California Events
Sunday, November 30, 2025
FOLSOM: Folsom Ice Rink November 7, 2025-January 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/
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
Past events
ANAHEIM: Anaheim Ballet The Nutcracker with Symphony Irvine November 29-30, 2024 at The City National Grove of Anaheim. Location: 2200 E. Katella, Anaheim, CA. $54-95, anaheimballet.org/ nutcracker
BAKERSFIELD: City of Bakersfield Christmas Tree Lighting November 30, 2024, 5:30 p.m. Downtown Bakersfield Free, bakersfieldcity.us Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Mayor Goh
BASS LAKE: Parade of Lights & Christmas Tree Lighting November 30, 2024, 5:30-8 p.m. at The Pines Resort. 33rd Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights. Participate by decorating a festive float, or just come over for a fun evening browsing the Pines Village Arts & Crafts Fair. The event is free, basslake.com
BENICIA: Wine Walk & Shop Small November 30, 2024, 1-5 p.m. Wine Walk Downtown Benicia at participating merchants on First Street -- stroll First Street on a beautiful afternoon and taste over a dozen wines being poured inside downtown shops. Benicia, CA. Benicia, CA. $35, BeniciaMainStreet.org
BIG BEAR CITY: Big Bear City Christmas Tree Lighting November 30, 2024, 5-7 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. Santa Arrival Big Bear City Fire Station 282 Big Bear Blvd. 301 West Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear City, CA bigbearfire.org | facebook.com/ BigBearFire
BRENTWOOD: Brentwood Lighted Holiday Parade November 30, 2024, 5-7 p.m. 2024 theme: Let it Glow Parade route - starts on: First St., ends on Pine Brentwood, CA. After the Parade, stay for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. brentwoodchamber.com
CAPITOLA: Capitola Surfing Santa Arrives November 30, 2024, 12-3 p.m. Main Beach in Capitola Village Capitola by the Sea, California cityofcapitola.org
COPPEROPOLIS: Tree Lighting November 30, 2024, 4-7 p.m. an afternoon of fun with vendors on the Town Square culminates at dark with the lighting of the tree!
DANA POINT: City of Dana Point Tree Lighting Ceremony November 30, 2024, 4:30-5:30 p.m. La Plaza Park 34111 La Plaza Pacific Coast Highway & Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA Free danapoint.org
DORRINGTON: Dorrington Tree Lighting November 30, 2024, 6 p.m. Meet at the Dorrington Hotel Parking Lot 3450 CA Hwy-4 Dorrington, CA Dorrington Realty, (209) 795-4455 facebook.com/dorringtonrealty/
ELK GROVE: Dickens Faire November 30, 2024, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Held every year on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving in Old Town Elk Grove on Elk Grove Blvd. oldtownelkgrove.com
ENCINITAS: Lightscape November 2025-January 2026, 5-8:30 p.m. at San Diego Botanic Garden includes over one million lights in artistic installations along a one-mile, easily walkable garden path. $, sdbg.org
ESCONDIDO: Wild Holidays November 28, 2025-January 4, 2026 at San Diego Safari Park. Festive decorations, incredible light displays and holiday entertainment await. Location: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA. $, sdzsafaripark.org
FELTON: Holiday Lights Train November 28-29, December 6-7, 13-23, 2025. Evening ride on a beautifully lit vintage train which begins in the Santa Cruz mountains at Roaring Camp Railroads. $tickets, roaringcamp.com
FRESNO: Holiday Sweets & Winter Treats at Kearney Mansion Museum November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays $12, valleyhistory.org
GILROY: North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens theme park November 28-December 31, 2025 includes Ice Skating, Santa's Workshop, Train, Lighting Displays, stage shows and more. $65-80, gilroygardens.org
GRASS VALLEY: Country Christmas Faire November 29-December 1, 2024 at Nevada County Fairgrounds. Strolling entertainment, festival foods, the magical Gingerbread House exhibit, elves, and a community bonfire. Wagon rides around the Fairgrounds will be offered; and Victorian singers perform throughout the event. Santa available each day. Location: 11228 McCourtney Rd. Grass Valley, CA. $5, nevadacountyfair.com
HOLLISTER: Lights On Holiday Parade Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree + Tree Lighting Ceremony. It's a full day of fun!
HOLLYWOOD: David Benoit's Charlie Brown Christmas Concert November 29 & 30, 2024 Doors: 7 p.m. / Show: 8:30 p.m. Catalina Bar & Grill 6725 Sunset Boulevard Hollywood CA 90028 All Ages $55-65, catalinajazzclub.com
JACKSON: Christmas Delights Tree Lighting & Open House November 29-30, 2024 on Historic Main Street. Historic Jackson Business Association, the City of Jackson, the Amador County Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Jackson's Economic Development Committee present Christmas Delights Festival of Trees. ci.jackson.ca.us
JULIAN: Julian Country Christmas Tree Lighting November 30, 2024, 12-7:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. Tree Lighting Julian Town Square Main & Washington Julian, CA Free, visitjulian.com
LEWISTON: Lewiston Christmas Bridge Lighting & Fireworks November 30, 2024, 3 -7 p.m. Free Fireworks begin at 5:30 p.m. Downtown Lewiston Turnpike & Deadwood Rd. Lewiston, CA lewistonbridgelighting.com | lewistonsparkles.com
OAKDALE: Cowboy Christmas November 29-30, 2024 at Gene Bianchi Community Center. Presented by the Cowboy Museum, Cowboy Santa appears Saturday, November 30, 2024, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Location: 110 S. 2nd Ave. Oakdale, CA 355 E. F Street Oakdale, CA Free, oakdalecowboymuseum.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 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 BARBARA: Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Special Thanksgiving Weekend Show, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fine and Contemporary Art & Craft from 200 Artists and Artisans. Location: East Cabrillo Blvd. on the beach from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez. Santa Barbara, CA. Free admission, santabarbaraca.gov
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
ATWATER: Old Town Atwater Ice Skating Center is returning for the 2025/2026 season, promising affordable holiday fun.
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
OAKLEY: Oakley on Ice November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 across from Oakley City Hall with parking at Main Street & Norcoss Lane. $, oakleyonice.com
CHICO: Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza returns for the 2025/2026 season running mid November through mid-January in City Plaza. $5-25, chicorec.gov/chico-ice-rink
CORONADO: Skating by the Sea November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026 at Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. is one of the most scenic seaside ice skating rinks in the U.S. Public invited. $, hoteldel.com
CONCORD: Ice at the Veranda November 9, 2024-February 2025 at The Veranda shopping mall. Come glide on Ice at The Veranda with open-air shopping, dining and entertainment. '
FOLSOM: Historic Folsom Ice Rink November 8, 2024-January 20, 2025 in Downtown Folsom, 2oo Wool Street (behind Chamber of Commerce), Folsom, CA $, historicfolsom.org
FRESNO: IllumiNature returning November 2025-January 2026 at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, is a special holiday event featuring lighted lantern displays that entertain and amaze! $, fresnochaffeezoo.org
HANFORD: Winter Wonderland Ice Skating returning November 2025-January 2026 at Civic Park, Downtown Hanford. Make it a date with family and friends for fun holiday ice skating. $, hanfordwinterwonderland.com
IRVINE: Irvine Spectrum Holiday Ice Rink November 2025-January 4, 2026 next to the Giant Wheel. Skating! Location: 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA. $, irvinespectrumcenter.com
INDIO: Coachella Valley Magic of Lights Drive Thru November 10-December 31, 2025 at Empire Polo Club. Holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Location: 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA. $, magicoflights.com
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE: Enchanted Forest of Light November 16, 2025-January 4, 2026 features an after-dark, mile-long walkthrough of holiday lights in Descanso Gardens, a unique Southern California botanic garden that's magical during the day, and mesmerizing at night. $27-45, descansogardens.org
LAKEPORT: Lakeport Dickens Faire Pet Parade November 30, 2024, 12 p.m. Parade; Dickens Faire 11 a.m.-6 p.m. lakeportmainstreet.com
LAKEPORT: Lakeport Lighted Boat Parade, November 30, 2024, 5:30 p.m. Visible from Xabatin Community Park, watch and vote for your favorite, then stick around for the Tree Lighting Ceremony held in the park afterward.
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 to be announced: November-December 31, 2025 at Custom House Plaza. $20 includes skate rental, iceskatingbythebay.com
NAPLES: Lighted Trees in the Bay, Nightly at Sunset, November 28, 2024-January 1, 2025. This annual tradition in not a ceremony per se, but more of an esthetic pleasure for the holidays, brought to the public by donors, volunteers and Long Beach City workers.
OAKLAND: Temple Hill Days of Christmas December 2025 information coming soon. A beacon for spectacular holiday lights, Christmas concerts, theatrical performances, nativity and creche presentations on panoramic Temple Hill. Free, templehill.org
OAKLAND: Oakland Zoo Glowfari November 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
ONTARIO: Christmas on Euclid Street Nativity thru January 1, 2025.
PALO ALTO: Winter Lodge Seasonal Ice Rink October 18, 2025-April 2026, is back with public skating sessions, lessons and more. $, winterlodge.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
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
SACRAMENTO: Hmong New Year November 29-December 1, 2024 at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. Bands, Food & Merch Vendors, Volleyball Competition, Hmong Idol, Miss Hmong California Beauty Contest and more. Doors open at 8 a.m. calexpo.com | $, sacramentohmongnewyear.com
SACRAMENTO: Imaginarium Information to be announced for 2025-2026 season at Cal Expo. Some exciting, new twists at the largest holiday light show in Northern California! Location: 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA. $25-up, imaginarium360.com
SAN DIEGO: Old Town Cygnet Theatre November 29-December 24, 2024. Location: 4040 Twiggs St. San Diego, CA 92110 $, cygnettheatre.com | carol
SAN FRANCISCO: The Ritz-Carlton Holiday Tree
Lighting Ceremony, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location:
600 Stockton Street,
San Francisco, CA. Free, public invited
SAN FRANCISCO: Union Square Ice Rink November 6, 2024-January 20, 2025. Themed days and special events add to the fun.
SAN JOSE: Blinky's Holiday Lights Drive Thru November 28, 2025-January 1, 2026, 5-11 p.m. in History Park San Jose. More than one mile of magical scenes and displays synced to favorite holiday tunes. $25-31, approx., christmasinthepark.com
SAN JOSE: Downtown Ice Information to be announced about November 2025-January 2026 season in Circle of Palms Plaza on Market Street. $, sjdowntownice.com
SAN 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 MATEO: IlluminOdyssey November 16, 2024-January 26, 2025 at CuriOdyssey, a zoo and learning center containing native, non-releasable animals such as river otter, bobcat, gray fox and more. Location: 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA. $, curiodyssey.org
SAN MATEO: San Mateo on Ice November 14, 2025-January 11, 2026 in Central Park. Largest outdoor ice rink in the Bay Area features 11,000 square feet of REAL ice to skate on in sunny San Mateo - nice! $, onicerinks.com
SAN RAMON: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink November 7, 2025-January 4, 2026 at City Center Bishop Ranch. Many special events include Elsa, Santa Claus, Barbie and Kristi's skating clinic. $26, citycenterbishopranch.com
SANTA 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
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
SANTA MONICA: ICE mid-November 2025-January 2026 at 5th & Arizona. Details coming soon! $, iceatsantamonica.com
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
SANTA PAULA: Santa Paula Christmas Parade November 30, 2024, 6:30 p.m. "A Santa Paula Classic Christmas" is 2024 theme; Grand Marshal is Ruth Rope santapaulachamber.com
SANTA YSABEL: Holiday Hayride 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with caroling, hoedown & jug band show, treasure hunt and more at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures. Location: 4425 CA-78, Santa Ysabel CA 92070 fortcross.com
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE: Heavenly Village Ice Rink November 1, 2025-March 31, 2026, subject to change. Ice Skating at the outdoor rink at The Shops at Heavenly Village features central location near shopping, dining and skiing.
VACAVILLE: Ron George's Big Band Christmas November 30, 2024, 3 p.m. at Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre. Location: 1010 Ulatis Drive Vacaville, CA $25, vpat.net
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 Drive Through November 29-December 24, 2024, 5:30-9 p.m. at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Location: 2601 East Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 $20-25 per car, fairgrounds-foundation.org/ holiday-lights
WEED: Olde Fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony November 30, 2024, 5-7 p.m. | Tree Lighting 6 p.m. at City Hall Centennial Plaza, 550 Main St., Weed, CA. weedchamber.com
WOODSIDE: Holidays at Filoli November 2025-January 2026 to be announced soon! Georgian revival-style mansion with 16 acres of exquisite English Renaissance gardens at an historic 654-acre estate (as seen in Falcon Crest show). $, filoli.org
YREKA: May Your Christmas Sparkle Like Diamonds Yreka Holiday Parade November 30, 2024, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Miner Street. The 75th annual Christmas Parade is brought to the community by the Elks Lodge 1980.
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.