California Events
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
ALAMEDA: Christmas Tree Lane returns December 1-31, 2026 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 6, 2026-January 10, 2027, 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 13, 2026-January 6, 2027. 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
APPLE VALLEY: Gingerbread House Build December 9, 2026, 5:30-7 p.m. at City of Apple Valley Recreation. Location: 14955 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley, CA. Houses will be judged, and someone goes home a winner! $20 for up to four participants, and $4 for each additional participant. There is a maximum of six participants per gingerbread house kit. Registration required, (760) 240-7880.
ARCADIA: Enchant Christmas November 20-December 27, 2026 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!
AUBURN: Messiah Sing Along with Auburn Symphony December 9, 2025, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Placer High School Theatre. Location: 123 Agard Street, Auburn, CA. $25 ticket: auburnsymphony.com
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
CARLSBAD: Christmas Bricktacular November 21, 2026-January 3, 2027 at Legoland California. 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
CORONADO: Skating by the Sea November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027 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
COSTA MESA: Winter Fest OC returns November 27, 2026-January 3, 2027 (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
CHICO: Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza returns November 12, 2026-January 17, 2027 in Downtown Chico Plaza. $15, chicorec.gov/chico-ice-rink
COARSEGOLD: Winter Wonderland Ice Rink November 21, 2026-January 10, 2027, 12-10 p.m. (closed Mondays & Tuesdays) at Chukchansi Gold Resort Casino. Seasonal outdoor ice skating, all ages. $, chukchansigold.com
CONCORD: Ice at the Veranda November 6, 2026-February 14, 2027 at The Veranda shopping mall. Come glide on Ice at The Veranda with open-air shopping, dining and entertainment.
ENCINITAS: Lightscape November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027 at San Diego Botanic Garden includes over one million lights in 20 artistic installations along a one-mile, easily walkable garden path. $28-up + $15 on site parking, sdbg.org
ESCONDIDO: Wild Holidays November 28, 2026-January 3, 2027, select nights, at San Diego Safari Park. Festive decorations, incredible light displays and holiday entertainment await. Location: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA. $, sdzsafaripark.org
FOLSOM: Folsom Ice Rink November 7, 2026-January 18, 2027 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/
FRESNO: Christmas Tree Lane December 2 (tentative)-December 25, 2026, 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 4-26, 2026 returns to Mariposa Plaza Winter Village with twinkling streets lined with food vendors and artisans. $20, skate rental included
FRESNO: IllumiNature returning November 19, 2026-January 3, 2027 at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, is a special holiday event featuring lighted lantern displays that entertain and amaze! $20-up, fcz.org
HANFORD: Winter Wonderland Ice Skating returning November 21, 2026-January 10, 2027 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 6, 2026-January 3, 2027 next to the Giant Wheel November 6, 2026 through Christmas holiday. Skating! Location: 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA. $24-27 general admission, irvinespectrumcenter.com
INDIO: Coachella Valley Magic of Lights Drive Thru November 20, 2026-January 2, 2027 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 22, 2026-January 9, 2027 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: Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink returns November 12, 2026-January 3, 2027. 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 27, 2026-January 3, 2027, 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Location: 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. $27 general admission, lalive.com
RIVERSIDE: Mission Inn Festival of Lights November 21, 2026-January 3, 2027. 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
LONG BEACH: Queen Mary Elegant Dinner-dance Gala, featuring the Johnny Holiday Dance Orchestra, as well as the introduction of a new archives exhibit, celebrating 57 years in Long Beach. Location: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA. $104.94, queenmary.com or call(888) 217-1153
LOS ANGELES: LA Zoo Lights, Animals Aglow November 20, 2026-January 10, 2027, 6-10 p.m. at Los Angeles Zoo. Nighttime display 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, $25-35, lazoo.org
MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay November 26, 2026-January 3, 2027 at Custom House Plaza. $21.10 includes skate rental, iceskatingbythebay.com
MT. SHASTA: Siskiyou Ice Rink November 14, 2026-February 21, 2027 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 November 19, 2026-January 3, 2027 invites the public to come skate! $, 90-minute skate sessions; cabins and firepits also available for rent, meritageresort.com
ONTARIO: Christmas on Euclid Street Nativity November 26, 2026-January 1, 2027 is a Drive / Walk Thru holiday attraction featuring 12 life size scenes scenes depicting the Nativity and Life of Jesus in an outdoor Christmas creche. Location: "C" Street through "F" Street on Euclid Avenue, Ontario, CA. Free, gocalevents.org
OXNARD: Oxnard Christmas Tree Lane open 2nd Sunday in December, December 14-26, 2025, 6-10 p.m. in historic district features elegant and festive home lighting displays.
OAKLAND: Temple Hill Days of Christmas November 27-December 31, 2026. 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 6, 2026-January 31, 2027. 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, oaklandzoo.org
OLYMPIC VALLEY: Everline Winter Ice Skating Rink November 27, 2026-March 28, 2027, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at Everline Resort. Location: 400 Squaw Creek Road, Olympic Valley, CA.$30 approx. includes skate rental and 60 minutes of ice skating, everlineresort.com
OAKLEY: Oakley on Ice November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027 across from Oakley City Hall with parking at Main Street & Norcoss Lane. $, oakleyonice.com
PALO ALTO: Winter Lodge Seasonal Ice Rink October 16, 2026-April 11, 2027, is back with public skating sessions, lessons and more. $20 session, $6 skate rental, winterlodge.com
REDDING: Garden of Lights November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027 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. $25-35, reddinggardenoflights.org
ROSEVILLE: Tree Grove on the Square December 2-10, 2026. Local businesses, organizations and schools decorate trees in the square. Enjoy music, visits with Santa and dine out. Location: Vernon Town Square, Roseville, CA Free, roseville.ca.us
SACRAMENTO: Imaginarium November 14, 2026-January 4, 2027 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 27-December 20, 2026 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 DIEGO: Rady Children's Ice Rink November 19, 2026-January 3, 2027, 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 4, 2026-January 18, 2027. Themed days and special events add to the fun. $22 session includes skate rental.
SAN JOSE: Christmas in the Park November 27, 2026-January 1, 2027, 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 MATEO: IlluminOdyssey November 14, 2026-January 24, 2027 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 in Central Park November 13, 2026-January 10, 2027. Largest outdoor ice rink in the Bay Area features 11,000 square feet of REAL ice to skate on in sunny San Mateo - so nice! $20.33-24.61, onicerinks.com
SAN RAMON: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink November 6, 2026-January 3, 2027 at City Center Bishop Ranch. Many special events include Elsa, Santa Claus, Barbie and Kristi's skating clinic. $16 week day - $25.55 weekend, citycenterbishopranch.com
SAN BERNARDINO: San Bernardino Christmas HO HO Parade December 8-11, 2025, 5-9 p.m. nightly. Community parade run by volunteers brings Santa and a cast of holiday characters through neighborhoods of San Bernardino to spread cheer. Free, hohoparade.com
SACRAMENTO: Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink at the Square on 7th & K Street runs November 4, 2026-January 18, 2027. $, godowntownsac.com
SACRAMENTO: The Polar Express Train Ride November 13-December 21, 2026 at California State Railroad Museum. Polar Express characters entertain as you board your train to the North Pole for hot chocolate and a sweet treat. Santa comes on board at the North Pole to give each passenger the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell. Location: Central Pacific Passenger Station at 930 Front Street, Old Sacramento Waterfront, Sacramento, CA. $80-110, californiarailroad.museum
SANTA BARBARA: No Place Like Home, Boots the House Down with Santa Barbara Gay Men's Chorus December 9, 2025, 7 p.m. at Lobero Theatre. It's a concert with a mix of a few holiday favorites, pop, musical theatre and more. Location: 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, CA. $, sbgmc.org
SAN JOSE: San Jose Holiday Lights November 13, 2026-January 1, 2027, 4:30-10:30 p.m. in Downtown San Jose. Illuminated, giant lanterns fill the city block with Christmas themed areas, a jungle, a garden and a mermaid's underwater fantasy. Location: 330 W. San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA. $25-29, sanjoseholidaylights.com
SANTA MONICA: Frost on 5th November 5, 2026-January 18, 2027 at 5th & Arizona. 8,000 square feet of skating ice, including a kids zone for little ones. $24.05 admission & skate rental, frostonfifth.com
SAUSALITO: Sausalito Gingerbread House Tour December 8-31, 2026 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, 2026-March 31, 2027, 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 9, 2026-Janaury 18, 2027, approx., at Peltzer Farm & Winery. Location: 39925 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA. $23.05 for 75 minute skate session, rental skates included, peltzerfarms.com
UKIAH: Ukiah on
Ice November 30, 2026-January 17, 2027 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 21, 2026-January 3, 2027 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 26 – January 3, 2027 , 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
VISTA: 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.comWALNUT CREEK: Walnut Creek on Ice November 20, 2026-January 18, 2027. Enjoy 90 minute ice skating sessions, ice skate rental included or Ice Slide. Location: Civic Park, Walnut Creek, CA. walnutcreekonice.com
WALNUT CREEK: A Christmas Carol December 9-20, 2026 at CenterREP. Tickets: CenterREP.org
WOODSIDE: Filoli Holiday Lights November 14, 2026-January 10, 2027, 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
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.