California Events
Friday, December 6, 2024
AGOURA HILLS: Agoura Hills Holiday Boutique December 6-7, 2024. Holidays on the Hill is open Dec. 6, 4-8 p.m. and Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with shopping, tasting, and enjoying. Location: Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center, 29900 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills, CA. Free, agourahillscity.org
ALAMEDA: Christmas Tree Lane, December 7-31, 2024, an annual favorite holiday tradition for 85 years, is a community gift to the public. Free to see and experience.
ALHAMBRA: Alhambra Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 5-9 p.m. at Renaissance Plaza. Location: 1 E. Main Street Alhambra, CA northeast corner Garfield and Main Free, Downtown Alhambra Business Association downtownalhambra.com
ALPINE: Alpine Parade of Lights December 6, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Free, alpinechamber.com
AMERICAN CANYON: American Canyon Community Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 5-8 p.m. at Shenandoah Park. Location: 100 Sonoma Creek Way, American Canyon, CA. Free, cityofamericancanyon.org
ANTIOCH: Black Diamond Ballet's The Nutcracker December 6-15, 2024 at El Campanil Theater. Location: 602 W. 2nd St. Antioch, CA $23-41, elcampaniltheatre.com
ARTESIA: Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland December 6, 2024, 5-8 p.m. at Artesia Park. Play in 15 tons of snow! Free, cityofartesia.us
ATASCADERO: Atascadero Holiday Tree Lighting & Light Up Downtown December 6, 2024, 5:30-8 p.m. Sunken Gardens 6505 El Camino Real Atascadero, CA visitatascadero.com
ATWATER: Atwater Christmas Parade, a tradition in Merced County, takes place December 6, 2024, 7-9 p.m. oldtownatwater.org
ATWATER: Razzari Ice Skating Center November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025 in Old Town Atwater. Seasonal ice skating rink offers affordable holiday fun.
AUBURN: Placer Theatre Ballet Nutcracker December 6-15, 2024. Location: Placer Theatre, 275 Orange Street, Auburn, CA. $20-30, placertheatreballet.org
BELLFLOWER: Bellflower Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Friendship Square Intersection of Bellflower Boulevard and Belmont Street Bellflower, California Free, bellflower.org
BENICIA: Benicia Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 6-9 p.m. in Downtown Benicia. Holiday Open House - First Street merchants along with Benicia Main Street host this ever-popular event which includes the beautiful tree lighting ceremony. Location: Benicia Main Street, Benicia, CA. Free, BeniciaMainStreet.org
BUENA PARK: City of Buena Park Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. The public is invited to join in celebrating the lighting of the city's holiday tree. Free, buenapark.com
BURLINGAME: Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, and Winter Fest market at is December 7-8, 2024 at Burlingame Community Center. burlingame.org
CAMARILLO: Camarillo Old Town Glow December 6, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Camarillo Old Town 2222 Ventura Blvd. Camarillo, CA $10-15, camarillooldtown.org
CARMEL: Carmel Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 3-7 p.m. at Devendorf Park and Carmel Plaza. Join the City of Carmel by the Sea and Carmel Plaza merchants to light the tree. Then stick around for the annual merchant Open House with specials, treats and hospitality.
CHERRY VALLEY: Winterfest
December 6-7, 2024 at
Noble Creek Regional Park. Location: 650 West Oak Valley Parkway,
Beaumont, CA 92223. Admission if free (hay rides & snow hill $5) bcvparks.com
CHICO: Chico Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 6-8 p.m. at City Plaza. Anticipation mounts as guests wait for the arrival of Santa to light the Christmas Tree. Location: 418 Main Street, Chico, CA downtownchico.net
CHICO: Stansbury Home Victorian Christmas December 6-8, 2024, 307 W 5th St. Chico, CA 95928 $6, facebook.com/stansburyhome
COACHELLA: Christmas Parade Dec.6, 2026, 6 p.m.
CONCORD: Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 5:30-8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza Willow Pass Road (between Mt. Diablo & Grant) Concord, CA cityofconcord.org /DowntownEvents
CORNING: Corning Lighted Trolley Tour December 6, 2024, 6 & 7 p.m. Trolley leaves from Corning Chamber of Commerce Office, 1110 Solano Street, Corning, CA. $10, $5 youth, corningcachamber.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, slgardens.org
CORONADO: Coronado Christmas Parade December 6, 2024, 6 p.m.
COTATI: Cotati Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 4-8 p.m. at La Plaza Park & Cotati Fire Station Cotati, CA ci.cotati.ca.us
CUPERTINO: Cupertino Community Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m. Quinlan Community Center 10185 N. Stelling Road Cupertino, CA Free, cupertino.org
DANA POINT: Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights December 13-15, 2024. Holiday Lights Cruise December 6-7, 20-21, 2024; Boat Ride with Santa December 7-8, 2024, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: Dana Point Harbor by the Water's Edge 34555 Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA danapointharbor.com
EMERYVILLE: Emeryville Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade December 6, 2024, 4-8 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Holiday Parade 5:30 p.m. Emeryville City Hall & ECCL Commons 1333 Park Avenue Emeryville, CA ci.emeryville.ca.us
ENCINITAS: Lightscape November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025, 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. $26-34 general admission, sdbg.org
FAIRFIELD: Fairfield Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 6-8:30 p.m. Country Plaza Texas & Jefferson Fairfield, CA Free, fairfield.ca.gov
FALLBROOK: Fallbrook Tree Lighting Festival December 6, 2024, 5-7:30 p.m. at Fallbrook Community Center. Entertainment, shopping, local non-profit organizations, food and more, all produced by San Diego Parks Location: 341 Heald Lane Fallbrook, CA Free, sdparks.org
FOLSOM: Folsom Holiday Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 6-9 p.m. Tree lights up at approx. 7:30 p.m. historicfolsom.org
FOLSOM: Folsom Zoo Wild Nights, Holiday Lights December 6-22, 2024. Nighttime lights experience illuminates Folsom's beloved Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. Location: $10; $6 optional Starlight Express Train Ride, folsomzoofriends.org
FOUNTAIN VALLEY: The Christmas Creche December 6-8, 2024, 6-9 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Living Nativity, local school choirs and bands performing holiday concerts, free donuts and a room of Christmas creches to admire. Location: 17500 Talbert Ave., Fountain Valley, CA. Free, thecrecheoc.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: Holiday Sweets & Winter Treats at Kearney Mansion Museum November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays $12, valleyhistory.org
FRESNO: Fresno La Comida Guild Home Tour, Tea & Boutique December 5-6, 2024. lacomidaguild.org | holiday homes
GILROY: North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens theme park November 29-December 30, 2024 includes Ice Skating, Santa's Workshop, Rudy's Roadtrip, Tinsel's Groove Train, Lighting Displays, stage shows and more. $40-50, gilroygardens.org
GRASS VALLEY: Grass Valley Cornish Christmas Fridays November 29-December 20, 2024, 6-9 p.m. in Downtown Grass Valley. Rekindle the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas at this delightful holiday event. downtowngrassvalley.com
GRIDLEY: Winter Wonderland Festival and Parade of Lights December 4, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Tree Lighting on Spruce Street December 4, 2024, 5:30 p.m. Parade at 6:30 p.m. Live Music 5 & 7 p.m. with WSB Band
GROVER BEACH: Grover Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 5:30 p.m. at Ramona Garden Park. Free, grover.org
HEALDSBURG: Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 5-9 p.m. at Healdsburg Plaza Park. The Tree Lighting Ceremony includes carriage rides, live holiday music and much more! Free, healdsburg.gov
HERMOSA BEACH: Hermosa Beach Sandpipers Holiday Homes Tour December 6-8, 2024, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Fri.&Sat.; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sun. $40, sandpipers.org | holiday homes
HUNTINGTON BEACH: A Christmas Carol presented by ACTS Drama Group December 6-15, 2024 at Calvary Chapel of the Harbour, 4121 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA Free admission, free beverages & cookies, ccoth.com | carol
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Live Nativity December 5-6, 2024, 6-9 p.m. at First Christian Church 1207 Main St. Huntington Beach, CA Free, fcchb.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Newland House Museum Holidays in HB Open House December 6, 2024, hbhistory.org
IRWINDALE: Irwindale Christmas Spectacular Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Dan Diaz Recreation Center, 16053 Calle de Paseo, Irwindale, CA. Free, irwindaleca.gov
KING CITY: Lighted Agriculture Parade Dec. 6, 2024, 6 p.m. starting at Fairgrounds, ending at King City Town Square.
LAKEWOOD: Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 6:30-8p, Civic Center Plaza, 5000 Clark Ave. Food trucks, carnival games, pictures with Santa, falling snow. Free, lakewoodcity.org
LAWNDALE: Angel Tree Lighting at Lawndale Civic Center Plaza includes stage entertainment, food vendors, trackless train rides. Location: 14700 Burin Ave., Lawndale, CA. Free, lawndalecity.org
LA PUENTE: Holiday Parade December 6, 2024, 6 p.m. La Puente Community Center heading south on Glendora, then east on Main St., ending at Civic Center
LA QUINTA: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 6-8 p.m.
LAWNDALE: Angel Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 4-8 p.m. Tons of fun with skating, snow sledding, trackless train rides and more.
LIVERMORE: Holiday Village in the Park December 6, 2024, 4-8 p.m. Carnegie Park transforms into a twinkling, Magical Holiday Village. Location: 2155 Third Street, Livermore, CA Free, Livermore Downtown Inc.
LOMITA: Lomita Christmas Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 5:30 p.m. City Hall 24300 Narbonne Avenue Lomita, CA lomita.com
LOMPOC: Lompoc Valley Children's Christmas Season Tree Lighting December 6, 2024 after the Children's Parade, which begins at 6 p.m. Centennial Square South H Street and Cypress Avenue Lompoc, CA cityoflompoc.com
LOMPOC: Dreaming of a White Christmas (2024 theme) at Lompoc Valley Children's Christmas Parade December 6, 2024, 6 p.m. The public can apply to participate in the parade and awards are given to best in categories. Event is produced by the City of Lompoc. Location: Pine & H Street, Lompoc, CA cityoflompoc.com
LOS ALTOS: Holiday Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 6-8 p.m. Downtown Main & State Streets Los Altos, CA downtownlosaltos.org
LOS GATOS: Los Gatos in Lights Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 5-7 p.m. | 6 p.m. Tree Lighting at Town Plaza Park. Location: North Santa Cruz & Main Street 1-99 Los Gatos, CA 95030 losgatosca.gov
MARINA: Marina Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration December 6, 2024, 6 - 7 p.m. Vince DiMaggio Park 3200 Del Monte Boulevard Marina, CA Free, themarinafoundation.org
MENLO PARK: Light Up the Season Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 5:30-7 p.m. Fremont Park Santa Cruz Ave at University Drive Menlo Park, CA menlopark.org/treelighting
MONTEREY: Colton Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 5-6 p.m. Colton Hall Lawn Monterey, CA Free, oldmonterey.org
MOUNTAIN VIEW: Christmas at Our House December 6-7, 2024. On Friday guests enjoy a Boutique. | Saturday 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. features Boutique Cookies and Coffee Cart, High Tea and Student Performers. sfhs.com | holiday homes
MURPHYS: Murphys Open House with Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade December 6, 2024, 5-8 p.m. Murphys, CA Free, visitmurphys.com An old-fashioned celebration featuring a holiday parade (parade at 5:30 p.m. starting at the Historic Murphys Hotel and
NOVATO: City of Novato's Holiday Crafts Faire December 6-7, 2024 at Margaret Todd Senior Center. Over 60 booths with handmade crafts including jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, wreaths, ornaments, bath and body products and more, plus entertainment throughout the event and food available (some vendors may request cash payment.) Open Friday 6-9p; Saturday 10a-4p. Location: 1560 Hill Road, Novato, CA. Free admission, novato.org/ holidaycraftsfaire
OCEANSIDE: Annual Christmas Concert December 6, 2024, 7 p.m. at Mission San Luis Rey Serra Center. Location: 4050 Mission Ave Oceanside, CA 92057 $, sanluisrey.org
OROVILLE: Oroville Christmas Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 4-8 p.m. See Santa and take photos, line up and take a carriage ride (fee charged), and watch the lighting of the beautiful tree! Location: 1998 Montgomery St., Oroville, CA downtownoroville.com
PALM SPRINGS: City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 4-6 p.m. Share in the amazing performance by the nationally renowned Dancing Christmas Trees--Stars of the Macy's Day Parade! Location: Frances Stevens Park 555 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road Uptown Palm Springs, California palmspringsca.gov
PALO ALTO: Holiday Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 5:30-7 p.m. Lytton Plaza; Hosted by: Mayor Greer Stone Live entertainment Hot beverages Snacks Arts & crafts by Palo Alto Art Center. Location: University Avenue & Emerson Street Palo Alto, CA cityofpaloalto.org
PASADENA: City of Pasadena Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 5 p.m. at Centennial Square. Public invited to help launch the holiday merriment with beautiful lights, songs, wishes of good cheer and Santa officiating, perhaps.
PASADENA: Los Angeles Ballet - The Nutcracker December 6-8, 2024 at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, CA. $, losangelesballet.org
PETALUMA: Theatre Square Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. Tree Lighting Four Blocks in the Heart of Downtown Petaluma - D Street to B Street, Petaluma Blvd. to First Street Petaluma, CA theatre-district.com
PERRIS: Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 5-8:30 p.m. on City Hall Campus. Location: 101 N. D Street, Perris, CA. Free, cityofperris.org
PISMO BEACH: Pismo Beach Holiday Harmony Tree Lighting Pismo Beach Ceremony December 6, 2024, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Tree Lighting around 6 p.m. Pismo Beach, CA (805) 773-7063 Free, pismobeach.org
POMONA: Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show December 6-8, 2024 at Fairplex. Live entertainment, strolling entertainers, crafting demonstrations, contests, and a Kidzone. Location: 1101 West McKinley Avenue Pomona, CA $5 admission, $18 parking, harvestfestival.com
PORTERVILLE: Zalud House Old Fashioned Christmas Candlelight Tours December 6, 7, 13, 14, 2024, 6-8 p.m. Built in 1891, the Zalud House is one of few museums in the nation that is furnished entirely with the original owners' possessions. Location: 393 N. Hockett St., Porterville, CA. $3 no reservation needed, ci.porterville.ca.us
QUINCY: Sparkle Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 5-8 p.m. | 7:30 p.m. Tree Lighting after Parade Downtown Quincy, 464 Main Street, Quincy, CA. Free, quincychamber.com
QUINCY: Quincy Light Parade Friday, December 6, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Parade at 6:30 p.m. Includes marching bands, music, costume clad civic groups, floats, classic cars and headliner, Santa Claus in Downtown Quincy, CA quincychamber.com
SACRAMENTO: Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass! with Sacramento Gay Chorus December 6-7, 2024 at Memorial Auditorium. The chorus sings traditional seasonal favorites t plus showstoppers. Location: 1515 J Street, Sacramento, CA. $35-50, sacgaymenschorus.com
SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Sacred Heart 50th annual Holiday Home Tour December 6-8, 2024. Visit five magnificent, holiday-decorated homes in Sacramento's Fabulous Forties neighborhood. $40, $35 senior, sacredhearthometour.com | holiday homes
SAN BERNARDINO: Inland Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker December 6-8, 2024 at California Theatre of the Performing Arts. Location: 562 W. 4th St., San Bernardino, CA. Tickets: $20-50 approx., Call (909) 885-8263 californiatheatre.net
SAN DIEGO: Balboa Park December Nights Festival, December 6-7, 2024. Friday 3-11 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. The park's biggest free celebration of the year! Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado. Free admission, fees for food, shopping, balboapark.org/decembernights/
SAN DIEGO: Old Town Cygnet Theatre November 29-December 24, 2024. Location: 4040 Twiggs St. San Diego, CA 92110 $, cygnettheatre.com | carol
SAN FRANCISCO: Holiday Spectacular with San Francisco's Gay Men's Chorus, 8 p.m. at Sydney Goldstein Theater. 90 minutes filled with festive cheer from more than 150 men of the Chorus. Location: 275 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA. $25-up, sfgmc.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
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
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 CLARA: Santa Clara Historic Home Tour December 6-8, 2024 tour features many historic homes, all decorated for the holidays. This year Santa Clara Railroad Depot/Car open. The Control Tower on Saturday for tours only. The Harris-Lass Museum open house from 12 noon - 2pm Sunday. $30, sc-hometour.com | holiday homes
SANTA CLARA: Santa Clara Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 5:30-8 p.m. This is the 114th annual tree lighting Central Park 969 Kiely Blvd. City Plaza Park Santa Clara, CA. santaclaraca.gov Admission is FREE!
SANTA MARIA: Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall. Join the mayor, council members and special guest, Santa Claus, to celebrate Christmas and the lighting of the beautiful tree. It's free for all! Come join in community. cityofsantamaria.org
SANTA MONICA: Westside Ballet's The Nutcracker November 30-December 8, 2024, with live orchestration at The Broad Stage. Location: Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, CA. $66.50, westsideballet.com
SEAL BEACH: Seal Beach Christmas Parade December 6, 2024, 7 p.m. Final entries start by 8:10 p.m. and the parade ends at 8:30 p.m. with Santa Claus waving to the crowds. Seal Beach Downtown Main St. Seal Beach, CA sealbeachlions.org
SOLVANG: Julefest Tree Lighting December 6, 2024 at 5 p.m. in Solvang Park. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is slated to include ballerinas encircling the Solvang Christmas tree, other live entertainment, caroling, and the season-opening tree lighting at about 6:30 p.m.
TEMPLE CITY: Lights On Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade December 6, 2024, 5 -9 p.m. 100 foot redwood tree lighting held annually on 1st Friday in December. Parade at 7 p.m. on Las Tunas Drive Temple City Park 9701 Las Tunas Dr. ci.temple-city.ca.us
TUSTIN: Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Stroll December 6, 2024, 6-8:30 p.m. Dreamers Market, Old Town Tustin El Camino & 3rd Street Tustin, CA Free, tustinca.org
WATSONVILLE: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Walk Through Night & Christmas Market shopping December 6-7, 2024, 12-9 p.m. at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Location: 2601 East Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 $10 walk through night, fairgrounds-foundation.org/ holiday-lights
WOODLAND: Woodland Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024 in Downtown Woodland. Join the mayor, local dignitaries and esteemed guests such as Santa for this special event to launch the holiday season in one of California's most hospitable cities.
BAKERSFIELD: CALM Zoo Holiday Lights November 30, 2024-January 4, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Stroll through millions of lights in holiday-themed lands featuring over 200 displays. $18, calmholidaylights.org .
Past events
CORONADO: Skating by the Sea November 21, 2024-January 5, 2025 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 November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 at Orange County Fair & Event Center. Snow, ice tubing, ice skating, rides, fire pits and more. Location: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA. $35-110, winterfestoc.com
FRESNO: IllumiNature November 26, 2024-January 31, 2025 at Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a special holiday event featuring lighted lantern displays that entertain and amaze! $, fresnochaffeezoo.org
HANFORD: Winter Wonderland Ice Skating November 23, 2024- January 12, 2025 at Civic Park, Downtown Hanford. Make it a date with the family and friends for fun holiday ice skating. $, hanfordwinterwonderland.com
IRVINE: Irvine Spectrum Holiday Ice Rink November 1, 2024-January 5, 2025 next to the Giant Wheel. Skating, shopping and dining all in one place! Location: 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA. $25, irvinespectrumcenter.com
IRVINE: Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker December 7-24, 2024 (Abridged Nutcracker for Youth December 6, 2024, 9:30 & 11:30 a.m.) Irvine Barclay Theatre 4242 Campus Drive Irvine, CA 92612 $50-120 approx. thebarclay.org
INDIO: Coachella Valley Magic of Lights Drive Thru November 19-December 29, 2024, 5:30 p.m. 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. $15-40, magicoflights.com
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE: Enchanted Forest of Light November 17, 2024-January 5, 2025 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. $22, descansogardens.org
LAKE FOREST: Heritage Hill Candlelight Walk December 6-8, 2024, 5-9 p.m. at Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA. Event & parking are free! ocparks.com/heritagehill
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
MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay November 22-December 31, 2024 at Custom House Plaza. $20 includes skate rental, iceskatingbythebay.com
PALOS VERDES PENINSULA: Astra Lumina, An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The Stars at South Coast Botanic Garden November 9-December 15, 2024, 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, 2024. Family adventure on a magical train ride complete with dancing chefs, caroling, cookies and cocoa, re-creates the classic children's story. $84.25 general admission, socalrailway.org
OAKLAND: Temple Hill Days of Christmas November 29-December 31, 2024. 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 8, 2024-January 6, 2025, 5-9 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
POMONA: Imaginarium at Fairplex November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025. Over 5 million lights in colorful displays, 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 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
REEDLEY: Farm Equipment Christmas Parade December 6, 2024, 7-9 p.m. "A Rhinestone Christmas" is the 2024 theme Reedley's Electrical Farm Equipment Parade includes food & fun in Downtown Reedley. Free, facebook.com/ ReedleyDowntown/
REEDLEY: Tree Lighting Ceremony at Christmas in the Park December 6, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. Food trucks, retail booths, vendors, pony rides, photos with Santa and more.
RIVERSIDE: Holiday Celebration 6-8 p.m. at Riverside Plaza. Family-friendly fun: photo opportunities with Santa, face painters, balloon twisters, magical falling snow, tree lighting ceremony, and snow pit area with sledding. Location: 3639 Riverside Plaza Dr. Riverside, CA (Main Street in front of Regal Cinemas). Free, shopriversideplaza.com
RIVERSIDE: Mission Inn Festival of Lights November 23, 2024 - January 6, 2025. 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 4-13, 2024. Vernon Town Square Roseville, CA Free, roseville.ca.us
SACRAMENTO: Imaginarium November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 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 FRANCISCO: Presidio Tree Lighting December 6, 2024. Location: Funston Street and Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco, CA. Free, sfciviccenter.org
SALINAS: Streets of Bethlehem December 5-8, 2024, 6-8 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Salinas 1130 San Vincente Avenue Salinas, CA 93901 Free admission, streetsofbethlehem.com
SANTA BARBARA: ZooLights November 13, 2024-January 12, 2025, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Santa Barbara Zoo. Walk through the Zoo to see thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED bulbs, showcasing animal and nature scenes depicting wild places from around the world. Location: 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA. $21-35 sbzoo.org
SANTA MARIA: Christmas in the Country Elks Drive-thru Holiday Lights Experience November 29-December 24, 2024 at Elks Unocal Event Center. Timed entry starts at 6 p.m. Pick available day and time online. Location: 2325 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA. $40 per car, elksrec.com
SAN FRANCISCO: Union Square Ice Rink November 6, 2024-January 20, 2025. Themed days and special events add to the fun.
SAN JOSE: San Jose Dance Theatre's Nutcracker Ballet December 6-15, 2024 (Dec.6, 10:30 a.m. is 45 minute version) at Center for the Performing Arts. Location: 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA. $39.50-115, sanjosetheaters.org
SAN JOSE: Christmas in the Park November 29, 2024-January 1, 2025, 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: Holiday Lights Drive Thru November 21, 2024-January 1, 2025, 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 November 15, 2024-January 20, 2025 in Circle of Palms Plaza on Market Street. $21, sjdowntownice.com
SAN MARINO: Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 5-7 p.m. City of San Marino Corner of Huntington Drive & San Marino Avenue (Bus Stop across the street from City Hall) San Marino, CA Free, cityofsanmarino.org
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 15, 2024-January 12, 2025 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! $21 approx., onicerinks.com
SAN PABLO: Holiday Tree Lighting Winter Wonderland December 6, 2024, 5-7 p.m. Civic Center 1000 Gateway Ave. San Pablo, CA Free, sanpabloca.gov
SAN RAMON: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink November 8, 2024-January 5, 2025 at City Center Bishop Ranch. Many special events include Elsa, Santa Claus, Barbie and Kristi's skating clinic. $26, citycenterbishopranch.com
SANTA MONICA: ICE November 8, 2024-January 20, 2025 at 5th & Arizona. DJs spin tunes on Wed., Classical Music Sunday sessions. $22 includes skate rental for hour session, iceatsantamonica.com
SAUSALITO: Sausalito Gingerbread House Tour December 8-31, 2024 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, 2024-March 31, 2025
SOQUEL: Capitola - Soquel Village Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 6-8 p.m. Get ready to deck the halls and light up Soquel Village with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Location: 4900 Soquel Drive Soquel, CA capitolachamber.com
TWAIN HARTE: Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 6 p.m. First Friday of December This is part of the Twain Harte Winter Wonderland Parade Fuller Ave. Twain Harte, CA. Free, twainhartecc.com
TWAIN HARTE: Winter Wonderland Parade December 6, 2024, 6 p.m. First Friday of December. Stick around after the tree lighting to see the fantastic parade. Location: Fuller Ave., Twain Harte, CA. Free, twainhartecc.com
VALLEJO: Santa's Wonderland Holiday Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 4-7 p.m. at Children's Wonderland Park. gvrd.org
VALLEY SPRINGS: Valley Springs Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 6 p.m. Corner of Highways 26 & 12. Wood Fired-Pizza, Taco Truck and more! Valley Springs, CA facebook.com/ValleySpringsABA/
VENTURA: Ventura Mission / Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 5-8 p.m. San Buenaventura Mission Steps. See Santa, hear beautiful choirs singing Christmas carols and stick around for the "snow" show. Location: 211 E. Main St. Ventura, CA. Free, downtownventura.org
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
WALNUT CREEK: Walnut Creek on Ice November 22, 2024-January 12, 2025. Skate 90 minutes for $20, ice skate rental included or $20 Ice Slide. Location: Civic Park, Walnut Creek, CA. walnutcreekonice.com
WINTERS: Winters Tractor Parade and Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 12-9 p.m. | 6 p.m. Parade and Tree Lighting. Activities starting at Rotary Park and City Park while staging for the Holiday Tractor Parade on Main Street winterstractorparade.com
WOODSIDE: Holidays at Filoli November 16, 2024-January 12, 2025. Georgian revival-style mansion with 16 acres of exquisite English Renaissance gardens at an historic 654-acre estate (as seen in Falcon Crest show) is all decked out with 20 miles of Holiday lights, food delights, Santa visits and add-on experiences like firepit nights. $41-45, filoli.org
VISTA: Jingle Terrace Live December 6-21, 2024, 5:30-9 p.m. at Brengle Terrace Park Moonlight Amphitheatre. Location: 1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA. Free, moonlightstage.comVISTA: Holiday Lights December 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21, 2024, 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
WHITTIER: Grand Illumination Tree Lighting December 6, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Rick's Drive Inn. Get in the spirit of Christmas with a dazzling double dose of fun. Location: 7254 Greenleaf, Whittier, CA whittieruptown.org
WINTERS: Winters Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 2-9 p.m. Tree Lighting 6 p.m. Rotary Park Main Street and Railroad Winters, CA free, winterstractorparade.com
WOODLAKE: Woodlake Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2024, 6:30 p.m. at Woodlake Fire District. Includes a visit from Santa and holiday music by WUSD Choir and Band.Location: 216 E. Naranjo Blvd., Woodlake, CA. Free, cityofwoodlake.com/calendar/
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.