As the weather cools and the holidays approach, San Mateo County comes alive with community events, festivals, and family fun. From hands-on science days to tree lightings and ice skating under the stars, here’s your go-to list of local happenings this November.
San Mateo
1. Family Storytime & Stay & Play
Sunday, November 2
San Mateo Public Library
Bring your little ones for stories, songs, and crafts. A cozy, free morning event that’s perfect for families with toddlers and preschoolers.
Learn more →
2. Kids Culture Club
Thursday, November 6
San Mateo County Library
Children explore different cultures through storytelling and crafts. Designed for ages 5-10.
More info →
3. Teen & Adult Workshops
Wednesday, November 19
San Mateo Main Library
Learn new skills with 3D printing, genealogy research, or creative workshops for teens and adults.
Full calendar →
San Mateo on Ice — Opening for the Season!
Opens Friday, November 14 – Runs through January 11, 2026
Central Park, Downtown San Mateo
Lace up your skates and glide under the twinkling lights! San Mateo on Ice features a full-size outdoor rink, festive music, and food vendors nearby.
Insider Tip: Free Community Skate Day on Tuesday, November 18 (first-come, first-served). Bring gloves and dress in layers! It can get chilly after dark!
Details & tickets →
CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point
Friday, November 7 – First Friday Nights at CuriOdyssey
1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo
Enjoy after-hours science exhibits, live animal encounters, and music under the stars. Food trucks are onsite, and exhibits are open for kids of all ages.
Ages: All ages (best for 2-12)
Admission: Included with general entry; members free.
View details →
San Carlos
Hiller Aviation Museum — November 2025 Lineup
601 Skyway Road, San Carlos
A Peninsula favorite for families who love planes, space, and hands-on STEM learning.
Sun, Nov 2 – Glider Discovery Day (11 am – 12 pm)
Build and launch your own glider while learning about aerodynamics.Sat, Nov 8 – Autos & Airplanes Show (10 am – 2 pm)
See vintage cars, aircraft displays, and meet pilots — a great photo-op for kids!Sat, Nov 15 – E-Waste Recycling Day (10 am – 1 pm)
Drop off old electronics and enjoy museum admission discounts.Sun, Nov 16 – Flight Simulator Rally (3 pm – 4:30 pm)
Test your skills in a flight simulator and learn about real aviation training.Sat, Nov 22 – Starlab Planetarium Experience (1:30 pm – 3 pm)
Explore constellations inside a portable planetarium dome.Wed, Nov 26 – Turkey Toss! (11 am – 12 pm)
Thanksgiving-themed science fun — catapult “turkeys” in a physics challenge!Sun, Nov 30 – Glider Discovery Day Encore (11 am – 12 pm)
Ages: Ideal for 4 +
Admission: Adults $20 | Kids $10 | Under 4 free
Parking: Free on-site
Explore Hiller events →
Belmont & San Carlos
Belmont Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, November 15
Twin Pines Park, Belmont
Shop handmade gifts and crafts, enjoy local music, and get an early start on holiday shopping.
San Carlos Farmers Market – Holiday Edition
Every Sunday in November
Laurel Street, Downtown San Carlos
Fresh produce, artisan vendors, and local coffee stands — a weekend tradition.
Burlingame & Millbrae
Burlingame Avenue Holiday Open House
Saturday, November 29
Downtown Burlingame Avenue
Shop small, sip cocoa, and stroll through live holiday music and local boutique pop-ups.
Millbrae Tree Lighting Celebration
Saturday, November 30
Millbrae City Hall Plaza
Santa arrives for photos, kids enjoy crafts, and the community lights up the official tree.
Foster City
Community Center Fall Family Festival
Saturday, November 16
Foster City Recreation Center
Games, pumpkin crafts, live music, and vendors. This fall tradition is perfect for young families.
Lagoon Park Clean-Up Day
Sunday, November 9
Leo J. Ryan Park
Join your neighbors for a feel-good morning helping keep Foster City’s waterfront beautiful.
Redwood City
Hometown Holidays Parade & Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 29
Courthouse Square, Downtown Redwood City
The official start to the holiday season: live music, food trucks, kids’ zone, and the beloved tree lighting downtown.
Kids’ Maker Workshop
Saturday, November 8
Redwood City Public Library
Hands-on science and art projects to spark creativity for ages 6–12.
Bonus: Countywide Highlights
San Mateo County Arts & Culture Events
Explore exhibits, concerts, and family workshops across the Peninsula.
See full county arts calendar →
San Mateo Parents Club Fundraiser
Friday, November 14 @ Chuck E. Cheese
Support local families while the kids have a blast.
Event details →
Make the Most of November
From San Mateo on Ice and Hiller’s flight simulators to cozy storytimes and tree lightings, this month is full of ways to connect and celebrate our incredible Peninsula community. Bundle up, grab a hot cocoa, and explore all the family-friendly fun happening right here at home.