California Events
Friday, December 11, 2026
ADELANTO: Festival of Lights December 11-20, 2026, 6-11 p.m. at Adelanto Stadium. Tunnel of Lights, Snow Sledding, Grinch and Jack Skellington put a spin on holiday celebrating and family fun. Location: 12000 Stadium Way, Adelanto, CA $10-37.45, market760.com
ALAMEDA: Christmas Tree Lane returns December 1-31, 2026 nightly. An annual favorite holiday tradition for 85 years, is a community gift to the public. Free to see and experience.
ALPINE: Viejas Casino Resort Ice Rink November 6, 2026-January 10, 2027, 3-10 p.m. daily at Viejas Casino & Resort. Southern California's largest outdoor ice rink. Location: 5003 Willows Road, Alpine, California $20-25 approx. for 90 minute session rental skates included, viejasoutletcenter.com/skating-rink/
ALTADENA: Christmas Tree Lane returns December 5, 2026-January 1, 2027. The free to see event is produced by volunteer citizens carrying the 106-year tradition. Free, christmastreelane.net
ANAHEIM: Disneyland Festival of Holidays November 13, 2026-January 6, 2027. 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: The Rink at Castle ice skating November 20, 2026-January 2027, has a new location: 3450 D Street, Atwater, CA. $, therinkatcastle.com
BAKERSFIELD: Bakersfield Tree Lighting Ceremony December 11, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. at The Point at Belcourt Village. Location: 3333 Buena Vista Road, Bakersfield , CA. Free, experiencesevenoaks.com
BIG BEAR LAKE: Alpine Zoo Wild Lights November 12, 2026-January 4, 2027, 5-9 p.m. Wed-Sun. New event shines one million holiday lights on the treasured zoo where injured wildlife is cared for. $20, bigbearzoo.org
BRIDGEPORT: Bridgeport Winter Ice Rink late November-March. Free admission (bring your own skates) and enjoy! Location: US 395 and Hwy 182, Bridgeport, CA. Free, monocounty.org
BUELLTON: Santa Ynez Valley Holiday Lights Festival December 4-20, 2026 at Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden. Millions of lights, Santa, carolers, food and drinks to warm the cool Central Coast nights! Location: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., Buellton, CA. $32.97 general admission sold online, syvholidaylights.com
BUENA PARK: Knott's Berry Farm Christmas November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027. 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. $, sixflags.com/knotts
CARLSBAD: Christmas Bricktacular November 21, 2026-January 3, 2027 at Legoland California. 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
CASTRO VALLEY: Christmas Village Ice Rink November 27, 2026-January 3, 2027 at 3 Crosses, East Bay's largest, seasonal outdoor rink, featuring food trucks, bounce houses, family activities and joyful holiday treats! Location: 20600 John Drive, Castro Valley, CA. $, 3crosseschristmasvillage.com
CHICO: Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza returns November 12, 2026-January 17, 2027 in Downtown Chico Plaza. $15, chicorec.gov/chico-ice-rink
COARSEGOLD: Winter Wonderland Ice Rink November 21, 2026-January 10, 2027, 12-10 p.m. (closed Mondays & Tuesdays) at Chukchansi Gold Resort Casino. Seasonal outdoor ice skating, all ages. $, chukchansigold.com
CONCORD: Ice at the Veranda November 6, 2026-February 14, 2027 at The Veranda shopping mall. Come glide on Ice at The Veranda with open-air shopping, dining and entertainment.
CORONADO: Skating by the Sea November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027 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 27, 2026-January 3, 2027 (Thursday-Sunday) 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
COSTA MESA: Snoopy House December 11-18, 2026, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Costa Mesa City Hall. Join the City of Costa Mesa in celebrating a tradition featuring lights displays, letters to Santa, stage performers, food vendors and the Snoopy House! Location: 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA. Free admission, costamesaca.gov
DANA POINT: Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights December 11-12, 2026. Location: Dana Point Harbor by the Water's Edge 34555 Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA danapointharbor.com
ENCINITAS: Lightscape November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027 at San Diego Botanic Garden includes over one million lights in 20 artistic installations along a one-mile, easily walkable garden path. $28-up + $15 on site parking, sdbg.org
ESCONDIDO: Wild Holidays November 28, 2026-January 3, 2027, select nights, 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, 2026-January 18, 2027 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/
FOLSOM: Folsom Zoo Wild Nights, Holiday Lights December 4-22, 2026. Nighttime lights experience illuminates Folsom's beloved Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. $15.23 approx. admission, $8.86 and optional Starlight Train ride, folsom.ca.us | folsomzoofriends.org
FORT BRAGG: Festival of Lights at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens November 27-December 20, 2026 is a fantasy stroll through lush gardens filled with ocean and nature themes as seen in through lights that create the shapes and fill the imagination with holiday delight. $16-27, gardenbythesea.org
FORTUNA: Al Gray Lighted Parade December 11, 2026, 6 p.m. at Rohner Park, then right on Main Street, pass through Downtown, left on 9th Street, left on L Street, right on 12th Street, left on Newburg Road, right on Fortuna Blvd. where parade turns around back to Rohner Park. Free to see, visitfortunaca.com
FRESNO: Christmas Tree Lane December 2 (tentative)-December 25, 2026, 6 p.m. Lights off 10 p.m. Sun-Thurs; Lights off 11 p.m. Fri-Sat. Location: North Van Ness Boulevard, Fresno, CA. Free but donations encouraged, christmastreelane.com
FRESNO: Downtown Fresno Ice Skating Rink December 4-26, 2026 returns to Mariposa Plaza Winter Village with twinkling streets lined with food vendors and artisans. $20, skate rental included
GRASS VALLEY: Grass Valley Cornish Christmas Fridays November 27-December 18, 2026, 6-9 p.m. in Downtown Grass Valley. Rekindle the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas at this delightful holiday event. downtowngrassvalley.com
INDIO: Coachella Valley Magic of Lights Drive Thru November 20, 2026-January 2, 2027 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
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE: Enchanted Forest of Light November 22, 2026-January 9, 2027 features an after-dark, mile-long walkthrough of holiday lights in Descanso Gardens, a unique Southern California botanic garden that's magical during the day, and mesmerizing at night. $27-45, descansogardens.org
LOS ANGELES: Pershing Square Holid
LAGUNA BEACH: Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy November 20-December 20, 2026, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. every Friday through Sunday rain or shine! 175 award-winning artists, sculptors, jewelers and designers sell their works in the beautiful Laguna Canyon venue. Location: 935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA. $12.50 day / season pass $35.50, sawdustartfestival.org
ay Ice Skating Rink returns November 12, 2026-January 3, 2027. Sharpen your blades and skills or just go to chill with themed events and great music. $, holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
LOS ANGELES: LA Kings Holiday Ice at LA Live November 27, 2026-January 3, 2027, 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Location: 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. $27 general admission, lalive.com
LOS ANGELES: LA Zoo Lights, Animals Aglow November 20, 2026-January 10, 2027, 6-10 p.m. at Los Angeles Zoo. Nighttime display 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, $25-35, lazoo.org
ONTARIO: Christmas on Euclid Street Nativity November 26, 2026-January 1, 2027 is a Drive / Walk Thru holiday attraction featuring 12 life size scenes scenes depicting the Nativity and Life of Jesus in an outdoor Christmas creche. Location: "C" Street through "F" Street on Euclid Avenue, Ontario, CA. Free, gocalevents.org
PACIFICA: Surfing Santa at Jean Brink Pool December 11, 2026, 7-9 p.m. 401 Polama Ave., Pacifica, CA $10 fee, cityofpacifica.org Get pictures with the surfing santa and have holiday fun.
SAN LUIS OBISPO: Nature Nights, November 25-December 27, 2026, 5-8 p.m. at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Stunning lighting exhibitions and art throughout eight acres of gardens, live music each night, local culinary treats, plus regional wine and beer for sale. Location: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA. $28, slobg.org
WATSONVILLE: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Drive Through November 27-December 24, 2026, 5:30-9 p.m. at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Location: 2601 East Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 $, fairgrounds-foundation.org/ holiday-lights
Past events
GLENDALE: World Ballet Series The Nutcracker in Glendale December 11-12 , 2025, 7 p.m. Alex Theatre 216 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA $50-150 approx., thealex.com
PALO ALTO: A Chanticleer Christmas at Memorial Church December 11, 2025, 7:30 p.m. $ general admission, stanfordlivetickets.org
OAKLEY: Oakley on Ice November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027 across from Oakley City Hall with parking at Main Street & Norcoss Lane. $, oakleyonice.com
PALO ALTO: Winter Lodge Seasonal Ice Rink October 16, 2026-April 11, 2027, is back with public skating sessions, lessons and more. $20 session, $6 skate rental, winterlodge.com
PERRIS: Southern California Railway Polar Express November 9, 2026-January 4, 2027. Family adventure on a magical train ride complete with dancing chefs, caroling, cookies and cocoa, re-creates the classic children’s story. $49-up, socalrailway.org
PLACENTIA: Placentia Tamale Festival December 11, 2025, 4-10 p.m. Old Town Placentia 100 & 200 Blocks of Santa Fe Ave and the 200 block of Bradford Ave Placentia, CA Free, placentiatamalefestival.org
RIVERSIDE: Mission Inn Festival of Lights November 21, 2026-January 3, 2027. 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
SACRAMENTO: Theatre of Lights November 27-December 20, 2026 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
SAN BERNARDINO: San Bernardino Christmas HO HO Parade December 8-11, 2025, 5-9 p.m. nightly. Community parade run by volunteers brings Santa and a cast of holiday characters through neighborhoods of San Bernardino to spread cheer. Free, hohoparade.com
SAN DIEGO: Gingerbread City Gala December 11, 2025, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Natural History Museum, San Diego, CA. 32nd annual gala ticket, tables, VIP are more epilepsysandiego.org
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE: Heavenly Village Ice Rink November 1, 2026-March 31, 2027, subject to change. Ice Skating at the outdoor rink at The Shops at Heavenly Village features central location near shopping, dining and skiing.
SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker December 4-27, 2026 at War Memorial Opera House. Helgi Tomasson's Nutcracker with Artistic Director Tamara Rojo and accompaniment by SF Ballet Orchestra. Location: 301 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA $49-395, approx., sfballet.org
SAN FRANCISCO: Golden Girls Christmas Episodes December 4-20, 2026 at Curran Theatre. Location: 445 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA. $, broadwaysf.com
SAN DIEGO: Rady Children's Ice Rink November 19, 2026-January 3, 2027, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (except holidays) at Liberty Station. Have fun while skating fees support cancer program for kids. $25 includes skate rentals, rchicerink.org
SAN FRANCISCO: Union Square Ice Rink November 4, 2026-January 18, 2027. Themed days and special events add to the fun. $22 session includes skate rental.
SANTA BARBARA: Illumanature November 11, 2026–January 10, 2027, 5–9 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
SAUSALITO: Sausalito Gingerbread House Tour December 8-31, 2026 features nearly 20 unique displays in a walking tour. Free to see, sausalito.org/gingerbread-house-tour
TAFT: Polar Express Holiday Light Tour 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 & 20, 2025, 5 p.m. Haybale Rides begin at Westside Tech, first come first serve. $5, taftchamber.com
TEMECULA: Peltzer Ice Rink November 9, 2026-Janaury 18, 2027, approx., at Peltzer Farm & Winery. Location: 39925 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA. $23.05 for 75 minute skate session, rental skates included, peltzerfarms.com
VENTURA: Mission San Buenaventura Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 5 a.m. Mariachi traditional songs are played at 5 a.m. in O'Brien Hall followed by Mass at 5:30 a.m. Then menudo breakfast in the Parish Center Auditorium. At 6 p.m. in the Mission Church, Aztec dancers pay tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe and a procession is held on Main Street from the Mission to Palm Street to Juniper Serra Way and O'Brien Hall. Mass includes a dramatized representation of the apparition at Tepeyac Hill in Mexico. The evening concludes with pan dulce and chocolate in the Parish. Location: 211 East Main Street sanbuenaventuramission.org
HANFORD: Winter Wonderland Ice Skating returning November 21, 2026-January 10, 2027 at Civic Park, Downtown Hanford. Make it a date with family and friends for fun holiday ice skating. $, hanfordwinterwonderland.com
IRVINE: Dream Glow Lights Festival November 5-Dcember 30, 2026 at Wild Rivers Waterpark. West Coast debut of the newest lights spectacular for the holidays! Location: 10000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA. $37-53, dreamglowfestival.com
IRVINE: Irvine Spectrum Holiday Ice Rink November 6, 2026-January 3, 2027 next to the Giant Wheel November 6, 2026 through Christmas holiday. Skating! Location: 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA. $24-27 general admission, irvinespectrumcenter.com
MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay November 26, 2026-January 3, 2027 at Custom House Plaza. $21.10 includes skate rental, iceskatingbythebay.com
MT. SHASTA: Siskiyou Ice Rink November 14, 2026-February 21, 2027 in Shastice Park is an ice skater's dream at 85 feet wide and 200 feet long. $15 sessions, skate rental included, msrec.org
OAKLAND: Temple Hill Days of Christmas November 27-December 31, 2026. A beacon for spectacular holiday lights, Christmas concerts, theatrical performances, nativity and creche presentations on panoramic Temple Hill. Free, templehill.org
OAKLAND: Oakland Zoo Glowfari November 6, 2026-January 31, 2027. The Wildly Illuminating Lantern Festival features new scenes & themes in 2026-2027 such as California forests, San Francisco Bay, Montana, Florida Everglades, and Hawaii, highlighting the biodiversity of these regions and how species interact with their habitats. Advanced ticket purchase required: $26-41, oaklandzoo.org
OLYMPIC VALLEY: Everline Winter Ice Skating Rink November 27, 2026-March 28, 2027, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at Everline Resort. Location: 400 Squaw Creek Road, Olympic Valley, CA.$30 approx. includes skate rental and 60 minutes of ice skating, everlineresort.com
REDDING: Garden of Lights November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027 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. $25-35, reddinggardenoflights.org
SACRAMENTO: Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink at the Square on 7th & K Street runs November 4, 2026-January 18, 2027. $, godowntownsac.com
SACRAMENTO: The Polar Express Train Ride November 13-December 21, 2026 at California State Railroad Museum. Polar Express characters entertain as you board your train to the North Pole for hot chocolate and a sweet treat. Santa comes on board at the North Pole to give each passenger the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell. Location: Central Pacific Passenger Station at 930 Front Street, Old Sacramento Waterfront, Sacramento, CA. $80-110, californiarailroad.museum
SACRAMENTO: Imaginarium at Cal Expo November 14, 2026-January 4, 2027. Some exciting, new twists at the largest holiday light show in Northern California! Location: 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA. $25-up, imaginarium360.com
SAN BERNARDINO: Miracle on Court Street Holiday Village December 10-21, 2025, 5-9 p.m. with Santa, synthetic skating rink, vendors and entertainment. Free admission, sbcity.gov/parks
SAN JOSE: Christmas in the Park November 27, 2026-January 1, 2027, 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 MATEO: IlluminOdyssey November 14, 2026-January 24, 2027 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 in Central Park November 13, 2026-January 10, 2027. Largest outdoor ice rink in the Bay Area features 11,000 square feet of REAL ice to skate on in sunny San Mateo - so nice! $20.33-24.61, onicerinks.com
SAN RAMON: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink November 6, 2026-January 3, 2027 at City Center Bishop Ranch. Many special events include Elsa, Santa Claus, Barbie and Kristi's skating clinic. $16 week day - $25.55 weekend, citycenterbishopranch.com
SAN JOSE: San Jose Holiday Lights November 13, 2026-January 1, 2027, 4:30-10:30 p.m. in Downtown San Jose. Illuminated, giant lanterns fill the city block with Christmas themed areas, a jungle, a garden and a mermaid's underwater fantasy. Location: 330 W. San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA. $25-29, sanjoseholidaylights.com
SANTA MONICA: Frost on 5th November 5, 2026-January 18, 2027 at 5th & Arizona. 8,000 square feet of skating ice, including a kids zone for little ones. $24.05 admission & skate rental, frostonfifth.com
UKIAH: Ukiah on
Ice November 30, 2026-January 17, 2027 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 November 21, 2026-January 3, 2027 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 26 – January 3, 2027 , 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
VISTA: Jingle Terrace Nights December 5-20, 2025, 5:30-9 p.m. at Brengle Terrace Park Moonlight Amphitheatre. Location: 1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA. Free, moonlightstage.comWALNUT CREEK: Walnut Creek on Ice November 20, 2026-January 18, 2027. Enjoy 90 minute ice skating sessions, ice skate rental included or Ice Slide. Location: Civic Park, Walnut Creek, CA. walnutcreekonice.com
WOODSIDE: Filoli Holiday Lights November 14, 2026-January 10, 2027, 4-9 p.m. Georgian revival-style mansion's 16 acres of exquisite English Renaissance gardens are transformed into a radiant wonderland of light and color at the historic 654-acre estate (seen in Falcon Crest). $49-55, filoli.org
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.