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 15 with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s grand arrival in the North Block Outdoor Plaza. 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. With festive music and lights, it promises to be a show-stopping evening of entertainment for the entire family.

This year’s event will feature aerialists and costumed characters from Circosphere. The event also features Hillsdale’s spectacular choreographed tree & light show, with the 42 ft. tall Christmas tree designed by PopDimensional.

November 15, 2024 Tree Lighting:

5:45pm – Event begins with Performances

6:25pm – Santa Arrives

6:30pm – Tree & Light Show

6:40pm – 7:00pm – Final performances

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 15 through Tuesday, December 24. All photos will take place at Macy’s Center Court on the Lower Level.

Pets are invited to join for special photo sessions with Santa every Sunday & Wednesday from 5-7pm, November 17 through December 11.

The Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA will open a holiday pop up store and adoption center beginning Monday, November 18 through Tuesday, December 24 from 11am to 6pm.  The pop up will include cats, dogs and reptiles available for adoption and themed gifts for pets and animal lovers. All proceeds from the sale of merchandise will benefit PHS and SPCA shelter animals.

Get an exclusive sneak peak from the Great Dickens Christmas Fair on Friday, December 6 from 6pm to 8pm. Delight in an evening of live musical entertainment, strolling Victorian characters, carolers and crafts for the kids while visiting Santa in Macy’s Center Court.

Samaritan House Giving Tree donations can be dropped off from 2-7pm at Macy’s Center Court November 29-30 and December 6-8.

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.

The annual Gingerbread House decorating workshop hosted by Kathy’s Creative Kakes of San Mateo will be open Saturday, November 23 through Tuesday, December 24. 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.

Hillsdale Shopping Center’s holiday hours are as follows:

• Black Friday: 9am-9pm
• Thanksgiving: Closed
• Christmas Eve: 8am-5pm
• Christmas Day: Closed
• New Year’s Eve: 10am-6pm
• New Year’s Day: 10am-6pm

Please note that individual store hours may vary.

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 just a short stroll from Hillsdale Shopping Center.