California Events
Saturday, December 12, 2026
ADELANTO: 20th Annual Christmas Parade December 12, 2026, 10 a.m. begins at corner of Seneca & Aster Road. Festive music, marching bands, drill teams, floats and more! Free, adelantoca.gov
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
ALPINE: Alpine Parade of Lights December 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Free, alpinechamber.com
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/
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
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.
BELL GARDENS: Bell Gardens Holiday Parade & Winter Wonderland December 12, 2026, 4-8 p.m. | Parade at 5 p.m. | Winter Wonderland at 6 p.m. Veterans Park 6662 Loveland St. Bell Gardens, CA Free, bellgardens.org
BURBANK: Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair, December 12 & 13, 2026, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair showcases 200+ selected artisans selling handmade, specialty, trendsetting Indie fashion and jewelry design, ceramics and paper products, home decor, housewares, art, photography, and more. Location: San Fernando Blvd. and surrounding streets in Downtown Burbank from Magnolia to Angeleno, Burbank, CA. Admission is free, jackalopeartfair.com
CAMARILLO: Camarillo Christmas Parade December 12, 2026, 10 a.m. Theme: A Coastal Christmas! Community Center Park 1605 E. Burnley Street, Camarillo, CA. pvrpd.org
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
CHINO: Chino Youth Christmas Parade December 12, 2026, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. route: begin on Monte Vista Avenue and Riverside Drive, continue down Central Avenue to the Chino City Hall Lawn. Monte Vista Park 13196 Monte Vista Avenue Chino, California Free, cityofchino.org
COLTON: Winter Wonderland December 12, 2026, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Fleming Park. Photos with Santa, Christmas crafts, kids zone, and holiday merriment for all! Location: 525 La Cadena Dr., Colton, CA. Free, coltonca.gov
COLTON: Colton Christmas Spectacular Parade December 12, 2026, 10 a.m. Colton City Hall Colton, CA coltonca.gov
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
DISCOVERY BAY: Discovery Bay Lighted Boat Parade at Parade December 12, 2026, 5:15 p.m. Discovery Bay Yacht Club 5871 Marina Blvd. Discovery Bay, CA. dbyc.com
FAIRFIELD: Santa Splash December 12, 2026, 12-3 p.m. at Santa AQ Natatorium. Join the Aquatics Complex for a magical time as the indoor Natatorium is turned into a Winter Wonderland! Swim in the warm waters just like Rec Swim, play games and win prizes, plus a special appearance by Santa! Pre-registration encouraged. Admission fee is for all persons entering the facility. Tickets are required for spectators, and individuals under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible person at least 16 years or older.
FELTON: Holiday Lights Train November 27-28, December 5-6, 12-23, 2026. Evening ride on a beautifully lit vintage train which begins in the Santa Cruz mountains at Roaring Camp Railroads. $tickets, roaringcamp.com
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
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/
FONTANA: Fontana Christmas Parade & Festival of Winter December 12, 2026, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Parade is on Sierra Ave. & Arrow Blvd. at 10 a.m.; Miller Park 11 a.m.-4 p.m. is the location for the Festival of Winter. Fontana, CA fontana.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
GLENDORA: Tree Lighting & Holiday Stroll November 20, 2026, 6-9 p.m. Downtown Glendora Village Bus Plaza in the Village. Glendora, CA cityofglendora.org
GROVER BEACH: Grover Beach Holiday Sparkle Parade December 12, 2026, 10 a.m. begins at 16th Street, travels west down Grand Avenue. groverbeach.org
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Huntington Harbour Boat Parade December 12 & 13, 2026, 5:15 p.m. starting in the channel where Gilbert, Humboldt and Trinidad Islands meet, proceeding to Davenport Island. Free to see, hhboatparade.org
ISLETON: Lighted Boat Parade December 12, 2026, 5-11 p.m. presented by Marina West Yacht Club - MWYC / Oxbow Marina. Location: Oxbow Marina Resort, 100 Oxbow Marina Drive, Isleton, CA. marinawestyachtclub.com | boat parades
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
LOS GATOS: Fantasy Lights Walk Through December 5, 6, 12 & 13, 2026, 4-9 p.m. $25 general. Extremely popular holiday display at Vasona Lake Park sells quickly. parks.sccgov.org
ONTARIO: 5K Reindeer Run & Rudolph's Dash December 12, 2026, 7 a.m.-12 p.m. at Intersection of Euclid Ave. and C St. This 5K event directly benefits the Ontario-Montclair Promise Scholars and the City's Empowerment Scholarship. Location: Ontario CA 91761. Call (909) 395-2020, ontarioca.gov
PETALUMA: Holiday Lighted Boat Parade December 12, 2026, 6-8 p.m. travels Petaluma River Turning Basin Petaluma, CA petalumayachtclub.com or visitpetaluma.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
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
WEST HOLLYWOOD: Winter Wonderland! December 12, 2026, 1-4 p.m. at West Hollywood Park. Ice-skating rink, dazzling snowfall, festive activities, and crafty creations. Cost: Free, weho.org
YUBA CITY: Christmas Stroll December 12, 2026, 2-8 p.m. Downtown. Free, yubacitydowntown.com
Past events
ARCATA: Season of Wonder & Light Tree Lighting December 12, 2025, 5-7 p.m. Plaza, G & H from 9th to 9th, 8th and 9th from G to H Street. Enjoy Open House Downtown complete with Santa's Arrival. cityofarcata.org
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
BENICIA: Benicia Lighted Boat Parade December 12, 2025, 7 p.m. Benicia Marina, Benicia CA. beniciayachtclub.org
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
CAMPBELL: LIGHT with Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus December 12-14, 2025 at Campbell United Methodist Church. Location: 1675 Winchester Blvd., Campbell, CA $40, svgmc.org/tickets
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
CAYUCOS: Cayucos Holiday Tree Lighting December 12, 2025, 5 p.m. Corner of D St. & Ocean Ave. Cayucos, CA cayucoschamber.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
CLAREMONT: Living Nativity December 12-15, 2025 with timed entry 5-7:30 p.m. at Granite Creek Community Church. Location: 1580 N Claremont Blvd., Claremont, CA. Free tickets required due to popularity. Go to granitecreek.org/living-nativity/
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.
CORNING: Corning Lighted Trolley Tour December 12, 2025, 6 & 7 p.m. Trolley leaves from Corning Chamber of Commerce Office, 1110 Solano Street, Corning, CA. $10, $5 youth, corningcachamber.org
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: Snoopy House December 12-19, 2025, 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
COSTA MESA: American Ballet Theatre The Nutcracker December 11-21, 2025 with Pacific Symphony, Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. $39-250, scfta.org
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
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
FREMONT: Twilight Time Holiday Open House at the Patterson House Fridays - Sundays | December 5-21, 2025, 4:30-8 p.m. Location: Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont, CA 94555 $, fremont.gov
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
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
GLENDORA: Living Nativity December 12-14, 2025, 6-8 p.m. at Church of the Open Door. Shows at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Location: 701 W. Sierra Madre Ave. Glendora, CA Free, churchoftheopendoor.churchcenter.com/
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
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
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
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
LAGUNA HILLS: Journey to Bethlehem December 12-14, 2025, 5-8 p.m. Crossline Community Church 23331 Moulton Parkway Laguna Hills, CA $ donation, ticket required, crosslinechurch.com
LAKE FOREST: Heritage Hill Holiday Lights December 12-14, 2025, 5-9 p.m. at Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA. Event & parking are free! ocparks.com/heritagehill
LAKE ELSINORE: The Ballet Studio Nutcracker December 12 & 14, 2025. Location: Lakeside HS Tom Thomas Rotary Theater, 32593 Riverside Dr., Elsinore, CA. $45-140, tickets.temeculatheater.org
LONG BEACH: David Benoit's Charlie Brown Christmas, an annual Christmas tradition concert December 12, 2026, 8 p.m. at Carpenter Center for Performing Arts, Cal State Long Beach. Location: 6200 E Atherton St., Long Beach, CA. $45-65, carpenterarts.org
LOS ALAMITOS: A Night in Bethlehem December 12-14, 2025, 5:30-9 p.m. at Long Beach East Meetinghouse. Location: 4142 Cerritos Avenue, Los Alamitos, CA. Free, but ticket required, anightinbethlehem.org
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
LOS ANGELES: Pershing Square Holiday 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
MARTINEZ: Martinez Lighted Boat Parade December 12, 2025, 6-8 p.m. Celebration of the holiday on Martinez cherished waterways! Location: Martinez Marina, 7 N. Court Street, Martinez, CA. Free, public invited to a new event, cityofmartinez.org
MISSION VIEJO: Drive-Thru Nativity December 12-13, 2025, 5:30-9:30p.m. at Mount of Olives Church. Location: 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA. Free, moochurch.org
MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay November 26, 2026-January 3, 2027 at Custom House Plaza. $21.10 includes skate rental, iceskatingbythebay.com
MORRO BAY: Holiday Shop, Sip and Stroll, December 12, 2025, 4-8 p.m. Downtown check in by Giant Chess Board. Wine, beer, cider, spirits, nonalcoholic & food! Each General Admission Ticket gets you access and a map to locations and a wine glass! $, morrochamber.org
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
NAPA: Meritage Ice Skating Rink November 19, 2026-January 3, 2027 invites the public to come skate! $, 90-minute skate sessions; cabins and firepits also available for rent, meritageresort.com
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
OAKLAND: Oakland Zoo Glowfari November 6, 2026-January 31, 2027. 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, 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
OAKLAND: Twas the Night Before Fairy Winterland (21+) An Adults-Only Soulful Celebration Under the Stars December 12, 2025, 6-10 p.m. at Children's Fairyland. Part music, part soul, and all party, concert performers, food trucks, beer, wine, and a signature spiked apple cider also sold. Location: 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA. Tickets $40, fairyland.org
OAKLAND: Make the Yuletide Gay! with Oakland Gay Men's Chorus December 12-13, 2025, 7:30 p.m. at Valley Center for the Arts 90-minute concert packed with Christmas classics. $, oaklandgmc.org/tickets
OAKLEY: Oakley on Ice November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027 across from Oakley City Hall with parking at Main Street & Norcoss Lane. $, oakleyonice.com
OAKDALE: Living Nativity December 12-14, 2025, 6-8 p.m. at Oakdale Family Church of the Nazarene. Location: 1700 West F Street Oakdale, CA 95361 Free, ofcnaz.com
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
OROVILLE: Walk Through Nativity December 12-13, 2025, 6-8 p.m. at Oroville Seventh-day Adventist Church. Location: 1180 Robinson Street, 2nd & Robinson, Oroville, CA. Free, orovillesdachurch.org
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. $, socalrailway.org
PORTERVILLE: Zalud House Old Fashioned Christmas Candlelight Tours December 5, 6, 12 & 13, 2025, 6-8 p.m. Built in 1891, the Zalud House is one of few museums in the nation that is furnished entirely with the original owners' possessions. Location: 393 N. Hockett St., Porterville, CA. $3 no reservation needed, ci.porterville.ca.us
POWAY: Poway Christmas in the Park December 12-13, 2025, 3:30-8:30 p.m. Tree Lighting expected time 5:15 p.m. Location: Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd., Poway, CA. Free, poway.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
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
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
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 FRANCISCO: Golden Girls Christmas Episodes December 4-20, 2026 at Curran Theatre. Location: 445 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA. $, broadwaysf.com
SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Ballet's The Nutcracker December 12-24, 2026 Memorial Auditorium, 1515 J Street Sacramento, CA Tickets: $35-109, sacballet.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.
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
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 DIEGO: Golden State Ballet's The Nutcracker December 12-21, 2025 with live music performed by San Diego Symphony at San Diego Civic Theatre. Location: 1100 3rd Avenue, San Diego, CA. $35-up, goldenstateballet.org
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 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 DIEGO: SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration November 13, 2026-January 3, 2027, 10 a.m. daily. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, musical Tunnel of Lights, themed rides and all new Baby Shark's Christmas Adventure to the North Pole, plus shopping, food and fun for all ages. Location: 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, CA. $Tickets, seaworld.com
SAN DIEGO: Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo December 18, 2026-January 3, 2027 includes light shows, reindeer games, brass band music, jugglers & acrobats, and forest pathways through holiday, lighted trees to visit polar bears, arctic foxes and reindeer. $ ticket, approx. sandiegozoo.org
SAN FRANCISCO: Holiday Spectacular with San Francisco's Gay Men's Chorus, December 12-24, 2025, 8 p.m. Performing at 4 location this year - San Francisco, Berkeley & Rohnert Park. 90 minutes filled with festive cheer from more than 150 men of the Chorus. $35-up, sfgmc.org
SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Decorated Boat Parade December 12. 2025, 6-9 p.m. Produced by St. Francis Yacht Club, stfyc.com Parade travels between Chrissy Field and Marina Green in San Francisco. Free viewing.
SAN JOSE: San Jose Dance Theatre's Nutcracker Ballet at Center for the Performing Arts December 12, 2025. Location: 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA. $39.50-115, sanjosetheaters.org
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: Holiday on the Farm December 12, 2026 , 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum 19953 San Ramon Valley Boulevard San Ramon, CA sanramon.ca.gov | ForestHomeFarms.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
SANTA BARBARA: Una Noche de Las Posadas (Night of the Posadas) December 12, 2025, 7-9 p.m. Begins at the Chapel at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park and ends at Casa de la Guerra. FREE sbthp.org
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
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
VACAVILLE: Annual Living Nativity December 12-14, 2025, 6 & 7:30 p.m. Presentation using choirs, music, actors, lights, sound, and animals. Trinity Baptist Church 401 W. Monte Vista Ave. Vacaville, CA. tbcvacaville.com
VACAVILLE: The Nutcracker Ballet by Vacaville Ballet Company December 11-14, 2025 at Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre. Location: 1010 Ulatis Drive Vacaville, CA $25, vpat.net
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
VENTURA: Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks December 12-13, 2025, 6:30-9 p.m. Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks Friday & Saturday 1-5 p.m. Parade Starts at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at 8 p.m. Ventura Harbor Village Ventura, California venturaharborvillage.com
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.