My husband and I will be visiting our son in SF from 11/22 to 11/28. The only major thing planned is an NHL game on the 23rd in San Jose. We are planning to do a traditional dinner, cooking in, dinner on Thanksgiving but have the rest of the weekend free. Looking for some fun ideas - tree lighting, any Christmas events, markets, concerts, plays etc. to try out. I'm also curious as to any fun things to do in the Napa Valley or Carmel area as day trips. We've been to SF many times but never over the holidays. We are staying in the city; he lives in the Candlestick area.

Any and all ideas and suggestions welcome!!

Am I correct that you'll travel on the 22nd & 28th? If so, it means, 3 free days. Considering holiday traffic on the weekend, I'd stay in the City, loads to do.

Right, we'll have most of the day on the 23rd, all day on the 24 (dinner at night), 25, 26th and 27th to do things

If the weather is good go north over the Golden Gate to Marin Headlands an continue on to Mill Valley check to see ifDipsea cafe is open for breakfast. Then maybe take Shoreline out to Stinson Beach.. Take advantage of the light traffic days.

I'd love to know about any tree lightings, parades or Christmas Markets like they have in Chicago and Minneapolis

Ice skating in Union Square.

Stu Dudley

I am sure Black Friday will be a zoo downtown; thinking we head south to Woodside and the Thomas Fogerty winery; maybe do Union Square, Westin St Francis and Ghiradelli Square for the decorations on Saturday and head to Napa and a few favorite wineries on Sunday.

We usually stop in at the Hyatt Embarcadero to see the Christmas decorations in the lobby (most often when doing some shopping at the Ferry Building). There will be plenty of craft booths set up outside the building too.

We also like to check out the gingerbread house/castle/construction in the lobby of the Westin St. Francis in Union Square.

If you're in Woodside, Filoli is a great place and should be done up for the holidays. http://www.filoli.org/

Two years ago we did the annual wine tour held on Thanksgiving weekend. There were about 25 vineyards open on one ticket good for two days. You get a glass and must have a designated driver. We had a great time.

http://www.heartofsonomavalley.com/holiday-open-house

Tree lightings:

http://www.sftourismtips.com/san-fra...ay-events.html

Both the Union Square and Embarcadero Center ice skating rinks will be open.

Maybe this is what you are looking for? Haven't been there, but read good reviews.

http://dickensfair.com/

Cirque du Soleil has a show over the holidays each year at ATT Park. Under the 'chapiteau'!

https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/s...ia/buy-tickets

If the weather is nice and you decide to head down to the Monterey area, check out the monarch butterfly groves. Very cool if you are in Pacific Grove or Santa Cruz.

http://www.monarchprogram.org/where-...ring-monarchs/

On Saturday mornings the Farmers Market at the ferry building is a good place to visit. Yummy food and great views over the water.

Spending vacations in SF is great. These become even more beautiful when you are with your family. There are many other beautiful destinations in San Francisco to visit. http://www.thetraveleyes.com/san-francisco/ Here is a short but comprehensive travel guide for every one especially for new comers. How everybody will like it. Thanks