagels during NFL Sundays (10 am to 1 pm), but we’re not sure if they’re still dishing those out in 2024.
The Grove
San Francisco | Known as “San Francisco’s living room,” The Grove formerly had four locations across San Francisco, but now has just one location in Yerba Buena that has vibes of a two-story cozy ski lodge featuring floor-to-ceiling trees from the Grand Canyon, built-in booths, and two fireplaces – a stone fireplace on the main floor, and a smaller one in the upstairs Mezzanine space.
> Read more about San Francisco’s Cozy Winter Bars with Fireplaces
Bay Area Ice Skating
It’s time to strap on those skates and head outdoors. During the winter, there are tons of pop-up ice skating rinks in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area.
Union Square Ice Rink
Union Square | November 6, 2024 to January 20, 2025 | A San Francisco holiday tradition in the heart of Union Square, in the shadow of an 83-foot Christmas tree. Fun theme nights include Drag Queens on Ice (Dec. 5), Silent Disco Skate (Dec. 12) and the Polar Bear Skate (Jan. 1). Plus for Opening Day, the first 100 guests skate for free during the 5:30pm and 7pm sessions on November 6, 2024.
Thrive City Winter Wonderland
Chase Center | Select dates between December 21-22, 24, 26-27, 2024 | Thrive City’s free ice skating rink will return for the holidays during the month of December beginning on Saturday, December 21. Guests can experience the winter season through a smooth synthetic ice skating experience and take part in holiday activities including a DJ Skate Party, live music, photos with Santa Claus, and more. Additional ice skating dates include December 22, December 24,December 26, and December 27. Times vary based on Chase Center events and game schedules. Complimentary skate rentals provided ($5 donation requested for Warriors Community Foundation). An RSVP is recommended, but a limited amount of walk-ups may be available.
Enchant
San Jose | November 22 – December 29, 2024 | In addition to the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze with 80,000 square feet of breathtaking light sculptures, at Enchant you can glide through a dazzling illuminated forest of Christmas lights on a trail made of real ice.
Winter Lodge
Palo Alto | October 19, 2024 to April 13, 2025 | Delighting locals for more than 65 years, this is the first and only permanent outdoor ice rink west of the Sierras. Prefer indoors? They have an indoor rink too, or stay toasty by the fireplaces. Outside Magazine ranked Winter Lodge as one of the Top 10 Outdoor Ice Skating Experiences in the US.
San Mateo On Ice
San Mateo | November 15, 2024 to January 12, 2025 | Get your skate on at the Bay Area’s largest outdoor ice skating rink featuring 11,000 square feet of real ice. Free Community Skate Days include November 18, December 10, and December 17, 2024.
Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink
San Ramon | November 8, 2024 to January 5, 2025 | Skate at the first and only outdoor ice skating rink in the Tri-Valley. Après-ski, warm up by the cozy fire pits. There’s loads of special holiday skate sessions including Glow Night (Dec. 18), Kristi Yamaguchi Skating Clinic (Dec. 23), KPop night (Jan. 2), Taylor Swift day (Jan. 4) and many more.
> If you’re looking for more ice skating rinks, here’s our guide to SF Bay Area’s Holiday Ice Rinks for Winter 2024-25.
Christmas Tree Farms
Love the smell of pine and got a hankering for a real Christmas tree? Ditch the paved asphalt lot for a real Christmas tree farm with plenty of charm and festive activities to really get you into the holiday spirit.
Patchen California Christmas Tree Farms
Los Gatos | Head into the Santa Cruz mountains to breathe in the cool mountain air and pick out your own Christmas tree on the site (up to 30′ tall!) of a famous ghost town turned Christmas Tree ranch. Pack a picnic and eat amongst the pine trees at their many picnic tables or enjoy your lunch by the pond.
And while we haven’t been able to confirm the details for 2024 yet, typically they have a daily afternoon bonfire, weather permitting, in addition to free hot mulled cider, free photos with Santa (and robot Santa) (select dates), free WiFi and free wine tasting.
They’ll provide the saws if you want to chop down your own tree, but they’re happy to cut it down for you for free if you like. They’ll also carry it, wrap it, put it on the stand and load it for you. Looking for a discounted tree (who isn’t)? In previous years if you came on a weekday; some trees and wreaths were discounted $10, and if you pay in cash, they’ll cover the sales tax. They also in the past have happily accepted competitors’ discount coupons up to $5 or 10%. They have two locations: Old Town Farm (22217 Old Santa Cruz Highway) which opens 11/23/24 and Rancho Farm (17430 Old Summit Rd) which opens 11/29/24 – they are only 3/4 mile apart. Check season hours. – Updated 11/25/24
Lemos Farm
Half Moon Bay | If you’re looking for a festive holiday day out for the family, Lemos Farm offers not only Christmas trees, but a mini amusement park experience with pony rides, train rides, a haunted house, farm slide, car barn ride, barn jumpers, gem mining, a Dig Zone tractor, and a petting zoo. When you’re ready to pick out your tree, hop on a hay ride to their Christmas tree field where you cut down your own tree or select a pre-cut one. Don’t miss Ol’ Paint, the family’s big painted horse statue which is repainted to sport a new theme monthly to match the season. The farm is open year round, so you can enjoy their attractions or seasonal events like their Halloween pumpkin patch and haunted houses or their Easter Egg Hunt. Lemos Farm is opens Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm starting November 29, 2024, and is located at 12320 San Mateo Road, Half Moon Bay. “Farm Passes” for kids with unlimited train rides and other activities start at $25.79 for 2024. – Updated 11/25/24
Grandma Buddy’s
Sebastopol | Those looking for an Insta-worthy atmosphere will be overjoyed at Grandma Buddy’s Christmas Tree Farm which has hosted many professional photoshoots, including being featured on the cover of Pottery Barn plus it was rated as “The Best Christmas Tree Farm in CA” in The Pioneer Woman. The family-owned farm features amazing backdrops like a picturesque Victorian farmhouse with a wraparound porch, a large whitewashed barn and a smaller redwood barn, plus an intermittent creek that runs throughout the property with bridges. There’s also a mini Christmas village with a train. Plus, you can enjoy free* hot cocoa and candy canes, and of course, choose and cut your own Christmas tree. Please note that the hot cocoa was free in previous years and we expect the same for 2024, but don’t have an official confirmation of its pricing. Grandma Buddies Christmas Trees is located at 8575 Graton Rd, Sebastopol. The farm is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm from November 29 through December 23, 2024. – Updated 11/25/24
Castro Valley Christmas Tree Farm
Castro Valley | Located in the beautiful East Bay hills, just north of Castro Valley, the family-owned Castro Valley Christmas Tree Farm has been offering a unique outdoor experience since 1969 where you can not only cut down a fresh “Choose & Cut” Christmas tree, but also enjoy nature at its finest. You’ll be provided with site maps, saws, and twine upon your arrival. The Castro Valley Christmas Tree Farm has has won “Best Tree in California” five times. The trees are hand shaped and the farm uses no pesticides. The farm is located at 7001 Miller Rd, Castro Valley. For 2024, the farm is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 29 – Dec. 1) and on the following weekend – Fri, Sat, Sun. (December 6 – 8). – Updated 11/25/24
Rancho Siempre Verde
Pescadero | While you hunt for your favorite tree to take home at this quirky family-owned U-cut Christmas Tree Farm, be on the lookout for their swings overlooking the Pacific Ocean including big swings, small swings, tire swings, rope swings, double swings, triple swings, and more hidden all over the farm. Pack a picnic and climb up the hill to take a ride on their giant swings,, race down the slide, and enjoy your picnic with gorgeous ocean views. Plus, they typically offer free tractor rides, fresh greens and boughs to take home, haystacks for the kids to climb, and all the free marshmallows you can roast over the warm fire that’s always going. Also, bring some cash to make your fresh wreath (just purchase the ring; materials are free or bring embellishments from home). The farm is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 29 to December 22, 2024
2024 Winter Fest – Christmas Tree Festival
Friday, Saturday and Sundays
9:00 am–4:30 pm
– November 29, 30 & December 1
– December 6, 7 & 8
– December 13, 14 & 15
– December 20, 21 & 22
– Updated 11/25/24If you’re looking for more Christmas tree farms, check out our 2024 guide to Bay Area’s “Cut Your Own” Christmas Tree Farms
Holiday Festivities & Tree Lightings
There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with some of The Bay’s best holiday tree lighting ceremonies and holiday festivities to kick off the holidays.
San Francisco Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting
Civic Center| December 4, 2024 | 4-7pm | This festive event features holiday entertainment, “snow” flurries, festive bites and drinks, a Makers Village with free holiday crafts, and a toy giveaway for 500+ children.
Bill Graham Menorah Project
Union Square | December 25, 2024 – January 2, 2025 | Celebrate Chanukah with the annual lighting of the 25-foot tall mahogany Bill Graham Menorah each night of Chanukah in Union Square. This San Francisco tradition, the brainchild of rock and roll concert promoter Bill Graham, began in 1975.
Macy’s Great Tree Lighting
Union Square | November 13, 2024 – January 1, 2025 (No official tree lighting ceremony in 2024) | San Francisco’s most recognized Christmas tree stands more than 83-feet tall, decorated with 43,000 twinkling energy-efficient LED lights and 700 shining ornaments. Although the tree will make another appearance in Union Square and will be lit throughout the holidays, there isn’t an official tree lighting ceremony in 2024.
Macy’s Holiday Windows
Union Square | November 22 – December 31, 2024 | A can’t miss star attraction during the holidays is Macy’s elaborately-decorated holiday window displays all along the outside of the building, featuring some adorable (and adoptable) cats and dogs to help benefit the SPCA and find these furry friends a new home.
Let’s Glow: SF’s Huge Holiday Projection Light Show
Downtown SF | December 6-15, 2024 | The country’s largest holiday projection event, this free festival uses high-tech projectors and lasers to showcase whimsical, large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of eight iconic SF buildings from 5:30-10:00 PM nightly (shows begin at 7 PM on the first evening of the event).
Kevin Shea Adams
Downtown SF Let’s Glow SF
Embarcadero Center Lighting Ceremony
Embarcadero| November 21, 2024 | Celebrate the official start of the holiday season with the 38th Annual Building Lighting Ceremony at Embarcadero Center with a festive holiday market with live music and the breathtaking sight of Embarcadero Center lighting up the sky with 17,000 dazzling lights outlining the buildings.
> Looking for more of the Bay’s best Holiday Lights & Events? Read our guide: SF’s Most Magical Tree Lightings & Holiday Events 2024
