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Holiday Lights and Tasty Bites
Holiday event guide, San Mateo's Best Bakery, a dumpling restaurant, and local building updates
Greg Kemper
December 04, 2025
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We have exciting updates for you this week, including an update on Wunderbar, one of San Mateo’s best bakeries, and holiday events through the end of next week. Plus, find out more about local landmark updates.
Let’s dive in!
In this week’s edition:
🍸 Wunderbar Returning! Learn more about their plans
🏯 Building Updates: The former Tower Plaza building, a new Sweetgreen location, and potential expansion for the Charles Armstrong School in Belmont
🎄 Holiday Events: Holiday lights, Santa meet ups, markets, and more
🏢 San Mateo office tower to become housing as demand shifts
The makeover reflects a growing trend as companies continue remote work and many office buildings sit half-empty, turning underused commercial spaces into homes. For people who live or work nearby, the project could translate into more neighbors, easier commutes, and added vibrancy in the downtown area.
📓 School for dyslexic students seeks expansion to meet growing demand
Charles Armstrong School in Belmont is once again asking for approval to expand, citing increasing demand from families seeking specialized education for dyslexic and other learning-differences students.
The proposed expansion would allow the school to serve more students and potentially offer more programs tailored to their needs. While some neighbors welcomed the idea, the request stirred debate over local traffic, noise, and how increased enrollment might affect the community. City planners are reviewing the proposal and public feedback will play a key role in shaping the outcome. Read more here.
🏢 After retail struggles, Station Park Green retools development toward office use
Redeveloping the site could bring more day-time foot traffic from office workers and help stabilize the area after a rocky mixed-use rollout. For neighbors, this may mean less retail variety, but possibly more daytime activity and employment nearby, and could reshape how the development is used day to day. Read more here.
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Wunderbar to ReOpen
After a brief closure, following the permanent closing of neighboring restaurant Wursthall in September, Wunderbar is reopening this month! Wunderbar is an intimate cocktail bar with speakeasy vibes, located below ground and featuring classic and modern twists on cocktails.
Wunderbar is a hidden cocktail lounge tucked downstairs off 310 Baldwin Ave in San Mateo, with cozy vibes, moody lighting, and a touch of whimsy. Their menu is inspired by tarot cards: flip over a card to choose either a classic cocktail (like a martini or old fashioned) or a creative, folklore-inspired riff. The intimate atmosphere adds another layer of charm, complete with quiet nooks and an immersive decor that transports you to a different world when you step inside. Stay tuned by following Wunderbar on instagram here for an exact re-opening date.
Photo Credit: Wunderbar
310 Baldwin Ave, San Mateo
Sweetgreen is coming to Burlingame
Sweetgreen has opened a new location this week in Burlingame, offering their signature lineup of fresh, made-from-scratch salads, grain bowls, and seasonal plates crafted with locally sourced ingredients. It’s a great option for people seeking healthy, convenient meals, whether for a quick lunch or a casual dinner. The opening was celebrated with local-brew pours and vendor pop-ups, giving it a festive, community vibe. |  235 Lorton Avenue in Burlingame |
Dough Zone Dumpling House in San Mateo
Dough Zone Dumpling House serves up traditional Chinese comfort food in a modern, friendly setting. They serve authentic Chinese dumplings, buns, and noodles, like silky-skinned xiao long bao with hot, savory broth, pan-fried baos with crispy bottoms, and bowls like beef stew noodles or spicy dan dan noodles. Their menu offers a wide variety of dishes, including vegetarian-friendly potstickers, hearty soups, and crispy green onion pancakes, so there’s something to satisfy nearly every craving.
The dining room is welcoming and casual, with efficient service and a vibe that works equally well for quick lunches or group dinners. Portions are ideal for sharing, so you and friends can sample a mix of dumplings, noodles, and small plates without overspending. The restaurant is known for its efficient service and consistently tasty fare, making it a convenient go-to for a quick yet satisfying meal in downtown San Mateo.
111 E 4th Ave, San Mateo
Bonjour Bakehouse in San Mateo
Bonjour Bakehouse brings Parisian-style pastries and cozy charm to San Mateo, winning local fans with buttery croissants, flaky almond croissants, savory and sweet scones, and a rotating selection of handcrafted cookies and breads. The bakery has earned “Best Bakery / Best Coffee Shop” in San Mateo and is known for its commitment to high-quality ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and a “Cookies for a Cause” program that supports community nonprofits. With friendly service, outdoor seating, and a welcoming vibe, it’s a go-to spot for brunch, coffee dates, or a cozy solo pastry fix. They also offer gluten-free and vegan options, plus nationwide shipping for cookies and gift boxes, so you can treat yourself or send something sweet to friends afar.
Whether you stop in for a morning latte and croissant on the sunny patio or order a gift box to share nationwide, Bonjour Bakehouse offers a comforting, delicious experience that feels warm, inclusive, and thoughtfully local.
1007 Howard Ave, San Mateo
We know December is busy, which is why we’re posting our December events two weeks at a time. As new events are posted, we’ll add them to the list and share them with you! Hopefully, this makes your planning easier.
🎁 Jingle and Mingle | Belmont | Notre Dame High School | 12/4 | More
Shop boutique vendors and enjoy festive activities at this community holiday event.
🎅 Sensory Friendly Santa Visits | Foster City | The VIBE | 12/4 | More
A calm, sensory-aware Santa experience designed for all children.
🔬 First Friday at CuriOdyssey | San Mateo | CuriOdyssey | 12/5 | More
Enjoy music, food trucks, and hands-on science fun during this after-hours event.
✨ Night of Holiday Lights | San Carlos | Downtown Laurel Street | 12/5 | More
Stroll Laurel Street as it comes alive with lights, music, and holiday festivities.
🎄 Holiday Tree Lighting | Burlingame | City Hall | 12/05 | More
Ring in the season with Burlingame’s annual tree-lighting celebration.
❄️ Winter Wonder Walk | San Mateo | 25th Ave between Flores & Hacienda | 12/5 | More
A festive outdoor walk featuring lights, activities, and family fun.
⛸️ San Mateo On Ice – Holiday Ice Rink | Central Park | San Mateo | 12/4–1/11 | More
Outdoor skating! Check the calendar for themed nights and daily session times.
🎰 Bingo! | Elks Lodge | San Mateo | 12/5 | More
Enjoy bingo, snacks, coffee and good company at the Elks Lodge.
🎀 Holiday Wreath Workshop | San Mateo | San Mateo Arboretum Society | 12/06 | More
Create a beautiful handmade holiday wreath with guidance from garden experts.
🎒 Preschool Fair | Foster City | Foster City Elementary School MPR | 12/06 | More
Meet local preschools and explore early-learning options for families.
🛍️ Winter Market | Burlingame | Burlingame Community Center | 12/06 | More
Shop artisan goods and festive finds at this two-day holiday marketplace.
⛄ Winter Wonderland | San Mateo | Central Park | 12/06 | More
Celebrate the season with snow play, rides, and family-friendly activities.
🎶 Sounds of the Season | San Mateo | B Street | 12/06 | More
Enjoy live holiday performances throughout downtown.
🏺 Clayroom Holiday Sale | San Mateo | Clayroom | 12/06 | More
Shop handmade ceramics and unique pottery pieces crafted by local artists.
🚂 Gilded, Thistlewyck, and Holiday Lights | Filoli | Woodside | 12/3 -1/11| More
Tiny trains, big cheer, and endless wonder await at Filoli’s holiday light display, running through Jan 11.
🌿 Gardening Class – Holiday Wreath | San Mateo | San Mateo Arboretum Society | 12/07 | More
Learn to craft a fresh, garden-inspired holiday wreath.
🎅 Hometown Holidays | Redwood City | Downtown | 12/07 | More
A full day of holiday entertainment, a parade, and family activities.
📚 Polish Storytime Holiday Potluck | San Mateo | Public Library — Oakroom | 12/07 | More
Celebrate community with stories in Polish and a festive shared potluck.
🌿 Wreath Making | San Mateo | MLK Jr Community Center | 12/09 | More
Create your own holiday wreath at this hands-on community workshop.
🌺 Poinsettia Paper Flower Workshop | San Carlos | Moonlight Collective | 12/10 | More
Learn to craft realistic paper poinsettias in a guided creative class.
🤝 Holiday Networking Mixer | Redwood City | Monterra Credit Union | 12/10 | More
Connect with local professionals at a festive evening mixer
⛸️ Gala D’Oro | San Mateo | San Mateo On Ice | 12/11 | More
An elegant evening of ice skating performances and holiday sparkle.
🚂 CalTrain Holiday Train | San Mateo | CalTrain Station | 12/13 | More
A dazzling light-covered train bringing music, lights, and holiday magic.
🐾 Pawliday Helpers Workshop | Burlingame | Peninsula Humane Society | 12/13 | More
Create gifts and enrichment items to help animals in need this season.
🥞 Breakfast with Santa | San Mateo | Fire Department Station 21 | 12/13 | More
Share breakfast with Santa and tour the fire station.
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