It’s almost Winter Break, why not do something fun? Instead of sitting at home, here are some alternative places you could go to have a great time. 

San Francisco

Starting off with a no brainer, go to the City! The possibilities are endless. Take the BART and stop by Union Square; shop, eat, sight-see, and ogle at the beautiful holiday decorations. The few blocks with Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square are a must visit area, with street performers, souvenirs, and the best clam chowder bowls in the Bay. If you don’t want to deal with the cold, go shop! Westfield Mall has everything you can imagine and Chinatown is full of Chinese culture; it’s never boring. If you like unique boutiques, drop by Haight Street, the epicenter of street wear and hippy culture. And of course, the best part of visiting San Francisco is the food. It’s everywhere and anywhere; cheap, expensive, different, and always delicious. You can’t go wrong with San Francisco; there’s so much to do and you can see the city in full bloom during the holidays.

Price: Public transportation and whatever you choose to spend on food, clothing, or events.

Christmas in the Park

Christmas in the Park is an event that is located in downtown San Jose at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. A 30 year old non-profit organization that sets up a beautiful exhibit of lights, decorations, Christmas trees, and parades, Christmas in the Park is the main attraction of San Jose during December. Donations are not mandatory and it’s definitely worth it to drive down; in the meantime you can take a few hours to shop and eat besides just going to Christmas in the Park. There’s also a chance to get community service volunteer hours as everything at this month-long event is volunteer run. It’s a great way to spend a day of break in a fun and beneficial way. 

Location: San Jose, Plaza de Chavez

Dates/Times: November 27 - December 24, 6-9 p.m. weekdays and 1-9 p.m. weekends

Price: Free!                          

Web: www.christmasinthepark.com

The Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center

Looking for a winter sport, but don’t want to travel the distance or spend the exorbitant price? Then dress warmly and go ice-skating! It’s is a perfect activity to have fun and experience winter at the same time, whether it’s with your friends, family, or maybe even a significant other. The Holiday Rink at Embarcadero Center is one of the largest outside skating-rinks in California and during the holiday season it’s a great place not only to skate, but also to shop and eat. When you’ve finished skating, you’re in San Francisco’s Embarcadero Center. What can’t you do there? The environment is light-hearted and you’ll have a good time no matter who you go with!

Location: Justin Herman Plaza, adjacent to Four Embarcadero Center and across from the historic Ferry Building. It’s in San Francisco, so taking the BART is the easiest travel choice.

Dates/Times: November 11 through January 3, 2010

Sunday-Thursday: 10 AM to 10 PM

Friday/Saturday: 10 AM to 11:30 PM 

Price: Adults: $9.50, Seniors/Children Under 5: $6

Skate Rental: $3.50

Web:http://www.embarcaderocenter.com/ec/Holidays/2009%20rink.html

Gingerbread Extravaganza

Making gingerbread houses never gets old; who doesn’t love gorgeous, edible creations you can make and eat for fun? If you want to have the opportunity to have fun with your friends and make an awesome gingerbread house, stop by the 14th Annual Gingerbread Architecture Extravaganza at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. It’s a big event where people gather and have a huge convention just to make gingerbread house. Although it’s a bit pricey and kind of far, it’s really fun and if you have the time, why not? Besides, you basically get unlimited amounts of candy decorations. Visit their website to sign up and get more information.

Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito, CA 94965-2614 (Discovery Museum)

Dates/Times: Dec. 19 – 23. Be quick to sign up.

Price: $25 dollars per gingerbread kit

Web:http://www.baykidsmuseum.org/programs_events/programs/gingerbread_architecture/

Crippsmas Place

Something that a lot of people don’t consider doing, but is actually really fun is visiting all those local neighborhoods that decorate their streets with amazing and creative Christmas decorations. It’s fun to just drive or walk down the street with friends and loved ones, drinking coffee and hot chocolate, looking at the decorations and talking. One place located here in Fremont is Crippsmas Place. It’s a 40 year old non-profit organization that’s located on the streets of Fremont that attracts regular people with their amazing cut-outs and lighting decorations to collect donations that contribute to six charity organizations, some of which include Leukemia-Lymphoma Society and Adopt an Angel. It’s beautiful at night and worth a visit. 

Location: Fremont – Neighborhood around Wellington Place

Dates/Times: Dec. 5 – 26, All day, preferably at night.

Price: Free!

Here are some other places around the Bay Area renowned for their decorations that you should drive by if you have the chance:

Alameda: Thompson Avenue. 

Palo Alto: Fulton Street. 

San Carlos: Eucalyptus Avenue