Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy, Laguna Beach

Monday, December 21, 2026

tomorrow | yesterday

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 7, 2025-January 11, 2026 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

ARCADIA: Enchant Christmas November 20-December 27, 2026 at Santa Anita Park / Racetrack. Holiday attraction includes "World's Largest Christmas Maze," ice slides, ice skating rink, Santa Village, Marketplace shops and foods & beverages. $29-up!

ATWATER: Old Town Atwater Ice Skating Center returns for its fifth season November 21, 2025-January 2026, promising affordable holiday fun.

BAKERSFIELD: CALM Zoo Holiday Lights November 28, 2026-January 2, 2027, 5:30 p.m. Stroll through millions of lights in holiday-themed lands featuring over 200 displays. $, calmholidaylights.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 5-21, 2025 at Santa Ynez Valley Botanical 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

CHICO: Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza returns November 12, 2026-January 17, 2027 in Downtown Chico Plaza. $15, chicorec.gov/chico-ice-rink

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: 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

ESCONDIDO: City Ballet of San Diego's Best Nutcracker December 20-23, 2025 at California Center for the Arts. Location: 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA. $63-123, cityballet.org

FREMONT: Twilight Time Holiday Open House at the Patterson House December 5-21, 2025, 4:30-8 p.m. Location: Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont, CA 94555 $, fremont.gov

FRESNO: Christmas at Kearney: Beyond Santa, Delivering Holiday Magic November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays $12, valleyhistory.org

HOLLYWOOD:  Los Angeles Ballet - The Nutcracker  December 12-28, 2025 with Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra at Dolby Theatre. Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA. $, losangelesballet.org

FELTON: Holiday Lights Train November 28-29, December 6-7, 13-23, 2025. Evening ride on a beautifully lit vintage train which begins in the Santa Cruz mountains at Roaring Camp Railroads. $tickets, roaringcamp.com

FERNDALE: Lighted Tractor Parade December 21, 2025, 4:30-7 p.m. The parade chugs its way down Main Street to the backdrop of the World's Tallest Living Christmas Tree in the charming  Victorian Village of Ferndale

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/

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

FRESNO: IllumiNature returning November 19, 2026-January 3, 2027 at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, is a special holiday event featuring lighted lantern displays that entertain and amaze! $20-up, fcz.org

FULLERTON: Muckenthaler Holiday Festival December 21, 2025, 12-4 p.m. Free family-friendly activities, live music, food and drinks, art workshops for kids, and an arts and crafts sale.  The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave, Fullerton, CA  Free admission, themuck.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

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

HUNTINGTON BEACH: Coast City Ballet The Nutcracker December 20-21, 2025 at Huntington Beach Historic Theater. Hours: December 20, 2025, 7 p.m. and December 21, 2025, 2 p.m.  Location: 1905 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: $30, coastcityballet.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH: Cruise of Lights December 19-23, 2025 in Huntington Harbour. Take a 45-minute, nighttime cruise to view elegantly-decorated mansions and homes, lit up with holiday lights to celebrate the season. $26, cruiseoflights.org

HUNTINGTON BEACH: Ballet Repertory Theatre's The Nutcracker December 12-24, 2025 at Golden West College Mainstage Theater. Location: 15751 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach, CA. Box office (714) 895-8150 x1 $, gwctheater.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: 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: Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker   December 5-7, 13-14 & 20-24, 2025 at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Location: 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA. $54-74 approx., thebarclay.org

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

LONG BEACH: Long Beach Ballet The Nutcracker December 13-14 & 20-21, 2025 Music performed live by Long Beach Ballet Orchestra with David Hickman at Terrace Theater. Location: 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA. $38-145, plus fees longbeachnutcracker.com 

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: Disney on Ice "Let's Dance" December 18-21, 2025 at Crypto Arena. Mickey Mouse is rocking the DJ table, Asha's on a journey to save the Kingdom of Rosas and Ariel is grooving under the sea - some of the magic moments of Disney. Location: 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA. $, disneyonice.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

LAKEWOOD: Southern California Dance Theatre The Nutcracker December 20-21, 2025 at Lakewood High School. Location: 4400 Briercrest Avenue, Lakewood, CA. $, scdt.com

LIVERMORE: Valley Dance Theatre Nutcracker Ballet December 13-21, 2025 at Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore, CA.  $39-49, valleydancetheatre.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

LOS GATOS: Fantasy of Lights Drive Through December 9-30, 2025. Extremely popular drive-through holiday display at Vasona Lake Park sells quickly. $30/car with online sales only, parks.sccgov.org

MALIBU: California Dance Academy Nutcracker Ballet December 20-21, 2025 at Smothers Theatre at Pepperdine University. Location: 4255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA. 90263 $, californiadanceensemble.org

MODESTO: Central West Ballet The Nutcracker December 12-21, 2025 at Gallo Center for the Arts. Location: 1000 I St., Modesto, CA. $33-79, galloarts.org

MODESTO: Central West Ballet The Nutcracker December 12-21, 2025 at Gallo Center for the Arts. Location: 1000 I St., Modesto, CA. $33-79, galloarts.org

MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay November 26, 2026-January 3, 2027 at Custom House Plaza. $21.10 includes skate rental,  iceskatingbythebay.com

MORENO VALLEY: Electric Light Festival Drive-thru November 8-December 31, 2025, 5:30-10:30 p.m. at Moreno Valley Mall. Over a million dazzling lights! Location: 22631 Town Circle, Moreno Valley, CA. $, electriclightfestival.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

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

NEWPORT BEACH: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, December 17-21, 2025, 6:30-9 p.m. nightly. christmasboatparade.com

NAPA: Napa Regional Dance Company Nutcracker Ballet December 19-21, 2025 at , Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center Location: 2277 Napa Vallejo Highway, Napa, CA 94558. $65-75, naparegionaldance.com

OAKLAND: Fairy Winterland December 13-14, 20-21 & 27-28, 2025, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Children's Fairyland. Snow Queen, Black Santa and many more surprises. $22 general admission, fairyland.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 adult, oaklandzoo.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: Fairy Winterland December 13-14, 20-21 & 27-28, 2025, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Children's Fairyland. Snow Queen, Black Santa and many more surprises. $22 general admission, fairyland.org

OAKLAND: Oakland Ballet Company The Nutcracker December 20-21, 2025 at Paramount Theatre of the Arts. Location: 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA. $, oaklandballet.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

OXNARD: Oxnard Christmas Tree Lane open 2nd Sunday in December, December 14-26, 2025, 6-10 p.m. in historic district features elegant and festive home lighting displays.

PALM SPRINGS: Bells, Brass & Sass with Gay Men's Chorus December 19-21, 2025 at The Plaza Theatre. Location: 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA. $30-85, psgmc.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

PARADISE: Northern California Ballet Nutcracker December 19-21, 2025 at Paradise Performing Arts Center. Location: 777 Nunneley Road, Paradise, CA. $22, northerncaliforniaballet.com

PALOS VERDES PENINSULA: Astra Lumina, An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The Stars at South Coast Botanic Garden November 6-December 31, 2025, 5-10 p.m. Celestial, multisensory experience features out-of-this-world light sculptures in 9 themed areas. $30-65, astralumina.com

PERRIS: Southern California Railway Polar Express November 13-December 30, 2026. 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

PETALUMA: Luma Ice December 10, 2025-January 6, 2026 at Petaluma Fairgrounds. New ice rink attraction include REAL ice skating, themed days and great entertainment. Location: 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, CA. $20 includes skate rental, lumaice.com

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

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

ROHNERT PARK: Evolution Studios Nutcracker Ballet December 19-21, 2025 at Spreckels Performing Arts Center. Location: 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, CA. $35, spreckelsonline.com

ROHNERT PARK: 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 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 FRANCISCO: Bill Graham Menorah Lighting December 14-22, 2025 at Union Square San Francisco, CA. billgrahammenorah.org

SAN FRANCISCO: A Chanticleer Christmas, December 21, 2025, 8 p.m. at St. Ignatius Church, 650 Parker Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94118. $, chanticleer.org

SAN FRANCISCO: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair November 21-December 20, 2026, 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

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 shows, 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 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: Candlelight Musical Meditation December 20-21, 2025, 7:30 p.m. at Mission San Diego de Alcala. Location: 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, CA. Free will offering, missionsandiego.org

SAN FRANCISCO: Golden Girls Christmas Episodes December 4-20, 2026 at Curran Theatre. Location: 445 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA. $, broadwaysf.com 

SAN FRANCISCO: Stapleton School of the Performing Arts Nutcracker December 19-21, 2025 at Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. Location: 3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA, $45-135, stapletonschool.org

SAN JOSE: Downtown Ice November 26, 2025-January 2026 in the iconic Circle of Palms Plaza on Market Street. $, sjdowntownice.com

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 JOSE: Blinky's Holiday Lights Drive Thru November 21-December 31, 2025, 5 p.m. at Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. More than one mile of  magical scenes and displays synced to favorite holiday tunes.  $25-31, approx., christmasinthepark.com

SAN JOSE: San Jose Dance Theatre's Nutcracker Ballet December 13-14 & 20-21, 2025 at Center for the Performing Arts. Location: 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA. $39.50-115, sanjosetheaters.org 

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. $, citycenterbishopranch.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 to be announced 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

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: Laguna Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker December 20-21, 2025 at San Juan Hills High School. Location: 29211 Stallion Ridge, San Juan Capistrano, CA. $, lagunanutcracker.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.

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 GABRIEL: Pasadena Dance Theatre The Nutcracker December 20-21, 2025 at San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. Location: 320 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA. $25-75, missionplayhouse.0rg

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: Laguna Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker December 20-21, 2025 at San Juan Hills High School. Location:  29211 Stallion Ridge San Juan Capistrano.  CA. $, lagunanutcracker.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO: Nature Nights November 26-December 27, 2025, 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

SANTA BARBARA: Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Special Weekend Show, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  Fine and Contemporary Art & Craft from 200 Artists and Artisans.  Location: East Cabrillo Blvd. on the beach from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez. Santa Barbara, CA. Free admission, santabarbaraca.gov

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: Capistrano Lights December 19-30, 2025 at Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. All-ages, family event includes nightly musical tree lighting and decorative light displays. Admission allows you to spend the day starting at 9 a.m. and stay for the holiday programming starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m. Location: 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA. $20, missionsjc.com

SAN MATEO: Peninsula Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker December 20-21, 2025 at San Mateo Performing Arts Center. Dec. 20 is Hip Hop Nutcracker. Location: 600 North Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA $35-70, peninsulalivelyarts.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 - nice! $, onicerinks.com

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

SEBASTOPOL: Sebastopol Ballet The Nutcracker December 20-21, 2025 at Analy High School Theater. Location: 6950 Analy Avenue, Sebastopol, CA. $, sebastopolballet.com

SACRAMENTO: Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink at the Square on 7th & K Street runs  November 4, 2026-January 18, 2027. $, godowntownsac.com

SANTA MONICA: ICE November 7, 2025-January 19, 2026 at 5th & Arizona. 8,000 square feet of skating ice, including a kids zone for little ones. $22 admission & skate rental, iceatsantamonica.com

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.

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

THOUSAND OAKS: Pacific Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker December 19-21, 2025 at Bank of America Performing Arts Center Fred Kavil Theatre. Location: 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA. $35-60 plus fees, ticketmaster.com

UKIAH: Mendocino Ballet Nutcracker December 19-21, 2025 Mendocino College Center Theater 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah, California $, mendocinoballet.org

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

VALLEJO: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom WinterFest November 28, 2025-January 4, 2026, 12-7 p.m. most days. Special holiday guests, entertainment, foods, rides & attractions like Arctic Penguins. Location: 1001 Fairgrounds Dr. Vallejo, CA 94589 $35-39, sixflags.com/discoverykingdom

VISTA: Holiday Lights December 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20, 2025, 5-9 p.m. at Agsem (Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum.) Location: 2040 N Santa Fe Ave. Vista, CA. $10 presale, more at gate, agsem.org

WATSONVILLE: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Drive Through November 28-December 24, 2025 , 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

WALNUT CREEK: Walnut Creek on Ice November 20, 2026-January 18, 2027 November 21, 2025-January 16, 2026. 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.