Explore free museum days and attractions in the Bay Area throughout December.! đ Perfect for kids, tweens, and teens, December is packed with fun activities to keep everyone entertained.
đ¨đźď¸ Discover art, history, and fun without spending a dime! Check out our monthly list of museums offering free admission. Perfect for a day out with family, friends, or even solo exploration. Dive into culture, creativity, and countless adventures! đ
December Free Museum Days
Check out the events calendar below and discover the amazing family events the Bay Area has to offer. đď¸ #FreeDays #FreeAdmission #KidsFun #FamilyFun #TeenFun #FreeMuseums
A holiday tradition, the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square will be open from November 1, 2023 – January 15, 2024. One of the highlights of skating at Union Square is the Christmas Tree and also Macy’s holiday decorations.
Quick Links
Ice Skating at Union Square website [LINK] Tickets [LINK] Special Events [LINK] Locker Rental, Skate Helper etc. [LINK] Hours and Session Times [LINK]
General Admission
Admission at the Union Square Ice Rink includes 60 minute sessions of ice time and rental skates. Sessions start every 90 minutes. Admission prices vary for special events. [LINK] Admission: Adults $20 | Kids 8 and under $15 Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Other Items for Rent or Purchase
Dress warmly and bring socks. If you forget them, you can purchase them at the rink. There are no restrooms at the rink either. Locker Rental: $5 Skate Helper: $6 Gloves: $5 Socks: $5
Discounts at Union Square Ice Rink
We’ve scoured our sources and so far, there are no discounts for Union Square Ice Rink.
Special Events at Union Square Ice Rink
Simba Saturdays
“Simba Saturdays” roar to life with guests will gliding across a golden-hued wonderland transporting every skater to the heart of the Pride Lands. A roaring good time awaits with special giveaways for the first 100 guests at each session.
Whether skaters are mastering their roar or their rink moves, families of all ages will find magic on the ice.
Disney’s The Lion King at Orpheum Theater | Tickets at VividSeats.com and GoldStar.com. Simba Saturdays: November 4, 11, 18, 25. December 2,9,16, 23, 30. Session Times: 5:30 and 7 p.m. Admission: Adults $20 | Kids 8 and under $15
Silent Skate Party
Itâs a silent disco on ice that transports skaters to an on-ice dance party like no other! Silent Skate Party: December 14, 2023 Session Times: 7 p.m. and 8:30 pm Admission: $30 per person
Polar Bear Skate
As a nod to the popular Canadian tradition, this version of âtaking the plungeâ invites skaters to wear their wildest and most inventive beach attire, in hopes of walking away with cool prizes, awarded on theme, originality, and overall appearance. Silent Skate Party: January 1, 2024 Session Times: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Admission: $25 per person
Flashback Fridays
Let’s throw it back to the musical hits of everyoneâs favorite decadeâthe â80sâat âFlashback Fridays. These special sessions feature 80s+@103.7 personalities on-hand spinning hits by Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Madonna, Lionel Richie, and more! Skaters are encouraged to don their favorite legwarmers and unitard, and come party at this totally tubular event! Flashback Friday Dates: November 10, December 8 & January 12 Session Times: 7 pm and 8:30 pm sessions Admission: Adults $20 | Kids 8 and under $15
A portion of ticket proceeds generously benefits the community through the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
Please double-check the event information on the event website as sometimes events are canceled or details changed after they are added to CelebrateFamily.us. Â Let us know about any changes at events@celebrate-family.com
Image credit/image courtesy of Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
WinterFest brings holiday cheer to Californiaâs Great America as the park is magically transformed into a winter wonderland and holiday festival. This amazing event features millions of lights, creating a Christmas event for the entire family.
Enjoy the tree lighting every evening and a special visit from Snoopy!
Great America WinterFest tickets
Great America Winterfest tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. For best prices, purchase online before you go to the park. Tickets online start at $32.99 and get cheaper if you are buying 4 or more tickets. Another option is the Winterfest Bring a Friend for $24.99 for Gold Pass members.
What is Great America WinterFest
With more than 30 rides and holiday attractions, such as sending letters to the North Pole, checking out Santaâs workshop and baking cookies in Mrs. Clausâ kitchen, and all the scrumptious holiday fare at numerous dining locationsâWinterFest has something for guests of all ages and appetites.
Wintefest also has ice skating, holiday shows and a holiday market for gifts and souvenirs.
Great America WinterFest Dates
Winterfest is open 4 pm – 10 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Check the calendar at Great America because the Winterfest will be closed for 49er home games. Winterfest will also be open every day from December 15 – December 31, 2023 (except for December 24 & 25).
This amazing event features millions of lights, creating a Christmas event for the entire family. Select Nights through Dec 31, 2023.
Great America WinterFest Ticket Discounts
Discount tickets can be purchased online at Great America, also GoldStar and Groupon sometimes have discounted tickets. Winterfest 2023 is also free with the purchase of 2024 Gold Pass.
Great America Chaperon Policy
Guests ages 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old in order to be admitted to, or remain in, the park after 4:00 p.m. local time to close. Source: CA Great America
Image credit/image courtesy of CA Great America. Updated Dec 6, 2023
Sensory Friendly Santa dates for the Bay area. 15+ dates for special needs and autism spectrum families to share time and get photos with Santa this holiday.
I still love visiting Santa with my kids. And luckily for me, they indulge me. So it is with great pleasure that I created this list of dates for Sensory Friendly Santa visits for those families with children that are ‘special’ in their own way.
Sensory-friendly Santa visits are scheduled for December 2 to December 22, 2023, depending on the location. The visit is free (or free with admission), but parents MUST register in advance (for most dates) to save a spot.Â
There are of course keepsakes and photo packages for sale at the event. Please RSVP to reserve your spot today! I’ve included links with the dates and times.
What is the Difference Between a Sensory Friendly Santa Photo Visit?
Dates with sensory-friendly Santas generally have less noise and fewer distractions. But more importantly, fewer people scheduled, and a shorter wait in line.
When Are Sensory Friendly Santa Dates
Most locations are having Caring Santa visits on December 3, 2023.
Sensory Friendly Santa Visits or Soothing Santa Visits are the partnership of Cherry Hill Programs and Autism Speaks. Expect that the visits will take place in a more subdued and calm manner.
Best Bets for 2023 is Eastridge Center in San Jose. Eastridge will host Sensory Santa visits on December 3, 10 & 17, 2023 from 9 am – 11 am.
Filoli Historic House & Garden in Woodside is also hosting on multiple dates, December 10, 16, 17, & 22. Santa visits are free with admission (Adult $41 | Child 5-17 $31 | Child (under age 5) Free). If you are going to Fioli, you might get free or discount passes at Discover and Go (under Museum Passes on your local library’s website.
CelebrateFamily.us Best Bet
Find other holiday events for kids, tweens, teens, and families at CelebrateFamily.us
Dr. Seussâ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical opens at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts from November 28 – December 3, 2023. Ticket Link
Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is âtwo sizes too small,â decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos.
Discount Codes
Thanks to How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, and their sponsors, we’ve got discounts to not only How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, but also the Tech Interactive, and CMT San Joseâs production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Don’t miss out on these discounts!
How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
>>Get BOGO 50% off* tickets to the Family Night on Broadway performance on Thursday, November 30th at 7:30 pm! Enter code: MISCHIEF before selecting seats by clicking âUnlockâ. *Valid on select seats in the balcony only, while supplies last.Ticket Link
Everyone attending this performance is invited to FREE pre-show activities in the Ridder Lounge from 6 pm â 7:15 pm, and a post-show talkback with members of the cast.
The Tech Interactive
Get 10% off General Admission Tickets with code: GRINCH Terms and Conditions: Valid Tuesday â Sunday between November 25âJanuary 15. 4 tickets maximum allowed with discount. Not valid with other offers or promotions.
CMT’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
10% off tickets with code: CMT-GRINCH10 for performances from Dec. 1 â 10 at the Montgomery Theater
See How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Dr. Seussâ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs âYouâre A Mean One Mr. Grinchâ and âWelcome Christmasâ (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series.
Please note that Broadway San Jose admits guests aged 5 and up. All guests entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
RATING: Recommended for ages 5-10 RUNNING TIME: 85 minutes with no intermission
