California Events
Holiday Road USA in Calabasas
Monday, December 1, 2025
ANAHEIM: Disneyland Festival of Holidays November 14, 2025-January 7, 2026. Christmas Fantasy Parade is back along with Haunted Mansion's Nightmare Before Christmas, and It's a Small World holiday transformation. Location: 1313 S. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA. $Tickets, disneyland.com
ATWATER: Old Town Atwater Ice Skating Center returns for its fifth season November 21, 2025-January 2026, promising affordable holiday fun.
BUENA PARK: Knott's Berry Farm Christmas November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 . Enjoy Christmas Crafts Village, Snoopy's Night Before Christmas Ice Show, Santa's Christmas Cabin photos, Home for the Holidays musical production and seasonal foods, plus all the great rides in one awesome day & night. Location: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA. $, knotts.com
CALABASAS: Holiday Road USA 2025 Holiday Season at King Gillette Ranch to be determined. Larger than life holiday installations and thousands of Christmas lights. Location: 26800 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, CA. $, holidayroadusa.com
CARLSBAD: Holidays at Legoland California November 22, 2025-January 4, 2026. Meet Lego characters, see the Lego Christmas Tree made of 360,000 Lego & Duplo bricks, life-size Lego reindeer & Santa, hear the Brass Band, and enjoy the fun. Location: One Legoland Drive Carlsbad, CA $, legoland.com/california
CHICO: Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza returns for the 2025/2026 season running November 14 through mid-January in City Plaza. $5-25, chicorec.gov/chico-ice-rink
CORONADO: Skating by the Sea November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 at Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. is one of the most scenic seaside ice skating rinks in the U.S. Public invited. $, hoteldel.com
COSTA MESA: Winter Fest OC returns November 2025-January 2026 at Orange County Fair & Event Center. Snow, ice tubing, ice skating, rides, fire pits and more. Location: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA. $, winterfestoc.com
DOWNEY: Downey Tree Lighting Ceremony at Downey Civic Center. Come watch the lights get switched on, visit with the jolly old Santa Claus, and enjoy a delightful holiday program for all ages. Free, downtowndowney.org
ENCINITAS: Lightscape November 14, 2025-January 4, 2026, 5-8:30 p.m. at San Diego Botanic Garden includes over one million lights in artistic installations along a one-mile, easily walkable garden path. $, sdbg.org
ESCONDIDO: Wild Holidays November 28, 2025-January 4, 2026 at San Diego Safari Park. Festive decorations, incredible light displays and holiday entertainment await. Location: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA. $, sdzsafaripark.org
FOLSOM: Folsom Ice Rink November 7, 2025-January 2026 in Historic Downtown Folsom. Come have fun at the circular, 7,000-square-foot rink with REAL ice. Enjoy fire pits, Santa's Cottage and more! $, historicfolsom.org/ice-rink/
FRESNO: IllumiNature returning November 2025-January 2026 at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, is a special holiday event featuring lighted lantern displays that entertain and amaze! $, fresnochaffeezoo.org
GILROY: North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens theme park November 28-December 31, 2025 includes Ice Skating, Santa's Workshop, Train, Lighting Displays, stage shows and more. $65-80, gilroygardens.org
IRVINE: Irvine Spectrum Holiday Ice Rink November 2025-January 4, 2026 next to the Giant Wheel. Skating! Location: 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA. $, irvinespectrumcenter.com
OAKLEY: Oakley on Ice November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 across from Oakley City Hall with parking at Main Street & Norcoss Lane. $, oakleyonice.com
OAKLAND: Oakland Zoo Glowfari November 7, 2025-January 25, 2026, 4:30-9 p.m. The Wildly Illuminating Lantern Festival features wading wildlife along Africa's Nile River, ancient Egyptian structures, dinosaurs, barnyard animals and Avian Odyssey train ride. Advanced ticket purchase required: $26-41 adult, oaklandzoo.org
PALO ALTO: Winter Lodge Seasonal Ice Rink October 18, 2025-April 2026, is back with public skating sessions, lessons and more. $, winterlodge.com
PERRIS: Southern California Railway Polar Express November 20-December 31, 2025. Family adventure on a magical train ride complete with dancing chefs, caroling, cookies and cocoa, re-creates the classic children’s story. $49-56, socalrailway.org
WESTMINSTER: Westminster Tree Lighting Ceremony December 1, 2025, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Westminster Civic Center. Location: 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA. westminster-ca.gov
Past events
ANDERSON: Christmas Trees and Memories Christmas Parade December 1, 2024, on East Center Street, Anderson, CA. Free, ci.anderson.ca.us
ARROYO GRANDE: Holiday Parade December 7, 2025. South County Holiday Parade arroyogrande.org
BAKERSFIELD: CALM Zoo Holiday Lights November 29, 2025-January 3, 2026, 5:30 p.m. Stroll through millions of lights in holiday-themed lands featuring over 200 displays. $18, calmholidaylights.org
BALBOA ISLAND: Balboa Island Tree Lighting & Snow Day December 1, 2024, 4-6 p.m. Balboa Island Fire Station 124 Marine Ave. Balboa Island, CA balboaislandnb.org
BIGGS: Biggs Christmas Tree Lighting & Street Faire December 1, 2024, 3-7 p.m. | 6 p.m. Tree Lighting Downtown. Location: B & 8th Street Biggs, CA Free, facebook.com/ projectbiggsgroup/
CONCORD: Ice at the Veranda November 9, 2024-February 2025 at The Veranda shopping mall. Come glide on Ice at The Veranda with open-air shopping, dining and entertainment.
CROCKETT: Crockett Tree Lighting December 1, 2024, 5-7:30 p.m. | 7 p.m. Tree Lighting Alexander Park Crockett Community Center 850 Pomona St, Crockett, CA, crockettcalifornia.com
CORONA: Corona Tree Lighting Ceremony December 1, 2024, 4-7 p.m. Historic Civic Center Front Lawn 815 West 6th Street Corona, CA Free, coronaca.gov
DAVIS: Davis Craft and Vintage Fair, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Music, food, vintage and handmade goods Art, Crafts, Vintage, Up-cycled, Handcrafted, Spa, Food and live music! Location: Central Park, 301 C Street, Davis, CA. daviscraftandvintage.org Additional dates: December 15, 2024
FERNDALE: Lighting of America's Tallest Living Christmas Tree, December 7, 2025, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Location: Main Street at Ocean Ferndale, CA visitferndale.com
FRESNO: Christmas at Kearney: Beyond Santa, Delivering Holiday Magic November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays $12, valleyhistory.org
GRASS VALLEY: Country Christmas Faire November 29-December 1, 2024 at Nevada County Fairgrounds. Strolling entertainment, festival foods, the magical Gingerbread House exhibit, elves, and a community bonfire. Wagon rides around the Fairgrounds will be offered; and Victorian singers perform throughout the event. Santa available each day. Location: 11228 McCourtney Rd. Grass Valley, CA. $5, nevadacountyfair.com
HANFORD: Winter Wonderland Ice Skating returning November 2025-January 2026 at Civic Park, Downtown Hanford. Make it a date with family and friends for fun holiday ice skating. $, hanfordwinterwonderland.com
HAYWARD: Pop Up Craft Holiday Boutique 1-4 p.m. & Tinseltones Concert 5-7 p.m. at Hayward Area Senior Center. Crafters sell handmade one-of-a-kind items, then stick around for the Tinseltones' Holiday Concert. Location: 22325 North 3rd St., Hayward, CA. Free admission, free concert, haywardrec.org
INDIO: Coachella Valley Magic of Lights Drive Thru November 10-December 31, 2025 at Empire Polo Club. Holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Location: 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA. $, magicoflights.com
LEMOORE: Jingle & Mingle Tree Raising & Tree Lighting Ceremony December 1, 2024, 12-8 p.m., Downtown Lemoore Fox & D St. Lemoore, CA
LOS ALTOS: Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade December 1, 2024, 6-8 p.m. Downtown Main & State Streets Los Altos, CA downtownlosaltos.org
LOS ANGELES: LA Zoo Lights, Animals Aglow November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025, 6-10 p.m. at Los Angeles Zoo. Special holiday display seen only at night with lit lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, glowing rivers, and a magical Holiday Forest with majestic pine trees and the return of Santa himself. Location: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA, $29-35, lazoo.org
LOS ANGELES: Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink returns mid-November 2025-January 2026. Sharpen your blades and skills or just go to chill with themed events and great music. $, holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
MERCED: Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting December 1, 2024, 3-7 p.m. Hometown Christmas Parade taking place on December 7, 2024 Bob Hart Square Main Street Merced, CA Free tree lighting, concert charges a fee (mercedsymphony.org) cityofmerced.org facebook.com/visitmerced/
MISSION VIEJO: Mission Viejo Tree Ceremony with Santa's Arrival December 1, 2024, 3-6 p.m. | 6 p.m. Santa arrives Civic Center 200 Civic Center Mission Viejo, CA mvactivities.com
MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay to be announced: November-December 31, 2025 at Custom House Plaza. $20 includes skate rental, iceskatingbythebay.com
OAKLAND: Temple Hill Days of Christmas December 2025 information coming soon. A beacon for spectacular holiday lights, Christmas concerts, theatrical performances, nativity and creche presentations on panoramic Temple Hill. Free, templehill.org
RANCHO CORDOVA: Rancho Cordova Christmas Tree Lighting and Fireworks! December 1, 2024, 4-7:30 p.m. | Tree Lighting and Fireworks at 7 p.m. at Village Green Park. Hayrides, Live Nativity, Food Trucks. cordovacouncil.org
REDDING: Garden of Lights November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 at McConnell Arboretum. Walk on the world-famous Sundial Bridge to the the Arboretum where over one million animated lights are on display select nights. $20-25, reddinggardenoflights.org
RIVERSIDE: Mission Inn Festival of Lights November 22, 2025 - January 5, 2026. The National Historic Landmark dazzles with millions of holiday lights in Christmas displays called one of the best in the U.S. Free, missioninn.com
ROSEVILLE: Tree Grove on the Square December 4-13, 2024. Vernon Town Square Roseville, CA Free, roseville.ca.us
SACRAMENTO: Theatre of Lights November 27-December 24, 2024 performed from a balcony overlooking the the streets of Old Town. Based on Clement Clarke Moore's classic Christmas poem 'Twas the night before Christmas. Free, oldsacramento.com
SACRAMENTO: Imaginarium Information to be announced for 2025-2026 season at Cal Expo. Some exciting, new twists at the largest holiday light show in Northern California! Location: 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA. $25-up, imaginarium360.com
SACRAMENTO: Hmong New Year November 29-December 1, 2024 at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. Bands, Food & Merch Vendors, Volleyball Competition, Hmong Idol, Miss Hmong California Beauty Contest and more. Doors open at 8 a.m. calexpo.com | $, sacramentohmongnewyear.com
SALINAS: Holiday Parade of Lights December 1, 2024, 6-8 p.m. First, it was canceled, but then resounding support is making the 2024 parade happen - IT'S ON! Support it, don't miss it!
SALINAS: Tree Lighting Ceremony December 1, 2024 held in conjunction with the Holiday Parade of Lights, this time-honored tradition warms the hearts and minds of those who attend with beautiful, glowing lights and friendship.
SAN FRANCISCO: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair November 22-December 21, 2025, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Cow Palace. Eat, drink and be merry at this huge Victorian party with characters you'll remember from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Guests are encouraged to come in costume. $33-up, dickensfair.com
SANTA CLARA: Great America WinterFest November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025. Ice Skate in front of the iconic Carousel Columbia and marvel at spectacular live shows. More than 60 rides and holiday attractions. Location: 237 W to Great America Parkway. $ tickets
SAN DIEGO: A Christmas Carol November 29-December 24, 2024 at Old Town Cygnet Theatre. Location: 4040 Twiggs St. San Diego, CA 92110 $, cygnettheatre.com | carol
SAN FRANCISCO: Golden Girls Christmas Episodes December 4-21, 2025 at Curran Theatre. Location: 445 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA. $, broadwaysf.com
SAN FRANCISCO: Union Square Drag Queens on Ice, holiday ice rink skate show, 7-9:30 p.m. Free to see, or purchase skate session with the "Queens".
SANTA BARBARA: ZooLights November 12, 2025-January 11, 2026, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Santa Barbara Zoo. See thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED bulbs, depicting wild places and animals from around the globe. Location: 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA. $21-35, sbzoo.org
SAN FRANCISCO: Union Square Ice Rink November 6, 2024-January 20, 2025. Themed days and special events add to the fun.
SAN JOSE: Christmas in the Park November 28, 2025-January 1, 2026, 12-10 p.m. daily. The two-acre park features a holiday fantasy with over 40 musical and animated exhibits, glimmering lights and a 65-foot illuminated Christmas Tree. This free attraction for the child in all of us is a holiday tradition beloved by all. Location: Plaza De Cesar Chavez, 194 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Free, christmasinthepark.com
SAN JOSE: Blinky's Holiday Lights Drive Thru November 28, 2025-January 1, 2026, 5-11 p.m. in History Park San Jose. More than one mile of magical scenes and displays synced to favorite holiday tunes. $25-31, approx., christmasinthepark.com
SAN JOSE: Downtown Ice Information to be announced about November 2025-January 2026 season in Circle of Palms Plaza on Market Street. $, sjdowntownice.com
SAN MATEO: IlluminOdyssey November 16, 2024-January 26, 2025 at CuriOdyssey, a zoo and learning center containing native, non-releasable animals such as river otter, bobcat, gray fox and more. Location: 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA. $, curiodyssey.org
SAN MATEO: San Mateo on Ice November 14, 2025-January 11, 2026 in Central Park. Largest outdoor ice rink in the Bay Area features 11,000 square feet of REAL ice to skate on in sunny San Mateo - nice! $, onicerinks.com
SAN RAMON: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink November 7, 2025-January 4, 2026 at City Center Bishop Ranch. Many special events include Elsa, Santa Claus, Barbie and Kristi's skating clinic. $26, citycenterbishopranch.com
SANTA MONICA: ICE mid-November 2025-January 2026 at 5th & Arizona. Details coming soon! $, iceatsantamonica.com
SANTA MONICA: Westside Ballet's The Nutcracker November 30-December 8, 2024, with live orchestration at The Broad Stage. Location: Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, CA. $66.50, westsideballet.com
SAUSALITO: Sausalito Gingerbread House Tour December 8-31, 2024 features nearly 20 unique displays in a walking tour. Free to see, sausalito.org/gingerbread-house-tour
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE: Heavenly Village Ice Rink November 1, 2025-March 31, 2026, subject to change. Ice Skating at the outdoor rink at The Shops at Heavenly Village features central location near shopping, dining and skiing.
UKIAH: Ukiah on Ice December 2, 2024-January 12, 2025 next to Alex R. Thomas Plaza on School Street. Seasonal holiday ice rink open daily for holiday fun! Location: 310 S. State St., Ukiah, CA. $12, cityofukiah.com/ukiahonice
UNIVERSAL CITY: Universal Studios Hollywood Christmas select days November-December 2025, showcasing the holiday makeover of three major attractions: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas with costumes, colors and decor. The thrills remain true to form! $95-up, tickets
VALENCIA: Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park, November 28, 2024-January 5, 2025, 5 p.m. rocks each night with 2 million lights in 7 themed areas featuring dance, music & light shows, cocktail bars, holiday sweets, s'more fire pits & Santa Claus. Location: 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA. $49-75, sixflags.com/magicmountain
WALNUT CREEK: Walnut Creek on Ice November 21, 2025-January 16, 2026. Skate 90 minutes for $20, ice skate rental included or $20 Ice Slide. Location: Civic Park, Walnut Creek, CA. walnutcreekonice.com
WATSONVILLE: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Drive Through November 29-December 24, 2024, 5:30-9 p.m. at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Location: 2601 East Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 $20-25 per car, fairgrounds-foundation.org/ holiday-lights
WOODSIDE: Holidays at Filoli November 2025-January 2026 to be announced soon! Georgian revival-style mansion with 16 acres of exquisite English Renaissance gardens at an historic 654-acre estate (as seen in Falcon Crest show). $, filoli.org
YORBA LINDA: Messiah Sing Along Free Concert December 1, 2024, 10 a.m. 0r 12 p.m. seating at Nixon Library East Room. The Yorba Linda Arts Alliance Foundation's 19th annual concert with the famed Hallelujah Chorus is performed by a 50 member chorus and string orchestra conducted by David Walterman. Doors open ½ hour prior to each concert; seating is open, no reservations required. Location: 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA. Free admission to this event only - not free to view the Museum, nixonlibrary.gov/ sunday-concert-series
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.