Author: marian@celebrate-family.com

10 Places to Go, Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend

The family has arrived and the turkey has been eaten, but there are still a few days to have fun before everyone goes home.  Here are 10 suggestions of places to go and things to do this Thanksgiving holiday in the Bay area.  Have fun!

Go Outside and Play

Visit SaveTheRedwoods.org to take part in Green Friday and get a free pass for one of 116 different California State parks.  Also, the US National Park Service is celebrating 100 years this year.  Visit NPS.gov to find a park.  Admission to a number of US National Parks is free.  If not, borrow a 4th grader and take advantage of Every Kid In A Park.

Mountains and children in background photo. Text says "Hey fourth graders! See America's natural wonders and historic sites for free."

The Nutcracker Ballets

A sure sign that the holidays are here.  Our annual Nutcracker calendar lists ballets, teas and cast parties for companies all over the Bay area. Cost: $10 – $45.  CelebrateFamily.us

Play PinBall at the Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda

Admission to the Pacific Pinball Museum includes all you can play at pinball machines.  Use your library card at Discover and Go for admission discounts to the Pacific PinBall Museum and other attractions in the Bay Area. Cost: Free – $20 Pacific Pinball Museum

Go Ice Skating

We’ve listed nine holiday ice rinks in the Bay Area. Try the Hat Trick at Downtown San Jose. One ticket gets you ice skating, the Tech Museum and the San Jose Museum of Fine Art.   Where to Find Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Around the Bay Area

Visit the 49er Museum/Tour Levi’s Stadium

For any fan of the game. Take a behind the scenes tour of the state of the art Levi’s Stadium.  The Stadium tour includes the field level, the Visiting Team locker room, the solar Terrace and much more.

San Franciso 49er Hall of Fame
From A Glimpse of the 49er Museum. Click to view the entire sideshow at 49ers.com

Visit the 49ers Museum which is located at Levi’s Stadium and take pictures with the Super Bowl trophies and rings and my favorite room – the  49ers Hall of Fame.  The Hall contains 26 life size statues  of 49er favorites including Ronnie Lott, Joe Montana, The Catch and so much more.  Kids enjoy the lower section where school children are hosted for field trips. Take pictures in the giant 49er helmet. 49ers Museum

 

 

Go to the San Francisco Zoo

Walk off your Thanksgiving dinner and join the #optoutside movement. Connect, care and conserve with us while checking out black swans, black rhinos, black widows and more! Support the zoo and do some holiday shopping at the main Gift Shop from 10:00-1:00 to receive 10% off merchandise, just say the name of one of our reindeer (hint: “Belle”, “Holly” and “Peppermint”) or share a reindeer fun fact. *Certain items excluded from the special – TOM’s shoes, books promotional and clearance.  SFZoo.org

Visit Chuck E.  Cheese

San Jose has a two story Chuck E Cheese just off the 101 and Tully.  Great games for young kids, teens and adults.  Click here for the current coupons: chuckecheese coupons

Take a Holiday Train Ride

Choose from the Polar Express or the Holiday Lights Train (Roaring Camp).  Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through the streets of Santa Cruz. Your little engineers might also enjoy Billy Jones WildCat Railroad at Vasona Park.

 

 

Visit California Great America Winterfest

Great America will reopen for the holiday season with ice skating, visits from Santa, holiday themed goodies and fun.  Winterfest is free 2016 & 2017 season ticket holders with discounted tickets available online and at Groupon and GoldStar.com

Go to A Movie

In addition to the current family movies of Moana, Doctor Strange and Fantastic Beasts, Disney Screen is showing Sword in the Stone, Three Musketeers, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and Prince Caspian.  Disney Screen is $5 for ALL four movies and showing at Century 25 Union Landing in Union City.  Disney Screen

What do you think?  Let us know if we’ve missed any of your favorites!

Here’s wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

Marian

Family Fun Nov 23-Dec 4

 

 

What’s In This Week’s Newsletter – View The Entire Newsletter with links.
Featured Events…November 23- Dec 4, 2016
Bay Area Nutcracker Calendar 11/23 -12/3
Coupons and Savings this Week
CA Great America – WinterFest
Nutcracker Ballets 2016
Polar Express Train in Santa Cruz
NCAA & Pac 12 Championships Next Week

VISIT OUR SPONSORS – CLICK ON THE LINKS, THANKS.
Restaurant.com11/21 to 11/23: $3 for $25 Certificates with CODE: THANKS
Restaurant.com Cyber Savings! Get four $25 Restaurant Gift Cards for $17
Barnes & Noble: Save 25% on All Star Wars Toys, Games, & Collectibles! Shop BN.com
Featured Events  November 23- Dec 4, 2016
TIME/DATE COST
11/25@ 6 PM Free
11/26@ 9 AM Free
11/27@ 10 AM Varies
11/29@ 5 PM Free
12/2@ 2 PM $40 – $75
12/2@ 6 PM $30 – $360
12/3@ 3 PM FBRR
12/4@ 3 PM $40 – $75
Bay Area Nutcracker Calendar 11/23 -12/3
TIME/DATE COST
11/25@ 1 PM $25 – $30
11/25@ 4:30 PM $25 – $35
11/25@ 6 PM $25 – $30
11/25@ 7:30 PM $25 – $35
11/26@ 1 PM $21 – $40
11/26@ 1 PM $25 – $30
11/26@ 2 PM $25 – $35
11/26@ 2 PM $25 – $45
11/26@ 4 PM $10
11/26@ 4:30 PM $25 – $35
11/26@ 4:30 PM $21 – $40
11/26@ 6 PM $25 – $30
11/26@ 7 PM $25 – $45
11/26@ 7:30 PM $25 – $35
11/27@ 12:30 PM $25 – $30
11/27@ 1 PM $21 – $40
11/27@ 2 PM $25 – $45
11/27@ 4 PM $25 – $30
11/27@ 4 PM $10
11/27@ 4:30 PM $25 – $35
11/27@ 4:30 PM $21 – $40
Coupons and Savings this Week
Coupons and savings deals from Sponsor sites! More coupons and Black Friday Cyber Monday in a separate email!
Black Friday Early Access
What’s On the Holiday Calendar 11/23 -12/3
TIME/DATE COST
11/25@ 10 AM $10 – $30
11/25@ 1 PM $25 – $30
11/25@ 4 PM
11/25@ 4:30 P $25 – $35
11/25@ 6 PM
11/25@ 6 PM $25 – $30
11/25@ 7:30 p $25 – $35
11/26@ 10 AM $10 – $30
11/26@ 1 PM $21 – $40
11/26@ 1 PM $25 – $30
11/26@ 2 PM $25 – $35
11/26@ 2 PM $25 – $45
11/26@ 4 PM $10
11/26@ 4:30 p $25 – $35
11/26@ 4:30 p $21 – $40
11/26@ 6 PM $25 – $30
11/26@ 7 PM $25 – $45
11/26@ 7:30 p $25 – $35
11/27@ 10 AM
11/27@ 10 AM $10 – $30
11/27@ 12:30P $25 – $30
11/27@ 1 PM $21 – $40
11/27@ 2 PM $16 – $59
11/27@ 2 PM $25 – $45
11/27@ 4 PM $25 – $30
11/27@ 4 PM $10
11/27@ 4:30 PM $25 – $35
11/27@ 4:30 p $21 – $40
11/29@ 5 PM Free
12/2@ 5:30 PM Free
12/2@ 5:30 PM Free
12/2@ 7 PM $22 – $39
12/2@ 7 PM $20
12/2@ 7 PM $28 – $33
12/3@ 10 AM $10 – $30
12/3@ 11 AM $14 – $22
12/3@ 1 PM $24 – $26
12/3@ 1 PM $20
12/3@ 1 PM $24 – $36
12/3@ 1 PM $28 – $33
12/3@ 2 PM $20 – $25
12/3@ 3 PM FBRR
12/3@ 5 PM $24 – $26
12/3@ 5 PM $24 – $36
12/3@ 6 PM $20
12/3@ 6 PM $25 – $35
12/3@ 7 PM $20 – $25
12/3@ 7 PM $28 – $33
12/4@ 10 AM $10 – $30
12/4@ 1 PM $22 – $39
12/4@ 1 PM $24 – $26
12/4@ 1 PM $24 – $36
12/4@ 1 PM $28 – $33
12/4@ 2 PM $20 – $25
12/4@ 2 PM
12/4@ 4 PM $22 – $39
12/4@ 5 PM $24 – $26
12/4@ 5 PM $24 – $36
12/4@ 7 PM $20 – $25

2018 Holiday Skating Rinks in the SF Bay Area

Where to Find Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Around the Bay Area

Holiday time means outdoor skating rinks!  Here is our list of San Francisco Bay area outdoor skating rinks for 2018.  Holiday planning tip: San Jose’s Downtown Ice is open through January 27, 2019 for fun during the BCS Championship game and the NHL All Star game. New for 2018:  holiday rinks at Cal Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, Civic Center in San Francisco and Bumper Ice sessions in San Mateo. and  Please check the respective website to confirm dates as sometimes there are private events booked.

Downtown Ice San Jose

San Jose Downtown Ice at Circle Palms

November 16 – January 27, 2019. Downtown Ice will become call it “Championship Ice” Jan. 4-7 for the BCS Championship Game on Jan 7 and will be open until Jan 27 for the NHL All Star Game at SAP Center. Admission is $15 for children 10-under and military and $17 for skaters 11-older.  Those who bring their own skates will be admitted for $10.  Hours and specials are posted at http://downtownicesj.com.  San Jose Downtown Ice is ‘all you can skate’ (as opposed to buying a ticket for a ‘session’).  Season pass $80 includes skating once a day throughout the season.

Santa Clara – Outdoor Ice Rink at Central Park

November 19 – January 21, 2019.  Located at Central Park in Santa Clara. Ice rink hours are from M-Th 2pm-8pm; Fri 2pm-10pm; Sat 1pm-10pm; Sun 1pm-8pm.  Visit the site for special hours during 12/21-1/7).  Admission per two hour session: $10 Kids (4-12); $15 Adults; Free for (child 3 & under with paid adult).  All-Day Skating Pass (Monday-Thursday on non-holidays) are $15 Kids (4-12); $22 Adults; Free for (child 3 & under with paid adult).  Frequent Skater Pass Youth (4-12) – 1 person for 12 admissions $150, Frequent Skater Pass Adults (13+) – 1 person for 12 admissions $180.  santaclaraonice.com

San Francisco Ice Skating in Union Square

November 7 – January 21, 2019.  Located Ice rink hours are from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., daily. Ice skating sessions in Union Square begin every even hour and last for 90 minutes.  Admission: General Admission $18; Children (Eight and Under) $13; Skate Helper Rental $6; Locker Rental $3.  Free skating lessons are offered every Saturday and Sunday. Space is limited to 50 participants per day, and you must register in advance.  Union Square Ice Rink

Walnut Creek on Ice

November 9 – January 21, 2019.  General admission is $12-$15. Hours vary but most skating begins at 11 am or 12 pm.  Frequent Skater Passes are available to purchase at the rink. Each pass is good for 10 visits at the special price of $109. Family Skate nights on Tuesdays. $35 for a family of 4 includes admission & skate rental (11/13, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/15). Frosty & Friends, special skate event for kids on January 12, 2019.  Walnut Creek on Ice

The Little Ice Rink, Alameda

Nov 3 – January 15, 2019.  Located at South Shore Center in Alameda.  General admission $17 for adults (9+), $13 for children. $6 discount if you bring your own skates.  Skate helper rental (Bobby the Seal) $8.  Hours: Monday – Friday 3 pm – 10 pm, Saturday-Sunday 10 am – 10 pm.  Extended weekday hours on school holidays 12 pm – 10 pm. Season Passes $169 – $219. Weekly Performances Every Friday Night at 7:45PM by Skaters from Oakland Sharks Ice! Link

WinterFest at CA Great America, Santa Clara

November 23 – December 31, 2018. $15 per 45 minute session (includes skate rental). Buy 4 or more for $12.50 each.  Check the CA Great America site for specific dates and times.  WinterFest will include live shows, carollers, tree lightings, and other events.  Link

Downtown Ice – Martinez

Unfortunately Downtown Ice Martinez has been  cancelled for 2018.  Hopefully it will be back for 2019.

San Mateo on Ice – San Mateo

November 10 – January 13, 2018. Located in Central Park, San Mateo. $16 per person; $13 for Active military, fire, and police. Must show ID. $5 same day re-entry. $3 all day locker rental-key.  For 2018, San Mateo Ice offers Bumper Car on Ice sessions.  $15 per bumper car.  Bumper Car Sessions run every 20 mins from 12pm-8pm daily.  Daily hours vary, please check their calendar for specific hours. Link

Marin on Ice – San Rafael

November 9 – January 7, 2019. Located in the Oaktree Plaza at North Gate Mall. $15 per person including skate rental. $13 Military, Police, and Fire personnel (Must Show ID). Daily hours vary, please check their calendar for specific hours. $120 for 10 tickets. $5 all day locker rental-key deposit required.  Link

Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center San Francisco

November 7 through January 6, 2019. Located at Justin Herman Plaza, adjacent to Four Embarcadero Center. General Admission $12; Children (8 & under) $7; Skate Rental $5.  Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10am-9:30pm; Friday – Saturday 10am-11:30pm.  Ice skating sessions begin every even hour and last for 90 minutes. Link

Holiday Ice Rink at Cal Academy of Sciences

November 16 through January 6, 2019. Located in the East Garden of the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Tickets $10 for daytime skating (plus museum admission).  $15 per person/$10 members for skating sessions on Sundays from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm when the exhibits are closed (so on museum admission is required).   Hours: Morning Skate: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 12:30 pm; Sunday, 11 am – 12:30 pm; Afternoon Skate: Daily, 1 pm – 4:30 pm.  Link

The Winter Park at Civic Center

November 30 through January 6, 2019. Located at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco. Tickets Adults: $20 (all sessions), Children 8 and under: $15 (sessions 4pm, 6pm, 8pm);  Children 8 and under: $5 (sessions 12pm, 2pm). Skate Helper: $6 and Lockers $3.  Parking is $3-$6.  Hours at 12 pm – 10 pm.   Granite Curling Club will offer curling lessons every Sunday. Cost is $20 per person.  Link

Other Discounts and Special Prices for Outdoor Ice Rinks

Groupon.  Also visiting the web sites and subscribing to the newsletter.  And of course, the Local Discount section of CelebrateFamily.us!

 

Disney on Ice Passport to Adventure Comes to the Bay Area

It’s October which means Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure at SAP Center, Oct 19 – 23 , 2016 and Oracle Arena in Oakland Oct 26 – 30, 2016.

Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy and Daisy on a journey to the timeless worlds of Disney’s The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and Disney’s Frozen. You and your family will explore the African Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa, voyage deep under the sea to Ariel’s mystical underwater kingdom and tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy before flying to Neverland to meet up with Tinker Bell.

See Your Favorite Friends from Frozen at Disney on Ice

Travel to Arendelle for an extraordinary adventure with sisters Anna and Elsa, rugged mountain man Kristoff and everyone’s favorite huggable snowman Olaf, as they journey to discover that true love is the most magical power of all.

Upbeat music, lovable characters and unforgettable moments make Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure an experience your family will cherish forever!

Tickets prices are $15-$85. Kids 2 and older require a tickets. $25 tickets are $15 for Oct 19 show. Don’t forget the COSTUME! Check out costumes for the whole family at Disney.com and Halloween Costumes.com

Where are the Best Seats for Disney on Ice Presents Passport to Adventure?

First there are no bad seats for the event, but that being said, there are always preferences and maybe different needs depending upon your child.  First the show layout.  Disney on Ice uses a |_| shaped performing area where the open end is the entrance for the performers and the audience seating around the three other sides.

  1. Best seats in the House $$$
    The VIP seats which usually include a character meet and greet, or at least close enough for the performers to say ‘Hi’ and wave.
  2. Front Row at the Corners $$$
    During the Disney on Ice performance there will be several times when performers need to enter the stage from a different area or sit during the performance.  For that purpose there is a platform at the corners of the |_| so anyone setting near by gets an extra wave or smile.
  3. Front Row Seats $$$
    You can rarely go wrong buying Front Row Seats.
  4. Opposite the Stage/Performers Entrance $$
    This is the lower level at the bottom of the |_| in the first section of permanent seats.  This is a personal preference for me, but several times that I have sat in the riser section my view has been blocked by people that let their children stand or sit in their lap so that the younger children could see better.  The riser section while closer to the ice does not have the height difference between the rows so it is harder to see over heads of the people in front of you.  If you have young children, I also suggest saving money on the seats and spend it on the souvenirs and costumes. 
  5. Side Sections of the |_|  $$-$
    The most popular seating sections the sides of the |_| in the middle of the venue.

Discount Codes for Disney on Ice

Kids tickets for $12 (regularly $20-$22) .  Use code CHAVEZ at Tickemaster.com.

How to Save Money At Disney on Ice

No doubt about it, if you have a family of four and you purchase tickets, food and souvenirs then Disney on Ice can be pricey.  Not that the show isn’t a great value because it is.  But still money is money so here are 6 ways to help you save money while still having a good time.

  1. Sign up for notices and discounts at DisneyonIce.com
  2. Buy tickets for the first night of the show. $25 tickets (which are lower level) are marked down to $15.
  3. Check Ticketmaster.com for Buy 3 Get 1 Tickets Free and Buy 1 Get 1 Free.
  4. Search social media like Twitter and Facebook for coupons.  Search for #DisneyonIce for news.
  5. Check out tickets at Groupon and Goldstar.  Remember that Goldstar adds a convenience fee.
  6. Eat before you go or check out the food policies at the venue.  Some places allow you to bring in food.
  7. Buy souvenirs and bring them with you.  Kids, no matter what age, want something to remember the experience.  But that doesn’t mean that you have to buy it at the show.  Buy it, hide it and bring it with you.

I hope you and your family have a great time at Disney on Ice.  Don’t forget to check out the other shows produced by Feld Entertainment. I’ve seen them all and they are all great family fun.
Disney on Ice
Disney Jr.
Monster Jam (Trucks)
Monster Energy Super Cross (Motorcycles)
Ringling Brothers Circus

Below are the date for Disney on Ice in the San Francisco Bay area.

Wishing you a great time at the show,

Marian
CelebrateFamily.us
FTC Disclosure: If you purchase a ticket using these links I may receive a small fee.

LOCATION
SAP Center
 DATES
10/19 @ 7 pm
10/20 @ 7 pm
10/21 @ 10:30 am, 7 pm
10/22 @ 11 am, 3 pm, 7 pm
10/23 @ 11 am, 3 pm, 6:30 pm
 See Tickets
DATES
10/26 @ 7 pm
10/27 @ 7 pm
10/28 @ 7 pm
10/29 @ 11 am, 3 pm, 7 pm
10/30 @ 1 pm, 5 pm
 See Tickets

Win Tickets to the Nor Cal Ren Faire

Win two adult tickets (ages 13 and older) to the Northern California Renaissance Faire at Casa de Fruta, September 17 – October October 16, 2016. Tickets are needed for adults only as kids are free!  Enter by October 10, 2016 to win 2 tickets good for two adult general admissions to the Nor Cal Ren Faire from CelebrateFamily.us

 

 

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*TERMS & CONDITIONS:* Your entry/entries must be received no later than 5 pm (PDT), October 10, 2016. Odds of winning are based on the number of entries.  Two (2) winners receive two tickets. Tickets are  valued at  $28 each. Winners will be chosen at random from all eligible submissions and will be notified by email. If a winner cannot be reached or does not respond to notification within 24 hours then a new winner will be chosen. You may enter as many times as you wish using the methods listed above.  One email address per name. You may request the name of the winners by contacting contest@CelebrateFamily.us. This prize is not redeemable for cash. CelebrateFamily.us is not responsible for and does not warrant the safety or quality of the prize, and is not liable for any injury, damage or death related to the prize or its use. Eligibility: You must be age 18 or older to enter.  You must be a subscriber to CelebrateFamily.us to win. All applicable laws apply and this contest is void where prohibited. By participating in this promotion, you become a CelebrateFamily.us site member. CelebrateFamily.us intends to send weekly email updates and occasional promotional offers that may be of interest to you. You may opt-out of these mailings at any time upon receipt.