12 Days Of Cheer In Palo Alto: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Palo Alto. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Palo Alto feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Walk or drive down the famous Christmas Tree Lane on Fulton Street.

For over 80 years, the residents of Fulton Street have transformed their neighborhood into a “Christmas Tree Lane” that dazzles visitors from 5 PM to 10 PM nightly. This two-week display usually kicks off on a Saturday and features everything from hand-drawn snowmen to a life-sized illuminated horse-drawn carriage. Whether you choose to drive through or bundle up for a stroll, it’s a quintessential Palo Alto tradition that brings pure neighborhood joy.

2. Wander through a historic wonderland during Holidays at Filoli.

Recognized as one of the Bay Area’s premier holiday destinations, Filoli offers a “Gilded journey” through its historic house and gardens from November 22 through January 11. You can explore the enchanting Thistlewyck village in the Redwoods by day or marvel at the illuminated gardens during their special evening light sessions. For an extra touch of luxury, consider upgrading your visit with a Ballroom Champagne Lounge experience or a festive Holiday Tea.

3. Skate under the open sky at the Winter Lodge.

As the only permanent outdoor ice rink west of the Sierras, Winter Lodge is a beloved community hub that connects the past and present through the joy of skating. The 2025-26 season is officially open, inviting guests to glide under the stars seven days a week for just $20 admission (plus $6 skate rentals). Be sure to check the schedule online to find a public skating session that fits your plans.

4. Warm up with an artisanal brew at Cloud9 Coffee.

If you need a break from the holiday hustle, duck into Cloud9 Coffee, a modern café dedicated to the art of brewing and the ritual of a great cup. Open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 3 PM, this local spot serves up carefully curated coffee blends, chai and matcha in a relaxed setting perfect for a chilly December morning. It’s a great place to pause and enjoy a high-quality beverage alongside a pastry before heading out for more festivities.

5. Hunt for literary treasures at Bell’s Books.

Step away from the screens and into the comforting smell of paper and ink at Bell’s Books, a downtown Palo Alto institution stocking over 150,000 volumes. From rare 19th-century medical treatises and signed limited editions to a massive collection of affordable secondhand paperbacks, there is something for every reader on your gift list. It is the ideal spot to get lost in the stacks and find a unique, tangible present that carries a bit of history.

6. Immerse yourself in Victorian London at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair.

Just a short drive north to the Cow Palace, this immersive event transports you to a theatrically lit, bustling London street scene straight out of a Charles Dickens novel. Running weekends from November 22 to December 21, the fair features hundreds of costumed characters, lively pubs and over 140,000 square feet of entertainment and artisan shops. Tickets are available online only, so grab yours early to enjoy the roasted chestnuts and holiday merriment.

7. Experience alpine luxury at the Après Village.

From November 21 to January 4, the Four Seasons Hotel transforms into a winter wonderland known as Après Village, complete with twinkling lights and cozy private chalets. Guests can sip mulled wine, toast s’mores by the fire, or watch holiday movies under the stars in this sophisticated “ski lodge” setting. With gourmet seasonal dining and immersive themed cabins, it is widely considered the ultimate holiday dining experience in Silicon Valley.

8. Catch the magical snowfall at Santana Row.

Head over to San Jose, about a 25-minute drive away, for a touch of winter magic as Santana Row brings the North Pole to Park Valencia every Tuesday and Saturday evening in December. From 6 PM to 8 PM, you can dance under “snow showers” that fall every 30 minutes, accompanied by festive holiday tunes. It is a fun, free photo opportunity that pairs perfectly with a night of shopping and dining on The Row.

9. Enjoy a Jane Austen-inspired holiday play at TheatreWorks.

For theater lovers, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley presents Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley at the Lucie Stern Theatre from December 3 through 28. This charming sequel to Pride and Prejudice follows the younger Bennet sister and Darcy’s sister as they navigate romance, ambition and family expectations. Get your tickets to this witty, heartwarming production filled with music and sisterhood that fits perfectly into the holiday season.

10. Watch a locally inspired rendition of The San Jose Nutcracker.

This unique production by New Ballet and Symphony San Jose reimagines the classic Tchaikovsky ballet with a distinct local twist, setting the story in 1905 San Jose against the backdrop of the famous electric tower. Running on select dates from December 13 through 23 at the California Theatre, it features swirling snowflakes and waltzing flowers that celebrate the Santa Clara Valley’s heritage. It is a beautiful way to complete your family’s holiday traditions while enjoying a fresh take on a timeless tale.

11. Explore the spooky and festive Holidays at Winchester Mystery House.

Step back in time every Saturday at the Winchester Mystery House, where you can browse the Yuletide Oddities Market by day and enjoy a special Holiday Open House from 6 PM to 8 PM. For just $15, the evening admission includes a self-guided stroll through the decorated mansion, a cup of hot cocoa and the chance to see “snowfall” in the courtyard. Check their calendar for other ticketed Saturday night specials, including Victorian tea parties and garden concerts.

12. Mix science and celebration at Polar Play Days.

Make hands-on science your new holiday tradition and buy tickets for The Tech Interactive’s Polar Play Days. Families can enjoy seasonal STEAM labs, make-and-take crafts, a polar animal scavenger hunt and even a “sock skating” rink for some friction-free fun. It’s an engaging, educational way to celebrate the season indoors, with plenty of holiday photo-ops scattered throughout the exhibits.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Palo Alto!

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