The holiday season is a busy one here on the peninsula with a plethora of fun activities. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorites for you to enjoy!

Friday 12/2 – San Carlos – Night of Holiday Lights

Two blocks along Laurel Street are closed down for music, holiday lights, family fun and rides. They do a special lighting ceremony at 6:30PM and snow will fall at the intersection of Laurel Street and Cherry Street. In fact, myself and Horticare are this year’s snow sponsors! We will have a tent and table next to Peet’s  — look for the Dwell orange pop-up tent and come by and say hi. We have some fun give aways and will be doing a drawing for a $50 gift card to The Toss, $100 gift card to The Wine Project and special holiday wreath.

Saturday 12/3 – Redwood City – Annual Hometown Holidays Festival

Rain or shine. It’s the Annual Hometown Holidays Festival, hosted by the Redwood City Downtown Business Group.  Start your holiday shopping, play in the snow, take a photo with Santa, join festivities inside the San Mateo County History Museum (open, free admission), check out the Ice Sculptors creating works of art on site, entertainment throughout the day, and more! Top the evening off by watching the Children’s Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony (moved to Courthouse Square area) and end it with the Magic Lantern 3D light show.  Schedule and event map can be found here.

Saturday 12/3 & Sunday 12/4 – Redwood City & San Carlos – Artists’ Holiday Open Studios

Art lovers of all ages are invited to visit over 80 participating artists at 7 different locations. This is an opportunity to meet talented local artists, find original art gifts for the holidays and build your own art collection.  Map for locations here.

Saturday 12/3 and Sunday 12/4 – Various Cities – Caltrain Holiday Train

The Caltrain Holiday Train presented by Silicon Valley Community Foundation, a Bay Area tradition since 2001, is a free family event that brings together thousands of local community members in the spirit of joy and giving.

Decorated with 70,000 glittering lights, the dazzling show-train will visit nine Caltrain stations between San Francisco and Santa Clara over two nights in December, providing holiday entertainment and collecting donations of toys for local children who otherwise might not receive a gift during the holidays. The Caltrain Holiday Train has generated nearly 50,000 toys for local children in its 13-year history. You can read more, see train schedule and donate to the Caltrain Holiday Train here.

Sunday 12/11 – San Carlos – Holiday Wine Stroll

The San Carlos Chamber of Commerce is presenting the First Annual Downtown San Carlos Holiday Wine Stroll. Enjoy a festive afternoon exploring boutique wines. Twenty merchants will open their businesses as pouring stations and they will also serve light bites to nibble. AND, my brokerage, Dwell Realtors is one of the stops at our 620 El Camino Real office! I will be serving wine — be sure to stop by! Further details and registration here.

Tuesday 12/26 – Redwood City – 7th Annual Chanukah Festival

Join Chabad MidPen for their seventh annual Chanukah Festival. They have a special unity menorah lighting, live music, latkes and donuts, arts and crafts, local dignitaries and entertainment. Register here and be entered in a raffle!

Enjoy this special time with your family and friends. I hope to see you at the San Carlos Night of Holiday Lights or Holiday Wine Stroll!