Embrace the holiday joy in Menlo Park! Find all the community events in our guide. From Menlo Park residents to holiday tourists, our guide showcases the city's festive highlights.
One enchanting event to experience this season is the Holidays at Filoli, where the historic estate is transformed with stunning decorations and seasonal cheer, creating a picturesque setting. Guests can also enjoy the luxurious atmosphere and delightful dining options at the Holidays at The Stanford Park Hotel, which features a charming holiday brunch. And the Ballroom Signature Lounge at Filoli is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a magical space to relax and enjoy seasonal cocktails. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Menlo Park
- Holidays at Filoli (Woodside)
- Children’s Magical Tea at Top of the Mark (San Francisco)
- Christmas Tea at The Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco (San Francisco)
- Private Fire Pit Experiences at Filoli (Woodside)
- Ballroom Signature Lounge at Filoli (Woodside)
- Holidays at The Stanford Park Hotel
- Dollie + Me Holiday Tea at The Westin St. Francis (San Francisco)
- Teddy Bear Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco (San Francisco)
- Holiday Tea Service at Sip Tea Room (San Francisco)
- Smuin's The Christmas Ballet at Lesher Center for the Arts (Walnut Creek)
See these and even more events listed below!
Menlo Park Holiday Light Displays
Holidays at Filoli
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light displays and historic estate decorations.
Description:
Holidays at Filoli offers a vibrant holiday celebration with stunning light displays, festive decorations, and immersive experiences. Explore the beautifully adorned House and Garden, enjoy warm drinks by a firepit, and indulge in a hearty lunch at the Quail Café. Evening admission features spectacular light tunnels and enchanting Garden displays.
Where: Woodside | More Info: Holidays at Filoli
Menlo Park Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Open House at City of Benicia
What to Expect:
Holiday goods showcase with live carolers.
Description:
First Street merchants and Benicia Main Street host an open house at the beginning of the Christmas Season. Merchants offer beverages and treats while showcasing their holiday goods. Costumed carolers sing traditional Christmas tunes, and live entertainment adds to the atmosphere.
Where: Benicia | More Info: Holiday Open House at City of Benicia
Holiday Parade & Market at City of Benicia
What to Expect:
Local marching bands and Santa Claus parade.
Description:
The Holiday Parade & Market at City of Benicia features local marching bands, dancers, and Santa Claus, along with a holiday market offering handcrafted arts, crafts, and gourmet items.
Where: Benicia | More Info: Holiday Parade & Market at City of Benicia
Menlo Park Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Smuin's The Christmas Ballet at Lesher Center for the Arts
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with a mix of classical and contemporary styles.
Description:
Smuin's The Christmas Ballet is a vibrant holiday production blending classical ballet with contemporary and Broadway elements, featuring new additions each year.
Where: Walnut Creek | More Info: Smuin's The Christmas Ballet at Lesher Center for the Arts
Christmas Tea at The Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco
What to Expect:
Elegant Victorian-style tea service with live pianist.
Description:
Indulge in a traditional Christmas Tea at The Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco, featuring exquisite Victorian-style settings and a selection of fine teas, scones, and sweet treats.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Christmas Tea at The Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco
Teddy Bear Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
What to Expect:
Teddy bear gift and holiday-themed entertainment for children.
Description:
At The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, children ages 2-11 enjoy a teddy bear gift while participating in festive entertainment, photo opportunities, and a delightful menu featuring hot chocolate, scones, and assorted sandwiches. Guests are also encouraged to bring a wrapped toy to donate to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Teddy Bear Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Menlo Park Other Holiday Activities
Holidays at The Stanford Park Hotel
What to Expect:
Ugly sweater contests and festive dinner specials.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at The Stanford Park Hotel with special events, including ugly sweater contests, festive dinner specials, and photos with Santa. Enjoy new seasonal menus and festive cocktails in a convivial setting.
Where: Menlo Park | More Info: Holidays at The Stanford Park Hotel
Thanksgiving Dinner at The Stanford Park Hotel
What to Expect:
Traditional Thanksgiving menu with seasonal dishes.
Description:
Savor a traditional Thanksgiving feast at The Stanford Park Hotel, featuring slow-roasted turkey, Brussels sprouts, sweet potato gratin, and cranberry sauce. Indulge in the richness of the Prime NY Steak or the comforting Conchiglioni Pasta. The meal culminates with a Pumpkin Cheesecake, offering a delightful blend of festive flavors.
Where: Menlo Park | More Info: Thanksgiving Dinner at The Stanford Park Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner at The Stanford Park Hotel
What to Expect:
Elegant prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings.
Description:
Savor a delightful Christmas Eve Dinner at The Stanford Park Hotel with a prix fixe menu and optional wine pairings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for the holiday season.
Where: Menlo Park | More Info: Christmas Eve Dinner at The Stanford Park Hotel
Ugly Sweater Contests at Menlo Tavern
What to Expect:
Ugly sweater contest with dinner prizes.
Description:
Join Menlo Tavern for Ugly Sweater Contests every Friday night in December. Wear your best sweater for a chance to win complimentary dinner for two. Winners are announced at 8 PM.
Where: Menlo Park | More Info: Ugly Sweater Contests at Menlo Tavern
Brunch and Photos with Santa at Menlo Tavern
What to Expect:
Brunch with Santa in a charming, upscale setting.
Description:
Join Menlo Tavern for a delightful brunch experience, featuring seasonal dishes and a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy the company of Santa while savoring delicious food and drinks.
Where: Menlo Park | More Info: Brunch and Photos with Santa at Menlo Tavern
Christmas Eve Dinner at Menlo Tavern
What to Expect:
Elegant holiday dining with optional wine pairings.
Description:
Savor a prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings at Christmas Eve Dinner at Menlo Tavern, featuring a cozy and convivial setting.
Where: Menlo Park | More Info: Christmas Eve Dinner at Menlo Tavern
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Menlo Tavern
What to Expect:
Elegant dining experience with live music.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve at Menlo Tavern with a sumptuous dinner featuring a balanced selection of hearty and lighter fare, inspired by elevated American dishes and California's seasonal approach to food.
Where: Menlo Park | More Info: New Year’s Eve Dinner at Menlo Tavern
Ballroom Signature Lounge at Filoli
What to Expect:
Intimate, elegant experience with live piano music and bottomless sparkling wine.
Description:
Indulge in an elegant and romantic experience in Filoli's grand Ballroom, where limited seating ensures an intimate setting. Step back in time to experience Filoli as the Bourn and Roth guests once did. Sip on bottomless sparkling wine as the sounds of live piano music fill the air, enhancing the atmosphere. Every detail is crafted to evoke the grandeur and sophistication of Filoli's storied past.
Where: Woodside | More Info: Ballroom Signature Lounge at Filoli
Private Fire Pit Experiences at Filoli
What to Expect:
Intimate holiday gathering with private fire pit and bottomless beverages.
Description:
Gather around a cozy private fire pit at Filoli, sipping mulled wine or hot cider while surrounded by twinkling holiday lights.
Where: Woodside | More Info: Private Fire Pit Experiences at Filoli
Gilded Guide Tour at Filoli
What to Expect:
Behind-the-scenes tour with a curator, including Curatorial offices and historic bedrooms.
Description:
Explore Filoli's historic estate with a guided tour led by the curator, visiting behind-the-scenes areas and learning about the meticulous preparations that transform the house into a holiday spectacle. Enjoy sparkling wine and a chocolate gift.
Where: Woodside | More Info: Gilded Guide Tour at Filoli
Hair of the Dog Hike at Filoli
What to Expect:
Boozy self-guided hike with mid-way drinks and a Bloody Mary Bar.
Description:
Join Filoli for the Hair of the Dog Hike on January 1, 2024, from 10am to 12pm. This self-guided hike starts at the trail entrance with a splash of sparkling drinks and includes mid-way mimosas and a build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar at Reds Barn. Take your own pace and enjoy learning experiences along the way.
Where: Woodside | More Info: Hair of the Dog Hike at Filoli
Children’s Magical Tea at Top of the Mark
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday tea with interactive activities.
Description:
Children’s Magical Tea at Top of the Mark features delightful activities, including cookie decorating, face painting, and a special appearance by the Lowell High School Choir, all set against breathtaking views of San Francisco.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Children’s Magical Tea at Top of the Mark
Holiday Tea Service at Sip Tea Room
What to Expect:
Unique holiday tea experience with festive decorations and communal tables.
Description:
Sip Tea Room offers a Holiday Afternoon Tea Experience featuring a prix fixe menu with freshly baked scones, tea sandwiches, and special holiday desserts. The event includes festive decorations, holiday music, and communal tables for connecting with new friends.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Holiday Tea Service at Sip Tea Room
Dollie + Me Holiday Tea at The Westin St. Francis
What to Expect:
Interactive doll crafting event for children.
Description:
Join Dollie + Me Holiday Tea at The Westin St. Francis for a delightful afternoon of holiday tea, crafting, and fun with kit & sis. Adults enjoy a full tea service and champagne, while children savor hot chocolate, sweet treats, and tea sandwiches. Each child receives a goodie bag filled with precious crafts to enjoy year-round.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Dollie + Me Holiday Tea at The Westin St. Francis
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Palo Alto (2 miles)
- East Palo Alto (2 miles)
- Redwood City (4 miles)
- San Carlos (6 miles)
- Los Altos (6 miles)
- Belmont (7 miles)
- Mountain View (7 miles)
- Foster City (9 miles)
- Newark (9 miles)
- Sunnyvale (10 miles)
- San Mateo (11 miles)
- Cupertino (12 miles)
- Fremont (12 miles)
- Union City (13 miles)
- Burlingame (14 miles)
- Santa Clara (14 miles)
- Millbrae (15 miles)
- Saratoga (16 miles)
- Hayward (16 miles)
- San Lorenzo (16 miles)
- Ashland (17 miles)
- Campbell (17 miles)
- Castro Valley (17 miles)
- San Bruno (17 miles)
- San Jose (18 miles)
- South San Francisco (19 miles)
- San Leandro (19 miles)
- Los Gatos (19 miles)
- Pacifica (20 miles)
- Dublin (22 miles)
- Visitacion Valley (22 miles)
- Alameda (22 miles)
- Daly City (23 miles)
- Noe Valley (25 miles)
- Oakland (25 miles)
- Mission District (25 miles)
- San Ramon (25 miles)
- San Francisco (26 miles)
- Chinatown (27 miles)
- Danville (27 miles)
- Livermore (28 miles)
- Berkeley (29 miles)
- Lafayette (30 miles)
- Walnut Creek (32 miles)
- El Cerrito (33 miles)
- Santa Cruz (34 miles)
- Richmond (35 miles)
- Pleasant Hill (35 miles)
- San Pablo (36 miles)
- Morgan Hill (37 miles)
- Concord (37 miles)
- Martinez (39 miles)
- Hercules (39 miles)
- San Rafael (41 miles)
- Benicia (41 miles)
- Bay Point (42 miles)
- Brentwood (42 miles)
- Pittsburg (43 miles)
- Antioch (43 miles)
- Watsonville (44 miles)