California Events
Let's hear it for TAMALES! Indio Tamale Festival Dec.2-3, 2023
Saturday, December 2, 2023
ALAMEDA: Christmas Tree Lane, December 2-31, 2023, an annual favorite holiday tradition for 85 years, is a community gift to the public. Free to see and experience.
ANTIOCH: Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting December 2, 2023. Parade at 6 p.m. Riverfront in Downtown Antioch on 2nd & G Street celebrateantioch.org
APTOS: Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Craft Fair 1-4 p.m. in the Aptos Village Green (in front of New Leaf). Location: 161 Aptos Village Way, Aptos, CA. Free, aptoschamber.com
ANAHEIM: Holidays at Disneyland Resort November 10, 2023-January 7, 2024 in Disneyland features Christmas Fantasy Parade, Holiday Magic fireworks, Christmas decor at It's a Small World and Haunted Mansion, plus Viva Navidad celebration of Latin culture at California Adventure theme park.
ARCADIA: Lightscape November 17, 2023-January 2, 2024 at Los Angeles County Arboretum. Reimagined this year with all new experiences, the magical holiday event includes professional lighting and musical scoring throughout the gardens. $33-39 + $20 parking, arboretum.org
ATASCADERO: 22nd Annual Holiday Musical Walk Around the Lake, December 2, 2023, 5:30-9 p.m. Homes around the lake are decked out with special lighting and holiday decorations. More than 20 local choirs, bell ringers, carolers and other musical groups perform seasonal music around the lake and in the pavilion. The zoo is normally open free of charge for all families 5:30-8:30 p.m. Hot Cider and food booth hosted by the City of Atascadero. All free of charge! Parking: The primary parking areas are the zoo parking lot, baseball field lot, Freedom Veteran's memorial and pavilion lot. atascaderolake.net
ATWATER: Razzari Ice Skating Center November 17, 2023-January 8, 2024 in Old Town Atwater. Seasonal ice skating rink offers affordable holiday fun.
AUBURN: Festival of Lights Parade December 2, 2023 on High Street to the Fairgrounds. Bundle up for a jolly good time with this year's theme: Light Up the Season!
AUBURN: Placer Theatre Ballet Nutcracker December 1-10, 2023 at Placer Theatre. $10-25, placertheatreballet.org
AVALON: Catalina Tree Lighting and day of holiday fun, 12-8 p.m. Downtown.
BAKERSFIELD: Holiday Lightasmic! November 25-December 30, 2023, evenings at CALM Zoo. Location: 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway Bakersfield, CA $, calmzoo.org
BUENA PARK: Knott's Merry Farm November 17, 2023-January 7, 2024 is back with the famous Snoopy's Ice Show featuring professional ice skaters. Christmas sing-alongs, plays, carolers and holiday bands all included with admission. knotts.com
BAKERSFIELD: CALM Zoo Holiday Lights November 25-December 30, 2023, 5:30-8:30 p.m. 3 million lights, approx.
BALDWIN PARK: Baldwin Park Holiday Parade December 2, 2023 ON Baldwin Park Boulevard and Olive Street, head south toward Morgan Park. Free, baldwinpark.com
BELMONT SHORE: 38th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade, December 2, 2023, 6-9 p.m. 2023 theme is Christmas by the Sea. Location: 2nd Street between Bayshore & Livingston Belmont Shore, CA belmontshore.org
BISHOP: Tree Lighting Ceremony after annual holiday parade. Begins around 5:30 p.m.
BISHOP: Christmas Parade December 2, 2023, begins at 4:30 p.m.
BLUE JAY: Blue Jay Christmas Parade December 2, 2023, 2 p.m. The 41st Annual Blue Jay Christmas Parade in downtown Blue Jay! The streets close off at 1 p.m. and the parade kicks off at 2 p.m. Expect floats, music and holiday cheer. There's nothing like a parade! BlueJayParade.com
BOULDER CREEK: Santa Cruz County - Boulder Creek Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2, 2023, 1-7 p.m. Forest Street Boulder Creek, CA bcba.net
BURBANK: Burbank Mayor's Tree Lighting December 2, 2023 at City Hall Front Steps 275 E. Olive Burbank, CA
CALABASAS: Holiday Road USA November 24-December 27, 2023, 5-10 p.m. King Gillette Ranch 26800 Mulholland Hwy Calabasas, CA 91302 $29.99-65, holidayroadusa.com
CALISTOGA: Lighted Tractor Parade December 2, 2023, 7-8 p.m.
CAMPBELL: Carol of Lights December 2, 2023, 3 p.m. in Downtown Campbell
CAMPBELL: Ainsley House "Christmas Cravings" Holiday Tea & Tour December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 & 10, 2023 View and tour the home decorated with enchanting holiday Tickets $60 campbellmuseums.com
CAPITOLA: Capitola Village Holiday Cookie Walk December 2-3, 2023, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a walk around historic Capitola Village and fill your box with delicious holiday cookies from participating stores! Tickets are $25 and available on Eventbrite or at Capitola Candy Cafe up to the day of the event. Proceeds benefit Angel Tree. capitolavillage.com
CARLSBAD: Holiday at the Rancho Tree Lighting 5-8 p.m. at Leo Carillo Ranch Historical Park. Tree Lighting, decorate cookies, train rides, crafts, music and holiday fun. Movie at 6 p.m. Location: 6200 Flying Leo Carillo Lane, Carlsbad, CA. $10, carlsbadca.gov
CASTRO VALLEY: Alameda Civic Ballet Nutcracker December 2-3, 2023, 2 p.m. at Castro Valley Center for the Arts, 19501 Redwood Road Castro Valley, CA $, alamedacivicballet.org
CHERRY VALLEY: Christmas Tree Lighting at Winterfest December 1-2, 2023 Cherry Valle Grange Community Center 10478 Beaumont Ave. Cherry Valley, CA Free (hay rides & snow hill $5) bcvparks.com
CHICO: Stansbury Home Victorian Christmas December 1-3, 2023 307 W 5th St. Chico, CA 95928 $, stansburyhome.org
CHOWCHILLA: Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade December 2, 2023, 6-9 p.m. Robertson Blvd. and Veterans Memorial Park
CLEARLAKE: Christmas Parade December 2, 2023, 6 p.m. on Lakeshore Drive.
COPPEROPOLIS: Tree Lighting December 2, 2023, an afternoon of fun with vendors on the Town Square culminates at dark with the lighting of the tree!
CORNING: Old Fashioned Christmas Hometown Parade December 2, 2023, 5:30 p.m. Downtown. Presented by Corning Chamber of Commerce, corningchamber.org
CORONADO: Skating by the Sea November 17, 2023-January 7, 2024 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
CHICO: Chico Ice Rink November 17, 2023-January 14, 2024 in the City Plaza is the centerpiece of downtown Chico with themed nights, cabana rentals, skate lessons and holiday festivities.
CONCORD: Ice at the Veranda November 3, 2023-February 14, 2024 at The Veranda shopping mall. Come glide on Ice at The Veranda, a newly reimagined mixed-use retail center with open-air shopping, dining and entertainment.
COSTA MESA: Nutcracker for Kids, 10 & 11:30 a.m. Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall 615 Town Center Drive Ticket: $40-up pacificsymphony.org
COSTA MESA: Winter Fest OC November 24, 2023-January 7, 2024 at Orange County Fair & Event Center. Snow, ice tubing, ice skating, rides, North Pole, fire pits and more. Location: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA. $35-110, winterfestoc.com
DANA POINT: City of Dana Point Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2, 2023, 4:30-5:30 p.m. La Plaza Park 34111 La Plaza Pacific Coast Highway & Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA Free danapoint.org
EL CENTRO: Christmas Parade December 2, 2023, 10 am-12 p.m. Parade begins at Main & 12th St. and heads East on Main, then turns South on 8th St., and ends at 8th & Aurora Dr. Downtown El Centro El Centro, CA elcentrochamber.org
ELK GROVE: Parade of Lights December 2, 2023 is an old-fashioned Christmas and holiday parade with floats and parade entries making use of strings of lights to decorate.
ELK GROVE: Tree Lighting December 2, 2023 part of IllumiNATION Holiday Festival, a multicultural family celebration at District56.
ENCINITAS: Encinitas Holiday Parade December 2, 2023, 5:30 p.m. after Holiday Tree Lighting. 2023 theme is: Traditions of Encinitas
ENCINITAS: Holiday Tree Lighting December 2, 2023, 5 p.m. before parade.
ENCINITAS: Lightscape November 17, 2023-January 1, 2024, 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. $29-35, sdbg.org
FELTON: Holiday Tree Walk December 2-3, 2023 at Bear Mountain on a Roaring Camp Railroads train. $, roaringcamp.com
FOLSOM: Folsom Zoo Wild Nights, Holiday Lights December 1, 2, 8, 9 & 15-22, 2023, 5-8:30 p.m. at Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, 403 Stafford Street
FONTANA: Underwater Pictures with Santa, December 2, 2023, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: Fontana Park Aquatics Center Address: 15610 Summit Ave. Fontana, CA 92336 Cost: $5 or new, unwrapped toy donation. Must reserve your spot: fontana.org
FORT BRAGG: Mendocino Botanical Garden Lights November 24-December 17, 2023, 5-7 p.m. Annual event featuring holiday-lit trees, animated shapes and themed designs created by Mendocino County's favorite garden. $10, gardenbythesea.org
FOUNTAIN VALLEY: Tree Lighting December 2, 2023
FOUNTAIN VALLEY: The Christmas Creche December 1-3, 2023, 6-9 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Living Nativity, local school choirs and bands performing holiday concerts, free donuts and a room of Christmas creches to admire. Location: 17500 Talbert Ave., Fountain Valley, CA. Free, thecrecheoc.com
FRESNO: IllumiNature November 24-December 30, 2023 at Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a special holiday event featuring lighted lantern displays and a visit from a real reindeer! $, fresnochaffeezoo.org
FRESNO: Timeless Toys, Christmas at Kearney Mansion Museum Nov.24-Dec.31, 2023, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays $10, valleyhistory.org
FRESNO: Christmas Parade December 2, 2023
GARDEN GROVE: Garden Grove Tree Lighting & Winter in the Grove December 2, 2023, 3-7 p.m. Village Green Park 12732 Main Street Garden Grove, CA Free, ggcity.org
GILROY: Christmas Parade December 2, 2023
GILROY: Santa's lighting the Christmas Tree takes place downtown December 2, 2023. Be there!
GLENDALE: Montrose Glendale Christmas Parade December 2, 2023, a tradition for 45 years, begins each year on the first Saturday in December at 6:10 p.m.
GROVER BEACH: Grover Beach Holiday Sparkle Parade December 2, 2023, 10 a.m. 2023 theme is Santa's Workshop
GROVER BEACH: Tree Lighting December 2, 2023. Held on the same day as the Parade this evening event lights up Grover Beach with joy and merriment for the holidays.
HANFORD: Winter Wonderland Ice Skating November 18, 2023-January 7, 2024 at Civic Park, Downtown Hanford. Make it a date with the family and friends for fun holiday ice skating. $, hanfordwinterwonderland.com
HAYWARD: Paskuhan Festival 3-6 p.m. at Kennedy Park. Filipino-style fun includes art, dance, food, karaoke and traditional seasonal crafts such as Parol. Location: 19501 Hesperian, Hayward, CA. Free, haywardrec.org
HAYWARD: Christmas Open House at Historic McConaghy House December 2, 9 & 16, 2023, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $5 suggested donation 18701 Hesperian Boulevard Hayward, CA. haywardareahistory.org
HERMOSA BEACH: Hermosa Beach Sandpipers Holiday Homes Tour December 1-3, 2023, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Fri.&Sat.; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sun. $, sandpipers.org | holiday homes
INDIO: Tamale Festival December 2-3, 2023. Billed as world's largest tamale fest, enjoy eating tons of tamales as well as listening to bands, seeing a car show and entering contests such as Tamale Eating Contest and Best Tamale Recipe.
INDIO: Coachella Valley Magic of Lights Drive Thru November 17-December 31, 2023, 5:30 p.m. at Empire Polo Club. Location: 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA. $, magicoflights.com
IRVINE: Skating Under the Stars November 3, 2023-January 7, 2024 at Irvine Spectrum Ice Rink in the Giant (Ferris) Wheel Court features themed nights with DJs spinning tunes surrounded by restaurants and shopping.
KINGSBURG: Festival of Lights Parade December 2, 2023. Event is part of the
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE: Enchanted Forest of Light November 19, 2023-January 7, 2024 features an after-dark, mile-long walkthrough of holiday lights in Descanso Gardens, a unique Southern California botanic garden of historical significance.
LAGUNA HILLS: Laguna Hills Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2, 2023, 6-8 p.m. at Laguna Hills Community Center. Carolers, refreshments, crafts and a visit from Santa. Location: 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA Free, lagunahillsca.gov
LAGUNA BEACH: Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy November 17-December 17, 2023 on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. Location: 935 Laguna Canyon Rd. $10, sawdustartfestival.org
LAGUNA NIGUEL: Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2, 2023, 5-8 p.m. at City Hall
LA HABRA: 9th annual La Habra Tamale Festival December 2, 2023, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Euclid Street between La Habra Blvd. & Bridenbecker Ave., La Habra, CA. Free admission, lahabratamalefestival.com
LAKE ELSINORE: Winterfest Parade December 2, 2023, 5:30 p.m., Christmas Movie Magic is 2023 theme
LANCASTER: Holiday Parade December 2, 2023 on The Blvd.
LEMOORE: Christmas Parade Dec.2, 2023, 6 p.m. in Downtown Lemoore. 2023 theme: T'was the Night Before Christmas in Lemoore. Location: Downtown Lemoore Fox & D St. Lemoore, CA Free to see, lemoorechamber.org
LIVERMORE: Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade December 2, 2023 livermoredowntown.com
LIVERMORE VALLEY: Holidays in the Vineyards December 2-3, 2023, 12-4:30 p.m. lvwine.org/ Admission is free | tasting fees vary by winery.
LIVERMORE: Christmas Tree is officially lit in Downtown Livermore December 2, 2023 immediately following the Parade!
LOS ANGELES: LA Zoo Lights, Animals Aglow November 17, 2023-January 7, 2024 at LA Zoo. Special holiday display seen only at night. Location: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA, $, lazoo.org
LOS ANGELES: Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square November 16, 2023-January 7, 2024 Willy Bietak Productions is back at Pershing Square for ice entertainment during the holidays.
LOS GATOS: Children's Holiday Christmas Parade December 2. 2023
LOS OLIVOS: Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting December 2, 2023, losolivosca.com
MENDOCINO: Kelly House Museum Holiday Fun December 2, 2023, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Suggested donation: $5, kelleyhousemuseum.org
MERCED: Merced Christmas Parade + tree lighting ceremony downtown. December 2, 2023, 3 p.m.
MILLBRAE: Millbrae Tree Lighting December 2, 2023 at Millbrae City Hall Constitution Square ci.millbrae.ca.us
MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay November 24-December 31, 2023 at Custom House Plaza. $, iceskatingbythebay.com
NEWPORT BEACH: Fire and Ice, seasonal outdoor ice skating rink & bonfires overlooking Newport Bay November 24, 2023-January 1, 2024 at Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive. $, NewportDunes.com
MOUNTAIN VIEW: Christmas at Our House December 1-2, 2023. On Friday guests enjoy a Boutique. | Saturday 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. features Boutique Cookies and Coffee Cart, High Tea and Student Performers. sfhs.com | holiday homes
MURRIETA: Tree Lighting Holiday Magic Vendor Fair, Ceremony & Festival of Trees December 2, 2023, 5-8 p.m. Town Square Park, 13 Town Square, Murrieta, CA murrietaca.gov
NORTH HOLLYWOOD: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show November 25, 2023-January 21, 2024 at El Portal Theatre. Includes four Eric Carle stories presented with a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets. Location: 5269 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood, CA. Dates: Fridays and Sundays 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m., 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. $30-up, hungrycaterpillarshow.com
NOVATO: Novato Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2, 2023, 4-7:30 p.m. Downtown Novato Grant & Sherman Novato, CA Free to see, downtownnovato.com
OAKLAND: Christmas Tree Lighting at Jack London SquareDecember 2, 2023
OROVILLE: Walk Through Nativity December 1-2, 2023, 6-8 p.m. at Oroville Seventh-day Adventist Church. Live Walk Through Nativity 27th year! Location: 1180 Robinson Street
OXNARD: Oxnard Tamale Festival December 2, 2023, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free, oxnardtamalefestival.com
OXNARD: Oxnard Christmas Parade "Making Spirits Bright" December 2, 2023
PACIFIC PALISADES: Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Stroll, 11 a.m.- 11 a.m.-7 p.m. with Tree Lighting 5:30 p.m. at Caruso's Palisades Village, 15225 Palisades Village Lane, Pacific Palisades, CA. Free, PalisadesVillageCA.com
PALM SPRINGS: Festival of Lights Parade December 2, 2023 with Community Grand Marshal and Palm Springs High School graduate Hannah Wright, the winner of the popular reality series "Love Island."
PALOS VERDES PENINSULA: South Coast Botanic Garden Astra Lumina, An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The Stars in Los Angeles, November 9-December 31, 2023. The limited engagement, multisensory immersive experience that holds a special connection to the stars above, brings special meaning to the holidays. $ tickets, southcoastbotanicgarden.org
PALM DESERT: WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens November 22-December 30, 2023 includes light exhibits and lighted animal-shaped lanterns in themed displays. $, livingdesert.org
OLYMPIC VALLEY: Outdoor Ice Skating Rink November 24, 2023-March 2024 at Everline Resort at Squaw Creek. destinationhotels.com
PARADISE: Paradise on Ice November 10, 2023-January 7, 2024 at Terry Ashe Park and Recreation Center is open for seasonal ice skating among towering trees of the Sierra Nevada foothills, $, paradiseprpd.com
PARADISE: Paradise Truck Parade of Lights December 2, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
PASADENA: South Lake Avenue Holidayfest December 2, 2023, 12-6 p.m. at The Shops on Lake Avenue. Concerts with great bands, free Santa photo opps, prizes, and holiday celebrating. Location: 345 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA. Free, southlakeavenue.org
PASADENA: 56th Annual Look In Holiday Home Tour December 2-3, 2023, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. See 4 elegant homes decorated for the holidays. $45, pasadenaholidaylookin.org | holiday homes
PASADENA: Holiday Tour at Castle Green, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 125-year-old Castle Green is open to the public one of only two times each year. Visit private condominiums, the Penthouse, and the iconic Bridge, as well as the ground floor that's decked in holiday finery. Built in 1898. Location: 99 S. Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA $60-70, castlegreen.com | holiday homes
PASADENA: Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker December 1-26, 2023, appearing in Pasadena December 1-3, 2023 at Civic Auditorium. Tickets $40-137 approx., losangelesballet.org
PETALUMA: Theatre Square Tree Lighting December 2, 2023 Four Blocks in the Heart of Downtown Petaluma
PINOLE: Pinole Tree Lighting Ceremony must confirm this date - December 2, 2023, 3-5 p.m. Fernandez Park San Pablo & Tennent Ave. Pinole, CA ci.pinole.ca.us REDDING: Garden of Lights November 17, 2023-January 7, 2024 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, $20-25, reddinggardenoflights.org
PLEASANT HILL: Light Up the Night and Tree Lighting December 2, 2023, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Activities, crafts, music, performances, and the annual lighting of the holiday tree! Free, pleasanthillca.org
PLEASANTON: Hometown Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting. Main Street December 2, 2023. hometownholiday.com
POMONA: Imaginarium at Fairplex November 17, 2023-January 7, 2024. Over 5 million lights in colorful displays, life-size Chinese lanterns, holiday foods and Cirque performances stir the imagination in this all ages, limited engagement. Location: Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA. $28-up, imaginarium360.com/fairplex/
PORTOLA: Portola Santa Train December 2-16, 2023 at Western Pacific Railroad Museum. Museum opens at 4 p.m. with train rides starting at 5 p.m. and continuing until everyone has a turn, usually about 8 p.m. Location: 700 Western Pacific Way $10 per car, santa.wplives.org
RANCHO CUCAMONGA: Inland Pacific Ballet December 2-3, 2023 at Lewis Family Playhouse, Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $70-86, ipballet.org
REDDING: Redding Christmas ParadeDecember 2, 2023, Christmas Around the World is 2023 theme
REDWOOD CITY: Hometown Holidays Parade & Tree Lighting are events during the day-long holiday celebration that artisan vendors, pictures with Santa, entertainment, beer & wine garden, food tents and food trucks.
REDWOOD CITY: Academy of American Ballet Nutcracker December 2-3, 2023 at Canada College Theater, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd. Cost: $22-50, americanballet.com
RIALTO: Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade December 2, 2023
RIO VISTA: Holiday Home Tour, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Visit seven festive and unique homes. $25 general, $50 VIP, riovistavision.com | holiday homes
RIVERSIDE: Mission Inn Festival of Lights November 18, 2023 - January 7, 2024. The National Historic Landmark dazzles with millions of holiday lights. Some say it is one of the best Christmas displays in the U.S. Free, missioninn.com
ROHNERT PARK: Rohnert Park Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2, 2023. Community Center Complex 5401 Snyder Lane
ROSEVILLE: Tree Grove on the Square November 29-December 8, 2023, 6-7:30 p.m. Vernon Town Square Roseville, CA Free, roseville.ca.us
ROSSMOOR: Holiday Home Tour, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Five beautifully decorated homes. $25, rossmoorwomansclub.com | holiday homes
SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Sacred Heart 50th annual Holiday Home Tour December 1-3, 2023. Visit five magnificent, holiday-decorated homes in Sacramento's Fabulous Forties neighborhood. $40, $35 senior, sacredhearthometour.com | holiday homes
SACRAMENTO: Downtown Holiday Ice November 8, 2023-January 15, 2024 is an annual, seasonal ice rink combining a vibrant, urban scene with old-fashioned fun.
SACRAMENTO: Imaginarium November 17, 2023-January 7, 2024 at Cal Expo. Location: 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA. $21-27, imaginarium360.com
SACRAMENTO: Theatre of Lights November 22-December 24, 2023. Based on Clement Clarke Moore's classic Christmas poem 'Twas the night before Christmas, the half hour show is staged in Old Town Sacramento. Free, oldsacramento.com
SAN ANSELMO: San Anselmo Tree Lighting Lighting Ceremony Saturday, December 2, 2023, 5-7 p.m. Imagination Park 535 San Anselmo Avenue townofsananselmo.org
SAN DIEGO: Balboa Park December Nights Festival, December 1-2, 2023. The park's biggest free celebration of the year! Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado. Free admission, fees for food, shopping, balboapark.org/decembernights/
SAN DIEGO: Ocean Beach Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting annual celebration on Newport Avenue the first Saturday in December.
SAN DIEGO: Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village Saturday, December 2 2023, 4-8 p.m. Piazza Natale on the corner of W. Date & India Streets littleitalysd.com
SAN DIMAS: San Dimas Holiday Parade December 3, 2022, 4:30 p.m. on Bonita Ave., sandimasca.gov
SAN FRANCISCO: Golden Girls Christmas Episodes November 30-December 23, 2023 at The Victoria Theatre 2961 16th Street San Francisco, California 94103 $, thegoldengirlslive.com
SAN FRANCISCO: Mark Foehringer Dance Project Nutcracker Sweets December 2-23, 2023 at Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, 2 Marina Blvd. $23.50-49.50, mfdpsf.org
SAN FRANCISCO: Union Square Ice Rink November 1, 2023-January 15, 2024
SAN FRANCISCO - SANTA CLARA: CalTrain Christmas Train stops at cities and picks up gift donations, offering entertainment along the way. caltrain.com/holiday-train
SANGER: Toyland Christmas Parade December 2, 2023
SAN DIEGO: SeaWorld Christmas Celebration November 17, 2023-January 7, 2024 is all fun with rides, sea life, Santa, reindeer and a sizzling musical show with America's Got Talent star Bryan Cheatham. SeaWorld is open Christmas Day & New Year's Day!
SAN DIEGO: Jungle Bells Aurora at San Diego Zoo December 9, 2023 -January 1, 2024 includes an incredible light show, reindeer games, brass band music, jugglers and acrobats, and forest pathway through holiday decor and lighted trees to visit polar bears, arctic foxes and reindeer. $65, sandiegozoo.org
SAN DIEGO: San Diego Safari Park Wild Holidays November 24-December 31, 2023 includes the same, great wild animal park experience with magical holiday lights, Santa and musicians playing holiday tunes at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, $, sdzsafaripark.org
SAN JOSE: Holiday Lights Drive Thru November 29, 2023-January 1, 2024, 5-11 p.m. at 635 Phelan Ave. $ per car, christmasinthepark.com
SAN JOSE: Downtown Ice is a seasonal holiday rink offering skating sessions, skate rentals and holiday festivities November 17, 2023-January 15, 2024.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA: Living History Day (first Saturday) 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park. Docents bring the past to life in Victorian attire, and dressed as Mountain Men, and Pioneer women. Watch the skills and demonstrations of early craftsmen. Enjoy an old-fashioned soda in the family-friendly saloon. Location: 19 Franklin St., San Juan Bautista, CA. $3, 17 and under Free, parks.ca.gov
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA: Holiday in Lights Parade December 2, 2023, 6 p.m.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting Ceremony 4 p.m. at Historic Town Center Park, sanjuancapistrano.org
SAN LUIS OBISPO: Nature Nights November 17-December 31, 2023, 5-8 p.m., at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Location: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 $27 general admission sold online, slobg.org
SAN MATEO: Peninsula Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker Sweet December 2-3, 2023, 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30 p.m. at Peninsula Lively Arts, 1880 S. Grant St. $35-45, peninsulaballet.org
SAN MATEO: IlluminOdyssey November 10, 2023-January 28, 2024 at CuriOdyssey, a zoo and learning center containing native, non-releasable animals such as river otter, bobcat, gray fox, snakes, birds, bugs and more. Location: 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA. $26.64 approx., curiodyssey.org
SAN PEDRO: Los Angeles Holiday Afloat Lighted Boat Parade on the Waterfront in the LA Harbor.
SAN RAMON: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink November 10, 2023-January 7, 2024 at City Center Bishop Ranch $21 approx., citycenterbishopranch.com
SANTA ANA: Santa Ana Winter Village Ice Rink December 2-31, 2023 at Orange County Civic Center Plaza of the Flags, $, santa-ana.org
SANTA BARBARA: Westmont Christmas Festival December 2-3, 2023 at Granada Theatre. Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ through a narrative and Christmas music from around the world featuring the Westmont Orchestra, College Choir, and Chamber Singers. Location: 1214 State Street Santa Barbara, CA Cost: $22, granadasb.org
SANTA CLARA: Santa Clara Historic Home Tour December 1-2, 2023 tour features Santa Clara Woman's Club Adobe an adobe circa 1790; Carpenter Gothic circa 1861; Queen Anne Cottage circa 1895; Spanish Eclectic circa 1933; and a Spanish Revival circa 1935, all decorated for the holidays $25-35, sc-hometour.com | holiday homes
SANTA CRUZ: Downtown Holiday Parade December 2, 2023, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
SANTA CRUZ: Santa Cruz Lighted Boat Parade December 2, 2023, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. Santa Cruz, CA Santa Cruz Harbor Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Yacht Club Free to see, club.scyc.org
SANTA FE SPRINGS: Santa Fe Springs Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2, 2023 at Town Center Plaza santafesprings.org
SANTA MARIA: Christmas in the Country Elks Drive-thru November 24 & 25; December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 & 24, 2023 at Elks Unocal Event Center $60 per car, $75 VIP, elksrec.com
SANTA MARIA: Parade of Lights Christmas Parade on Boradway. Dec.2, 2023, 5:20 p.m.
SANTA MONICA: Santa Monica Westside Ballet's The Nutcracker November 25-December 3, 2023, 1 & 5 p.m. with live orchestration! The Broad Stage, Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center 1310 11th St. $, westsideballet.com
SANTA BARBARA: ZooLights November 15, 2023-January 14, 2024 features vibrant, lighted lantern displays of elephants and other zoo animals at Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Niños Drive. $, sbzoo.org
SANTA MONICA: ICE November 1, 2023-January 15, 2024
SANTA ROSA: Snoopy's Home Ice Tree Lighting December 2, 2023, 6 & 7:30 p.m. Location: 1667 West Steele Lane Santa Rosa, CA $7, snoopyshomeice.com
SAUSALITO: Sausalito Gingerbread House Tour December 8-31, 2023 . Free to see, sausalito.org
SOLVANG: Julefest Parade "My Favorite Christmas Movie" December 2, 2023 at 11 a.m. features marching bands, horses, classic cars, parade floats and entries. After the parade meet Mr. Claus in Solvang Park, from 2-4 p.m.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE: Heavenly Village Ice Rink November 1, 2023-March 31, 2024
TEMECULA: Peltzer Ice Rink November 18, 2023-Janaury 7, 2024 at Peltzer Farm & Winery. From the folks who know how to entertain comes their winter festival featuring an 8,400 square-foot outdoor ice rink, part of a winery and farm enterprise. Awesome!
TWAIN HARTE: Long Barn Lodge Seasonal Ice Skating Rink November 17, 2023-Mid March 2024 in Long Barn, Tuolumne County, CA.
STOCKTON: Stockton Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade Saturday, December 2, 2023, 5-8 p.m. Location: Stockton Yacht Club Stockton, CA facebook.com/ facebook.com/ stocktonlightedboatparade/
SUNYVALE: Sunnyvale Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2, 2023 on Murphy Avenue in Downtown Sunnyvale sunnyvaledowntown.com
SUSANVILLE: Magical Christmas Santa Parade December 2, 2023
TEHACHAPI: Christmas Parade December 2, 2023 with the theme Past, Present & Future
UKIAH: Holiday on Ice December 2, 2023-January 14, 2024, open daily
VALLEJO: Madhatter Holiday Festival & Parade 2-8 p.m. includes the Tree Lighting and Yacht Parade after dark.
VALLEJO: Madhatter Holiday Festival Tree Lighting happens around 6 p.m., followed by the Yacht Parade. The tree lighting is held after the Festival and Madhatter Parade.
VALLEJO: Lighted Yacht Parade on the waterfront 6:30 p.m.
VICTORVILLE: Victorville Festival of Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2, 2023, 4-7 p.m. Victorville City Hall
VICTORVILLE: Victorville Children's Christmas Parade December 2, 2023, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Christmas on Route 66 is 2023 theme
UNIVERSAL CITY: Universal Studios Hollywood Grinchmas. Meet the Grinch and see the bent Christmas tree. November 24, 2023-January 1, 2024 at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA. $, UniversalStudiosHollywood.com
VALENCIA: Holiday in the Park November 23-December 31, 2023 at Six Flags Magic Mountain features famous thrill rides, two million lights, stilt walkers, light shows, choreography, concerts, fire pits for s'mores and more!
VISALIA: Christmas on the Farm Ice Skating Rink November 25, 2023-January 7, 2024 at Vossler Farms. Food concessions, HoHoHoliday Hayrides, Candy Express Train Ride and Ice Skating on the farm makes for old-fashioned fun. $, vosslerfarms.com
VISTA: Viva Vista Christmas Parade, 1p, Main Street, Downtown starts on Main near Wave Waterpark, right on S. Citrus Ave., left on Santa Fe Ave. ending next to Harbor Freight. Free to see, vistachamber.org
WILLITS: Christmas Tree Train November 24-December 31, 2023. Take the historic Skunk Train (referring to the smell of diesel fuel, not skunks,) to see the "Largest Living Christmas Tree" decorated with lights among redwood forests containing the world's tallest trees. $, skunktrain.com
WEST SACRAMENTO: Magical Christmas Train November 24-December 27, 2023. One hour train ride, personal Santa visit, sing-alongs, cocoa with souvenir mug, and a cookie. $79.92, riverfoxtrain.com
WHITTIER: Tree Lighting Grand Illumination December 2, 2023, 5-9 p.m. at City Hall and Uptown Whittier.
WILLOW GLEN: Holiday Bubbly Walk Downtown December 2, 2023, 2-5 p.m. $60-65, willowglen.org
WILMINGTON: Victorian Christmas at Banning House Museum, 12-4 p.m. Horse-drawn carriage ride to the Drum Barracks, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free cookies and hot cider, family crafts, Yesteryears Dancers and so much more! Reservations are not required. Wilmington, CA 90744 Free admission, banningmuseum.org
WINTERS: Winters Tractor Parade December 2, 2023, 6 p.m. Winters Chamber of Commerce produces this beloved annual event featuring up to 60 tractors decorated with holiday lights.
WOODLAND: Dickens in the Valley Holiday Home Tour, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Five beautiful Woodland homes decorated in Holiday Splendor. $30-40, eventbrite.com | holiday homes
YREKA: Night of Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2, 2023
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.