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What's Up This Weekend with Fonseca 12/19/25





Friday, December 19

Holidays at Filoli ~ Woodside‘Tis the season to make special memories, bask in the vibrant landscape, and spend time together. Step into the magic of the House decked in holiday cheer and explore the winter Garden, where inspiration glows. New this year, Thistlewyck, a whimsical village made specifically for families features miniature trains, fairy houses, an Elf Emporium, Post Office, and the Train Depot Toy Shop. Complete the Thistlewyck Passport—a scavenger hunt activity for kids, which includes free hot cocoa and a special gift from the Trailhead Toy Shop.

A Christmas Carol – Walnut Creek

The Science of Fun (Free) – Cupertino

Fratello Marionettes (Free) – San Jose

Downtown Ice – San Jose


Saturday, December 20

WinterFest at Chabot Space & Science Center ~ OaklandCelebrate the season at WinterFest at Chabot Space & Science Center, December 20–21, 10AM-5PM! Bring the whole family to explore the festively decorated Center filled with hands-on science, live performances, face painting, snow flurries, and cosmic discoveries. Meet real scientists, learn about icy worlds, and spark curiosity as a family. It’s a joyful way to learn, explore, and have fun—while supporting a beloved local nonprofit this holiday season.

Cirque du Soleil ECHO ~ Under the Big Top at Oracle Park, San FranciscoCirque du Soleil returns to San Francisco with ECHO, an inspiring new show blending acrobatics, technology, and storytelling. ECHO follows FUTURE and her dog as they journey through a fantastical world shaped by empathy, nature, and human connection. Featuring bold visuals, vibrant characters, and groundbreaking acts, this 20th Big Top creation invites audiences to imagine a better world built together. Special Offer for Bay Area Kid Fun visitors:

Use this link to save up to 20% off select seats/dates.

SF Jazz Family Matinee – San Francisco

Solstice Celebration (Free) – San Francisco

Family Astronomy – Oakland

Fun on the Farm (Free) – San Ramon

Star Party at Crestview Park (Free) – San Carlos

Holiday LEGO Show – Palo Alto

Weekend Farm Tour – Los Altos Hills


Sunday, December 21

The Physics Show ~ Los Altos HillsA fun science show for kids and their families. If you’ve never had fun with physics, you haven’t been to The Physics Show! Only $6 per person.

Glowfari at Oakland Zoo ~ OaklandThis wildly popular, family-friendly experience is back with hundreds of new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to conservation. Finish your experience with a ride on the train through the great red island of Madagascar, a wondrous world full of lemurs, chameleons, and other unique flora and fauna!

Circus Bella – San Francisco

Midwinter Revels – Hayward

San Mateo on Ice – San Mateo

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Friday, December 19, 2025

  1. Stanford Cardinal Women’s Basketball

    • Washington Huskies at Stanford Cardinal Women’s Basketball

    • 7:00 PM — Maples Pavilion, Stanford (college basketball)


Saturday, December 20, 2025

  1. San Jose Sharks – NHL

    • San Jose Sharks vs Seattle Kraken

    • 7:00 PM — SAP Center, San Jose (NHL hocke)

  2. Bay Area Women’s Classic (Basketball)

    • Stanford vs Oregon & Cal vs USC

    • Times vary — Chase Center, San Francisco (women’s college basketball event)

Sunday, December 21, 2025

  1. Bay Area Women’s Classic (Continued)

    • Ongoing college basketball at Chase Center, San Francisco

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New Wide Theatrical Releases (Dec 19, 2025)

  1. Avatar: Fire and Ash — Sci-fi/action adventure; the next chapter of the Avatar franchise.

  2. The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants — Animated family adventure.

  3. The Housemaid — Psychological thriller starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried.

  4. David — Animated adventure/drama.

  5. Is This Thing On? — Comedy/drama (opening this weekend).

  6. The Six Billion Dollar Man — Documentary feature (limited theatrical) debut.


WinterFest at Chabot Space & Science Center ~ Oakland, December 20 & 21Celebrate the season at WinterFest at Chabot Space & Science Center, December 20–21, 10AM-5PM! Bring the whole family to explore the festively decorated Center filled with hands-on science, live performances, face painting, snow flurries, and cosmic discoveries. Meet real scientists, learn about icy worlds, and spark curiosity as a family. It’s a joyful way to learn, explore, and have fun—while supporting a beloved local nonprofit this holiday season.

Cirque du Soleil ECHO ~ Under the Big Top at Oracle Park, San Francisco, November 20, 2025 – January 18, 2026Cirque du Soleil returns to San Francisco with ECHO, an inspiring new show blending acrobatics, technology, and storytelling. ECHO follows FUTURE and her dog as they journey through a fantastical world shaped by empathy, nature, and human connection. Featuring bold visuals, vibrant characters, and groundbreaking acts, this 20th Big Top creation invites audiences to imagine a better world built together. Special Offer for Bay Area Kid Fun visitors: Use this link to save up to 20% off select seats/dates.

Firecracker Math Winter Camp ~ Berkeley, Oakland, Lafayette, Mill Valley, December 22 – January 2Math Winter Camp for kids ages 6-16 sparks interest in math and mathematical thinking skills. Expert instructors build campers’ knowledge and confidence through exploratory lessons, games, puzzles, and magic tricks. Full-day (9 am – 4 pm) campers enjoy a variety of activities, including art projects, hands-on science experiments, and more. Extended care and drop-ins are available. Sibling and referral bonuses for more savings! Enroll at firecrackermath.org to secure your child’s place in this enriching winter adventure!

Marine Science Sundays at The Marine Mammal Center ~ Sausalito, December 28Join us at The Marine Mammal Center to learn about a variety of marine science topics the second and fourth Sunday of each month. These interactive presentations hosted by our award-winning educators feature multimedia, pictures, video and more to share the stories of amazing marine mammals. After the program, explore our hospital and visitor center to learn more about what we’re doing to save animals along the California coast and beyond, and how you can help.

Dog Man: The Musical ~ Oakland, January 3 & 4A Hilarious, Heartfelt Family Adventure playing at the newly renovated Henry J Kaiser Center! Now get a Family Four pack for $99 plus fees and get a DogMan Backpack pull! Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. Recommended for ages 5+.

Holidays at Filoli ~ Woodside, November 22 – January 11‘Tis the season to make special memories, bask in the vibrant landscape, and spend time together. Step into the magic of the House decked in holiday cheer and explore the winter Garden, where inspiration glows. New this year, Thistlewyck, a whimsical village made specifically for families features miniature trains, fairy houses, an Elf Emporium, Post Office, and the Train Depot Toy Shop. Complete the Thistlewyck Passport—a scavenger hunt activity for kids, which includes free hot cocoa and a special gift from the Trailhead Toy Shop.

First Friday at CuriOdyssey ~ San Mateo, January 2Swing into the weekend with science, animals, music, food trucks, and fun! On the first Friday of every month, from 5 PM until 8 PM, parents and kids celebrate together at CuriOdyssey. Dance to some of your favorite hits, while enjoying animal presentations and science activities. Activities and programs are different each time, so make it a monthly tradition.

Glowfari at Oakland Zoo ~ Oakland, November 7 – January 25This wildly popular, family-friendly experience is back with hundreds of new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to conservation. Finish your experience with a ride on the train through the great red island of Madagascar, a wondrous world full of lemurs, chameleons, and other unique flora and fauna!

The Physics Show ~ Los Altos Hills, December 20-January 10A fun science show for kids and their families. If you’ve never had fun with physics, you haven’t been to The Physics Show! Only $6 per person.


December 2025 (also see Holiday Fun)

Annie by Berkeley Playhouse – Berkeley, November 7 – December 21

A Christmas Carol by Los Altos Theatre Company – Los Altos, November 28 – December 21

Holiday LEGO Show – Palo Alto, December 6-January 10

A Christmas Carol – Walnut Creek, December 10-21

Midwinter Revels – Hayward, December 12-21

Circus Bella – San Francisco, December 12 – January 4

Help Decorate San Francisco’s Rose Parade Float (Free) – San Francisco, December 19

The Science of Fun (Free) – Cupertino, December 19

Fratello Marionettes (Free) – San Jose, December 19

SF Jazz Family Matinee – San Francisco, December 20

Solstice Celebration (Free) – San Francisco, December 20

Family Astronomy – Oakland, December 20

Star Party at Crestview Park (Free) – San Carlos, December 20

Weekend Farm Tour – Los Altos Hills, December 20

Puppet Art Theater: The Boy Who Cried Wolf (Free) – San Jose, December 20

Winter Fun with Hey Balloon Lady (Free) – San Jose, December 20

Winter on the Wharf – Santa Cruz, December 20

Winter Family Day at MAH – Santa Cruz, December 20

Ricky Roo & Friends (Free) – Berkeley, December 22

Once Upon a Time Step – Pleasanton, December 22

Jack and the Beanstalk Holiday Puppet Show (Free) – Milpitas, December 23

Bubble Sam (Free) – Berkeley, December 27

Jack and the Beanstalk Holiday Puppet Show (Free) – Morgan Hill, December 27

Jurassic Quest – Pleasanton, December 27-30

Japanese New Year Bell Ringing Ceremony (Free) – San Francisco, December 28

Noon Year’s Storytime Celebration (Free) – Portola Valley, December 28

Rainy Day Science (Free) – Oakley, December 29

Kwanzaa Celebration (Free) – San Francisco, December 30

Happy New Year Charlie Brown – Santa Rosa, December 31

New Year’s Eve at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, December 31

New Year’s Train – Santa Cruz, December 31

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Friday, December 19, 2025

Fisher – EDM Concert

  • Live electronic dance music show (Australian DJ/producer) at Moscone Center in San Francisco on Dec 19 & 20. Moscone Center

NGHTMRE – Electronic Music Show

  • Bass / dubstep night at The Midway in San Francisco (late night).

DJ + Afro House Events (Late Night)

  • Kasango at Madarae (San Francisco) — afro house music.

Holiday Music & Performances (Various)

  • Christmas Concerts at Grace Cathedral (holiday choral).

  • Other seasonal music/events in SF (holiday markets with live tunes).

Local Live Music & Shows (Various Venues)

  • The Mother Hips Annual Holiday Show at Great American Music Hall.

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Live Concerts & Performances

  • Concerts listed for Dec 20 include various live acts in the Bay Area calendar.

  • Check updated venue calendars for times and specific artists at local spots such as:

    • The Fillmore

    • The Independent

    • August Hall

    • Bottom of the Hill (shows scheduled 7pm & 6pm this weekend) bottomofthehill.com

    • The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall (Berkeley)

    • Brick & Mortar Music Hall



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