Celebrate the holiday season with a festive light displays and holiday performances.
Featured Holiday Events
The Nutcracker by San Francisco Youth Ballet ~ San Francisco, December 6 & 7
This magical, full-length version of The Nutcracker features professional guest artists and the youth talent from the San Francisco Youth Ballet Academy. The 2-hour production (including a 15-minute intermission) is geared toward families and is a perfect opportunity to introduce young children to this holiday ballet tradition. As always, there will be photo opportunities with various characters after each performance.
IlluminOdyssey ~ San Mateo, November 15 – January 25
IlluminOdyssey is back! Fill your winter with wonder at an immersive, interactive light experience at CuriOdyssey. Inspired by the science of light, IlluminOdyssey is an immersive, interactive installation that will mesmerize kids and adults of all ages. CuriOdyssey’s four-level Redwood Hall will transform into a glowing forest of science—light your way through a maze of luminous botanical geometry, play with rainbow refraction and swirling projections, paint with light on phosphorescent surfaces, and dance with your shadow.
Holidays at Filoli ~ Woodside, November 22 – January 11
‘Tis the season to make special memories, bask in the vibrant landscape, and spend time together. Step into the magic of the House decked in holiday cheer and explore the winter Garden, where inspiration glows. New this year, Thistlewyck, a whimsical village made specifically for families features miniature trains, fairy houses, an Elf Emporium, Post Office, and the Train Depot Toy Shop. Complete the Thistlewyck Passport—a scavenger hunt activity for kids, which includes free hot cocoa and a special gift from the Trailhead Toy Shop.
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo ~ Oakland, November 7 – January 25
This wildly popular, family-friendly experience is back with hundreds of new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to conservation. Finish your experience with a ride on the train through the great red island of Madagascar, a wondrous world full of lemurs, chameleons, and other unique flora and fauna!
Holiday Light Displays
Lightscape – San Francisco, November 20 – January 3
Winter Glow Experience: A Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show – Pleasanton, November 21 – January 4
Blinky’s Illuminated Holiday Drive-Thru – San Jose, November 21 – December 31
Garden of d’Lights – Walnut Creek, November 21 – January 11
Holidays at Filoli – Woodside, November 22 – January 11
Holiday Tree Walk – Felton, November 28 – December 23
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train – Santa Cruz, November 28 – December 23
Christmas at Temple Hill (Free) – Oakland, November 28 – December 31
Christmas in the Park (Free) – San Jose, November 28 – January 1
Let’s Glow (Free) – San Francisco, December 5-14
Gardens Aglow – Glen Ellen, December 5-21
Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru – Los Gatos, December 9-30
Amusement Parks & Zoos
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo – Oakland, November 7 – January 25
Boardwalk Winter Wonderland – Santa Cruz, November 27 – January 4
North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, November 28 – December 31
Six Flags Holidays in the Park – Vallejo, November 28 – January 4
Holiday Parades
Festival of Lights Parade (Free) – Los Altos, November 30
Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade (Free) – Livermore, December 6
Lighted Yacht Parade (Free) – Alameda, December 6
Lighted Tractor Parade (Free) – Calistoga, December 6
Christmas Parade (Free) – Napa, December 6
Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks (Free) – Sausalito, December 13
Lighted Boat Parade (Free) – San Rafael, December 13
Lighted Boat Festival (Free) – El Granada, December 13
Tree Lighting Events
Lighting of the Plaza (Free) – Sonoma, November 22
Lighting of the Old Oak Tree (Free) – Danville, November 28
Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration (Free) – Santa Rosa, November 28
Jelly Belly Tree Lighting Ceremony (Free) – Fairfield, November 29
Tree Lighting (Free) – Napa, November 29
Winter Wonderland Lighting Ceremony (Free) – San Francisco, November 30
Tree Lighting (Free) – Colma, December 2
Civic Center Tree Lighting (Free) – San Francisco, December 3
Holiday Tree Lighting (Free) – Moraga, December 4
Holiday Tree Lighting (Free) – Burlingame, December 5
Light Up the Season (Free) – Menlo Park, December 5
Holiday Tree Lighting (Free) – Palo Alto, December 5
Tree Lighting (Free) – Cupertino, December 5
Holiday Tree Lighting (Free) – Hercules, December 7
Community Tree Lighting (Free) – Mountain View, December 8
Hometown Holiday and Tree Lighting (Free) – Atherton, December 11
Santa Visits
Santa’s Riverboat Arrival (Free) – Petaluma, November 29
Merry Healdsburg (Free) – Healdsburg, December 5
Breakfast with Santa – Sausalito, December 6
Breakfast with Santa – Colma, December 6
Breakfast with Santa – Pleasant Hill, December 6
Photos with Santa (Free) – Fremont, December 6
Breakfast with Santa – Cupertino, December 6
Santa Arrives by Helicopter at Hiller – San Carlos, December 6
Storytime with Santa – Campbell, December 5, 7
Santa at the Firehouse (Free) – Belmont, December 11
Surf’s Up Santa – Piedmont, December 13
Santa Splash – Fairfield, December 13
Breakfast with Santa – San Anselmo, December 13
Breakfast with Santa – Alameda, December 13
Photos with Santa – Menlo Park, December 13
Breakfast with Santa – Moraga, December 13 & 14
Santa Visit (Free) – Castro Valley, December 18
Visit from Santa (Free) – San Jose, December 18
Hey Balloon Lady and Santa (Free) – San Jose, December 20
Holiday Crafts
Holiday Card Making (Free) – San Francisco, December 4
Holiday Crafting Party (Free) – San Francisco, December 6
Fun on the Farm Holiday Crafts (Free) – San Ramon, December 6, 13
Winter Wonderland Workshop – Belmont, December 6
Holiday Arts Festival (Free) – Richmond, December 7
Holiday Card Making (Free) – Morgan Hill, December 9
Festive Night at the Museum (Free) – Los Gatos, December 12
Winter Craft Day at Randall Museum (Free) – San Francisco, December 13
Pop-up Holiday Cards (Free) – San Francisco, December 13
Gingerbread House Making (Free) – Gilroy, December 13
Gingerbread Doghouse Workshop – Santa Rosa, December 13 & 14
Holiday Crafts from Nature – Berkeley, December 14
Winter Wonderland Crafts (Free) – San Carlos, December 14
Holiday Cookie Decorating (Free) – Fremont, December 20
Other Holiday Events & Activities
Catch the Spirit at Los Alto History Museum (Free) – Los Altos, November 19
Glow at The Exploratorium – San Francisco, November 20 – January 25
Walnut Creek Model Railroad Holiday Show – Walnut Creek, November 21-30
Dickens Christmas Fair – Daly City, November 22 – December 21
Santa Train Jolly Journeys – Napa, November 28 – December 23
Nights of Lights (Free) – Half Moon Bay, November 28, December 5, 12, 19
Christmas Village – Castro Valley, November 28 – January 11
Christmas at Kohl – Burlingame, December 3
Winter Festival (Free) – Cloverdale, December 5
It’s a Wonderful Night (Free) – San Leandro, December 5
Once Upon a Garden Family Night – Palo Alto, December 5
Holiday Ice Shows (Free) – Santa Rosa, December 5-7
Let’s Glow SF (Free) – San Francisco, December 5-14
Winter Wonderland (Free) – Ross, December 5-14
Polar Palooza (Free) – Pacifica, December 5-6
Toys for Tots and Trains (Free) – Alameda, December 6
Hometown Holiday Celebration (Free) – Pleasanton, December 6
Bah Humbug 5K Run & Kids Dash (Free) – San Ramon, December 6
Christmas Creche (Free) – Palo Alto, December 6-10
Night of Holiday Lights (Free) – San Carlos, December 6
Carol of Lights Celebration (Free) – Campbell, December 6
Winter Wonderland (Free) – San Mateo, December 6
Tiburon Holiday Festival (Free) – Tiburon, December 6
Winter Wonderland – Redwood City, December 6
Deck the Hall – San Francisco, December 7
Festival of Lights (Free) – Brisbane, December 7
Barn Lighting (Free) – Los Altos Hills, December 6
Mill Valley Winterfest (Free) – Mill Valley, December 7
Winter Wonderland Festival (Free) – Pleasant Hill, December 10
Gingerbread Night (Free for Colma residents) – Colma, December 10
Winterfest (Free) – Pleasant Hill, December 10
Bethlehem Immersive Experience (Free) – Santa Clara, December 11-15
19th Annual Posada Navideña by Calidanza Dance Company – Santa Rosa, December 12
Winter Wonderland (Free) – Los Altos, December 12
Holiday Train – San Francisco to San Jose, December 13
Hometown Holidays Celebration (Free) – Redwood City, December 13
German Holiday Market (Free) – Mountain View, December 13
Children’s Heritage Holiday – San Jose, December 13
Fairy Winterland – Oakland, December 13-28
Jingle Bell Bash – Oakland, December 14
Visit to the North Pole – Walnut Creek, December 17-23
Toy Trains (Free) – Santa Cruz, December 18-29
Nutcracker Puppet Show (Free) – Berkeley, December 20
Winterfest at Chabot Space & Science Center – Oakland, December 20-21
Hanukkah Celebrations
Menorahs and Miracles – San Jose, December 7
Chanukah Pop-up Shop (Free) – Mill Valley, December 7
Chanukah Celebration (Free) – Novato, December 14-22
Chanukah Story and Crafts (Free) – San Francisco, December 14
Donuts & Dreidels – Oakland, December 14
Chanukah Celebration (Free) – San Anselmo, December 14
Union Square Menorah Lighting (Free) – San Francisco, December 14-22
Chanukah on Ice (Free) – Walnut Creek, December 17
Chanukah Festival (Free) – Fairfax, December 18
Winter Wonderland Hanukkah Celebration (Free) – San Francisco, December 18
Menorah Lighting (Free) – Alamo, December 21
Menorah Lighting (Free) – San Rafael, December 21
Performances: The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker by Diablo Ballet – Walnut Creek, November 7 & 8
The Nutcracker by Alameda Civic Ballet – Castro Valley, November 22 & 23
The Nutcracker by Los Gatos Ballet – Saratoga, November 22 & 23
The Nutcracker by Pacific Ballet – Mountain View, November 28-30
Nutcracker Sweet with Puppet Company (Free) – San Francisco, Berkeley, Palo Alto, November 29 & 30
The Nutcracker by San Francisco Ballet – San Francisco, December 5-28
The Nutcracker by Black Diamond Ballet – Antioch, December 5-14
Nutcracker Sweets – San Francisco, December 6-21
The Nutcracker by San Francisco Youth Ballet – San Francisco, December 6
The Nutcracker by Ballet America – Redwood City, December 6 & 7
Nutcracker Sweet – San Mateo, December 6 & 7
The Nutcracker by Marin Ballet – San Rafael, December 6 & 7
Dance-Along Nutcracker – San Francisco, December 6 & 7
The Nutcracker by Dance Connection – Palo Alto, December 8-13
The Nutcracker by Petaluma School of Ballet – Rohnert Park, December 12-14
The Nutcracker by Orinda Ballet Academy – Orinda, December 12-14
The Nutcracker by San Jose Dance Theater – San Jose, December 13-21
The Nutcracker by Ramon Moreno Ballet – Atherton, December 13 & 14
The Nutcracker Bird by Berkeley Ballet – Berkeley, December 13 & 14
The Nutcracker by Valley Dance Theatre – Livermore, December 13-21
The Nutcracker by South Valley Dance Arts – Morgan Hill, December 12 & 13
The Nutcracker by New Ballet – San Jose, December 13-23
My Very First Nutcracker – San Jose, December 14, 21, 22
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet – Santa Rosa, December 18
The Nutcracker by Stapleton Ballet – San Francisco, December 19-21
Puppet Company Presents the Nutcracker – Berkeley, December 20
The Nutcracker by Berkeley City Ballet – Berkeley, December 20
The Nutcracker by Santa Cruz City Ballet – Aptos, December 20 & 21
The Nutcracker by Oakland Ballet – Oakland, December 20 & 21
Hip Hop Nutcracker by Peninsula Ballet Theatre – San Mateo, December 20
The Nutcracker by SSF Civic Ballet – South San Francisco, December 20
The Nutcracker by Peninsula Ballet Theatre – San Mateo, December 21 & 22
Performances: A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol by Los Altos Theatre Company – Los Altos, November 28 – December 21
A Christmas Carol by Silicon Valley Shakespeare – Saratoga, December 5-21
A Christmas Carol by Center Rep – Walnut Creek, December 10-21
Other Holiday Performances
Just Dance Academy Winter Performance – San Mateo, November 23
Once Upon a Christmas – Walnut Creek, November 28-30
A Christmas Story Musical – Los Altos, November 28 – December 21
Holidays at the Bankhead – Livermore, November 28 – December 31
The Velveteen Rabbit – San Francisco, November 29 – December 7
When Santa Was a Baby – Mountain View, December 5 & 6
We Need A Little Christmas – San Francisco, December 6 & 7
Holiday & Handel with SF Bach Choir – San Francisco, December 6 & 7
Holiday Spectacular with San Jose Symphony – San Jose, December 6 & 7
Madeline’s Christmas – Palo Alto, December 4-21
Holiday Gospel Concert – Oakland, December 6
Azure Family Holiday Show (Free) – Stanford, December 6
PAAM Holiday Spectacular – San Francisco, December 6 & 7
A Wicked Dance Along Nutcracker – San Francisco, December 6 & 7
Mountain View Madrigals’ Christmas Concert – Portola Valley, December 7
Echoes of Christmas Past – Saratoga, December 7
In Winter’s Glow – San Francisco, December 11-13
A Chanticleer Christmas – Several Locations, December 11-23
Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir’s 28th Holiday Concert: Yuletide Youth – Oakland, December 13
Sing You a Merry Christmas – San Francisco, December 13-23
Carols, Cookies & Christmas! The Masterworks Family Holiday Concert – San Mateo, December 13
A Winter Wonderland Ballet – Campbell, December 13
Merry and Bright Holiday Ice Show – Santa Rosa, December 13
Peter and the Wolf – San Francisco, December 14
Sounds of the Season by Bay Philharmonic – Hayward, December 14
Gnome for the Holidays – Pleasanton, December 18
Rudolph & Scrooge – San Francisco, December 18-20
The Biggest Gift by Fantasy Forum – Walnut Creek, December 18-21
Reindeer Games – San Francisco, December 17-28
Holiday Youth Music Festival – Pleasanton, December 19
The Snow Queen by Bayer Ballet – Mountain View, December 19, 20
Carols for a Cause – Palo Alto, December 21
New Years Celebrations
Noon Year’s Eve at Bay Area Discovery Museum – Sausalito, December 31
Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! – Santa Rosa, December 31
Thrive City Kwanza and New Year’s Eve Celebration – San Francisco, December 31
Balloon Drop at Chabot Space and Science Center – Oakland, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration – Piedmont, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, December 31
New Year’s Eve at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, December 31
New Year’s Train – Santa Cruz, December 31
Holiday Ice Rinks
Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square – San Francisco, November 5 – January 19
Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Rink – San Ramon, November 7 – January 4
San Mateo on Ice – San Mateo, November 14 – January 11
Oakley on Ice – Oakley, November 21 – January 4
Walnut Creek on Ice – Walnut Creek, November 21- January 19
Downtown Ice – San Jose, November 26 – January 20
Skating that The Meritage – Napa, November 25 – January 4
Luma Ice – Petaluma, December 10 – January 6
