Christmas Lights & Holiday Events for Kids in the Bay Area
Bay Area holiday lights for families: free Christmas in the Park in San Jose, Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Lake, Glowfari at Oakland Zoo, Lightscape at SF Botanical Garden, the Niles Canyon Train of Lights, and where to see Santa.
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Bay Area Holiday Lights FAQ
What are the best Christmas light displays for kids in the Bay Area?
Top family holiday light experiences include Christmas in the Park in downtown San Jose (free, with an enchanted forest of decorated trees and a 50-foot Christmas tree), Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos (a tradition since 1999 with more than 50 animated displays), Glowfari at Oakland Zoo (giant LED animal lanterns), Lightscape at the San Francisco Botanical Garden (a mile-long trail of lights and music), and North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens (a 100-foot light tunnel synchronized to music). Dates change every year, so check each event's website for this season's schedule.
Are there free holiday light displays in the Bay Area?
Yes. Christmas in the Park at Plaza de César Chávez in downtown San Jose is free and open nightly from late November through New Year's Day, with more than 40 animated displays, live entertainment, and photos with Santa. Most other big light events, including Fantasy of Lights, Glowfari, Lightscape, and North Pole Nights, are ticketed.
Where can kids ride a holiday train in the Bay Area?
The Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights runs through Niles Canyon between Fremont's Niles district and Sunol in late November and December; the 13-mile round trip takes a little over an hour, and tickets usually go on sale in October and sell out. Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton also runs special holiday trains through the redwoods that are seasonal favorites, so book early.
Where can kids see Santa and holiday events in the Bay Area?
Christmas in the Park in San Jose offers photos with Santa, and Oakland Zoo's Glowfari has Santa visits on select nights. Children's Fairyland in Oakland hosts Fairy Winterland, a 20-year Oakland tradition with holiday lights, crafts, and holiday displays on the final weekends of December. For more winter fun, see our winter guide for ice skating rinks and seasonal wildlife.