GoBayArea — Discover. Enjoy. Repeat.
Sign Up

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

186 events

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
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
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
Merry Meritage

Merry Meritage

The Meritage Resort and Spa, North Bay
Nov 18, 2026-Jan 3, 2027; hours TBD
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Ross Valley Players)

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Ross Valley Players)

Barn Theatre, Marin Art & Garden Center, North Bay
Nov 19 - Dec 20, 2026; Thu-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm (select Saturdays are matinees)
Northern Lights Winter Lights Art Walk

Northern Lights Winter Lights Art Walk

Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, North Bay
Nightly Nov 19, 2026 to Jan 18, 2027, dusk to 9:30 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
Coney Island Christmas (Mountain Community Theater)

Coney Island Christmas (Mountain Community Theater)

Park Hall, Santa Cruz
Nov 20 - Dec 13, 2026; showtimes TBD
Gifts 'n Tyme Holiday Faire

Gifts 'n Tyme Holiday Faire

Chardonnay Hall, Napa Valley Expo, North Bay
Fri-Sun Nov 20-22, 2026; hours TBD
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
North Pole Nights

North Pole Nights

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, South County
Select evenings Nov 21 - Dec 31, 2026; operating days and hours TBD
NVHA Cowboy Christmas Artisan Market

NVHA Cowboy Christmas Artisan Market

Napa Valley Horsemen's Association Clubhouse, North Bay
Nov 21, 2026
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
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
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
La Virgen del Tepeyac

La Virgen del Tepeyac

ETC Playhouse, San Juan Bautista, South County
Nov 27 - Dec 20, 2026 at the ETC Playhouse; showtimes TBD
Lights On Celebration

Lights On Celebration

San Benito Street, downtown Hollister, South County
Lights On Boutique Fri-Sat Nov 27-28, 2026 (hours TBD); parade Sat Nov 28, 2026, 5:30 PM on San Benito Street
Marin Holiday Light Spectacular

Marin Holiday Light Spectacular

Marin Center Fairgrounds, North Bay
Nightly Nov 27, 2026-Jan 3, 2027, 5-9 PM, including holidays; rain or shine
San José Made Holiday Fair

San José Made Holiday Fair

Santa Clara Convention Center, South Bay
Nov 27, 2026 – Nov 28, 2026
Santa Train Jolly Journeys

Santa Train Jolly Journeys

Napa Valley Wine Train Station, North Bay
Select dates Nov 27-Dec 23, 2026: evening journeys, plus daytime journeys Dec 21-23; times TBD
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
White Christmas

White Christmas

Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, South County
Nov 27-Dec 20, 2026; showtimes TBD
Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration

Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration

Old Courthouse Square, North Bay
Fri Nov 27, 2026; times TBD
WinterFest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

WinterFest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, North Bay
Select nights, Nov 27, 2026-Jan 3, 2027; operating nights and hours TBD
Christmas in My Hometown

Christmas in My Hometown

Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, North Bay
Sat Nov 28, 6 PM
Geyserville Lighted Tractor Parade

Geyserville Lighted Tractor Parade

Geyserville Avenue (Highway 128), downtown Geyserville, North Bay
Sat Nov 28, 2026, 6-8 PM; parade starts 6:15 PM
Jingle Market on 3rd Street

Jingle Market on 3rd Street

E. 3rd Street, South County
Sat Nov 28, 2026, 9 AM-2 PM
Merry Market Holiday Bazaar

Merry Market Holiday Bazaar

Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center, South County
Sat Nov 28, 2026, 12-4 PM (rain or shine)
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
Sonoma Lighted Tractor Parade

Sonoma Lighted Tractor Parade

Sonoma Plaza, North Bay
Sat Nov 28, 2026, 6:30 PM
A Christmas Tribute to Frank Sinatra

A Christmas Tribute to Frank Sinatra

Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, North Bay
Sun Nov 29, 2 PM
Ben Lomond Tree Lighting

Ben Lomond Tree Lighting

Ben Lomond County Park, Santa Cruz
Sun Nov 29, 2026, 4:30-7 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
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
A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland (Santa Rosa)

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

Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Ruth Finley Person Theater, North Bay
Thu Dec 3, 2026, 7:30 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
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
Sebastopol Christmas Tree Lighting

Sebastopol Christmas Tree Lighting

Sebastopol Town Plaza, North Bay
Thu Dec 3, 2026, 5-8 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
Cherish the Ladies: A Celtic Christmas (Rohnert Park)

Cherish the Ladies: A Celtic Christmas (Rohnert Park)

Weill Hall, Sonoma State University, North Bay
Fri Dec 4, 2026, 7:30 PM
Cupertino Tree Lighting

Cupertino Tree Lighting

Quinlan Community Center, South Bay
Fri Dec 4, 2026, 6-8 PM
Downtown Fairfield Holiday Tree Lighting

Downtown Fairfield Holiday Tree Lighting

Downtown Fairfield, North Bay
Fri Dec 4, 2026; times TBD
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: A Live Radio Play (Lucky Penny, Napa)

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Lucky Penny, Napa)

Lucky Penny Community Arts Center, North Bay
Dec 4–20, 2026; evenings 7:30 PM, matinees 2 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
Magic of the Season: Holiday Marketplace & Tree Lighting

Magic of the Season: Holiday Marketplace & Tree Lighting

Shenandoah Park, North Bay
Fri Dec 4, 2026, 5–8 PM; tree lighting 6:30 PM
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (San Jose)

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (San Jose)

San Jose Civic, South Bay
Fri Dec 4, 2026, 8 PM
Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting & Night Market

Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting & Night Market

Healdsburg Plaza, North Bay
Fri Dec 4, 2026, 5-9 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
Snoopy's Home Ice Free Outdoor Holiday Shows

Snoopy's Home Ice Free Outdoor Holiday Shows

Snoopy's Home Ice (Redwood Empire Ice Arena), North Bay
Fri, Dec 4, 5 & 6 PM; Sat, Dec 5, 2, 3, 5 & 6 PM; Sun, Dec 6, 1, 2 & 3 PM
Winter at Wonderland Tree Lighting

Winter at Wonderland Tree Lighting

Children's Wonderland Park, North Bay
Fri Dec 4, 2026; gates 5 PM, tree lighting 6:30 PM
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
Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade

Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade

North Bay
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 7–8pm
Carol of Lights Celebration

Carol of Lights Celebration

Downtown Campbell, South Bay
Dec 5, 2026
Downtown Dixon Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

Downtown Dixon Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

North Bay
Sat Dec 5, 2026; times TBD
Downtown Gilroy Holiday Festival & Parade

Downtown Gilroy Holiday Festival & Parade

Downtown Gilroy, South County
Sat Dec 5, 2026, from 3 PM; parade and tree lighting times TBD
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
Holiday Bubbly Walk

Holiday Bubbly Walk

Downtown Willow Glen (Lincoln Ave), South Bay
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 2 PM to 5 PM
Holiday Choral Concerts by Candlelight

Holiday Choral Concerts by Candlelight

St. Raphael Church, North Bay
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 7:30 PM; Sun Dec 6, 2026, 4 PM
Holiday Tea at Villa Mira Monte

Holiday Tea at Villa Mira Monte

Villa Mira Monte, South County
Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6, 2026; times TBD
Holly Dolly Parton Parade of Lights

Holly Dolly Parton Parade of Lights

Main Street (River Road), downtown Guerneville, North Bay
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 7pm
Los Gatos Children's Christmas/Holidays Parade

Los Gatos Children's Christmas/Holidays Parade

Downtown Los Gatos, South Bay
Dec 5, 2026
Marin Ballet's The Nutcracker

Marin Ballet's The Nutcracker

Center for the Arts, North Bay
Sat Dec 5 – Sun Dec 6, 2026; times TBD
Mill Valley Holiday Craft Fair

Mill Valley Holiday Craft Fair

North Bay
Sat Dec 5, 2026
Millbrae Holiday Tree Lighting

Millbrae Holiday Tree Lighting

Millbrae City Hall Plaza, Peninsula
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 5–7pm
Morgan Hill Holiday Lights Parade & Tree Lighting

Morgan Hill Holiday Lights Parade & Tree Lighting

Monterey Road (from Main Avenue to Fifth Street, and continuing to Dunne Avenue for the tree lighting), South County
Sat Dec 5, 2026
Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair

Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair

Muir Beach Community Center, North Bay
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 10 AM–5 PM; Sun Dec 6, 2026, 10 AM–4 PM
Napa Christmas Parade

Napa Christmas Parade

Downtown Napa (Second, Brown and Third Streets), North Bay
Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 5 to 7 PM. Cancelled if the weather is bad.
Reindeer Run/Walk

Reindeer Run/Walk

Wetlands Edge Trailhead, North Bay
Sat Dec 5, 2026; 10K 9 AM, 5K 9:05 AM
San Anselmo Holiday Tree Lighting

San Anselmo Holiday Tree Lighting

Imagination Park, North Bay
Sat, Dec 5, 2026; time not posted yet
San Juan Bautista Holiday of Lights Parade

San Juan Bautista Holiday of Lights Parade

Third Street, downtown San Juan Bautista, South County
Sat Dec 5, 2026, 6 PM
San Rafael Holiday of Lights & Winter Wonderland

San Rafael Holiday of Lights & Winter Wonderland

4th Street between A Street and Lootens, Downtown San Rafael, North Bay
Sat Dec 5, 2026; times TBD
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)
Tiburon Holiday Festival

Tiburon Holiday Festival

Main Street & Ark Row, North Bay
Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 2 to 5 PM
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
Brisbane Festival of Lights

Brisbane Festival of Lights

Community Park, Peninsula
Sun Dec 6, 2026; times TBD
Hallcrest Vineyards Holiday Market

Hallcrest Vineyards Holiday Market

Hallcrest Vineyards, Santa Cruz
Sun Dec 6, 2026
Holiday Swingin'! A Kat Edmonson Christmas

Holiday Swingin'! A Kat Edmonson Christmas

Peninsula
Sun Dec 6, 2026
Mill Valley Winterfest & Tree Lighting

Mill Valley Winterfest & Tree Lighting

Depot Plaza, North Bay
Sun Dec 6, 2026, 1–4pm
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)
Sebastopol Center for the Arts Holiday Art & Makers Market

Sebastopol Center for the Arts Holiday Art & Makers Market

Sebastopol Center for the Arts, North Bay
Sun Dec 6, 2026, 10am–4pm (Members' Art show opening reception 2–4pm)
Solano Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Celebration

Solano Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Celebration

Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, North Bay
Sun Dec 6, 2026, 3pm
Symphony Pops: Home for the Holidays

Symphony Pops: Home for the Holidays

Ruth Finley Person Theater, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, North Bay
Sun Dec 6, 2026, 3pm (pre-show discussion 2pm)
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)
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
Downtown Los Altos Holiday Market

Downtown Los Altos Holiday Market

State Street Market, Peninsula
Dec 10, 2026 – Dec 17, 2026
Menorah Lighting Ceremony (Fairfield)

Menorah Lighting Ceremony (Fairfield)

North Bay
Thu Dec 10, 2026; times TBD
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)
Vacaville Ballet Company: The Nutcracker

Vacaville Ballet Company: The Nutcracker

North Bay
Thu Dec 10, 10am; Fri Dec 11, 10am and 7pm; Sat Dec 12, 10am and 7pm; Sun Dec 13, 1pm
20th Annual Posada Navideña by Calidanza Dance Company

20th Annual Posada Navideña by Calidanza Dance Company

Ruth Finley Person Theater, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, North Bay
Fri Dec 11, 2026, 6:30pm (lobby arts and crafts 5:30pm)
4th Annual Hometown Holiday Bash with The 85s

4th Annual Hometown Holiday Bash with The 85s

Sweetwater Music Hall, North Bay
Fri Dec 11, 2026, doors 7pm, show 8pm
All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Spreckels Performing Arts Center (Codding Theatre), North Bay
Fri Dec 11, 7:30pm; Sat Dec 12 and Sun Dec 13, 2pm
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
Family Holiday Lights Cable Car Tour

Family Holiday Lights Cable Car Tour

Morgan Hill Train Depot, South County
Dec 11-23, 2026; family tours 5:30 and 6:30 PM, sing-along tours 6 and 7 PM, 21+ tours 7:30 and 8 PM
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
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
Stella Heath Xmas Show

Stella Heath Xmas Show

Rancho Nicasio, North Bay
Fri Dec 11, 2026; dinner 6–8 PM, music 7:30 PM
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
The Nutcracker - Ballet Academy of Silicon Valley

The Nutcracker - Ballet Academy of Silicon Valley

Gavilan College Theater, South County
Dec 11, 2026 – Dec 12, 2026
Benicia Holiday Parade

Benicia Holiday Parade

First Street, Downtown Benicia, North Bay
Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 10 AM, First Street
Broadway Holiday (Transcendence Theatre Company)

Broadway Holiday (Transcendence Theatre Company)

Jackson Theater (Santa Rosa) and Sebastiani Theatre (Sonoma), North Bay
Dec 12-13 and Dec 16-20, 2026 at the Jackson Theater (Santa Rosa) and Sebastiani Theatre (Sonoma); showtimes TBD
Fairfax Winter Market

Fairfax Winter Market

Downtown Fairfax, North Bay
Sat Dec 12, 2026, 5–9 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
Narada Michael Walden's 29th Annual Holiday Jam

Narada Michael Walden's 29th Annual Holiday Jam

142 Throckmorton Theatre, North Bay
Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 8 to 10 PM. Doors 7:30 PM (VIP 6:30 PM).
Nut Tree Holiday Event (Vacaville)

Nut Tree Holiday Event (Vacaville)

Nut Tree Plaza, North Bay
Sat Dec 12, 2026, 12-3 PM
Occidental Holiday Crafts Faire

Occidental Holiday Crafts Faire

Downtown Occidental, North Bay
Sat-Sun Dec 12-13, 2026; hours TBD
San José Made Winter Wonder Market

San José Made Winter Wonder Market

South Hall, South Bay
Dec 12, 2026 – Dec 13, 2026
Santa's Helper Gift Faire

Santa's Helper Gift Faire

Napa Valley Expo – Chardonnay Hall, North Bay
Sat Dec 12, 2026, 10 AM–5 PM; Sun Dec 13, 11 AM–4 PM
Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks

Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks

Gabrielson Park, Sausalito waterfront, North Bay
Sat Dec 12, 2026; reserved seating opens 5 PM, parade 6 PM, fireworks about 7:15 PM
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
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
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
Winterlude: Handel's Messiah (Santa Rosa Symphony)

Winterlude: Handel's Messiah (Santa Rosa Symphony)

Weill Hall, Green Music Center, North Bay
Sat Dec 12, 2026, 7:30 PM; Sun Dec 13, 3 PM
A Christmas Show with Camila Fernández

A Christmas Show with Camila Fernández

Bing Concert Hall, Peninsula
Sun Dec 13, 2026, 4pm (lobby opens 3pm)
A Drag Queen Christmas (Santa Rosa)

A Drag Queen Christmas (Santa Rosa)

Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, North Bay
Sun Dec 13, 2026, 7:30 PM
Fairfax Craft Faire & Wreathmaking

Fairfax Craft Faire & Wreathmaking

Fairfax Pavilion, North Bay
Sun Dec 13, 2026, 10 AM–4 PM; wreathmaking 2–4 PM
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
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
The Gift of Nothing (Marin Theatre)

The Gift of Nothing (Marin Theatre)

Marin Theatre, North Bay
Wed Dec 16 – Sun Dec 27, 2026 (preview Dec 16, opening Dec 17); times TBD
World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker

World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker

Heritage Theatre, South Bay
Dec 16, 2026
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (Santa Rosa)

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (Santa Rosa)

Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Ruth Finley Person Theater, North Bay
Thu Dec 17, 2026, 7 PM
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
Voctave: It Feels Like Christmas

Voctave: It Feels Like Christmas

Weill Hall, Green Music Center, North Bay
Thu Dec 17, 2026, 7:30 PM
A Magical Cirque Christmas

A Magical Cirque Christmas

Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, North Bay
Fri Dec 18, 2026, 7:30 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
Napa Regional Dance Company: The Nutcracker

Napa Regional Dance Company: The Nutcracker

Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center, North Bay
Sat, Dec 19, 1 PM and 6 PM; Sun, Dec 20, 2 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
Sonoma Bach: Early Music Christmas – On Yoolis Night

Sonoma Bach: Early Music Christmas – On Yoolis Night

Schroeder Hall, Green Music Center, Sonoma State University, North Bay
Sat Dec 19 and Sun Dec 20, 2026; times TBD
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 San Jose Nutcracker

The San Jose Nutcracker

California Theatre, South Bay
Dec 19, 2026 – Dec 27, 2026
A Charlie Brown Christmas Tribute featuring Jason Crosby

A Charlie Brown Christmas Tribute featuring Jason Crosby

Sweetwater Music Hall, North Bay
Sun Dec 20, 2026, 1 PM (doors noon)
A John Prine Christmas with the Jenner Fox Band

A John Prine Christmas with the Jenner Fox Band

Uptown Theatre Napa, North Bay
Sun Dec 20, 2026, 8 PM (doors 7 PM)
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
San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus: Holiday Spectacular (Rohnert Park)

San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus: Holiday Spectacular (Rohnert Park)

Weill Hall, Green Music Center, Sonoma State University, North Bay
Sun Dec 20, 2026, 5 PM
The Christmas Jug Band's 50th Sleigh Ride

The Christmas Jug Band's 50th Sleigh Ride

Sweetwater Music Hall, North Bay
Mon Dec 21, 2026, 7 PM (doors 6 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
Maria Muldaur's Holiday Swing

Maria Muldaur's Holiday Swing

Sweetwater Music Hall, North Bay
Tue Dec 22, 2026; doors 6 PM, show 7 PM
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2026 (Santa Rosa)

Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2026 (Santa Rosa)

Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Ruth Finley Person Theater, North Bay
Wed Dec 23, 2026; 7:30 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
Derek Hough Dance For The Holidays

Derek Hough Dance For The Holidays

San Jose Civic, South Bay
Wed Dec 30, 2026, 8 PM
Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!

Charles M. Schulz Museum, North Bay
Thu Dec 31, 2026; 10 AM–4 PM; balloon drops at noon (plus a baby drop for ages 4 and under) and 3 PM
New Year's Eve with Hot Buttered Rum

New Year's Eve with Hot Buttered Rum

Sweetwater Music Hall, North Bay
Thu Dec 31, 2026; doors 7 PM, show 8 PM
Noon Year's Eve

Noon Year's Eve

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, South Bay
Dec 31, 2026
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
Santa Trains & Santa Starlight Experience

Santa Trains & Santa Starlight Experience

Western Railway Museum, North Bay
Santa Starlight Experience: Fridays Dec 4, 11 and 18, 2026, from 6:00 PM. Santa Trains: Saturdays and Sundays Dec 5-20, 2026, 1:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza

Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza

Sonoma Plaza, North Bay
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
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