December 2nd—here's where I'm taking my kids this week

Our free weekly email keeps you in the loop of local kid-friendly events and things to do 🤝

It’s Tiiiiiiiiiime. Thanksgiving is over. We all need a break from our families for the next few weeks, and the Christmas cheer is in full swing. I have never been a "Christmas person” per se… but, something about becoming a mom has awakened a manic urge inside of me to decorate, buy matching pajamas, and go full swing into making Christmas magic. Of course Felix is only 9 months old and will never remember, so…maybe this is for me, and I'm okay with that. Let’s get into what’s going on this week, and all the things we are doing to get excited for santa.

X Aubrey

📍 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA 94062
 Thistlewyck Village – Filoli Historic House & Garden
Tuesday 12/2 Step into Filoli’s whimsical pop-up holiday village filled with miniature storefronts, fairy-tale décor, twinkly surprises, and cozy photo spots tucked throughout the historic estate. It’s an easy daytime wander with a stroller and a perfect early-December festive outing.
Timed tickets required; mornings are quieter and easiest with babies.

📍 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111
Holiday Choirs + Big Bands Sing-Along – Ferry Building Marketplace
Wednesday 12/3 Kick off December with live holiday music inside the Ferry Building, featuring free performances from local school bands, choirs, and big bands (12:00–1:00 PM). The marketplace feels extra festive with lights, treats, and tons of room for strollers.
Free; part of a multi-day music series running Dec 3–14

📍 Cortland Ave, Bernal Heights, San Francisco, CA
 Bernal Heights Holiday Stroll – Cortland Ave
 Thursday 12/4 A cozy neighborhood festive night with live music, mariachi strolling up Cortland, Santa at the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center, and a Hanukkah celebration at Or Shalom. Shops stay open late, the street feels magical, and it’s an easy stroller-friendly evening walk with kiddos.
Free community event; perfect for supporting local small businesses.

📍 PIER 39, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA
 60′ Christmas Tree Lighting Show – PIER 39
 Friday 12/5 Watch PIER 39’s iconic 60-foot live Christmas tree “come to life” with a dazzling light show every half hour from 5–10 PM. The entrance plaza transforms into a bright, music-filled holiday moment — perfect for a quick family stroll and stroller-friendly.
 Free; shows run nightly from Dec 5–Jan 11.
 
📍 425 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Winterfest 2025 – Salesforce Park
Friday 12/5 – Sunday 12/7 Salesforce Park’s 6th annual Winterfest brings a full weekend of holiday magic to the rooftop garden. Festivities begin Friday evening with live music, dancing, kids’ crafts, a photo booth, and the countdown to the park’s holiday illumination at 5:30 PM. Saturday features a morning packed with kid events—Holiday Toddler Time, snow globe ornament making, and a gift-wrapping station—plus a Frozen Sing-Along and an Ugly Sweater Silent Disco. The celebration wraps Sunday with a hands-on wreath-making party (three sessions).
Free; wreath-making requires a reserved ticket. 

📍 Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, CA 94014
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair – Cow Palace
Sunday 12/7 Step into Victorian London with carolers, puppet shows, fairies, rides, and tons of kid-friendly performances from 10 AM–6 PM. It’s basically Christmas cosplay in a giant indoor village. 
Strollers are allowed but it can get crowded — baby-wearing is often the easiest move, and costumes (even just a little bonnet or cap) make it extra magical.

*These aren’t ALL the family-friendly events happening this week in and around SF, just the best (IMO). We keep it short and curated—follow on IG + TT for more!

Playdate is a curated newsletter supported by aligned brand partnerships. To feature your brand or explore collaboration opportunities, reach out to [email protected].

See you next week!