California Events
Thursday, December 4, 2025
ADELANTO: City of Adelanto Tree Lighting Ceremony December 4, 2025, 5-7 p.m. at Adelanto City Hall. Join city officials for some holiday merriment as the beautiful tree is officially lit for the season of joy. Location: 11600 Air Express Way Adelanto, CA 92311 Free, adelantoca.gov
ALISO VIEJO: Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting 5-8 p.m. at Aliso Viejo Town Center Fountain and Amphitheater. Enjoy trackless train rides, ornament making, aerial performances, magical snowfall and a visit from jolly-old St. Nick as the 20-foot tree is lit. Free, avcity.org
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/
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.
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.
ARCADIA: City of Arcadia Holiday Celebrations Tree Lighting Ceremony December 4, 2025, 6 p.m. Arcadia Transit Plaza North First Avenue & East Santa Clara Street Arcadia, CA Free, arcadiaca.gov
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!
BAKERSFIELD: Bakersfield Christmas Parade December 4, 2025, 6-8 p.m. 2025 theme is A Family Christmas. Location: Downtown Bakersfield, CA bcparade.com
BALDWIN PARK: Baldwin Park Tree Lighting Ceremony December 4, 2025, 6 p.m. You're invited to begin your holiday season with performances along with a visit from Santa and last but not least, the Lighting of the Tree. The festivities start with free train rides Free, baldwinpark.com
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
BREA: Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony December 4, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Brea Civic & Cultural Center, front steps, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA. Free, ci.brea.ca.us
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
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
CARMICHAEL: Carmichael Tree Lighting December 4, 2025, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Carmichael Park 5750 Grant Avenue Carmichael, CA. Free, carmichaelpark.com
CITRUS HEIGHTS: Citrus Heights Christmas Tree Lighting December 4, 2025, 5-7 p.m. Rusch Community Park 7801 Auburn Blvd. Citrus Heights, CA 95610 Free, sunriseparks.com
CITRUS HEIGHTS: Tree Lighting Ceremony December 4, 2025, 6-8:30 p.m. at City Hall (6360 Fountain Square Drive). The evening begins with a 40-foot tree lighting ceremony located at City Hall, followed by holiday traditions such as pictures with Santa, train rides, hot cocoa, activities for children, and more! Free, citrusheights.net
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
CARSON: Carson Tree Lighting December 4, 2025, 6 p.m. Santa lights the beautiful tree at Carson Event Center. Location: 801 East Carson Street Carson, CA 90745. Free, public invited, carsonca.gov
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
COARSEGOLD: Winter Wonderland Ice Rink November 22, 2025-January 4, 2026, 12-10 p.m. at Chukchansi Gold Resort Casino. Seasonal outdoor ice skating, all ages. $, chukchansigold.com
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
CULVER CITY: Holiday Tree Lighting and Sled-Tacular December 4, 2025, 5-8:30 p.m. | Tree Lighting 6 p.m. Town Plaza 9500 Culver Blvd. (Next to Culver Hotel & Pacific Theatres) Culver City, CA Free admisssion, downtownculvercity.com
DAVIS: Candlelight Parade December 4, 2025, 6-8:30 p.m. Line up is 5:45 p.m. Following the parade, stick around for the Davis Tree Lighting. Location: 835 4th St., Davis, CA. cityofdavis.org
DUBLIN: Dublin Tree Lighting Ceremony December 4, 2025, 6 p.m. Dublin Civic Center dublin.ca.gov
EL SEGUNDO: Joy Around the World Tree Lighting December 4, 2025, 3-8 p.m. at City Hall Plaza and 300 Block of Main Street.
EXETER: Exeter Christmas Open House December 4, 11 & 18, 2025, 5-8 p.m. Downtown. The most wonderful time of the year sparkles with holiday cheer - festive lights, holiday treats and shopping galore! Location: Pine Street, Downtown Exeter, CA. Free, facebook.com/exeterchamber
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/
FONTANA: Fontana Tree Lighting December 4, 2025, 6-8 p.m. at City Hall. Location: 8353 Sierra Ave., Fontana, CA fontana.org
FRESNO: Fresno La Comida Guild Home Tour, Tea & Boutique December 4-5, 2025. lacomidaguild.org | holiday homes
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
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
GRAND TERRACE: Light Up Grand Terrace Tree Lighting 4-8 p.m. Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m. Location: Azure Hills Church, 22633 Barton Rd., Grand Terrace, CA. Free, grandterrace-ca.gov
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
HAYWARD: H.A.R.D. Holiday Lights free event to light up three of the city's Historical Mansions December 2-4, 2025, celebrate the season with some fun activities at Mt. Eden Mansion, Meek Mansion and McConaghy Mansion, and enjoy some hot chocolate. haywardrec.org | house museum Christmas
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Live Nativity December 4-5, 2025, 6-9 p.m. at First Christian Church 1207 Main St. Huntington Beach, CA Free, fcchb.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: 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
LA JOLLA: La Jolla Tree Lighting Ceremony December 4, 2025, 4:30-7 p.m. La Valencia Hotel 1132 Prospect St. La Jolla, CA 92037 Free and open to the public, lavalencia.com Celebrate La Valencia's annual holiday tree lighting with warm holiday beverages, homemade cookies, live music and children's crafts counting down to the lighting.
LAKE ELSINORE: Lake Elsinore Tree Lighting December 4, 2025, 6 p.m. Downtown Lake Elsinore Main Street Lake Elsinore, CA Free, public invited, lake-elsinore.org
LAKE FOREST: Heritage Hill Candlelight Walk December 4-7, 2025, 5-9 p.m. at Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA. Event & parking are free! ocparks.com/heritagehill
LODI: Christmas Parade of Lights December 4, 2025, 6:17-9:30 p.m. Route: Pine Street, Church St., Lodi Ave., School & Locust. A magical holiday parade that illuminates the streets of downtown Lodi with more than 80 entries. Free, kiwanislodi.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
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
MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 at Custom House Plaza. $21.10 includes skate rental, iceskatingbythebay.com
MONROVIA: Monrovia Holiday Parade December 4, 2025, 7-9 p.m. Parade route: north on Myrtle Ave from Walnut to Palm Avenue. cityofmonrovia.org
MORAGA: Moraga Tree Lighting December 4, 2025, 6 p.m. Moraga Commons Park Moraga, CA moraga.ca.us Santa and the Moraga Youth Involvement Committee helpers sell cookies
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
OAKLEY: Tree Lighting Ceremony December 4, 2025, 4-7 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza with free cookies and Santa Claus!
OCEANSIDE: Oceanside Christmas Tree Lighting December 4, 2025, 4;30-8 p.m. Regal Center Plaza 401 Mission Ave. Oceanside, CA mainstreetoceanside.com
PACIFIC GROVE: Holiday Lights Parade December 4, 2025, 6-8 p.m. Parade route: Starts corner of Grand & Lighthouse Avenues, proceeds on Lighthouse to Park where it makes a u-turn and runs back down Lighthouse to Forest Downtown Pacific Grove. Free, pacificgrove.org
PALO ALTO: Gamble Garden Winter Festival Tree Lighting December 4, 2025, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Gamble Garden. Location: 1431 Waverly Street, Palo Alto, CA. $95, gamblegarden.org
PLACENTIA: Tree Lighting Ceremony
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 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
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 Lighting Ceremony December 4, 2025, 5-9 p.m. Plaza Park 5th & B Street Oxnard, CA downtownoxnard.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
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
PORTERVILLE: Children's Christmas Parade "Home for the Holidays" December 4, 2025, 7-9 p.m. on North Main Street. Porterville, CA. portervillechamber.org/ childrens-christmas-parade/
REDONDO BEACH: Riviera Village Holiday Stroll December 4, 2025, 5-9 p.m. Riviera Village Catalina Avenue from Avenue I to S Elena and Avenue I from S Catalina to S Elena are closed to cars Redondo Beach, CA Free, rivieravillage.net
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: 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
ROSEVILLE: Tree Grove on the Square, December 3-11, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. Vernon Town Square. Come visit the Tree Grove on the square. Local businesses, organizations and schools have the opportunity to decorate trees in the square. This night, trees in the grove are officially lit, and families can make holiday crafts, enjoy music, visits with Santa and dine on food. Roseville, CA Free, roseville.ca.us
ROSEVILLE: Tree Lighting December 4, 2025, 6-8 p.m. Christmas Tree Lighting is be held rain or shine. Vernon Town Square Roseville, CA roseville.ca.us/events
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
SALINAS: Streets of Bethlehem December 4-7, 2025, 6-8 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Salinas 1130 San Vincente Avenue Salinas, CA 93901 Free admission, streetsofbethlehem.com
SAN FRANCISCO: Golden Girls Christmas Episodes December 4-21, 2025 at Curran Theatre. Location: 445 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA. $, broadwaysf.com
SAN FRANCISCO: Annual Noe Valley Holiday Wine Walk Thursday, December 4, 2025, 4-7 p.m. 24th Street from Diamond to Chattanooga San Francisco, CA. $, noemerchants.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 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 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 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 PABLO: Holiday Tree Lighting Winter Wonderland December 4, 2025, 5-7 p.m. Civic Center 1000 Gateway Ave. San Pablo, CA Free, sanpabloca.gov
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: California's Great America WinterFest Ice-skate in front of the iconic Carousel Columbia and marvel at spectacular live shows. More than 60 rides and holiday attractions, sending letters to the North Pole, checking out Santa's workshop and baking cookies in Mrs. Claus' kitchen. Location: 237 W to Great America Parkway. Ice skating available, too. $ tickets
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
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
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.
STANTON: Stanton Christmas Tree Lighting December 4, 2025, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Stanton City Hall/Civic Center. Location: 7800 Katella Avenue, Stanton, CA. Free, ci.stanton.ca.us
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
TULARE: Tulare Christmas Parade December 4, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 2025 theme is Tulare Hometown Christmas. The parade starts at K Street south to Inyo; then L Street north Free, tularedowntown.org
TULARE: Holiday Tree Lighting December 4, 2025, 5:30 p.m. is organized by the Tulare Downtown Association before the Tulare Christmas Parade. It includes the big tree lighting, photos with Santa Claus, homemade cookies, hot chocolate, face-painting and more.
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: Holiday Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting at Broadway Plaza December 4, 2025, 6-8:30 p.m. Free, broadwayplaza.com/Events
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
WATSONVILLE: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Krampus Night December 4, 2025, 5:30-9 p.m. at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Location: 2601 East Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 $10 walk through night, fairgrounds-foundation.org/ holiday-lights
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
WINDSOR: Windsor Holiday Celebration December 4, 2025, 5-8 p.m. Windsor Town Green 701 McClelland Drive Windsor, CA Free, townofwindsor.com
YUBA CITY: Holiday Truck Parade December 4-7, 2025, 6-8 p.m. at a different location each night, then stopping for kids to meet with Santa. Free, yubacity.net
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.