The holiday season is a wonderful time to take part in fun-filled activities with the whole family! Our staff members at Cypress Lawn enjoy all the Bay Area has to offer at this time of year. We’ve compiled our five favorite activities throughout our community to help you plan your festivities and get the most out of this joyful season!

Spin around an ice-skating rink.  

San Francisco is home to several lively ice-skating rinks that come alive at this time of year. We especially love taking a spin around the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square. Surrounded by historic buildings and conveniently located in Downtown San Francisco, this one’s a must-do! This all-ages ice-skating rink is open all December long. Purchase tickets here.

Stroll through a Christmas market.

Christmas markets are a big deal across the pond in Germany. On Saturday, December 14, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mountain View’s own German Holiday Market comes alive with food vendors, live performances, arts and crafts, carnival games, and even a petting zoo! Admission is FREE, so there’s no excuse for missing this all-day holiday market.

Take in an exciting holiday show.  

Though we enjoy watching beloved holiday movies or seeing another staging of The Nutcracker, why not try something different this year? Don’t miss A Whynot Christmas Carol, award-winning playwright Craig Lucas’ new adaptation of Dickens’ classic holiday tale! This family-friendly show runs till December 24 at the American Conservatory Theater, and tickets start at $25.

Pose for a photo with Santa (or the Grinch!).

Each December, the East Bay hosts its own array of lively holiday festivities. Kids’ Holiday Celebration in Alameda is a FREE, family-friendly event at Alameda Landing on Sunday, December 15, from noon to 2 p.m. Children of all ages can enjoy face painting, balloon art, and photos with Santa Claus and the Grinch.

Admire beautiful holiday lights.

The holiday season is the best time of year to admire spectacular lights. From December 1-23 and 26-31, from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., visitors can enjoy illuminated animal lanterns at Glowfari at Oakland Zoo, an all-ages light show. Ticket prices vary, ranging from $25-40, depending on the night you plan to attend. Children under two are FREE, and parking is also FREE.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!