Did you know there are several enchanting and magical Christmas towns near San Francisco? There are plenty of opportunities to meet Santa and check out extravagant light displays around San Francisco. And some of these towns even feature a Christmas parade and ice rink. Let's take a look at towns around San Francisco that show the most Christmas cheer year after year.

1. San Rafael

One of the largest Christmas celebrations in the Bay Area is in San Rafael. The annual Holiday Parade & Winter Wonderland event features a Holiday Marketplace with arts and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, and snow sledding.

2. Los Altos

The Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade is set in a joyous atmosphere with holiday spirit. The parade features a few characters taken from fairy tales, Santa Claus, and plenty of Christmas floats. This is one of those Christmas festivals near San Francisco that everyone should do once.

3. Piedmont

Venture to the East Bay and check out hundreds of bright lights adorning various buildings for the ideal Christmas celebration in Northern California. This takes place in a cemetery!? Look out for seasonal delights like a reindeer sled, snowmen; skaters; candy canes; a carriage scene, a holiday arch of lights, and more!

4. Alameda

Alameda’s South Shore Center features Santa Claus and his house at the Little Ice Rink. Families can meet Santa and have pictures taken at The Santa House as well. Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas in Alameda is a delight.

5. Sacramento

Celebrate the holiday season at Fairytale Town! You'll be greeted with festive holiday décor and a dazzling display of lights, starting at dusk each night. Plus, there are holiday-themed crafts too! Sacramento is one of those Northern California Christmas towns you won't be able to get enough of.

6. Benicia

The Benicia parade starts at 10 a.m. and features local marching bands, dancers, and of course Santa Claus. The Holiday Market features handcrafted arts and crafts, gourmet items, and delicious foods. Christmas in Northern California is magical; let Benicia prove it.

7. Windsor

Celebrate the opening of the holiday season under the glow of old lamp lights of yesteryear with graceful horse-drawn carriages carrying guests in Windsor, a wonderful Christmas village near San Francisco. The event will also feature the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove too.

8. San Jose

Take in the "Spirit of Christmas" at the Winchester Mansion in San Jose. This is a beautifully decorated mansion featuring 100,000 twinkling lights and the sounds of Christmas music and carolers. Also, check out Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose for Christmas in the Park.

9. Squaw Valley

Squaw Valley transforms into Merry Wonderland with live music, ice sculpture demonstrations, and more! Squaw’s Olympic Ice Pavilion is another perfect place to spend the holidays in Northern California with lots of activities.

10. Los Gatos

Fantasy of Lights is a 1.5-mile drive-through holiday lights and display spectacle. Be warned, cars line up and long lines of one hour or more can be expected during prime time on the weekends - this is easily one of the most popular drive-thru Christmas displays in Northern California.

Let us know if you know of any other Christmas towns or spots in the area. We'd love to hear from you. Check out the Magical Polar Express Train Ride In San Francisco.