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Bay Area Holiday Events

Tree lightings, holiday markets, light shows, Santa visits and more, all around the Bay. Pick a region to see what's close to you.

Region:All regionsSan FranciscoPeninsulaSouth BayEast Bay/Tri-ValleyNorth BaySanta CruzSouth County

194 events

Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink

Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink

City Center Bishop Ranch, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Opening ceremony Fri Nov 6, 6-7pm; rink open daily through Jan 3, 2027
Senior Holiday Boutique & Maker's Faire

Senior Holiday Boutique & Maker's Faire

Library | Parks and Recreation Center (Banquet and Social Hall), Peninsula
Sat Nov 7, 2026, 10am-4pm
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

Chabot College Performing Arts Center, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Nov 10, 2026
A Sherlock Carol

A Sherlock Carol

Masquers Playhouse, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Nov 13–Dec 6
Diablo Ballet: The Nutcracker Suite

Diablo Ballet: The Nutcracker Suite

Lesher Center for the Arts, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Fri Nov 13, 7:30 PM; Sat Nov 14, 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Downtown Los Altos Holiday Stroll

Downtown Los Altos Holiday Stroll

Downtown Los Altos, Peninsula
Fri Nov 13, 2026, 5-9pm
San Jose Holiday Lights

San Jose Holiday Lights

Discovery Meadow Park, South Bay
Nightly Nov 13, 2026 to Jan 1, 2027, 4:30-10:30 PM (last entry 10 PM)
San Mateo on Ice

San Mateo on Ice

Central Park, Peninsula
Nov 13, 2026 – Jan 10, 2027
Holidays at Filoli

Holidays at Filoli

Filoli Historic House & Garden, Peninsula
Nov 14, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027: Daytime 10am-3:30pm (last entry 1:30pm); Holiday Lights 4pm-10pm (last entry 8pm). Thistlewyck Village closes Jan 3.
La Selva Beach Holiday Fair

La Selva Beach Holiday Fair

La Selva Beach Clubhouse, Santa Cruz
Sat Nov 14, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (San Jose)

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (San Jose)

Center for the Performing Arts, South Bay
Sat Nov 14, 2026, 3 PM
Pinole Holiday Craft Fair

Pinole Holiday Craft Fair

Pinole Senior Center, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Nov 14, 2026
Santa's Tree Farm & Village

Santa's Tree Farm & Village

Santa's Tree Farm & Village, Peninsula
Tree cutting Nov 14-Dec 23, 2026 (weekends 8 AM-5 PM, weekdays 9 AM-5 PM); train, gift shop and Mrs. Claus' kitchen weekends Nov 21-Dec 13, 9 AM-4 PM; Santa visits Fri Nov 27 and weekends through Dec 13, 11 AM-4 PM (Santa not here 12/5); weekend storytimes Nov 21-Dec 13: 10:30 AM Storytime with Santa (not on 12/5), 12 PM Storytime with Buddy the Elf, 1 PM Reindeer Talk with Rudolph at the North Pole, 2 PM Storytime with Buddy the Elf
Light Up Orinda Tree Lighting

Light Up Orinda Tree Lighting

Orinda Library Plaza, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Thu Nov 19, 2026, 5 PM
The 1940s Radio Hour (City Lights Theater Company)

The 1940s Radio Hour (City Lights Theater Company)

City Lights Theater, South Bay
Nov 19-Dec 20, 2026: Thu 7:30 PM, Fri-Sat 8 PM, Sun 2 PM; plus Sat Dec 5 at 2 PM and Wed Dec 16 at 7:30 PM
City Center Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

City Center Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

City Center Bishop Ranch, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Nov 20, 2026
Coney Island Christmas (Mountain Community Theater)

Coney Island Christmas (Mountain Community Theater)

Park Hall, Santa Cruz
Nov 20 - Dec 13, 2026; showtimes TBD
Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights

Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights

Niles Station, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Nov 20-23, 28-29; Dec 2, 4-6, 9, 11-13, 16, 18-21, 23, 27-30. Departures 4:30 pm from Niles Station, 7:30 pm from Sunol Depot (some days may differ)
Pink Friday FEST Holiday Kickoff

Pink Friday FEST Holiday Kickoff

Main Street Plaza and downtown Martinez, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Nov 20, 2026
Walnut Creek Civic Park Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Walnut Creek Civic Park Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Civic Park, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Nov 20, 2026
Walnut Creek on Ice

Walnut Creek on Ice

Civic Park, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Nov 20, 2026–Jan 18, 2027; 90-minute sessions; daily hours TBD
Craft Fest 2026

Craft Fest 2026

Lesher Center for the Arts, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Nov 21, 2026
Light Up the Night (Pleasant Hill)

Light Up the Night (Pleasant Hill)

Downtown Pleasant Hill, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 4:30 to 7:30 PM; tree lighting 5:30 PM near Jack's; fire dancers 7:10 PM
Los Gatos Ballet: The Nutcracker

Los Gatos Ballet: The Nutcracker

McAfee Performing Arts Center, South Bay
Sat Nov 21 and Sun Nov 22, 2026, 1 PM and 6 PM
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Cow Palace, Peninsula
Weekends plus the Friday after Thanksgiving, 10am to 6pm, Nov 21 to Dec 20
Triton Holiday Art Fair

Triton Holiday Art Fair

Triton Museum of Art, South Bay
Nov 21, 2026
A Song for You: The Music of Karen Carpenter At Christmas

A Song for You: The Music of Karen Carpenter At Christmas

Firehouse Arts Center, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sun Nov 22, 2–4 pm
Cityline Winter Ice Rink

Cityline Winter Ice Rink

Cityline Sunnyvale (Downtown Sunnyvale), South Bay
Open daily, Nov 24, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027; hours not posted yet
Irish Christmas in America

Irish Christmas in America

Yoshi's, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Wed Nov 25; doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
Christmas in the Park

Christmas in the Park

Plaza de Cesar Chavez, South Bay
Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027
Cruz Holiday Lights Train

Cruz Holiday Lights Train

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (in front of the Merry-Go-Round), Santa Cruz
Nov 27-28, Dec 5-6 and Dec 12-23; departures 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM (60-minute round trip)
Farley's Christmas Wonderland

Farley's Christmas Wonderland

Farley's Christmas Wonderland, Santa Cruz
Nightly Nov 27, 2026 - Jan 1, 2027, 5:30-8:30 PM (later just before Christmas; closed when raining)
Holiday Tree Walk at Roaring Camp

Holiday Tree Walk at Roaring Camp

Roaring Camp Railroads, Santa Cruz
Nov 27-29, Dec 5-6, 12-13 and 19-23, 2026; times TBD
Niles Festival of Lights Parade and Tree Lighting

Niles Festival of Lights Parade and Tree Lighting

Niles Boulevard and Niles Town Plaza, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Nov 27, 2026
San José Made Holiday Fair

San José Made Holiday Fair

Santa Clara Convention Center, South Bay
Nov 27, 2026 – Nov 28, 2026
Sparky's Holiday Lights

Sparky's Holiday Lights

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Santa Cruz
Select dates Nov 27–Dec 24, 2026; nightly hours TBD
The Carpenters Songbook: At Christmas (San Jose)

The Carpenters Songbook: At Christmas (San Jose)

Center for the Performing Arts, South Bay
Fri Nov 27, 2026, 7 PM
Brentwood Holiday Parade

Brentwood Holiday Parade

Downtown Brentwood, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat Nov 28, 2026, 5-7 PM
Ho Ho Holiday Carnival

Ho Ho Holiday Carnival

Sycamore Grove Park (Arroyo Road parking lot), East Bay/Tri-Valley
Nov 28, 2026
Jeff Bordes: A New Orleans Christmas

Jeff Bordes: A New Orleans Christmas

Bankhead Theater, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat Nov 28, 8 pm, Bankhead Theater
Nutcracker Piñata

Nutcracker Piñata

The Douglas Morrisson Theatre, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat Nov 28 at 7 pm; Sun Nov 29 at 2 pm, Douglas Morrisson Theatre
Santa Cruz Mountains Holiday Makers Market

Santa Cruz Mountains Holiday Makers Market

Felton Community Hall, Santa Cruz
Sat, Nov 28, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Ben Lomond Tree Lighting

Ben Lomond Tree Lighting

Ben Lomond County Park, Santa Cruz
Sun Nov 29, 2026, 4:30-7 PM
Pacific Chamber Orchestra: Handel's Messiah

Pacific Chamber Orchestra: Handel's Messiah

Bankhead Theater, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Nov 29, 2026
Choir! Choir! Choir! Un-Silent Night: Holiday Sing-Along

Choir! Choir! Choir! Un-Silent Night: Holiday Sing-Along

The Freight, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Tue Dec 1 and Wed Dec 2, 8:00 PM (doors 7:00 PM)
Colma Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

Colma Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

Colma Town Hall Plaza, Peninsula
Tue Dec 1, 2026; 4–7 PM; festivities from 5 PM, tree lighting at 6 PM
Holiday Circle of Lights (Mountain View Cemetery)

Holiday Circle of Lights (Mountain View Cemetery)

Mountain View Cemetery, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Daily, Dec 1, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027, 5–9 pm
A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland (Santa Cruz)

A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland (Santa Cruz)

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz
Wed Dec 2, 2026, 7:30-10 PM (doors 6 PM)
Hip Hop Nutcracker (San Jose)

Hip Hop Nutcracker (San Jose)

Center for the Performing Arts, South Bay
Wed Dec 2 and Thu Dec 3, 2026, 7 PM
Lights Up Piedmont

Lights Up Piedmont

Piedmont Community Hall, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Wed, Dec 2, 2026, 7 PM
A Christmas Carol (Santa Cruz Shakespeare)

A Christmas Carol (Santa Cruz Shakespeare)

Veterans Memorial Hall, Santa Cruz
Dec 3-24, 2026 (preview Dec 3, opens Dec 4); most shows at 2 PM and/or 7 PM; Dec 24 at 11 AM, 2 PM and 6 PM
Broadway Plaza Holiday Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting

Broadway Plaza Holiday Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting

Broadway Plaza, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 3, 2026
Gamble Garden Winter Festival

Gamble Garden Winter Festival

Gamble Garden, Peninsula
Grand Opening Party Thu Dec 3, 2026, 5-7 PM; Once Upon a Garden family night Fri Dec 4, 5-7 PM; Holiday Marketplace Fri-Sat Dec 4-5, 10 AM-4 PM; Holiday Tea Fri-Sat, 11 AM and 2 PM seatings (reservations required)
Hot Club of San Francisco: Cool Yule

Hot Club of San Francisco: Cool Yule

The Studio, Bing Concert Hall, Peninsula
Thu Dec 3, 2026, 7pm and 9pm
Oakley Holiday Tree Lighting

Oakley Holiday Tree Lighting

Civic Center Plaza, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 3, 2026
San Pablo Holiday Tree Lighting & Winter Wonderland

San Pablo Holiday Tree Lighting & Winter Wonderland

San Pablo Community Center, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Thu Dec 3, 2026, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Smuin's The Christmas Ballet (Mountain View)

Smuin's The Christmas Ballet (Mountain View)

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Peninsula
Thu Dec 3 and Fri Dec 4, 7:30pm; Sat Dec 5, 2pm and 7:30pm; Sun Dec 6, 2pm
A Celtic Christmas

A Celtic Christmas

Fox Theatre, Peninsula
Fri Dec 4, 2026, 7:30pm (doors 6:30pm)
A Christmas Carol, the Musical

A Christmas Carol, the Musical

Coastal Repertory Theatre, Peninsula
Dec 4–20, 2026: Fridays and Saturdays 7pm, Sundays 2pm
Black Diamond Ballet: The Nutcracker

Black Diamond Ballet: The Nutcracker

El Campanil Theatre, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Fri Dec 4, 7 PM; Sat Dec 5, 11 AM (sensory-friendly); Sun Dec 6, 2 PM; Sat Dec 12, 7 PM; Sun Dec 13, 2 PM
Concord Tree Lighting & Mayor's Sing-Along

Concord Tree Lighting & Mayor's Sing-Along

Todos Santos Plaza, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 5:30 to 8 PM
Cupertino Tree Lighting

Cupertino Tree Lighting

Quinlan Community Center, South Bay
Fri Dec 4, 2026, 6-8 PM
Douglas Morrisson Chorus: Celebrate the Season

Douglas Morrisson Chorus: Celebrate the Season

Douglas Morrisson Theatre, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Fri Dec 4, 8 PM; Sat Dec 5, 2 PM; Sun Dec 6, 2 PM
Emeryville Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade

Emeryville Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade

Emeryville City Hall (1333 Park Ave) to Bay Street, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 4, 2026
Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair

Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Santa Cruz
Fri-Sat Dec 4-5, 2026, noon-9 PM
Holiday Tree Lighting at Lytton Plaza

Holiday Tree Lighting at Lytton Plaza

Lytton Plaza, Peninsula
Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 5:30 to 7 PM
It's A Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration

It's A Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration

Lafayette Plaza, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 4, 2026
It's a Wonderful Night (San Leandro)

It's a Wonderful Night (San Leandro)

Downtown San Leandro (E. 14th St & W. Juana Ave), East Bay/Tri-Valley
Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 5 to 9 PM
Light Up the Season

Light Up the Season

Fremont Park, Peninsula
Dec 4, 2026
Los Altos Holiday Tree Celebration

Los Altos Holiday Tree Celebration

Veterans Community Plaza, Peninsula
Dec 4, 2026
Los Gatos in Lights Winter Celebration

Los Gatos in Lights Winter Celebration

Town Plaza Park, South Bay
Fri Dec 4, 2026, 5–7 PM
Magical Holiday Evening

Magical Holiday Evening

Downtown Pleasanton, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 4, 2026
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (San Jose)

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (San Jose)

San Jose Civic, South Bay
Fri Dec 4, 2026, 8 PM
Night of Holiday Lights

Night of Holiday Lights

Laurel Street, downtown San Carlos (main stage on Cherry Street), Peninsula
Fri Dec 4, 2026, 5–8:30pm
Winterfest in Burlingame

Winterfest in Burlingame

Burlingame Avenue, Peninsula
Fri Dec 4, 2026, 5:30–7:30pm
Ballet America's Nutcracker

Ballet America's Nutcracker

Cañada College, Peninsula
Dec 5, 2026 – Dec 6, 2026
Breakfast with Santa (Cupertino)

Breakfast with Santa (Cupertino)

Quinlan Community Center, South Bay
Sat Dec 5, 2026; seatings at 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 AM
Carol of Lights Celebration

Carol of Lights Celebration

Downtown Campbell, South Bay
Dec 5, 2026
Cherish the Ladies Celtic Christmas

Cherish the Ladies Celtic Christmas

Freight & Salvage, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 5, 2026
Downtown Alameda Winter Market

Downtown Alameda Winter Market

Downtown Alameda (Park Street), East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 5, 2026
Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade

Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade

Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 10 AM
Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Lake

Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Lake

Vasona Lake County Park, South Bay
Sat-Sun Dec 5-6 and Sat-Sun Dec 12-13, 2026
Frosty Snow Fest

Frosty Snow Fest

Serramonte Center Parking Structure , Peninsula
Dec 5, 2026
GIFTY: The Crucible's Holiday Craft Fair

GIFTY: The Crucible's Holiday Craft Fair

The Crucible, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat Dec 5, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Sun Dec 6, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Holiday Bubbly Walk

Holiday Bubbly Walk

Downtown Willow Glen (Lincoln Ave), South Bay
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 2 PM to 5 PM
Holiday Delites Celebration & Parade (Antioch)

Holiday Delites Celebration & Parade (Antioch)

Rivertown, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 1 to 7:30 PM
Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade and Tree Lighting

Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade and Tree Lighting

First Street, Downtown Livermore, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 5, 2026
Holidays in The Grove

Holidays in The Grove

The Grove Park, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 5, 2026
Hometown Holiday Celebration

Hometown Holiday Celebration

Main Street, Downtown Pleasanton, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 5, 2026
Kamasi Washington KEXP Yule Benefit

Kamasi Washington KEXP Yule Benefit

The UC Theatre, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat Dec 5, 2026, doors 7:00 PM, show 8:00 PM
Lighted Yacht Parade

Lighted Yacht Parade

Oakland–Alameda Estuary, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat Dec 5, 2026, starting around 5:30 PM
Lights of Livermore

Lights of Livermore

Concannon Vineyard, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 5-23, 2026; tours 5:30-7:45 PM and 7:00-9:15 PM
Livermore-Amador Symphony Free Family Holiday Concert

Livermore-Amador Symphony Free Family Holiday Concert

Bankhead Theater, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 3 PM
Los Gatos Children's Christmas/Holidays Parade

Los Gatos Children's Christmas/Holidays Parade

Downtown Los Gatos, South Bay
Dec 5, 2026
Millbrae Holiday Tree Lighting

Millbrae Holiday Tree Lighting

Millbrae City Hall Plaza, Peninsula
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 5–7pm
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir 41st Annual Holiday Concert: Scoopin' Up Joy

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir 41st Annual Holiday Concert: Scoopin' Up Joy

Calvin Simmons Theatre, Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 2 PM and 7 PM
Pinole Holiday Tree Lighting

Pinole Holiday Tree Lighting

Community Corner (San Pablo Ave & Tennent Ave), East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 5, 2026
Santa Arrives by Helicopter

Santa Arrives by Helicopter

Hiller Aviation Museum, Peninsula
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 9:30 AM-12 PM (Santa arrives 10:30 AM and stays until noon)
Santa Comes to Town

Santa Comes to Town

South San Francisco City Hall, Peninsula
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 10am–2pm (Santa arrives 10am)
Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade

Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade

Santa Cruz Harbor, Santa Cruz
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 5:30 PM (rain or shine)
Season's Greeting Singalong with Zoë Ellis and Janice Maxie Reid

Season's Greeting Singalong with Zoë Ellis and Janice Maxie Reid

The Freight, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 11:00 AM
Watsonville Holiday Factory Sale

Watsonville Holiday Factory Sale

El Pájaro CDC Kitchen Incubator and participating locations, Santa Cruz
Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 9 AM to 4 PM
Winter Lights (Alameda City Hall Tree Lighting)

Winter Lights (Alameda City Hall Tree Lighting)

Alameda City Hall, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 5 to 6 PM
Brisbane Festival of Lights

Brisbane Festival of Lights

Community Park, Peninsula
Sun Dec 6, 2026; times TBD
El Cerrito Winter Market

El Cerrito Winter Market

Hana Gardens, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 6, 2026
Grand Chanukah Celebration on Lake Merritt

Grand Chanukah Celebration on Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt Amphitheater, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sun, Dec 6, 2026, 4:30 PM (third night of Chanukah)
Hallcrest Vineyards Holiday Market

Hallcrest Vineyards Holiday Market

Hallcrest Vineyards, Santa Cruz
Sun Dec 6, 2026
Hercules Holiday Tree Lighting

Hercules Holiday Tree Lighting

Community Center Parking Lot, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 6, 2026
Holiday Swingin'! A Kat Edmonson Christmas

Holiday Swingin'! A Kat Edmonson Christmas

Peninsula
Sun Dec 6, 2026
Noche de Brillo

Noche de Brillo

Downtown Watsonville, Santa Cruz
Sun Dec 6, 2026; times TBD
Philharmonia Baroque Chamber Players Holiday Concert

Philharmonia Baroque Chamber Players Holiday Concert

Kohl Mansion, Peninsula
Sun Dec 6, 2026, 7pm (pre-concert talk 6pm; wine and dessert reception after)
Richmond Art Center Holiday Arts Festival

Richmond Art Center Holiday Arts Festival

Richmond Art Center, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 6, 2026
Super Holiday Boutique (Concord)

Super Holiday Boutique (Concord)

Hilton Concord Hotel, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sun Dec 6, 2026, 11 AM-3 PM
WINTER on Solano & Santa on Solano

WINTER on Solano & Santa on Solano

Solano Avenue, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sun Dec 6, 2026, plus Santa on three December weekends; times TBD
Mountain View Community Tree Lighting Celebration

Mountain View Community Tree Lighting Celebration

Civic Center Plaza, Peninsula
Dec 7, 2026
Demetri Martin: Standup Comedy for Christmas

Demetri Martin: Standup Comedy for Christmas

San Jose Improv, South Bay
Tue Dec 8, 2026, 8 PM
Isaiah J. Thompson: A Guaraldi Holiday

Isaiah J. Thompson: A Guaraldi Holiday

Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz
Tue Dec 8, 2026, 7 PM (doors 6 PM)
A Christmas Carol (Center REP)

A Christmas Carol (Center REP)

Hofmann Theatre, Lesher Center for the Arts, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 9, 2026 – Dec 23, 2026
Canadian Brass: Making Spirits Bright

Canadian Brass: Making Spirits Bright

Bing Concert Hall, Peninsula
Wed Dec 9, 2026, 7:30pm
A Chanticleer Christmas

A Chanticleer Christmas

Memorial Church, Peninsula
Thu Dec 10, 2026, 7:30pm (lobby opens 6:30pm)
Chanukah Train

Chanukah Train

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz
Thu Dec 10, 2026, 5:00 PM
David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown

David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown

Yoshi's, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Thu Dec 10, 2026; doors 7 PM, show 7:30 PM
Downtown Los Altos Holiday Market

Downtown Los Altos Holiday Market

State Street Market, Peninsula
Dec 10, 2026 – Dec 17, 2026
Montclair Village Holiday Stroll

Montclair Village Holiday Stroll

Montclair Village, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 10, 2026
Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Salsa Navidad

Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Salsa Navidad

Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz
Thu Dec 10, 2026, 7 PM and 9 PM (doors and dinner 6 PM for the 7 PM show)
Christmas Celebrations at Mount Hermon

Christmas Celebrations at Mount Hermon

Mount Hermon Conference Center, Santa Cruz
Dec 11-13 and Dec 18-19, 2026; concerts Fri-Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 2:30 PM; buffet Fri-Sat 5-6:30 PM, Sun 11:30 AM-1 PM; craft boutique Fri-Sat 1:30-7:30 PM, Sun 11 AM-3 PM
Con Funk Shun Holiday Concert Series

Con Funk Shun Holiday Concert Series

Yoshi's, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 11, 12 and 13; early and late shows each night
In the Christmas Mood with the Glenn Miller Orchestra

In the Christmas Mood with the Glenn Miller Orchestra

San Jose Civic, South Bay
Fri Dec 11, 2026, 7 PM
Mads Tolling's Cool Yule: A Nordic Holiday Celebration

Mads Tolling's Cool Yule: A Nordic Holiday Celebration

Firehouse Arts Center, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 11, 2026
Ramon Moreno School of Ballet: The Nutcracker

Ramon Moreno School of Ballet: The Nutcracker

Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center, Peninsula
Fri Dec 11, 2026, 7 PM; Sat Dec 12, 1:30 PM and 7 PM; Sun Dec 13, 1:30 PM
The Midwinter Revels: American Crossroads

The Midwinter Revels: American Crossroads

The Douglas Morrisson Theatre, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 11, 2026 – Dec 20, 2026
The Naughty List Holiday Pub Crawl

The Naughty List Holiday Pub Crawl

Downtown Santa Cruz bars (check-in: Downtown Info Kiosk), Santa Cruz
Fri Dec 11, 2026, 6-9 PM; check-in at the Downtown Info Kiosk
The Night Before Christmas (Peninsula Youth Theatre)

The Night Before Christmas (Peninsula Youth Theatre)

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Second Stage, Peninsula
Fri Dec 11 – Sat Dec 12, 2026; times TBD
Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole

Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole

Lesher Center for the Arts (Hofmann Theatre), East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 12, 2026
Fairy Winterland

Fairy Winterland

Children's Fairyland, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27, 2026, 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Hometown Holidays

Hometown Holidays

Courthouse Square and downtown Redwood City, Peninsula
Sat Dec 12, 2026; parade 4:30-5:30 PM; festival hours TBD
How The Grouch Stole Christmas Tour

How The Grouch Stole Christmas Tour

The Catalyst, Santa Cruz
Sat Dec 12, 2026, 9 PM (doors 8 PM)
Lighted Boat Festival

Lighted Boat Festival

Pillar Point Harbor, Peninsula
Sat Dec 12, 2026, from 4pm; end time TBD
San José Made Winter Wonder Market

San José Made Winter Wonder Market

South Hall, South Bay
Dec 12, 2026 – Dec 13, 2026
Santa Beer Crawl

Santa Beer Crawl

Main Street Plaza (check-in), East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 12, 2026
Spirit & Sweater Stroll (Onesie Edition)

Spirit & Sweater Stroll (Onesie Edition)

Downtown Pleasanton, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 12, 2026
Symphony San Jose: Holiday Spectacular

Symphony San Jose: Holiday Spectacular

California Theatre, South Bay
Sat Dec 12, 2026, 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM; Sun Dec 13, 2:30 PM
Tannery Winter Art Market

Tannery Winter Art Market

Tannery Arts Center, Santa Cruz
Sat Dec 12, 2026, 10 AM-5 PM
Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair

Telegraph Ave between Bancroft and Dwight, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 12-13, 19-20 and 23-24, 11am to 6pm
The Golden Follies – A Very Follies Holiday 2026

The Golden Follies – A Very Follies Holiday 2026

Firehouse Arts Center, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat Dec 12, 2026, 2:00 PM
The Original San Jose Nutcracker

The Original San Jose Nutcracker

Center for the Performing Arts, South Bay
Sat Dec 12, 2026, 2 PM and 7:30 PM; Sun Dec 13, 1 PM and 6 PM
Valley Dance Theatre: The Nutcracker

Valley Dance Theatre: The Nutcracker

Bankhead Theater, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 12-13 and Dec 18-20, 2026; 2pm and 7pm shows vary by date
Winter Art Faire (Art Guild of Pacifica)

Winter Art Faire (Art Guild of Pacifica)

Sanchez Art Center, Peninsula
Sat Dec 12 – Sun Dec 13, 2026, 11am–5pm
A Christmas Show with Camila Fernández

A Christmas Show with Camila Fernández

Bing Concert Hall, Peninsula
Sun Dec 13, 2026, 4pm (lobby opens 3pm)
Holiday Market at Felton Covered Bridge Park

Holiday Market at Felton Covered Bridge Park

Felton Covered Bridge Park, Santa Cruz
Sun, Dec 13, 2026; hours not posted yet
Oakland Symphony: Let Us Break Bread Together – A Tribute to Quincy Jones

Oakland Symphony: Let Us Break Bread Together – A Tribute to Quincy Jones

Paramount Theatre, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 13, 2026
Ravenswood Victorian Yuletide

Ravenswood Victorian Yuletide

Ravenswood Historic Site, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sun Dec 13, 2026, 12-4 PM
Silicon Valley Santa Run

Silicon Valley Santa Run

Downtown San Jose (start at W Santa Clara St and Almaden Ave), South Bay
Sun Dec 13, 2026, 3 PM start
A Magical Cirque Christmas (San Jose)

A Magical Cirque Christmas (San Jose)

Center for the Performing Arts, South Bay
Wed Dec 16 and Thu Dec 17, 2026, 7 PM
Kat Edmonson: Have Your Merry Christmas With Me

Kat Edmonson: Have Your Merry Christmas With Me

Bankhead Theater, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 16, 2026
World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker

World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker

Heritage Theatre, South Bay
Dec 16, 2026
The Hot Sardines: Holiday Stomp

The Hot Sardines: Holiday Stomp

Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 17, 2026
Tomáseen Foley's A Celtic Christmas (Santa Cruz)

Tomáseen Foley's A Celtic Christmas (Santa Cruz)

UCSC Music Center Recital Hall, Santa Cruz
Thu Dec 17, 2026, 7:30 PM
A Christmas Carol (Pittsburg Theatre Company)

A Christmas Carol (Pittsburg Theatre Company)

California Theatre, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Fri Dec 18, 7:30 PM; Sat Dec 19, 2 PM; Sun Dec 20, 2 PM; Mon Dec 21, 7:30 PM
A John Prine Christmas with Jenner Fox Band

A John Prine Christmas with Jenner Fox Band

Freight & Salvage, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 18, 2026
California Symphony: Holiday Traditions

California Symphony: Holiday Traditions

Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Fri Dec 18, 7:30 PM; Sat Dec 19, 2:00 PM
Alameda Civic Ballet: The Nutcracker

Alameda Civic Ballet: The Nutcracker

Castro Valley Center for the Arts, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat Dec 19 and Sun Dec 20, 2026, 2 PM
Krampus Celebration at The 418 Project

Krampus Celebration at The 418 Project

The 418 Project (Large Theater), Santa Cruz
Sat Dec 19, 2026, 6-9 PM
Love Actually In Concert

Love Actually In Concert

Center for the Performing Arts, South Bay
Sat Dec 19, 2026, 7 PM
Nutcracker: Experience the Magic (Santa Cruz City Ballet)

Nutcracker: Experience the Magic (Santa Cruz City Ballet)

Crocker Theater, Cabrillo College, Santa Cruz
Sat-Sun, Dec 19-20, 2026, 1 PM and 4:30 PM each day
Oakland Ballet: Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker

Oakland Ballet: Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker

Paramount Theatre, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 19, 2026 – Dec 20, 2026
San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus: Holiday Spectacular 2026

San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus: Holiday Spectacular 2026

Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 19, 2026
SSF Civic Ballet: The Nutcracker

SSF Civic Ballet: The Nutcracker

South San Francisco High School Auditorium, Peninsula
Sat Dec 19, 1pm and 7pm; Sun Dec 20, 1pm
The Nutcracker (Santa Cruz Dance Theater)

The Nutcracker (Santa Cruz Dance Theater)

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz
Sat-Sun, Dec 19-20, 2026, two performances each day; showtimes not posted yet
The Nutcracker Bird (Berkeley Ballet Theater)

The Nutcracker Bird (Berkeley Ballet Theater)

Regents' Theater, Valley Center for the Performing Arts, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Sat Dec 19 and Sun Dec 20, 2026, 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM
The San Jose Nutcracker

The San Jose Nutcracker

California Theatre, South Bay
Dec 19, 2026 – Dec 27, 2026
Hotel Paradox Holiday Market

Hotel Paradox Holiday Market

Hotel Paradox, Santa Cruz
Sun Dec 20, 2026, 11 AM-5 PM
My Very First Nutcracker

My Very First Nutcracker

California Theatre, South Bay
Sun Dec 20, Tue Dec 22, Wed Dec 23 and Sun Dec 27, 2026, 11 AM
An Evening with Peter Billingsley and A Christmas Story

An Evening with Peter Billingsley and A Christmas Story

Bankhead Theater, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Mon Dec 21, 2026, 7:30 PM
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico

Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico

Bankhead Theater, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Tue Dec 22, 2026, 7:30 PM
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour (San Jose)

Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour (San Jose)

San Jose Civic, South Bay
Tue Dec 22, 2026, 8 PM
Mindi Abair Christmas Show

Mindi Abair Christmas Show

Yoshi's, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 22, 2026
The Christmas Jug Band 50th Sleigh Ride (Berkeley)

The Christmas Jug Band 50th Sleigh Ride (Berkeley)

Freight & Salvage, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Tue Dec 22, 2026; doors 7 PM, show 8 PM
Nzuri Soul: Christmas in Egypt IV – The Gift

Nzuri Soul: Christmas in Egypt IV – The Gift

Yoshi's, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Wed Dec 23, 2026, doors 7:30 PM, show 8:00 PM
Boulder Creek Reindeer Run

Boulder Creek Reindeer Run

Junction Park, Santa Cruz
Thu Dec 24, 2026, 9 AM to noon
New Year's Train

New Year's Train

Roaring Camp Railroads, Santa Cruz
Dec 26-31, 2026; times TBD
Boney James New Year's Eve at Yoshi's

Boney James New Year's Eve at Yoshi's

Yoshi's, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 29 at 7:30 PM; Dec 30 at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM; Dec 31 (NYE) at 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM
Derek Hough Dance For The Holidays

Derek Hough Dance For The Holidays

San Jose Civic, South Bay
Wed Dec 30, 2026, 8 PM
Noon Year's Eve

Noon Year's Eve

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, South Bay
Dec 31, 2026
Steel Pulse New Year's Eve

Steel Pulse New Year's Eve

The UC Theatre, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 31, 2026
USS Hornet New Year's Eve Big Band Gala

USS Hornet New Year's Eve Big Band Gala

USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Dec 31, 2026
Glowfari

Glowfari

Oakland Zoo, East Bay/Tri-Valley
Nov 6, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027
Winter Lodge Skating Season

Winter Lodge Skating Season

Winter Lodge, Peninsula
Public skating Oct 16, 2026 (opens 8 PM) to Apr 11, 2027; see the rink's session schedule
Garden of D'Lights

Garden of D'Lights

Ruth Bancroft Garden, East Bay/Tri-Valley
2026 dates coming soon
Merry-Achi Christmas with Mariachi Sol de México (San Jose)

Merry-Achi Christmas with Mariachi Sol de México (San Jose)

Hammer Theatre Center, South Bay
2026 dates coming soon
Newark Holiday Tree Lighting

Newark Holiday Tree Lighting

Newark Civic Center, East Bay/Tri-Valley
2026 dates coming soon
Peninsula Ballet Arts: The Nutcracker

Peninsula Ballet Arts: The Nutcracker

Peninsula
2026 dates coming soon
Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz
2026 dates coming soon
WinterFest at Chabot Space & Science Center

WinterFest at Chabot Space & Science Center

Chabot Space & Science Center, East Bay/Tri-Valley
2026 dates coming soon