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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

180 events

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)
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
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
Lightscape

Lightscape

San Francisco Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Nightly Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027; timed entry every 15 min, 5pm-8:15pm (to 8:30pm on peak dates)
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
NVHA Cowboy Christmas Artisan Market

NVHA Cowboy Christmas Artisan Market

Napa Valley Horsemen's Association Clubhouse, North Bay
Nov 21, 2026
Triton Holiday Art Fair

Triton Holiday Art Fair

Triton Museum of Art, South Bay
Nov 21, 2026
PIER 39 Tree Lighting & Holiday Season

PIER 39 Tree Lighting & Holiday Season

PIER 39 Entrance Plaza, San Francisco
Holiday season Nov 23, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027; tree lighting Thu Dec 3, 2026 (time TBD) with The Death & Taxes Swing Band
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
The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert (SF Symphony)

The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert (SF Symphony)

Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
Tue Nov 24, 2026, 7:30pm
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
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
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
Alice in Wonderland (Presidio Theatre holiday panto)

Alice in Wonderland (Presidio Theatre holiday panto)

Presidio Theatre, San Francisco
Nov 28-Dec 27, 2026; 1 PM and 6 PM performances (days vary)
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
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
The Velveteen Rabbit (ODC/Dance)

The Velveteen Rabbit (ODC/Dance)

Blue Shield of California Theater, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
Nov 28-Dec 6, 2026: weekdays and Saturdays 11 AM; Sundays 2 PM
Yerba Buena Gardens Holiday Tree Lighting

Yerba Buena Gardens Holiday Tree Lighting

Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
Sat Nov 28, 2026, 4-6 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
Swing Into The Holidays with Caity Gyorgy & Christian Wiggs

Swing Into The Holidays with Caity Gyorgy & Christian Wiggs

Miner Auditorium, SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco
Sun Nov 29, 2026, 3pm
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
Pink Martini Holiday Concert with the SF Symphony

Pink Martini Holiday Concert with the SF Symphony

Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
Wed Dec 2, 2026, 7:30 PM
The Carpenters Songbook: At Christmas

The Carpenters Songbook: At Christmas

Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco
Wed Dec 2, 2026
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
Sebastopol Christmas Tree Lighting

Sebastopol Christmas Tree Lighting

Sebastopol Town Plaza, North Bay
Thu Dec 3, 2026, 5-8 PM
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
Handel's Messiah (SF Symphony)

Handel's Messiah (SF Symphony)

Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
Fri Dec 4 and Sat Dec 5, 2026, 7:30 PM
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
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
Let's Glow SF

Let's Glow SF

Downtown San Francisco (six locations), San Francisco
Dec 4, 2026 – Dec 13, 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
San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker

San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker

War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
Dec 4, 2026 – Dec 27, 2026
San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Holiday Spectacular (Golden Gate Theatre)

San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Holiday Spectacular (Golden Gate Theatre)

Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco
Fri Dec 4, 2026, 7:30 PM; Sat Dec 5, 2 PM and 7 PM
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
The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes

The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes

Curran Theater, San Francisco
Dec 4-20, 2026; 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM performances (days vary)
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
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 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
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
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
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 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 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
Deck the Hall (SF Symphony)

Deck the Hall (SF Symphony)

Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
Sun Dec 6, 2026, 3:30 PM holiday concert (11:30 AM performance is the signature fundraiser concert)
Hallcrest Vineyards Holiday Market

Hallcrest Vineyards Holiday Market

Hallcrest Vineyards, Santa Cruz
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
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)
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis (San Francisco)

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis (San Francisco)

Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco
Mon Dec 7, 2026, 7 PM (doors 5:30 PM)
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 Drag Queen Christmas (San Francisco)

A Drag Queen Christmas (San Francisco)

Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco
Thu Dec 10, 2026, 7:30 PM (doors 6:30 PM)
American Bach Soloists: Handel's Messiah

American Bach Soloists: Handel's Messiah

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
Thu Dec 10 and Fri Dec 11, 2026, 7:30 PM
Chanukah Train

Chanukah Train

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz
Thu Dec 10, 2026, 5:00 PM
Menorah Lighting Ceremony (Fairfield)

Menorah Lighting Ceremony (Fairfield)

North Bay
Thu Dec 10, 2026; times TBD
Smuin's The Christmas Ballet (San Francisco)

Smuin's The Christmas Ballet (San Francisco)

Blue Shield of California Theater, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
Dec 10-24, 2026: Thu Dec 10 and Fri Dec 11, 7:30 PM; Sat Dec 12 and Sun Dec 13, 2 PM; Fri Dec 18, 7:30 PM; Sat Dec 19, 2 PM and 7:30 PM; Sun Dec 20, 2 PM; Tue Dec 22, 7:30 PM; Wed Dec 23 and Thu Dec 24, 2 PM
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
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
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
A Cathedral Christmas

A Cathedral Christmas

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
Sat Dec 12, Sun Dec 13, Sat Dec 19, Sun Dec 20, 2026 at 3 PM; Wed Dec 23 at 7:30 PM
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
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)
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
SantaCon SF Pub Crawl

SantaCon SF Pub Crawl

Check-in at Soundtrack SF, San Francisco
Sat Dec 12, 2026, 12-8 PM (check-in 12-4 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
Sing You a Merry Christmas

Sing You a Merry Christmas

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
Sat Dec 12 and Sat Dec 19, 2026 at 11 AM; Tue Dec 22 and Wed Dec 23 at 3 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
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 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
Elf the Musical – BroadwaySF

Elf the Musical – BroadwaySF

Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco
Dec 15, 2026 – Dec 20, 2026
Holiday For Strings: Stella Cole with the Del Sol Quartet

Holiday For Strings: Stella Cole with the Del Sol Quartet

Miner Auditorium, SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco
Dec 15, 2026
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 (San Francisco)

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (San Francisco)

Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco
Thu Dec 17, 2026, 7 PM
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
Cyrus Chestnut plays A Charlie Brown Christmas

Cyrus Chestnut plays A Charlie Brown Christmas

Miner Auditorium, SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco
Fri Dec 18, 2026, 7:30 PM
Soulful Joy

Soulful Joy

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
Fri Dec 18, 2026, 7:30 PM
Tomáseen Foley's A Celtic Christmas (San Francisco)

Tomáseen Foley's A Celtic Christmas (San Francisco)

United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco
Fri Dec 18, 2026, 7:30 PM
Christmas with the Count Basie Orchestra

Christmas with the Count Basie Orchestra

Miner Auditorium, SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco
Sat Dec 19, 2026, 7:30 PM; Sun Dec 20, 2026, 1:00 PM
Dance-Along Nutcracker

Dance-Along Nutcracker

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
Sat Dec 19-Sun Dec 20, 2026; times TBD
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
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
A Brass and Organ Christmas

A Brass and Organ Christmas

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
Mon Dec 21, 2026, 7:30 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
Maurice "Mobetta" Brown Holiday Spectacular

Maurice "Mobetta" Brown Holiday Spectacular

Miner Auditorium, SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco
Tue Dec 22, 2026, 7:30 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
The Grand Kyiv Ballet: The Nutcracker Symphony of Lights

The Grand Kyiv Ballet: The Nutcracker Symphony of Lights

Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, San Francisco
Wed Dec 23, 2026, 7 PM (doors 6 PM)
World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker (San Francisco)

World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker (San Francisco)

Curran Theater, San Francisco
Wed Dec 23, 2026, 7 PM
Boulder Creek Reindeer Run

Boulder Creek Reindeer Run

Junction Park, Santa Cruz
Thu Dec 24, 2026, 9 AM to noon
San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Holiday Spectacular: Home for the Holidays (Castro Theatre)

San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Holiday Spectacular: Home for the Holidays (Castro Theatre)

The Castro Theatre, San Francisco
Thu Dec 24, 2026, 3 PM, 5:30 PM and 8 PM
New Year's Train

New Year's Train

Roaring Camp Railroads, Santa Cruz
Dec 26-31, 2026; times TBD
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco
Sun Dec 27 and Mon Dec 28, 2026, 7:00 PM (doors 5:30 PM)
Derek Hough Dance For The Holidays

Derek Hough Dance For The Holidays

San Jose Civic, South Bay
Wed Dec 30, 2026, 8 PM
Cimafunk: New Years Celebration

Cimafunk: New Years Celebration

Miner Auditorium, SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco
Dec 31, 2026
Deltron 3030 performing "Deltron 3030" (New Year's Eve)

Deltron 3030 performing "Deltron 3030" (New Year's Eve)

The Warfield, San Francisco
Dec 31, 2026
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
ILLENIUM New Year's Eve

ILLENIUM New Year's Eve

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco
Thu Dec 31, 2026; doors 7 PM, show 8 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
Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square

Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square

Union Square, San Francisco
Daily, Nov 4, 2026 to Jan 18, 2027; hour-long sessions start every 90 minutes
San Francisco on Ice (Fisherman's Wharf)

San Francisco on Ice (Fisherman's Wharf)

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
Daily Nov 4, 2026 – Jan 18, 2027; standard days 10 AM–11 PM, value days 12 PM–10 PM
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
Embarcadero Center Building Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Market

Embarcadero Center Building Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Market

Embarcadero Center, San Francisco
2026 dates coming soon
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
Winter Walk SF

Winter Walk SF

San Francisco
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
World Tree of Hope Lighting (Grace Cathedral)

World Tree of Hope Lighting (Grace Cathedral)

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
2026 dates coming soon