Bay Meadows

Get ready for Santa’s grand arrival in San Mateo! Mere moments from Bay Meadows, Hillsdale Shopping Center kicks off the holiday season on Friday, November 17 with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s grand arrival in the North Block Outdoor Plaza during its Rockin’ Holiday Show. With restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, Palette Tea Garden, and California Pizza Kitchen, your dinner plans are covered with something for everyone in your family to enjoy.

Hundreds of neighbors gather annually for this celebrated holiday tradition. Emceed by local celebrity DJ and host Greg Sherrell, it promises to be a show-stopping evening of entertainment for the entire family.

This year’s celebration will include a live music tribute featuring celebrity impersonator performances of Cher, Elton John and Elvis with extraordinary likeness and industry leading talent bringing each real artist’s music to life. The event also features Hillsdale’s spectacular choreographed tree & light show, with the 42 ft. tall Christmas tree designed by PopDimensional.

November 17, 2023 Tree Lighting:

5:45pm – Event begins with Performances

6:25pm – Santa Arrives

6:30pm – Tree & Light Show

6:40pm – 7:00pm – Final performances

*In the event of rain, Rockin’ Holiday Show and Tree Lighting will be brought inside to two separate event areas.  Show entertainment in Nordstrom Court.  Tree Lighting & Santa Arrival in Macy’s Center Court.

Make your whole season a magical one throughout the holiday season:

Snap a photo with Santa and explore his wonderland featuring interactive displays and games beginning Friday, November 17 through Sunday, December 24. All photos will take place at Macy’s Center Court on the Lower Level.

Pets are invited to join for a special Pet Photo with Santa session every Sunday & Wednesday from 5-7pm, November 19 through December 13.

Samaritan House Giving Tree donations can be dropped off from 2-7pm at Macy’s Center Court November 24-26 and December 1-3.

The annual Gingerbread House decorating workshop hosted by Kathy’s Creative Kakes of San Mateo will be open Saturday, November 25 through Saturday, December 23. For just $45 per house (to include all the confections) up to 2 kids can decorate an edible holiday house. The workshop will be open daily during mall hours at Nordstrom Court’s upper level. Reservations are encouraged through kathykakes.com.

Patrons are also invited to visit Kathy’s Holiday Snack Shop for delicious, pre-packaged treats like cake pops, cookies, cupcakes and more the entire family will enjoy. Also located at Nordstrom Court’s upper level.

The San Mateo Consolidated Firefighters Toy Program will be accepting donations December 1 through December 22. Collection bins will be located at the Lower Level near the LEGO store.

Santa will host a PJ Party at Macy’s Center Court on Sunday, December 3 starting at 8:30am. Kids can lounge in their favorite pajamas while enjoying snacks courtesy of Mrs. Fields Cookies, as well as games, prizes, and surprise entertainment plus a photo of Santa!

$25 fee per child – must be accompanied by 1 adult per family. Tickets can be purchased here. Event appropriate for kids ages 5-11 only.

Bay Meadows neighborhood is the ideal spot for those looking for Mid-urban living. Our adjacent San Mateo neighbor, Hillsdale Shopping Center is a leading shopping destination along the Mid-Peninsula featuring specialty stores, restaurants, and a vibrant entertainment scene. Tenants include anchors Nordstrom, Macy’s and Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas, plus 120 other specialty shops and entertainment venues like West Elm, Ethan Allen, lululemon, H&M, Trader Joe’s, Pandora, DSW, LEGO®, and many more. Explore current residential availability at The Apartment Collection at Bay Meadows.