‘Tis — or was — the season to be jolly…
The holiday season is upon us and COVID-19 has definitely been a major spoiler. Although, many of the traditionally holiday events have been cancelled, there are still a number of activities that can fill you and your family with the holiday spirt. For example, taking a day trip to a Christmas tree farm in Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz or Monterey and selecting the perfect tree can create beautiful family memories.
Popular Holiday Activities Include:
Select the Perfect Family Christmas Tree
Half Moon Bay is perfect for beach combing and then selecting the perfect tree for a farm or lot. Learn more at https://explorer1.com/halfmoonbay/things-to-do/festivals-and-events/christmas-tree-farms/
Santa Cruz farms and lots have a nice selection of trees. Make a day of it and plan to have lunch or go on a hike, bike or walk. Learn more at https://explorer1.com/santacruz/things-to-do/christmas-tree-farms/
Monterey is perfect for a long walk next to the beach and then hunting for the ultimate Christmas tree. Learn more at https://explorer1.com/monterey/christmas-tree-farms/
Viewing Holiday Decorations
Half Moon Bay – Main Street
During the holiday season, downtown Half Moon Bay becomes a city of holiday lights! For more, visit https://explorer1.com/halfmoonbay/
Palo Alto – Christmas Tree Lane
Neighborhood residents turn their homes into beautiful holiday decorations.
Address: located on Fulton Street between Embarcadero Road and Seale.
Redwood City – Candy Cane Lane
Neighborhood residents turn their homes into beautiful holiday decorations.
Address: located on Dewey Avenue between Carson Street and Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City, CA
Dates: December 12-31 5-11 p.m.
Cost: Free
San Francisco – Pier 39
No tree this year, but they decorated their Entrance Plaza by illuminating the Sea Lion topiary and dressing him with a Santa hat and mask.
Address: Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
Dates: November 25th – January 3rd
Website: https://www.pier39.com/
San Francisco – Union Square
Their tree is up and will be lit through the end of the holidays.
333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: (415) 486-4800
Dates: November 25th – January 3rd
Website: https://www.visitunionsquaresf.com/
San Francisco – A Christmas Tree Stroll Presented by Academy of Art
Stroll through the square and enjoy 16 uniquely designed trees by the talented students at the Academy of Art.
Date: Friday, November 27, 2020 11:00 AM – Thursday, December 31, 2020 12:00 PM
Address: Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Website: https://www.visitfishermanswharf.com/merrytime-at-the-wharf/2020/11/27/a-christmas-tree-stroll-presented-by-the-academy-of-art
South San Francisco – Chestnut Christmas Lit Houses
Every year the Chestnut Street residents create a magical holiday showcase by turning their homes into extravagant displays. The street is open to drive through, but the best way to view the homes is walking through the neighborhood.
How to get there: On 280, exit West Bourough and travel East toward the hills. When you cross over El Camino, West Bourough becomes Chestnut Street. Continue driving to Woodside Court.
Address: Parkway Estates, Chestnut St., South San Francisco, CA 94080
Cost: free
San Mateo – Holidays at Filoli
Holidays at Filoli is the perfect season to make special memories with loved ones and friends. Take a stroll and enjoy the beauty of the winter garden adorned with lights and colorful decor. Cozy up to a firepit under twinkling lights and sip on hot cider or mulled wine.
Date: November 21st – January 3rd
Cost: $15 – $38 per person
Address: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076
Website: https://filoli.org/events/holidays/
San Jose – Christmas in the Park – A Drive Thru Holiday
You will still see all of the whimsical displays, hundreds of decorated Christmas trees and even some new features that will add to your enjoyment of the event. The setting for our event in 2020, History Park, is an amazing venue.
Date: November 27 – January 3rd
Cost: $10 – $40 per car
Address: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076
Website: https://www.christmasinthepark.com/
Santa Cruz – Holiday Lights Drive-Through
Holiday Lights is a 1/2 mile drive through experience at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you. Giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa – reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels and many more magical moments. Stay in your warm car and drive through this Holiday Experience. You can tune your radio to KDUB 99.9 FM and enjoy the the Holiday Lights Soundtrack in your car.
Date: December 1st – December 27th
Cost: $15 – $35 per car
Address: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076
Website: https://fairgrounds-foundation.org/holiday-lights/
For more Santa Cruz holiday highlights, visit https://explorer1.com/santacruz/
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