Bringing You What’s Holly and Jolly Around the Bay and Away

It's Christmas once again Around the Bay and Away and I love seeing the return of ALL my favorite decorations and festivities this year and then some.  Living up to my blog Around the Bay and Away, I have gone from SF to North Bay to East Bay to South Bay, and even Tahoe to bring you what’s holly and jolly. 

Embarcadero Building Lighting - SF

Just like I had done for 20 years before the pandemic hit, I got to kickoff the holiday season this year again with the Embarcadero Building Lighting the Friday before Thanksgiving to coincide with KOIT switching over to Christmas music with It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.  The building lighting immediately followed by fireworks was SF’s way of saying we are back.

 

Union Square – SF

Union Square did not have an official tree lighting but was quietly set up and on display the week before so I had to swing by to get a glimpse that night.  I now have a soft spot for it as was the one beacon of light in 2020 when everything else was cancelled. 

 

It was great to see the return of the Westin Sugar/Enchanted Castle at the St. Francis which had been notably missing the past few years.

 

Always fun to run across something new like the Winter Wanderland outdoor market at Halladie Plaza to encourage shoppers to return to Union Square this year. 

 

Fairmont Gingerbread House - SF

Even though the Fairmont Gingerbread House returned last year, for the first time in as long as I can remember, it did have an architectural difference this year. 

 

Vista Collina at Meritage Tree Lighting – North Bay

Since it has been years since I have been to a tree lighting, upon hearing KOIT’s Morris Knight promoting the tree lighting at Napa’s Meritage Resort, a spot I have not been back to in over 5 years, I hightailed it over the day after Thanksgiving for what looked like a set out of a Hallmark Movie.  The outdoor market and the lights strung around the ice rink with the resort as the backdrop reminded me of Europe while the rentable igloos is where I want to sip a glass of champagne for my Hallmark moment. 

 

Widmer World – East Bay

Widmer World that I featured last year will make Pleasanton a destination during the holidays.  Thanks to the time and generosity of the owners and volunteers, they are back bigger than ever.  Open from 6-9 weather permitting which had been a bit of a challenge earlier this season, it will thrill kids and those of us young at heart.  I dare you not to smile. 

Click my IG post for video as pictures don't do it justice

J Zee (@around_the_bay_and_away) • Instagram photos and videos 

As a bonus, stop by Meadowlark on the way for a swirl. 

Deacon Dave’s - East Bay

Kill two birds with one stone and stop by Deacon Dave’s in the next town over while you’re in the Tri-Valley. 

Sometimes returning to a Christmas display after 5 years is like seeing it for the first time again.  This was surely the case with Livermore favorite Deacon Dave’s especially since each year is bigger than the last.  This year I saw it coming in at 785,800 lights, over a quarter of a million MORE lights than my first visit just 6 years ago. 

With Deacon Dave’s 40^th anniversary of ordination and the 77^th proposal at the Proposal Bridge just this month, no better time to come check out the festive display before it goes dark on New Year’s Day at 9pm. 

Do note that just like Widmer World, displays can be closed due to high winds and rain. 

My IG Post for really feel the magic - J Zee (@around_the_bay_and_away) • Instagram photos and videos

Christmas in the Park – South Bay

I have to have myself some Christmas in the Park, my favorite South Bay spot and even joined in on the drive thru the past two years.  Having the OG at Cesar Chavez though means getting that Snowman Hot Chocolate to wrap my hands around while strolling through all the displays. 

 

Hyatt Tahoe

It is almost becoming a tradition to return to the Hyatt Tahoe for the holidays and skiing as this year is my 5^th.  For non-skiers like myself, this is the perfect spot for me to do my own thing.  While the skiers are out skiing at Mt. Rose, Diamond Peak, or both, I get to have the heated swim out pool practically to myself during the day.  What truly made it magical this year were the two trees right by the pool and firepit, decorated like large Christmas trees.  With the snow falling large fluffy flakes as I am swimming in the pool one night under those lighted trees, I truly felt like I was inside a snowglobe.  The bright idea to get a massage at the Stillwater Spa this year may need to become an annual thing as well. 

 

Christmas Tree Lane Alameda - East Bay

I only got time to check out one of the three Christmas Tree Lanes this year so I chose the one closest to home, Alameda’s Thompson Street.  Being able to leisurely stroll down on a weeknight meant I can do one pass taking pictures and another one just taking it all in. 

Oakland Temple - East Bay

I just happen to be in the area so stopped by the Oakland Temple right before the lights shut off at 9pm on a Wednesday night.  From up in the Oakland Hills, being able to see the clear SF skyline in the distance was an additional treat as well. 

Whether it’s my first time like the tree lighting at Meritage Resort or my 20^th time like the Embarcadero Building Lighting, see it like it’s your first as if through the eyes of a child.  This time of year can truly be magical so have a Holly Jolly Christmas from Around the Bay and Away!