My Kat Life

Can you believe we’re nearing the end of the decade, let alone the year, already? It’s a bit scary, but I also love the end of the year for all of the holiday festivities. Once Thanksgiving comes to a close, homes, malls, and public spaces are decorated and lit up with lights, ornaments, and inflatables. I tried to visit as many festive holiday public spaces as I could before I jetted off on vacation with my family (apologies for not including the East Bay, but I’ll try to add some for next year) and added other notable places to get your fill of holiday spirit. Links to Google Map details and additional event information are included below.

SAN FRANCISCO

• Union Square: every year the square erects a holiday tree with ornaments alongside the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink (see link for details on skate ticket and rental prices + available dates and times). In conjunction with decorated Macy’s windows as a backdrop, it’s a beautiful spot to visit for photos and to get your holiday shopping done. Tip: Head into Macy’s and head up to one of the upper floors to snap some photos looking down on the square.
• Westin Union Square: once you’re done with Union Square, head across the street to the Westin to check out the Sugar and Enchanted Castles. The 12-foot in the middle of the lobby is not only grand, but also features running toy trains! Don’t miss the smaller Enchanted Castle off to the side — it’s a winter wonderland!
• Embarcadero Center Holiday Ice Rink: if you’re planning to visit the Embarcadero Center area across town, you can also skate here. See link for details on skate ticket and rental prices + available dates and times.
• Ferry Building: through December 31, the Ferry Building has been transformed into “The Merry Building” with their inaugural gingerbread exhibition, featuring gingerbread creations by their own merchants. The building’s famous clocktower is also illuminated each night with colorful lights. Don’t miss the life-sized gingerbread photo opp too!
• Fairmont San Francisco: you may have heard about the Fairmont’s life-sized gingerbread house and for good reason. When I visited, the lobby was packed full of families trying to grab a spot by the 23-foot tree in the lobby. As you can see from my photo, I didn’t manage to catch a break among the crowd trying to get their photos. The life-sized gingerbread house, which stands at 25-feet tall, is a fun display — you can walk through it and watch a moving toy train go by.
• Tom & Jerry’s House: if you’ve never been to this house, you won’t believe it until you see it! The owners, Tom and Jerry, decorate the facade of their home every year with giant stockings, a three-story tree, ornaments, and interactive displays/games. Beware, the home is located on a pretty steep hill, so if the street is busy with visitors, you may find yourself climbing up and down the hill to your car. Tip: get there before 10pm; I hear the owners turn off the lights.
• The Great Dickens Christmas Fair: this fair has been on my radar for a couple of years, but I haven’t had a chance to visit yet. The fair takes you back in time to the Victorian era as you shop a Christmas fair! Tickets and info (ends December 22).

PENINSULA

• Hillsdale Shopping Center: I visited the shopping center for the first time and was surprised by the new shops that have popped up. More shops are still being added. For the holidays, they have a large tree outside. In the mall, you’ll find holiday decor on the first floor along with Santa.
• Christmas Tree Lane, San Carlos: this particular block in San Carlos has made a name for itself over the years with residents that go above and beyond with holiday light decor. I did not have a chance to visit this year, but last year, there were several houses that had me wondering how high their electric bill was. Think lots of string lights, giant ornaments on trees, and inflatable characters.

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SOUTH BAY

• Christmas in the Park: I love that San Jose puts this together for the city every year. Park over by San Pedro Square Market and walk a couple blocks to the park before or after dinner. You’ll find lots of families walking through the park, so be prepared to be jostled, and you may have to exercise some patience to get your photo. I liked the creative “nativity” scenes (they aren’t religious in nature, but the idea reminded me of nativity scenes) that were adapted to modern day themes for sports and other cultures as well. Unfortunately, our visit was cut short by sudden torrential rain or we would have sought out the famous snowman hot chocolate. Various vendors at the park sell holiday gifts as well as snacks and drinks. More info on the park here.
• Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice: if you’re looking to ice skate, look no further in downtown San Jose. The Kristi Yamaguchi ice rink is here every year in front of the San Jose Museum of Art. See link for details on skate ticket and rental prices + available dates and times.
• Santana Row: I love visiting the row during the holidays for their 40-foot tree at the Chess Plaza. Visit during the day or night for a photo while you shop and dine along the row.
• Stanford Shopping Center: get your holiday shopping done and visit Santa! Details on visiting hours here.

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