Bay Area Holiday Events 2024

The 2024 holiday season is officially underway and our calendars are filling up by the day! We are lucky to live in an area where there are so many fun events happening this time of year. View our list of Bay Area holiday events below, plan ahead and always double check before you go for any last minute changes. Feel free to share our list and tag Arrive Real Estate in your holiday photos! Does your family have a favorite holiday event we missed below? Let us know so we can add it!

 

The Veranda is full of holiday cheer this year! For one month only, shop local handmade businesses and meet the makers behind the brands. From handmade jewelry, artwork, sewn creations, styled looks, custom pieces and more, The Merry Maker's Market is the perfect place to shop for that special person or pet on your holiday gift list! Open Saturdays & Sundays between November 23-December 22 from 11am-7pm. 

 

 

 

The Nights of Lights is Fridays from November 29th through December 20th with the Christmas Tree Lighting taking place on Friday, November 24. On December 14th, enjoy the Lighted Boat Festival at Pillar Point Harbor and feast on a variety of food trucks, kids’ crafts, and live performances by local bands. Events during the day feature a chili cook off, beer & wine garden, kids crafts and a visit from Santa! The evening will culminate with a spectacular lighted drone show for the grand finale. Don’t miss this festive community event that brings together the magic of the holiday season by the sea! Click here for more details.

 

The Meritage Resort & Spa is showcasing fun-filled activities this holiday season with their annual “Merry Meritage” now through January 11. Napa Valley's largest outdoor ice skating rink with igloos available to rent and enchanting winter village complete with a 40-foot tree, daily "snow" and festive entertainment and events.

 

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Claus is coming to town. Every Saturday, and Sunday, he can be found strolling through The Meritage Holiday Village. As the afternoon progresses Santa settles into his reading room and invites the little ones in to listen to him read a story.

 

 

Fairyland – December 14-15, 18-23, & 26-30 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Children’s Fairyland brings back Fairy Winterland. This year, Winterland takes place during the day, harvesting the magic of a crisp chill in the air, the icy blue of December sky, and 13 reasons to wear matching sweaters! A most enchanting experience immerses you and your loved ones in the charm and cozy togetherness of a holiday extravaganza. Click here for details.

 

Jack London Square – On Saturday, December 7, the annual tree lighting celebration will take place from 5:45 pm to 8 pm on the plaza near Plank. Entertainment will include a laser show, photos with Santa, Frosty, Holiday teddy bear and The Peppermint Princess (bring your own camera), as well as special performances by Oaktown Jazz Workshops' Performance Ensemble and The Lyric Performing Arts Academy. In addition, the 48th Annual Lighted Yacht parade with begin at 5:30 on the Oakland/Alameda estuary. Santa is available to take free selfies with on weekends December 8th through the 22nd across from Plank. Click here for more details.

 

Oakland Zoo – The Oakland Zoo is once again opening its doors after hours for the spectacular illuminating lantern exhibit, Glowfari, now through January 26th, advanced tickets required. This year’s experience features new themes - take a float down Africa's longest river, the Nile to view wading wildlife and ancient Egyptian structures, a trip to the farm to visit barnyard favorites like cows, chicken, and sheep, a hike up the highest peaks to visit animals at the top of the world like ibex and alpaca, and a return to the past to see dinosaurs take over the California trail. Click here for more details and to purchase tickets.

 

Winter Lodge is now open for public skating, classes and private events. Since 1956, Winter Lodge has delighted and entertained people of all ages on our outdoor, recreationally sized rink. Smaller in size and designed for family fun, our skating rink is a destination for healthy, outdoor activity! Click here for more details.

 

Civic Center – The annual Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting event returns December 4th from 4-7pm! Featuring festive holiday performances, food, music, a toy giveaway for children, and Makers Village DIY activities for kids and adults, you won’t want to miss it. The event will begin promptly at 4 p.m. The lighting of Civic Center Plaza’s 50-foot noble fir will take place at 5:30 p.m. Click here for more details.

 

Nob Hill – The Fairmont in Nob Hill, is the place to be for the holiday season! Known for their 2-story, 25 foot tall Gingerbread house which features more than 1,500 pounds of candy, it’s an amazing site to see. The display is now open through the end of the year. Reserve a holiday tea or spend the night in an exclusive Santa suite! Click here for more details.

 

SF Ballet – With performances from December 6ht through the 29th, step into the reverie of little Clara in this unforgettable holiday tale and enter a magical wonderland of toy soldiers, a blizzard of snowflakes, and a kaleidoscope of more than 150 dancers. Battle the Mouse King and of course, dance through the land of the Sugarplum Fairy. They are pleased to announce their first ever Sensory Friendly Performance of San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker on Saturday, December 29th at 11 am. Click here for more details.

 

SF Symphony - Celebrate the holidays with the SF Symphony and stroll through the winter wonderland of a decked out Davies Symphony Hall, filled with giant lit trees, wreaths, and garlands. While you’re here, treat yourself at the lobby bar with festive winter cocktails, such as a gingerbread old-fashioned, limited-time sparkling wine, and special holiday desserts throughout December. Events include a Holiday Cirque show, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Boyz II Men in concert and the movie Elf. Click here for more details.

 

Union Square – The Ice Rink in Union Square is now open through January 20th. While there won't be a tree lighting ceremony this year, the holiday tree will be as visible as ever throughout the holiday season. Snap a photo at one of the oversized shelter animal Instagram-able outposts in the Macy's windows.

 

 

Celebrate the first night of Chanukah at 4:30PM with music, traditional foods, and a Menorah Lighting with dignitaries. Lighting continues nightly through Chanukah. Click here for more details on all of the holiday events at Union Square.

 

Plaza de Cesar - A family oriented Christmas tradition, Christmas in the Park: Drive Through features a mile display of over 200,000 lights with breathtaking displays now through January 1st. Christmas in the Park: Downtown opens November 29th where the two-acre park is transformed into a holiday fantasy with over 40 musical and animated exhibits, glittering lights and a 65-foot illuminated Christmas Tree. Guests enter a winter wonderland of lights, songs and local entertainment while strolling through an enchanted forest of trees decorated by San José schools, community groups, and businesses. Click here for more details about both events!

 

PayPal Park - Presented by Hallmark Channel, Enchant San Jose features a story-themed Christmas Light Maze, ice skating through a dazzling forest, meet Santa, an ice bar for adults, a little elves play place and a village of tiny shops of artisan vendors, specialty crafts, and boutiques. Open now through December 29th. Click here for more details. 

 

San Mateo

CuriOdyssey’s IlluminOdyssey - Electrify your child’s imagination at CuriOdyssey’s IlluminOdyssey, a dazzling winter light experience for kids now through January 26th. Four levels of walls, floors and ceiling come alive with radiant, moving color. Carry a colorful lantern with you as you explore a world of luminescent wonder. Venture through a gleaming jungle of soft sculptures and under an illuminated canopy of fiber optic strands. Watch the mesmerizing motion of a glowing blossom-like sculpture as you control it’s changing appearance. Click here for more details.

 

City Center - Returning for the 2024 holiday season, the Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Rink at City Center is now open through January 5th. Enjoy cozy fire pits during your skate and create an inviting atmosphere for you and your loved ones to savor every moment on the ice. Plus, for the first time, they're offering a Season Pass ticket, so you can enjoy unlimited skating all season long. Themed nights throughout the season include Elf, Elsa, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, K-Pop, Pajama Party, Glow Night, Santa and a special Barbie event with Kristi Yamaguchi! Click here for more details.

 

Bah Humbug! 5k & Fun Run - Presented by the City of San Ramon and Chevron is a great way to start the holiday season off with a healthy fun run or walk through San Ramon. Participants will receive a holiday long-sleeved shirt and the famous Bah Humbug! Ornament. While the main 5k is a chipped run, the kid’s dash is for children ages 4-9 years old and is not officially timed. The course is approximately 1K and will start and end at the main finish line on Alcosta Boulevard, in front of the San Ramon Community Center. Click here for more details.

 

WinterFest brings holiday cheer to California’s Great America as the park is magically transformed into a winter wonderland and holiday festival now through January 5th. Guests can ice-skate in front of the iconic Carousel Columbia, take in the dazzling sights, sip on crafted hot chocolate and marvel at spectacular live shows. With more than 60 rides and holiday attractions, such as sending letters to the North Pole, checking out Santa’s workshop and baking cookies in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, and all the scrumptious holiday fare at numerous dining locations—WinterFest has something for guests of all ages and appetites. Click here for more details.

 

During the holiday season, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will host its Winter Wonderland now through January 5th. Featuring special event days, rides & games, mini-nutcracker performances and fire pit rentals with s'mores. Click here for more details.

 

Walnut Creek On Ice - The 19th annual Walnut Creek On Ice, in the heart of downtown at Civic Park, is excited to welcome back skaters of all ages and abilities to tie on a pair of ice skates and skate now through January 12th. Click here for more details. 

 

Lesher Center For The Arts - Holiday shows include performances of the Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, just to name a few. The Lesher Center is also home to the East Bay's North Pole experience! Join Santa and Mrs. Claus in the North Pole, during this immersive, live theatre experience from December 14th to the 22nd. Watch as the holiday magic brings a smile to your entire family! In this exclusive visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their kitchen and workshop, your group of up to 6 members will enjoy a private meeting and photo opportunity. Click here for more details.

 

Garden of D'lights - Garden of D’Lights is a self-guided holiday light experience at the Ruth Bancroft Garden! See the Garden and plant collection transform into a dazzling waterwise wonderland illuminated with thousands of colorful lights, art installations, and lasers, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere. Open now through January 11th with ticketed entry times of 5:30pm, 6:30pm, & 7:30pm. Click here for more details.

 

Woodside

Holidays at Filoli is the season to make special memories, bask in the vibrant landscape, and spend time together. Step into the magic of the House adorned in holiday cheer and explore the winter Garden, where inspiration glows now through January 12th. During the day, bask in the winter sunlight as it brings out the hues of splendid decor, enchanting Garden displays, and sets the tone for the perfect family photo. In the evening, enter a dazzling world of holiday cheer as immersive displays and historic, natural beauty bring magic to returning favorites and new experiences. Click here for more details. 

 

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As your holiday resource for Bay Area family events, discover the difference in who we are at Arrive Real Estate Group. Our team of passionate, connected and innovative professionals adjust to current market conditions to consistently help our clients sell their homes quicker and achieve higher results than the local market average. Contact us today to learn more about the strategic systems we offer our clients.