Looking for something to do over winter break? Holiday spirit is everywhere, and now is the best time to spend some quality time with your friends and family! There are many different holiday activities available around the Bay Area, and here are a few on our list.
Lafayette Reservoir Ornament Tree
Come see the Ornament Tree at the Lafayette Reservoir! This has been a tradition in Lafayette for 20 years! Visitors are encouraged to hang an ornament as they hike around the 2.7 mile reservoir. In addition to the hike, there are 600 acres of wide, open area with picnic tables, a playground, and a lake that the whole family will enjoy. Fishing and boating are also available for additional fees.
Life Size Gingerbread House
The Fairmont in San Francisco has a two-story, Victorian style house made entirely of gingerbread! This is a tradition that has been going on for over a century. The Fairmont elves worked very hard to build it 22 feet high and 23 feet wide, and with thousands of gingerbread bricks and over a ton of candy and icing. For more information, click here.
Orchard Nursery Christmas Ornaments
The Orchard Nursery in Lafayette decorates for the holidays with over fifty different themes from around the world from Germany, Egypt and Russia, to small villages around the world as well as the USA. There is a wooden, electric train that travels around a fish pond with a waterfall that will delight children, and the plants for sale make excellent gifts! For hours and directions, click here.
Walnut Creek on Ice
There is ice skating in Walnut Creek from November 7 to January 11! This is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season and spend time with family and friends. The rink is available to rent out for private events and birthday parties, and they also offer group lessons once per week. Several local businesses have offered free parking during certain hours. For prices, hours, and directions, click here.
Alameda Christmas Tree Lane
Come look at an amazing display of lights and holiday decorations along Thomson Avenue! Park your car and take a walk to check out all of the decorated homes. (Address: 3200 Thompson Ave, Alameda, CA 94501 between High St. & Fernside Blvd.)
San Ramon Christmas Lights
The Vista San Ramon community off of Alcosta Blvd. (across from Central Park and Iron Horse Middle School) really gets into the holiday spirit and goes all out for the holidays. Bring your whole family and stroll down the street to admire all of the holiday decorations. There are also food collection bins available at each entrance to donate non-perishable food items.
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Ann Woods
