Looking to have some fun over winter break without leaving your beloved Bay Area? Check out these fun and festive winter activities you can do close to home. 

Explore your own city:

Even though you may think you know your city there is always more to explore. Grab a few friends and hop on a train to San Francisco and begin an adventure right at home. Union Square is a super festive location with its decorated Christmas tree in the middle of the square. This spot offers a variety of activities in the winter including shopping, ice skating and an animal adoption pop-up center. You can also venture over to the “Painted Ladies” a popular tourist attraction in the city which is conveniently located near a hip and cozy coffee shop called The Mill famously known for its cinnamon toast and great coffee.

The Movies:

Grab some blankets and head to your local movie theater to catch a new flick. Many movies will be coming out this December, such as “Office Christmas Party” and “Assassin’s Creed.” Other movies such as “Arrival,” or “Midnight” are already in theaters and are currently generating a lot of buzz and are sure to win some awards this coming Oscar season. If you’d rather stay in or want to save money, cuddle up on the couch instead and tune into a holiday special or watch the countdown to the new year in Times Square in New York City.

Ice Skating:

A consistent winner for getting in the holiday spirit is dressing up in a cute scarf and winter coat and going ice skating at your local rink. The cold ice gives the illusion that California really does have a winter, a bonus to the fun, but challenging activity. Afterward, grab a cup of hot cocoa and sit by a fire to warm up, completing your typical holiday outing.

Making Winter Decorations:

Grab some construction paper and some scissors and get to work! You can make snowflakes, homemade Christmas ornaments (if you celebrate Christmas) or strands of paper people to hang around your home. This is a great activity to do with younger children as well, so you can include all of your family members, no matter how young.

Gingerbread Houses & Baking:

Gather your friends and throw a sweet decorating party. This can range from sugar cookies with store-bought frosting to elaborate gingerbread houses with detailed adornments. If you are feeling very adventurous you can attempt to create different holiday treats from places around the world such as Mexican Citrus-pumpkin Flan or Italian Amaretti cookies.