California Events
Hotel del Coronado Community Holiday Festival, San Diego, CA
Sunday, December 7, 2025
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.
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/
ANAHEIM: Anaheim Tree Lighting Festival December 7, 2025 p.m. | 6 p.m. Tree Lighting Anaheim City Hall 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA downtownanaheim.com
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
ANTIOCH: Black Diamond Ballet's The Nutcracker December 5, 6, 7, 13 & 14, 2025 at El Campanil Theater. Location: 602 W. 2nd St. Antioch, CA $20-40, elcampaniltheatre.com
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!
ARROYO GRANDE: Holiday Parade December 7, 2025. South County Holiday Parade arroyogrande.org
ATWATER: Old Town Atwater Ice Skating Center returns for its fifth season November 21, 2025-January 2026, promising affordable holiday fun.
AUBURN: Placer Theatre Ballet Nutcracker December 5-14, 2025. Location: Placer Theatre, 275 Orange Street, Auburn, CA. $20-30, placertheatreballet.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. $18, calmholidaylights.org .
BALBOA ISLAND: Balboa Island Tree Lighting & Snow Day December 7, 2025, 4-6 p.m. Balboa Island Fire Station 124 Marine Ave. Balboa Island, CA balboaislandnb.org
BENICIA: Benicia Lighted Boat Parade December 7, 2025, 6 p.m. Benicia Marina Benicia CA beniciayachtclub.org
BERKELEY: Berkeley Artisans Holiday Craft Fair December 6-7 & 13-14, 2025. 100 Artists & Craftspeople Open Their Workshops & Galleries to the Public See: eastbayopenstudios.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
BIGGS: Biggs Christmas Tree Lighting & Street Faire December 7, 2025, 3-7 p.m. | 6 p.m. Tree Lighting Downtown. Location: B & 8th Street Biggs, CA Free, facebook.com/ projectbiggsgroup/
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
CAMARILLO: Annual Christmas Concert, 4-6 p.m. at Community Center, 1605 East Burnley, Camarillo, CA. Free, pvrpd.org
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
CARLSBAD: Carlsbad Village Tree Lighting December 7, 2025, 2-5 p.m. Carlsbad Village Faire, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA. carlsbadrotary.com
CARMICHAEL: A Holiday Show of Hands Art & Craft Sale December 5-7, 2025, at St. John The Evangelist School. Custom gifts - beauty Boutique, antiques and collectibles, the Man Cave, the amazing Gourmet Pavilion, and the very popular Silent Auction! Location: 5701 Locust Ave., Carmichael, CA. Dec.5, 5-9p $10 at the door; Dec.6, 9a-5p, Free; Dec.7, 9a-3p, Free, HolidayShowOfHands.com
CERRITOS: Holiday Celebration, December 7, 2025, 12-2 p.m. at Cerritos Towne Center. Take-home photos with Santa, kids' crafts and games, face painters and balloon twisters. Location: 12731 Towne Center Dr., Cerritos, CA. Free and open to the public, cerritostc.com
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
CHICO: Stansbury Home Victorian Christmas December 5-7, 2025, 307 W 5th St. Chico, CA 95928 $6, facebook.com/stansburyhome
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.
CORONA: Corona Tree Lighting Ceremony December 7, 2025, 4-7 p.m. Historic Civic Center Front Lawn 815 West 6th Street Corona, CA Free, coronaca.gov
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
CORONA DEL MAR: Christmas Walk December 7, 2025, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Coast Highway Corona del Mar, CA Free, cdmchamber.com
CORONA DEL MAR: A Very Sherman Holiday December 6 & 7, 2025, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Sherman Library and Gardens. Location: 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, CA. $160 non-member family bundle, thesherman.org
COSTA MESA: Winter Fest OC returns November 28, 2025-January 4, 2026 (Thursday-Sunday) at Orange County Fair & Event Center. Snow, ice tubing, ice skating, rides, fire pits and more. Location: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA. $, winterfestoc.com
CROCKETT: Crockett Christmas Tree Sales December 6-7, 2025 at Crockett Community Pool, Crockett, CA, crockettcalifornia.com
DAVIS: Davis Craft and Vintage Fair, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Music, food, vintage and handmade goods Art, Crafts, Vintage, Up-cycled, Handcrafted, Spa, Food and live music! Location: Central Park, 301 C Street, Davis, CA. daviscraftandvintage.org Additional dates: December 14, 2025
DOWNEY: Downey Christmas Parade December 7, 2025, 1-4 p.m. Downtown Downey Downey Avenue Downey, Ca Free to see, downtowndowney.org
DUARTE: Snow Nite December 7, 2025, 5-8 p.m. at Beardslee Park. Experience 40 tons of snow, tasty eats, carnival rides, holiday boutique and photos with Santa. Location: 2000 Buena Vista Street, Duarte, CA. Free admission, accessduarte.com
ENCINITAS: Lightscape November 14, 2025-January 4, 2026, 5-8:30 p.m. at San Diego Botanic Garden includes over one million lights in artistic installations along a one-mile, easily walkable garden path. $, sdbg.org
ESCONDIDO: Winter Wonderland December 6-7, 2025, 1-5 p.m. California Center for the Arts 340 N. Escondido Blvd. Escondido, CA 92025 Free, artcenter.org/winter-wonderland/
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
FERNDALE: Lighting of America's Tallest Living Christmas Tree, December 7, 2025, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Location: Main Street at Ocean Ferndale, CA visitferndale.com
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/
FOLSOM: Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair December 7, 2025, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on four blocks of Historic Sutter Street and the public plaza by landmark train turntable ice rink. Parking: Sutter Street Parking Garage 905 Leidesdorff St, Folsom, CA. Free admission, historicfolsom.org
FREMONT: Twilight Time Holiday Open House at the Patterson House Fridays - Sundays | December 5-21, 2025, 4:30-8 p.m. Location: Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont, CA 94555 $, fremont.gov
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
FRESNO: Downtown Fresno Ice Skating Rink December 5, 2025-January 9, 2026 returns to Mariposa Plaza Winter Village with twinkling streets lined with food vendors and artisans. $20, skate rental included
FOLSOM: Folsom Zoo Wild Nights, Holiday Lights December 5-22, 2025. 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 6-7, 2025, 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
FRESNO: Christmas at Kearney: Beyond Santa, Delivering Holiday Magic November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays $12, valleyhistory.org
FRESNO: IllumiNature returning November 22, 2025-January 31, 2026 at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, is a special holiday event featuring lighted lantern displays that entertain and amaze! $, fcz.org
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
GRANADA HILLS: Favorite Holiday Songs Granada Hills Holiday Parade December 7, 2025, 1:30 p.m. Over 100 parade entries along the two-mile route make this one of California's biggest Christmas parades. Free. granadahillsholidayparade.org
HANFORD: Winter Wonderland Ice Skating returning November 22, 2025-January 11, 2026 at Civic Park, Downtown Hanford. Make it a date with family and friends for fun holiday ice skating. $, hanfordwinterwonderland.com
HAYFORK: Hayfork Christmas Lights Parade & Tree Lighting December 7, 2025, 3 p.m. Downtown Hayfork Park Hayfork, CA facebook.com/ hayforkchamberofcommerce
HUNTINGTON BEACH: A Christmas Carol presented by ACTS Drama Group December 5-14, 2025 at Calvary Chapel of the Harbour, 4121 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA Free admission, free beverages & cookies, ccoth.com | carol
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Ballet E'tudes The Nutcracker December 6, 7 & 14, 2025 at Huntington Beach High School Auditorium. Location: 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: $, balletetudes.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Huntington Beach Light of Love Parade & Pier Lighting December 7, 2025, 4-7 p.m. Parade route: Main at Orange Street, and ending at Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. waymakersoc.org
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
HERMOSA BEACH: Hermosa Beach Sandpipers Holiday Homes Tour December 5-7, 2025. $47, sandpipers.org | holiday homes
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Ballet E'tudes The Nutcracker December 6, 7 & 14, 2025 at Huntington Beach High School Auditorium. Location: 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: $, balletetudes.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Ballet Repertory Theatre's The Nutcracker December 12-24, 2025 at Golden West College Mainstage Theater. Location: 15751 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach, CA. Box office (714) 895-8150 x1 $, gwctheater.com
INDIO: Tamale Festival December 6-7, 2025. Billed as world's largest tamale fest, enjoy eating tons of tamales as well as listening to bands, seeing a car show and entering contests such as Tamale Eating Contest and Best Tamale Recipe.
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
IRVINE: Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker December 5-7, 13-14 & 20-24, 2025 at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Location: 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA. $54-74 approx., thebarclay.org
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE: Enchanted Forest of Light November 16, 2025-January 4, 2026 features an after-dark, mile-long walkthrough of holiday lights in Descanso Gardens, a unique Southern California botanic garden that's magical during the day, and mesmerizing at night. $27-45, descansogardens.org
LAGUNA BEACH: Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy November 21-December 21, 2025, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. every Friday through Sunday rain or shine! 175 award-winning artists, sculptors, jewelers and designers sell their works in the beautiful Laguna Canyon venue. Location: 935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA. $, sawdustartfestival.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 Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival December 7, 2025, 1:30 p.m. There's No Place Like Home (for the Holidays) is 2025 theme. Parade route: Girard Avenue from Kline to Prospect. Left on Prospect to Silverado. Ends in front of Contemporary Museum of Art San Diego. Free, ljparade.com
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
LA QUINTA: Ironman 70.3 December 7, 2025, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at Lake Cahuilla. Course covers Indian Wells - La Quinta. Race starts at Lake Cahuilla, going through neighborhoods in La Quinta, until finishing up at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Location: 58075 Jefferson Street, La Quinta, CA. laquintaca.gov
LOMITA: Santa Claus is coming to Lomita Railroad Museum December 7, 2025, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Location: 2137 West 250th Street Lomita, CA $40 per family up to 6 people, lomita-rr.org or pay at door
LONG BEACH: International Tamales Fest December 7, 2025, 1-7 p.m. at Long Beach Scottish Rite. Homemade Tamales Contest, Tequila Tasting, Mariachi, Azteca Dancers, Lucha Libre, Ballet Folklorico & more! Location: 855 Elm, Long Beach, CA $12.05 general admission, playalarga.co/lbtamalesfest/
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
LOS ANGELES: Grier House Victorian Christmas House Tour December 7, 2025, 1-4 p.m. Tours at 1 & 2:30 p.m. A tour of a historic Victorian house of 1898, includes refreshments. $18 RSVP: (213) 413-1814 Location: 403 South Bonnie Brae Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057 griermussermuseum.org
LOS GATOS: Fantasy Lights Walk Through December 6-7, 2025, 4-9 p.m. $17 general. Extremely popular drive-through holiday display at Vasona Lake Park sells quickly. $17 general, parks.sccgov.org
LOWER LAKE: Hometown HoliDaze Street Fair December 7, 2025, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Main Street, downtown. Family-filled fun! Children's Scavenger Hunt with prizes for all participants, Bounce House, Face Painting, Christmas Art Project, Santa will be on hand! Vendors, Merchants and Food. facebook.com /llcag
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
MONTEREY: Monterey Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade Sunday, December 7, 2025, 5-7 p.m. Lighted Boat Parade. Local boats of all sizes, decorated. Location: Old Fisherman's Wharf, 1 Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA. Free to see, mpyc.org
MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 at Custom House Plaza. $21.10 includes skate rental, iceskatingbythebay.com
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
MONTEREY: Tree of Life Lighting Ceremony December 7, 2025, 5-6:30 p.m. Portola Plaza 2 Portola Plaza Monterey, CA hospicegiving.org/treeoflife/
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
NOVATO: Marin Ballet Nutcracker December 6-7, 2025, 1 & 5 p.m. Novato High School - Marin School of the Arts Theater 625 Arthur Street Novato, CA $32.49-55.59, marinballet.org
OAKLAND: Temple Hill Days of Christmas November 29-December 31, 2025. A beacon for spectacular holiday lights, Christmas concerts, theatrical performances, nativity and creche presentations on panoramic Temple Hill. Free, templehill.org
OAKLEY: Oakley on Ice November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 across from Oakley City Hall with parking at Main Street & Norcoss Lane. $, oakleyonice.com
ORANGE: Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony with Candlelight Choir Procession December 7, 2025, 3:30-7 p.m. Program begins at 5:15 p.m. Plaza Park Chapman & Glassell St. Orange, CA cityoforange.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
OXNARD: Ventura County Ballet Company Nutcracker December 6-7, 2025 Oxnard Performing Arts Center 800 Hobson Way Oxnard, CA $20-50, venturacountyballet.com | theopac.org
PALM SPRINGS: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Tree Lighting December 7, 2025. 5:30 p.m. Location: Palm Springs 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA. $, pstramway.com
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
PLACERVILLE: Hangtown Christmas Parade, December 7, 2025, 1-3 p.m. free in Downtown Placerville Main St. hangtownchristmasparade.com
POMONA: Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show December 5-7, 2025 at Fairplex. Live entertainment, strolling entertainers, crafting demonstrations, contests, and a Kidzone. Location: 1101 West McKinley Avenue Pomona, CA $9 admission, $18 parking, harvestfestival.com
REDDING: Garden of Lights November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 at McConnell Arboretum. Walk on the world-famous Sundial Bridge to the the Arboretum where over one million animated lights are on display select nights. $, reddinggardenoflights.org
REDWOOD CITY: Academy of American Ballet Nutcracker December 6-7, 2025 at Canada College Theater, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City, CA. Cost: $22-50, americanballet.com
REDLANDS: YMCA 58th annual Holiday Home Tour, December 7, 2025, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Event features 6 homes. $45, or $110 patron ticket which includes champagne brunch ymcaeastvalley.org | holiday homes
ROHNERT PARK: Rohnert Park Holiday Lights Celebration December 6, 2025, 5-7:30 p.m. Rain or Shine! Community Center Complex 5401 Snyder Lane Rohnert Park, CA Free, rohnertparkchamber.org
ROSEVILLE: Tree Grove on the Square December 3-11, 2025. Vernon Town Square Roseville, CA Free, roseville.ca.us
ROSSMOOR: Holiday Home Tour, December 7, 2025, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Five beautifully decorated homes. $25, rossmoorwomansclub.com | holiday homes
PLACERVILLE: Hangtown Christmas Parade December 7, 2025, 1 p.m. in Downtown Placerville
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
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. Vernon Town Square Roseville, CA Free, roseville.ca.us
SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Sacred Heart annual Holiday Home Tour December 5-7, 2025. Visit five magnificent, holiday-decorated homes in Sacramento's Fabulous Forties neighborhood. $40, $35 senior, sacredhearthometour.com | holiday homes
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
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
SACRAMENTO: Theatre of Lights November 26-December 24, 2025 performed from a balcony overlooking the the streets of Old Town. Based on Clement Clarke Moore's classic Christmas poem 'Twas the night before Christmas. Free, oldsacramento.com
SAN BERNARDINO: Inland Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker December 5-7, 2025 at California Theatre of the Performing Arts. Location: 562 W. 4th St., San Bernardino, CA. Tickets: $20-50 approx., californiatheatre.net
SAN DIEGO: So-No Fest & Chili Cook-off December 7, 2025, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Chili Sampling, Craft Beer Food Trucks, Music and more. 32nd & Thorn St., San Diego, CA sonofestchilicookoff.com
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 FRANCISCO: San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker December 5-28, 2025 at War Memorial Opera House. Helgi Tomasson's Nutcracker with Artistic Director Tamara Rojo and accompaniment by SF Ballet Orchestra. Location: 301 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA $49-395, approx., sfballet.org
SAN FRANCISCO: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair November 22-December 21, 2025, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Cow Palace. Eat, drink and be merry at this huge Victorian party with characters you'll remember from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Guests are encouraged to come in costume. $33-up, dickensfair.com
SAN FRANCISCO: Golden Girls Christmas Episodes December 4-21, 2025 at Curran Theatre. Location: 445 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA. $, broadwaysf.com
SAN LUIS OBISPO: Nature Nights November 26-December 27, 2025, 5-8 p.m., at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Stunning lighting exhibitions and art throughout eight acres of gardens, live music each night, local culinary treats, plus regional wine and beer for sale. Location: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA. $28, slobg.org
SANTA 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
SANTA MONICA: Westside Ballet's The Nutcracker November 29-December 7, 2025, with live orchestration at The Broad Stage. Location: Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, CA. $66.50, westsideballet.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
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 MATEO: Peninsula Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker Sweet December 6-7, 2025. Nutcracker Sweets (abridged version of The Nutcracker ideal for ages 3-6 years & families) at Studio One, San Mateo , CA Prices $, peninsulaballet.org
SAN RAMON: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink November 7, 2025-January 4, 2026 at City Center Bishop Ranch. Many special events include Elsa, Santa Claus, Barbie and Kristi's skating clinic. $26, citycenterbishopranch.com
SANTA CLARA: Santa Clara Historic Home Tour December 5-7, 2025 tour features many historic homes, all decorated for the holidays. $30, sc-hometour.com | holiday homes
SANTA ROSA: Handmade Holiday Craft Fair December 6-7, 2025, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Finley Community Center. Booths with handcrafted items created and sold by the artists. $5, SRCity.org/ CraftsFair
SANTA ROSA: Holiday Open House December 6-7, 2025, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Luther Burbank Home & Gardens. Historic site decorated for the holidays in turn of-the-century style. Shop for unique gift items and enjoy tea and cookies in the Greenhouse. $5, lutherburbank.org
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE: Heavenly Village Ice Rink November 1, 2025-March 31, 2026, subject to change. Ice Skating at the outdoor rink at The Shops at Heavenly Village features central location near shopping, dining and skiing.
TEMECULA: Peltzer Ice Rink November 10, 2025-Janaury 19, 2026 at Peltzer Farm & Winery. Location: 39925 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA. $23.05 for 75 minute skate session, rental skates included, peltzerfarms.com
TEMPLETON: Templeton Tree Lighting December 7, 2025, 5 p.m. in Templeton Park. Location: 550 Crocker St., Templeton, CA. Free, templetonpres.org
TURLOCK: San Joaquin Valley Toy Train Operators December 6-7, 2025, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: Stanislaus County Fairgrounds 900 N. Broadway, Turlock, CA Hours: Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 10-4 Admission: $10. Free Parking. sjvttoinc.com
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
VALLEJO: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom WinterFest November 28, 2025-January 4, 2026, 12-7 p.m. most days. Special holiday guests, entertainment, foods, rides & attractions like Arctic Penguins. Location: 1001 Fairgrounds Dr. Vallejo, CA 94589 $35-39, sixflags.com/discoverykingdomVISTA: Jingle Terrace Nights December 5-20, 2025, 5:30-9 p.m. at Brengle Terrace Park Moonlight Amphitheatre. Location: 1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA. Free, moonlightstage.com
WALNUT CREEK: Walnut Creek on Ice November 21, 2025-January 16, 2026. Skate 90 minutes for $20, ice skate rental included or $20 Ice Slide. Location: Civic Park, Walnut Creek, CA. walnutcreekonice.com
WOODSIDE: Filoli Holiday Lights November 22, 2025-January 11, 2026, 4-9 p.m. Georgian revival-style mansion's 16 acres of exquisite English Renaissance gardens are transformed into a radiant wonderland of light and color at the historic 654-acre estate (seen in Falcon Crest). $49-55, filoli.org
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.