Saturday, December 27, 2025

tomorrow | yesterday

Past events

ALAMEDA: Christmas Tree Lane, December 1-31, 2024, 5:30-10 p.m. every night rain or shine, 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 1, 2024-January 5, 2025, 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/

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 is returning for the 2025/2026 season, promising affordable holiday fun.

ALTADENA: Christmas Tree Lane survived the fire but this event may not happen this year. For 104 years, Altadena's Deodar trees have been lit for public enjoyment at a magical place called Christmas Tree Lane.

FRESNO: Holiday Sweets & Winter Treats at Kearney Mansion Museum November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays $12, valleyhistory.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 19-28, 2024 with Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra at Dolby Theatre. Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA. $, losangelesballet.org

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 22-December 28, 2024, 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

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

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

LOS ANGELES: LA Zoo Lights, Animals Aglow November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025, 6-10 p.m. at Los Angeles Zoo. Special holiday display seen only at night 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

OLYMPIC VALLEY: Everline Resort Winter Ice Skating Rink November 29, 2024-March 2025, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. With direct lift service to Palisades Tahoe, site of the historic 1960 Winter Olympics, Everline Resort's ice skating rink adds to the fun. The resort offers snowshoe rentals, as well, plus perks to locals. Location: Everline Resort at Squaw Creek, 400 Squaw Creek Road, Olympic Valley, CA. $30 includes skate rental and 60 minutes of ice skating, everlineresort.com

PALO ALTO: Winter Lodge Seasonal Ice Rink October 18, 2025-April 2026, is back with public skating sessions, lessons and more. $, winterlodge.com

PALOS VERDES PENINSULA: Astra Lumina, An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The Stars at South Coast Botanic Garden November 9, 2024-January 31, 2025, 5-10 p.m. Celestial, multisensory experience features out-of-this-world light sculptures. $35-65, southcoastbotanicgarden.org

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

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 FRANCISCO: Union Square Ice Rink November 6, 2024-January 20, 2025. Themed days and special events add to the fun.

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 mid November through mid-January in City Plaza. $5-25, 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

CONCORD: Ice at the Veranda November 9, 2024-February 2025 at The Veranda shopping mall. Come glide on Ice at The Veranda with open-air shopping, dining and entertainment.

COSTA MESA: Winter Fest OC returns November 2025-January 2026 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 2025-January 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 2025-January 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 2025-January 4, 2026 next to the Giant Wheel. Skating! Location: 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA. $, irvinespectrumcenter.com

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

OAKLAND: Temple Hill Days of Christmas December 2025 information coming soon. A beacon for spectacular holiday lights, Christmas concerts, theatrical performances, nativity and creche presentations on panoramic Temple Hill. Free, templehill.org

OAKLAND: Oakland Zoo Glowfari November-January, information coming in Fall 2025! 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

REDDING: Garden of Lights November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 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, reddinggardenoflights.org

SACRAMENTO: Imaginarium Information to be announced for 2025-2026 season 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 FRANCISCO: Bill Graham Menorah Lighting December 25, 2024-January 1, 2025 at Union Square San Francisco, CA. billgrahammenorah.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 28, 2025-January 1, 2026, 5-11 p.m. in History Park San Jose. More than one mile of  magical scenes and displays synced to favorite holiday tunes.  $25-31, approx., christmasinthepark.com

SAN JOSE: Downtown Ice Information to be announced about November 2025-January 2026 season in Circle of Palms Plaza on Market Street. $, sjdowntownice.com

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: Capistrano Lights December 7-29, 2024 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 16, 2024-January 26, 2025 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 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 CLARA: Great America WinterFest  November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025. 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

SANTA MONICA: Hanukkah in Santa Monica December 25, 2024-January 1, 2025 on the 1200 Block of Third Street Promenade. Menorah lightings at sundown invites community members to enjoy a festive celebration of lights. Each evening hosted by a different local congregation, honoring this long-standing tradition. Free, iceatsantamonica.com/events

SANTA MONICA: ICE mid-November 2025-January 2026 at 5th & Arizona. Details coming soon! $, 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: Temecula on Ice December 12, 2024-January 5, 2025 at Town Square Park. Most cities of Temecula's size would be lucky to have one seasonal ice rink but Temecula has two. The city-sponsored ice rink next to City Hall is a venue with a beautiful setting and access to dining and shopping you can easily walk to. Location: 41000 Main Street, Temecula, CA. $19 skate rental included, temeculaca.gov

TEMECULA: Peltzer Ice Rink, November 9, 2024-Janaury 20, 2025 at Peltzer Farm & Winery. 8,400 square-foot real ice rink, complimentary gliders, picnic benches, hot cocoa, snacks, local food truck eats, and a bar serving Peltzer Wine. Location: 39925 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA. $20 + $2 skate rental, peltzerfarms.com

TWAIN HARTE / LONG BARN: The Long Barn Lodge Ice Skating November 22, 2024 - Mid-March 2025. Tucked in the Sierra Nevada mountains at around 5,000 feet elevation, Long Barn Lodge has the only ice skating rink in the area. Location: 25957 Long Barn Rd., Long Barn, CA facebook.com/ thelongbarnlodge $15, skate rental is $5. Closed Monday & Tuesday

UKIAH: Ukiah on Ice December 2, 2024-January 12, 2025 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 29, 2024-January 6, 2025 showcases 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, 2024-January 5, 2025, 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 Holiday in the Park November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025, 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

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: Holidays at Filoli November 2025-January 2026 to be announced soon! Georgian revival-style mansion with 16 acres of exquisite English Renaissance gardens at an historic 654-acre estate (as seen in Falcon Crest show). $, 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

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker December 6-29, 2024 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

BUENA PARK: Medieval Times Middle Ages Dinner Show includes knights, horses, jousting, and swordplay while enjoying a "hands-on" four-course feast as the story of bravery and love unfolds before you in this unique entertainment experience.

BUENA PARK: Pirate's Dinner Adventuresets sail with an 18th Century Spanish galleon adrift in a 250,000-gallon lagoon. Aerial artistry, swashbuckling swordplay, and dynamic duels while you munch on a 4-course feast

LOS ANGELES: LA LIVE Ice Rink. Entertainment complex features concerts, movies, shopping, dining, hotels and this seasonal holiday delight.

MAMMOTH LAKES: Holiday Ice Rinkthrough winter. Nothing says winter in the Sierra Nevada mountains better than an invigorating ice skating session after a day on the ski slopes.

NAPLES:  Trees in the Bay

NEWPORT BEACH: Newport Dunes Lighting of the Bay  

LOS ANGELES: Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink returns mid-November 2025-January 2026. Sharpen your blades and skills or just go to chill with themed events and great music. $, holidayicerinkdowntownla.com

LOS ANGELES: LA Kings Holiday Ice November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025. Located in the heart of LA's entertainment district (LA Kings, LA Lakers, concerts and shows at Crypto Arena,) there's an exciting, big city vibe to this urban complex where skating tickets are only sold on site. Location: 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. $25 general admission includes skate rental, lalive.com/ la-kings-holiday-ice-la-live

FRESNO: Downtown Fresno Ice Rink December 10, 2024-January 12, 2025. It's back and it's family-friendly, in the heart of Fresno. Location: 1939 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA. $19.90 general admission for 90 minute session with skate rental included, downtownfresno.org

FRESNO: IllumiNature returning November 2025-January 2026 at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, is a special holiday event featuring lighted lantern displays that entertain and amaze! $, fresnochaffeezoo.org

MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay to be announced: November-December 31, 2025 at Custom House Plaza. $20 includes skate rental, iceskatingbythebay.com

SANTA CRUZ- FELTON:  New Year's Holiday Lights Train Dec.27-31, at Roaring Camp Railroads, roaringcamp.com

SAUSALITO: Sausalito Gingerbread House Tour through Dec.31, features nearly 20 unique displays in a walking tour. Free to see, sausalito.org/gingerbread-house-tour

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.