Winter Wonderland

Celebrate the Season in Palo Alto

The holiday season is upon us! Enjoy the sites, sounds, and festivities that make the holidays everyone's favorite time of the year. From ice skating, holiday shopping, meeting Santa, and tree lighting to live holiday-inspired performances, Palo Alto offers seasonal fun for people of all ages. Make this season merry and bright, and connect with family and friends at one of our unique festive activities.

Hands holding a gift, wrapped in red and white stripes with a dark blue bow, on a red table at Hotel Keen

Winter Sale

18% OFF STAYS

Holiday cheer is here! And to celebrate the season of giving we're offering guests of Hotel Keen 18% off your next visit to Palo Alto, plus late checkout and a room upgrade (subject to availability) when you book our Winter Sale Offer. Book now through January 26, 2026 for stays through September 14, 2026.

SAVE NOW

Palo Alto Holiday Events

Mother and daughter shopping for holiday decorations at a market near Hotel Keen

GERMAN HOLIDAY MARKET

Enjoy a time-honored European tradition at an authentic German Holiday Market. Shop for last-minute gifts like handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, toys, ceramics, and knitwear from Germany and local artisans. Open Saturday, December 13 from 11am - 9pm

Close-up of a person tying white ice skates on a rink near Hotel Keen

Ice Skating at Winter Lodge

There’s nothing more festive than ice skating outside during the holiday season. Since 1956, Winter Lodge has delighted and entertained people of all ages on an outdoor, recreationally-sized rink that is perfect for the entire family.

Person carrying a tall stack of wrapped holiday gifts near Hotel Keen

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN

The Stanford Shopping Center has several different ways to enjoy the holidays, including photos with Santa, pet photos with Santa, holiday cookie decorating, and Breakfast with Santa. Plus, you'll find something for everyone on your gift list with premium retail at your fingertips.

Vibrant Christmas tree, illuminated with colorful lights and decorated with bright ornaments at Hotel Keen

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Get in the spirit of the season and enjoy an evening of live holiday music, bell ringers, carolers, and sweet treats, while our stunning tree lights up the night with shimmering holiday colors. Friday, December 5 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm.

Ballet dancers in white tutus performing in a winter-themed performance at Hotel Keen

YULETIDE PERFORMANCES

Experience the best of the holidays with live performances at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts of “The Nutcracker” (11/28 - 11/30 & 12/5 - 12/7), "Smuin's Christmas Ballet" (12/11 - 12/14), “Snow Queen” (12/19 - 12/20), and the South Bay Holiday Gospel Concert (12/21).

House, covered in excessive, colorful Christmas lights with inflatable snowmen in the yard near Hotel Keen

CHRISTMAS TREE LANE

This is the 84th annual celebration; drive or walk down Christmas Tree Lane to create lasting memories for the entire family. December 13 - 31 at the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Fulton Street in Palo Alto.