California Events
Monday, December 22, 2025
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!
ALPINE: Viejas Casino Resort Ice Rink November 7, 2025-January 4, 2026, 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/
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: 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
Past events
ALAMEDA: Christmas Tree Lane returns in December 2025. Approx. dates Dec.6-31, to be confirmed. An annual favorite holiday tradition for 85 years, is a community gift to the public. Free to see and experience.
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
ATWATER: Old Town Atwater Ice Skating Center returns for its fifth season November 21, 2025-January 2026, promising affordable holiday fun.
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.
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
CARMEL: A Chanticleer Christmas December 22-23, 2024, at Carmel Mission, 3080 Rio Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, 93923. $75-91, chanticleer.org
CORONA DEL MAR: Nights of 1000 Lights December 5-22, 2024, 5-9 p.m. at Sherman Library and Gardens. Light displays, live music, Santa and hot chocolate & s'mores. $50, thesherman.org
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
ESCONDIDO: City Ballet of San Diego's Best Nutcracker December 20-23, 2024 at California Center for the Arts. Location: 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA. $63-123, cityballet.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
FREMONT: Twilight Time Holiday Open House at the Patterson House December 6-22, 2024, 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
FULLERTON: Muckenthaler Holiday Festival December 22, 2024, 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
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
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
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Ballet E'tudes The Nutcracker short version for children December 21-22, 2024 at Huntington Beach Central Library. Location: 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: $10, balletetudes.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: Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker December 10-24, 2022 at Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612. $50-110 approx. thebarclay.org
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
LAKEWOOD: Southern California Dance Theatre The Nutcracker December 21-22, 2024 at Lakewood High School. Location: 4400 Briercrest Avenue, Lakewood, CA. $30, scdt.com
LIVERMORE: Valley Dance Theatre Nutcracker Ballet December 14-22, 2024 at Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore, CA. $39-49, valleydancetheatre.com
LONG BEACH: Long Beach Ballet The Nutcracker December 14-22, 2024 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 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
MODESTO: Central West Ballet The Nutcracker December 13-22, 2024 at Gallo Center for the Arts. Location: 1000 I St., Modesto, CA. $27-73, galloarts.org
MONROVIA: Winter Carriage Rides Sundays, December 22 & 29, 2024, 3-6 p.m. in Library Park. for Winter Carriage Rides in Old Town. Ride on a horse drawn carriage as you take in the holiday charm of Old Town. Rides are on a first come, first serve basis, $5 per rider, check in at Library Park. monroviaca.gov
MOUNTAIN VIEW: Bayer Ballet Company Snow Queen December 20-22, 2024 at Mountain View Center For The Performing Arts. Location: 500 Castro St., Mountain View, CA. $38.60, mvcpa.com
NAPA: Napa Regional Dance Company Nutcracker Ballet December 20-22, 2024 at , Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center Location: 2277 Napa Vallejo Highway, Napa, CA 94558. $65-75, naparegionaldance.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
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
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: 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
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.
SEBASTOPOL: Sebastopol Ballet The Nutcracker December 21-22, 2024, 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. at Analy High School Theater. Location: 6950 Analy Avenue, Sebastopol, CA. $20-32, sebastopolballet.com
OAKLEY: Oakley on Ice November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 across from Oakley City Hall with parking at Main Street & Norcoss Lane. $, oakleyonice.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. $, knotts.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
CONCORD: Ice at the Veranda November 7, 2025-February 15, 2026 at The Veranda shopping mall. Come glide on Ice at The Veranda with open-air shopping, dining and entertainment.
CORONADO: Skating by the Sea November 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: 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
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
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
UKIAH: Mendocino Ballet Nutcracker December 20-22, 2024 Mendocino College Center Theater 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah, California $26, mendocinoballet.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: Oakland Ballet Company The Nutcracker December 21-22, 2024 at Paramount Theatre of the Arts. Location: 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA .$30-131 approx., oaklandballet.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
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
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
RIVERSIDE: BRAVA David Allan's The Nutcracker December 21-22, 2024 at Landis Performing Arts Center. Location: 4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA. $38-58, brava-arts.org
ROHNERT PARK: Santa Rosa Dance Theater Nutcracker Ballet December 20-22, 2024 at Spreckels Performing Arts Center. Location: 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, CA. $35, spreckelsonline.com
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 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: Candlelight Musical Meditation December 21-22, 2024, 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: 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 FRANCISCO: A Chanticleer Christmas, December 22, 2024, 8 p.m. at St. Ignatius Church, 650 Parker Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94118. $, chanticleer.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: 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 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: Downtown Ice November 26, 2025-January 2026 in the iconic Circle of Palms Plaza on Market Street. $, sjdowntownice.com
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: Laguna Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker December 21-22, 2024 at San Juan Hills High School. Location: 29211 Stallion Ridge, San Juan Capistrano, CA. $37.21, lagunanutcracker.com
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: 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
SAN MATEO: Peninsula Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker December 21-22, 2024 at San Mateo Performing Arts Center. Location: 600 North Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA $35-70, peninsulalivelyarts.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
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
TEMECULA: Mark Erickson's Nutcracker December 13-23, 2024 at Old Town Temecula Community Theater. Location: 42051 Main Street Temecula, CA 92590. $39-47, tickets.temeculatheater.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
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
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
CORONA DEL MAR: Nights of 1000 Lights December 5-22, 2024, 5-9 p.m. at Sherman Library and Gardens. Light displays, live music, Santa and hot chocolate & s'mores. $50, thesherman.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
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
OAKLAND: Fairy Winterland December 14-15, 18-23, & 26-30, 2024, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Children's Fairyland. Snow Queen, Black Santa and many more surprises. $19 general admission, fairyland.org
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
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
SACRAMENTO: Theatre of Lights November 26-December 24, 2025 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
SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Ballet The Nutcracker December 13-22, 2024 at the Performing Arts Center. Location: 1301 L Street Sacramento, CA Tickets: $35-109, sacballet.org
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
MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 at Custom House Plaza. $21.10 includes skate rental, iceskatingbythebay.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
MOUNTAIN VIEW: Bayer Ballet Company Snow Queen December 20-22, 2024 at Mountain View Center For The Performing Arts. Location: 500 Castro St., Mountain View, CA. $38.60, mvcpa.com
THOUSAND OAKS: Pacific Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker December 21-22, 2024, 2 & 7 p.m. 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
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
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
SAUSALITO: Sausalito Gingerbread House Tour December 1-31 features nearly 20 unique displays in a walking tour. Free to see, sausalito.org/gingerbread-house-tour
Past events
ESCONDIDO: City Ballet of San Diego's Best Nutcracker December 21-23, 2022 at California Center for the Arts 340 N. Escondido Blvd. Escondido, CA 92025 $27-99, cityballet.org | artcenter.org
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Ballet Repertory Theatre's The Nutcracker December 10-24, 2022 at Golden West College Mainstage Theater. Location: 15751 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach, CA. Box office (714) 895-8150 x1 $25, gwctheater.com
LONG BEACH: Long Beach Ballet The Nutcracker December 16-23, 2022 at Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA, $35-125, longbeachnutcracker.com
LOS ANGELES: Holiday Wonderland at Grand Central Market through December 31, 2022, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Meet & Greet Santa, Family Photo Sessions, Kids Activities, Holiday Shopping and Workshops, Live Entertainment and Music. Location: 317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA, 90013 grandcentralmarket.com
OAKLAND: Fairy Winterland Children's Fairyland $ general admission pre-sales only
SAN GABRIEL: Pasadena Dance Theatre The Nutcracker December 22-24, 2022 at San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. Location: 320 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776 $25-75, missionplayhouse.org
TEMECULA: The Ballet Studio Nutcracker December 16-23, 2022 at Old Town Temecula Community Theater Location: 42051 Main Street Temecula, CA 92590. Tickets, $35-45, tickets.temeculatheater.org
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.