California Events
Friday, December 22, 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.
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
ATWATER: Razzari Ice Skating Center November 17, 2023-January 8, 2024 in Old Town Atwater. Seasonal ice skating rink offers affordable holiday fun.
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
ALTADENA: Christmas Tree Lane. For more than 100 years, Altadena's Deodar trees have been lit for public enjoyment at a place called Christmas Tree Lane.
CARMEL: A Chanticleer Christmas December 22, 2023, 6 & 8:30 p.m. at Carmel Mission, 3080 Rio Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, 93923. $, chanticleer.org
CORONA DEL MAR: Nights of 1000 Lights December 9-22, 2023, 6-9 p.m. at Sherman Library and Gardens. Light displays, live music, Santa and hot chocolate & s'mores. $35, slgardens.org
COSTA MESA: Snoopy HouseDecember 15-22, 2023, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Annual tradition at City Hall features the delightful Snoopy House, along with entertainment and family fun.
ESCONDIDO: City Ballet of San Diego's Best Nutcracker December 21-23, 2023 at California Center for the Arts 340 N. Escondido Blvd. $35-120, cityballet.org
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
FREMONT: Mission San Jose Las Posadas December 15-23, 2023, 6 p.m. Meet on the front porch to join Mary & Joseph's journey to Bethlehem while singing Christmas carols to a local business or site within two blocks of the Mission. Location: 43300 Mission Blvd. Free, missionsanjose.org
FRESNO: Timeless Toys, Christmas at Kearney Mansion Museum Nov.24-Dec.31, 2023, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays $10, valleyhistory.org
GRASS VALLEY: Grass Valley Cornish Christmas Fridays November 24-December 23, 2023, 6-9 p.m. in Downtown Grass Valley. Rekindle the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas at this delightful holiday event. downtowngrassvalley.com
GILROY: Gilroy Gardens: North Pole Nights, Ice Skating, Santa's Workshop, Lighting Displays and more, November 24-December 30, 2023.
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights December 16-18 & 21-23, 2023 is a 45-minute narrated boat tour of the island home decorations seen from the waterfront.
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Ballet Repertory Theatre's The Nutcracker December 9-24, 2023 at Golden West College Mainstage Theater. Location: 15751 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach, CA. $30, gwctheater.com
IRVINE: Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker December 9-24, 2023 at Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612. $tickets, thebarclay.org
LOS ANGELES: Santa's Secret, Speakeasy November 24-December 31, 2023 at The Beverly Center, 8th Floor 8500 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA. $50-75, vossevents.com/ santas-secret
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
OAKLAND: Oakland Zoo Glowfari, Wildly Illuminating Lantern Festival November 10, 2023-January 28, 2024, 5-9 p.m. $26 adults, advanced ticket purchase is required: oaklandzoo.org
OAKLAND: 'Joy to the World!' A Sacred Celebration with Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four at Temple Hill Days of Christmas. Spectacular concerts, theatrical, nativity and creche presentations, plus nightly holiday lights.
ONTARIO: Christmas on Euclid Nativity November 25, 2023-January 2, 2024. Twelve historic nativity scenes are on display during the holidays on Euclid Avenue.
PALO ALTO: Christmas Tree Lane December 9-31, 2023, christmastreelane.org
PLEASANTON: Alameda County Fair Holiday Sale December 20-24, 2023 Holiday Sale. Save 10% off already reduced Advance Sale Pricing. 2024 Fair admission, parking, carnival wristbands and season passes are all on sale and make a great stocking stuffer. alameda.saffire.com/tickets
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
RIVERSIDE: Inland Pacific Ballet December 22-23, 2023 at Fox Performing Arts Center. $, ipballet.org
SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Ballet The Nutcracker December 9-23, 2023 SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center 1301 L Street. $26-100+, sacballet.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
VISTA: Jingle Terrace Live December 8-23, 2023, 5:30-9 p.m. at Brengle Terrace Park Moonlight Amphitheatre. Location: 1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA. Free, moonlightstage.comPast events
BAKERSFIELD: CALM Zoo Holiday Lights November 25-December 30, 2023 (closed Dec.25). 3 million lights, approx.
BRENTWOOD: Brentwood on Ice November 17, 2023-January 7, 2024 celebrates its 7th season in Contra Costa County.
CALABASAS: Holiday Road USA November 24-December 27, 2023, 5-10 p.m. at King Gillette Ranch is a delightful walk through lights experience featuring holiday icons - Santa, candy canes, Christmas trees, reindeer & sleighs, gingerbread cookies and more. $, holidayroadusa.com
CARLSBAD: Legoland Holidays November 18, 2023-January 7, 2024 with LEGO brick 30-ft. tree, character meet & greets and special shows.
CHICO: Ice Rink in the Plaza. Join the affordable holiday ice skating attraction, a joint effort with the City of Chico, and surrounded by 425 great businesses.
COSTA MESA: Snoopy HouseDecember 16-23, 2022, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Annual tradition at City Hall features the delightful Snoopy House, along with entertainment and family fun.
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
FELTON: Holiday Lights Train November 24-December 23, 2023. roaringcamp.com
FOLSOM: Folsom Zoo Wild Nights, Holiday Lights December 1-22, 2023. $, folsomzoofriends.org
FORT BRAGG - WILLITS: Skunk Train Christmas Train November 25-December 31, 2023. Christmas Tree Train - World's Largest Christmas Tree out of Willits. Enjoy seasonal treats and decor on a journey through the redwoods to Mr. Skunk's Giant Christmas Tree, a decorated redwood along the line - the workshop of Santa Mr. Skunk. From $59.95 skunktrain.com | trains
GILROY: Gilroy Gardens: Holidays, Ice Skating, Santa's Workshop, Lighting Displays and the new Winter Cabin
HOLLYWOOD: Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker December 1-26, 2023, appearing at Dolby Theatre December 21-23, 2023. Tickets $40-137 approx., losangelesballet.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
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.
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 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.
LONG BEACH: Long Beach Ballet The Nutcracker December 16-23, 2023 at Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA, $35-125, longbeachnutcracker.com
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 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
LOS GATOS: Fantasy Lights Drive Through December 2-30, 2023. Extremely popular holiday display at Vasona Lake Park.
MAMMOTH LAKES: Full Moon Snowshoe Tour 7-8:30 p.m. Take an after dark snowshoe excursion. Location: 163 Twin Lakes Rd., Mammoth Lakes, CA. $75 includes equipment. Space is limited, mammothmountain.com
MISSION VIEJO: The Nutcracker, ballet presented by Laguna Dance Theatre December 21-23, 2023 at Capistrano Valley High School, 26301 Via Escolar. $, lagunanutcracker.com
NORCO: Riverside High School Choir special performance, 6:50 pm, at Illuminate Silverlakes which runs Nov.25-Dec.30, 2022, 6-10 p.m. at SilverLakes Park. A themed $28-48; $18-34 kids, illuminate.holiday
OAKLAND: Fairy Winterland Children's Fairyland $ general admission pre-sales only
OXNARD: Christmas Tree Lane December 11-26, 2023, 6-10 p.m. F & G Streets between 5th & Palm, Free
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
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
SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Ballet The Nutcracker December 9-23, 2023 at the Performing Arts Center. Location: 1301 L Street Sacramento, CA Tickets: $49-99, sacballet.org
SAN DIEGO: Enchanted Village December 15-22, 2023, 5-8 p.m. at Noah Homes in Spring Valley, CA 91978, enchantedvillage.org
SAN DIEGO: Golden State Ballet's The Nutcracker December 15-24, 2023 with live music performed by San Diego Symphony at San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 3rd Avenue $25-129, goldenstateballet.org
SAN DIEGO: SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Dolphin Island Christmas, Clyde & Seamore Christmas Special, and more! Location: 500 Sea World Drive
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: Golden Girls Christmas Episodes November 30-December 23, 2023 at The Victoria Theatre 2961 16th Street San Francisco, California 94103 $, thegoldengirlslive.com
SAN FRANCISCO: Bill Graham Menorah Lighting December 7-15, 2023 Union Square San Francisco, CA billgrahammenorah.org
SAN GABRIEL: Pasadena Dance Theatre The Nutcracker December 22-23, 2023 at San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. Location: 320 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776 $25-75, missionplayhouse.org
SAN JOSE: Christmas in the Park Drive Thru Light Show November 29, 2023-January 1, 2024
SAN JOSE: Christmas in the Park holiday attraction with music, lights and entertainment
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: Laguna Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker December 21-23, 2023 at San Juan Hills High School Theatre, 29211 Stallion Ridge, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 $, lagunanutcracker.com
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano. missionsjc.com
SAN LUIS OBISPO: Nature Nights November 17-December 30, 2023. at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Location: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 $27, slobg.org
SANTA CLARA: A Chanticleer Christmas, Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA, 95050. $, chanticleer.org
SANTA CLARA: Great America WinterFest November 24, 2023-January 6, 2024. Ice Skate in front of the iconic Carousel Columbia and marvel at spectacular live shows. More than 60 rides and holiday attractions. Location: 237 W to Great America Parkway. $ tickets
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
TEMECULA: The Ballet Studio Nutcracker December 15-23, 2023 at Old Town Temecula Community Theater Location: 42051 Main Street Temecula, CA 92590. Tickets, $37-45, tickets.temeculatheater.org
UKIAH: Ukiah on Ice seasonal holiday ice rink features daily ice skating December 2, 2023-January 14, 2024
WALNUT CREEK: Walnut Creek on Ice through Jan. 2023. This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA
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California Ice Rinks Open
SAN FRANCISCO: Union Square Ice Rink November 1, 2023-January 15, 2024
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: 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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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/
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
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
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 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 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: 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
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.
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
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
WATSONVILLE: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights November 24-December 24, 2023, 5:30-9 p.m. at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Location: 2601 East Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 $20, fairgrounds-foundation.org/ holiday-lights
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
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.