The family events worth booking early—plus a few easy traditions that can wait.
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Book first
The strongest small-kid options with tickets already moving.
Some evening slots sold outSCBPC holiday highlight
Holidays at Filoli + Thistlewyck Village
Nov 14, 2026–Jan 10, 2027
Filoli · Woodside
All ages · especially good for ages 2–8Paid · daytime is free for members
A miniature Christmas village and model railway make the daytime visit a gentle family outing. Book a separate evening visit for the illuminated gardens.
Plan-ahead note
Daytime includes Thistlewyck Village through January 3; last daytime entry is 1:30 p.m. Holiday Lights requires a separate ticket, with last entry at 8 p.m. Checked October 6: December 5 entries at 4, 4:30, 5, 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m. are sold out. The exact 7 p.m. booking page opens ticket selectors; 7:30 and 8 p.m. retain calendar links. Neither links nor selectors guarantee tickets. Other dates and checkout inventory were not exhaustively checked.
Ages 1+ · best for young children$16 displayed · final fee may vary
A short, low-key Nutcracker morning with tea and snacks, dancers from Redwood City’s Academy of American Ballet, and simple ballet movements for children afterward.
Plan-ahead note
Full; waiting-list registration is open as of October 3, with 13 people on the waitlist. A waitlist place does not guarantee admission. The booking page displays $16 including a processing fee and says the final price may vary. Check-in and tea are 9:45–10 a.m., followed by the performance until 11 a.m. Dress-up is optional.
Ages 2–5 with a caregiverPaid · includes one child and one adult
A short Nutcracker experience designed for preschoolers: ballet excerpts, tea and treats, followed by a chance for children to try simple dance movements.
Plan-ahead note
Dress-up clothes or ballet attire are encouraged but optional. The city listing notes a $20 fee for each additional family member; register early for this small-format event.
Made for toddlers and young childrenPaid · children 1+ need a ticket; confirm infant policy
The best-fit Nutcracker for younger SCBPC families: a 55-minute, one-act ballet with live orchestra, no intermission, and pre-show play areas.
Plan-ahead note
Arrive up to an hour early for lobby activities, character photos and play areas. The performance page says children age 1+ need tickets, while the linked box office says everyone needs one; confirm the policy for infants before booking. All four 11 a.m. performances showed “Excellent” availability on October 3; seats can change.
Designed for families with small children$23.50–$65.50 · every guest needs a ticket
A colorful 50-minute Nutcracker with live chamber orchestra—short enough for a first theater outing and special enough to justify the drive.
Plan-ahead note
A 50-minute performance with no intermission. Arrive at least 30 minutes early; strollers stay in the lobby. Every guest, including babies, needs a ticket, and sales are final.
Worth knowing now, even though booking is not open yet.
2026 season sold out · checked Oct 4
Niles Canyon Train of Lights
Select nights Nov 20–Dec 30
Niles/Fremont or Sunol
All ages · children 3+ need a ticket · $40 general seating · premium options available
A 1½-hour holiday ride in illuminated vintage train cars. The railway reports all 2026 tickets sold out; keep it on the list only if you want to watch for cancellations.
Checked October 4: the railway's October 3 announcement says all 2026 Train of Lights tickets are sold out. The November 20, 4:30 p.m. booking page also says sold out and recommends checking online for cancellations. Scheduled departures are 4:30 p.m. from Niles and 7:30 p.m. from Sunol on selected nights. Cancellation availability is not guaranteed; trains run rain or shine and some seating is open-air.
All ages · Ticketed ride · price not yet announced
A festive train ride with holiday decorations, performances and activities, stopping in Palo Alto, Redwood City and San Mateo.
December 5 is confirmed, but ticket pricing and the sale date are not yet listed on the official page. Check back for booking details before making plans.
Best for ages 2–9 · $65 Good-Any-Day admission · under 3 free · parking extra
A true holiday destination night with family rides, lights, live shows, Santa-themed characters, and optional ice skating.
North Pole Nights: Nov 21–22 and 27–29; Dec 4–6, 11–13, 18–23 and 26–30. Nov dates and most Dec dates run 1–9 p.m.; Dec 4, 11 and 18 run 5–10 p.m. Closed Dec 24–25. Dec 31 is a separate New Year’s Eve event, 4 p.m.–midnight. The official shop lists a $65 Good-Any-Day ticket valid for North Pole Nights in 2026; parking and optional extras cost more. Check the calendar before the longer drive; exact-date capacity was not established.