Look at all the places you can go and fun things you can do with the family! Make more memories this year. Enjoy your Christmas! –Editors at Bay Area Family Travel.com

San Francisco
Winter Chalet Experience at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, now until January 2. Looking for something fun to do with the family this holiday? Mosey to the lobby of the famous Mark Hopkins Hotel on Nob Hill. There you will find wreaths, poinsettias, a pair of nutcrackers in the doorway with photo ops right in front of you. The Nob Hill Club restaurant on the main level features a winter chocolate fondue on its menu. You should definitely partake with the kids. Check the times to zip up to the Top of the Mark lounge for stellar views of our favorite city, and enjoy a meal, snack, and kid-friendly and adult libations during this season. Of note for parents is the Silver Screen Sips, a series of Christmas movie-themed cocktails.
And to make the season extra special, the Winter Chalet Suite package at $699 a night, comes complete with a holiday-decorated one-bedroom suite. The room comes decked out with a Victrola turntable with holiday records and San Francisco Monopoly for all to play. But wait! There’s more. The package includes a take-home souvenir, and holiday picnic basket that includes charcuterie, desserts, and a bottle of bubbly. Address: 999 California St. To reserve, contact: sanfrancisco@ihg.com.

Sonoma
First Day Hike at Jack London State Historic Park, Jan. 1, 10:30-2:30 p.m. This beloved park will kick off the New Year with its traditional hike and also a new second hike that easier, shorter, and gentler. On the traditional route, hikers hoof it to the summit which is eight miles long and moderately strenuous. The soft version, at 3.5 miles, begins at 11 a.m., instead of 10:30 which is when the die hards begin. The hike wraps up at 1 p.m. This simpler hike covers redwoods, mixed evergreens, and arrives at the magnificent Ancient Redwood. Walkers should be prepared for some elevation gain and uneven rocky paths. As always, pack your own snacks, lunch, water, and bring hiking poles. Tickets run $15 per person and $10 per card for the entry fee. Both treks are among many First Day Hikes held throughout the country, supported by America’s State Parks, and at parks statewide with California State Parks. Address: 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. Reservations are required and can be made at https://jacklondonpark.com/events/first-day-hike-2025/.
Bricoleur Vineyards Holiday Market, December 14 and 15, 10-3. Get into the holiday mood with a craft festival. On the premises of Bricoleur Vineyards, enjoy local vendors, photos with Santa, food and activities, wine, and a toy drive. A portion of the $10 entrance ticket goes to the Santa Tim organization serving local families throughout the year with gifts and food. Free admission to anyone under 21 years old. Address” 7394 Starr Road, Windsor; purchase tickets online at https://www.exploretock.com/bricoleurvineyards/event/497893/bricoleur-vineyards-holiday-market-day-1 .
Do you have a favorite holiday activity you’d like us to post? Contact us at editors@bayareafamilytravel.com.