California Events
Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy, Laguna Beach
Sunday, December 21, 2025
ALAMEDA: Christmas Tree Lane returns December 1-31, 2025 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 6, 2025-January 1, 2026. The free to see event is produced by volunteer citizens carrying the 105-year tradition.
ANAHEIM: Disneyland Festival of Holidays November 14, 2025-January 7, 2026. Christmas Fantasy Parade is back along with Haunted Mansion's Nightmare Before Christmas, and It's a Small World holiday transformation. Location: 1313 S. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA. $Tickets, disneyland.com
ARCADIA: Enchant Christmas November 21-December 28, 2025 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 29, 2025-January 3, 2026, 5:30 p.m. Stroll through millions of lights in holiday-themed lands featuring over 200 displays. $, calmholidaylights.org
BIG BEAR LAKE: Big Bear Alpine Zoo Wild Lights November 6, 2025-January 4, 2026, 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 21, 2025-January 4, 2026. Enjoy Christmas Crafts Village, Snoopy's Night Before Christmas Ice Show, Santa's Christmas Cabin photos, Home for the Holidays musical production and seasonal foods, plus all the great rides in one awesome day & night. Location: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA. $, sixflags.com/knotts
CALABASAS: Holiday Road USA November 28-December 27, 2025 at King Gillette Ranch features larger than life holiday installations and thousands of Christmas lights. Location: 26800 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, CA. $, holidayroadusa.com
CARLSBAD: Holidays at Legoland California November 22, 2025-January 4, 2026. Meet Lego characters, see the Lego Christmas Tree made of 360,000 Lego & Duplo bricks, life-size Lego reindeer & Santa, hear the Brass Band, and enjoy the fun. Location: One Legoland Drive Carlsbad, CA $, legoland.com/california
CHICO: Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza returns for the 2025/2026 season running November 14, 2025-January 4, 2026 in City Plaza. $12-15, chicorec.gov/chico-ice-rink
CORONADO: Skating by the Sea November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 at Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. is one of the most scenic seaside ice skating rinks in the U.S. Public invited. $, hoteldel.com
COSTA MESA: 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 28, 2025-January 4, 2026 (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 14, 2025-January 4, 2026, 5-8:30 p.m. at San Diego Botanic Garden includes over one million lights in artistic installations along a one-mile, easily walkable garden path. $, sdbg.org
ESCONDIDO: Wild Holidays November 28, 2025-January 4, 2026 at San Diego Safari Park. Festive decorations, incredible light displays and holiday entertainment await. Location: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA. $, sdzsafaripark.org
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 8, 2025-January 19, 2026 in Historic Downtown Folsom. Come have fun at the circular, 7,000-square-foot rink with REAL ice. Enjoy fire pits, Santa's Cottage and more! $, historicfolsom.org/ice-rink/
FRESNO: Christmas Tree Lane December 3-25, 2025, 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 5, 2025-January 9, 2026 returns to Mariposa Plaza Winter Village with twinkling streets lined with food vendors and artisans. $20, skate rental included
FOLSOM: Folsom Zoo Wild Nights, Holiday Lights December 5-22, 2025. Nighttime lights experience illuminates Folsom's beloved Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. Location: $10; $6 optional Starlight Express Train Ride, folsomzoofriends.org
FRESNO: IllumiNature returning November 22, 2025-January 31, 2026 at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, is a special holiday event featuring lighted lantern displays that entertain and amaze! $, 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 22, 2025-January 11, 2026 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 10-December 31, 2025 at Empire Polo Club. Holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Location: 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA. $, magicoflights.com
IRVINE: Dream Glow Lights Festival November 14-December 31, 2025, Wednesday-Sunday 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 1, 2025-January 4, 2026 next to the Giant Wheel. Skating! Location: 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA. $24-27 general admission, irvinespectrumcenter.com
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE: Enchanted Forest of Light November 16, 2025-January 4, 2026 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
LAKE ELSINORE: Electric Light Festival Drive-Thru November 8-December 31, 2025, 5:30-10:30 p.m. at Lake Elsinore Outlet Mall. Over a million lights in fun, fantasy scenes and shapes. Drive through or ride the train. $15-up, electriclightfestival.com
LAGUNA BEACH: Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy November 21-December 21, 2025, 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. $, sawdustartfestival.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 20, 2025-January 11, 2026. 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 28, 2025-January 10, 2026, 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 13, 2025-January 11, 2026, 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, $29-35, 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 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 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 15, 2025-February 22, 2026 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 is open to public November 25, 2025-January 4, 2026. $21.42 sessions, 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 7, 2025-January 25, 2026, 4:30-9 p.m. The Wildly Illuminating Lantern Festival features wading wildlife along Africa's Nile River, ancient Egyptian structures, dinosaurs, barnyard animals and Avian Odyssey train ride. Advanced ticket purchase required: $26-41 adult, oaklandzoo.org
OAKLAND: Temple Hill Days of Christmas November 29-December 31, 2025. 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 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 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 18, 2025-April 12, 2026, 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 20-December 31, 2025. Family adventure on a magical train ride complete with dancing chefs, caroling, cookies and cocoa, re-creates the classic children’s story. $49-56, socalrailway.org
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 22, 2025 - January 5, 2026. The National Historic Landmark dazzles with millions of holiday lights in Christmas displays called one of the best in the U.S. Free, missioninn.com
REDDING: Garden of Lights November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 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. $, 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 22-December 21, 2025, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Cow Palace. Eat, drink and be merry at this huge Victorian party with characters you'll remember from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Guests are encouraged to come in costume. $33-up, dickensfair.com
SAN DIEGO: SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration November 14, 2025-January 4, 2026, 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 19, 2025-January 4, 2026 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 4-21, 2025 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 28, 2025-January 1, 2026, 12-10 p.m. daily. The two-acre park features a holiday fantasy with over 40 musical and animated exhibits, glimmering lights and a 65-foot illuminated Christmas Tree. This free attraction for the child in all of us is a holiday tradition beloved by all. Location: Plaza De Cesar Chavez, 194 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Free, christmasinthepark.com
SAN JOSE: Blinky's Holiday Lights Drive Thru November 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 7, 2025-January 4, 2026 at City Center Bishop Ranch. Many special events include Elsa, Santa Claus, Barbie and Kristi's skating clinic. $26, citycenterbishopranch.com
SANTA BARBARA: ZooLights November 12, 2025-January 11, 2026, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Santa Barbara Zoo. See thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED bulbs, depicting wild places and animals from around the globe. Location: 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA. $21-35, sbzoo.org
SACRAMENTO: Imaginarium November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 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 20, 2025-January 4, 2026, 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 5, 2025-January 19, 2026. Themed days and special events add to the fun. $22 session includes skate rental.
SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker December 5-28, 2025 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 15, 2025-January 25, 2026 at CuriOdyssey, a zoo and learning center containing native, non-releasable animals such as river otter, bobcat, gray fox and more. Location: 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA. $, curiodyssey.org
SAN MATEO: San Mateo on Ice November 14, 2025-January 11, 2026 in Central Park. Largest outdoor ice rink in the Bay Area features 11,000 square feet of REAL ice to skate on in sunny San Mateo - nice! $, onicerinks.com
SAUSALITO: Sausalito Gingerbread House Tour December 8-31, 2025 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 November 5, 2025-January 19, 2026 at the Square on 7th & K Street. A tradition for over 30 years, the affordable holiday attraction only charges $15, skate rental included! 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, 2025-March 31, 2026, subject to change. Ice Skating at the outdoor rink at The Shops at Heavenly Village features central location near shopping, dining and skiing.
TEMECULA: Peltzer Ice Rink November 10, 2025-Janaury 19, 2026 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 December 1, 2025-January 11, 2026 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 24, 2025-January 4, 2026, showcasing the holiday makeover of three major attractions: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas with costumes, colors and decor. The thrills remain true to form! $95-up, tickets
VALENCIA: Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park, November 28, 2025-January 5, 2026, 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 21, 2025-January 16, 2026. Skate 90 minutes for $20, ice skate rental included or $20 Ice Slide. Location: Civic Park, Walnut Creek, CA. walnutcreekonice.com
WOODSIDE: Filoli Holiday Lights November 22, 2025-January 11, 2026, 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.