Berkeley Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Fourth Street's Dazzling Holiday Lights event. Stroll through three blocks of sparkling lights, enjoy complimentary hot beverages and cookies, and be entertained by live music and captivating magic shows. Encounter whimsical costumed characters and participate in a fun art project, marking the...

Step into a magical holiday wonderland at the Solano Christmas Village. This festive event features a spectacular Christmas Lantern Parade, bringing a dazzling display of light and color to the community. The opening and lighting ceremony officially kicks off the season, transforming the village into a breathtaking spectacle of holiday...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, San Francisco's premier outdoor skating destination. Glide under the stars surrounded by festive lights and iconic city views. This beloved tradition offers hour-long sessions daily, with special events like Drag on Ice and Silent...

Get ready for the enchanting Winter Wonderland Lighting Ceremony, a beloved event that officially kicks off the holiday season. This magical occasion transforms the area into a festive spectacle, perfect for families and individuals looking to embrace the spirit of the holidays. Prepare for a dazzling display that will fill...

Let's Glow SF returns to downtown San Francisco as the nation's largest holiday projection event. This free festival transforms 8 locations with large-scale animated light installations by 16 international artists. Experience nightly shows from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, including a special 'Glow on Front' Neon Block Party. The event...

Step into a world of enchantment at Oakland Zoo's Glowfari, a spectacular lantern festival. This family-friendly event features hundreds of new, larger-than-life animal lanterns that illuminate the zoo with stories of wildlife and conservation. Explore themed zones, including a captivating reptile train ride, vibrant underwater reefs, and majestic African savanna...

Experience the enchantment of Downtown San Leandro's 28th Annual 'It's a Wonderful Night' holiday celebration. This beloved family-friendly event features a magical tree lighting ceremony, delightful holiday performances, opportunities to meet Santa Claus, and charming holiday train rides. Explore a festive market filled with unique gifts and seasonal treats, all...

Join the City of Pleasant Hill for their annual 'Light Up the Night' winter holiday festival. This cherished event transforms Crescent Drive into a festive wonderland with crafts, activities, and delightful treats. The highlight is the magical Christmas tree lighting ceremony, followed by cherished visits with Santa Claus.

Experience a magical winter evening at the California Academy of Sciences' Welcome Winter Night. This family-friendly event features live reindeer, festive cookie decorating, enchanting magic shows, and late-night access to the museum's captivating exhibits. It's the perfect opportunity to create cherished holiday memories.

Step into a world of enchantment at Lightscape, an immersive light and music experience transforming the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Wander a mile-long trail illuminated by over a million twinkling lights, showcasing dramatic colors, otherworldly sculptures, and captivating water features. It's a magical winter landscape perfect for creating lasting memories...

Step into a winter wonderland at The Lights at Northgate Mall, Marin's captivating indoor holiday light walk-through. This enchanting experience transforms the mall into a festive spectacle, perfect for creating cherished holiday memories.

Step into a winter wonderland at the 15th Annual San Carlos Night of Holiday Lights! This free community event transforms downtown San Carlos into a festive spectacle with dazzling lights, enchanting music, and a touch of magical snowfall. Enjoy family fun, kids' activities, caroling, arts and crafts, and delicious holiday...

Embark on an enchanting holiday journey aboard the Niles Canyon Railway's Train of Lights. This beloved annual tradition offers a magical 1.5-hour round trip through Niles Canyon, adorned with festive lights and decorations. Experience the thrill of a nighttime train ride, complete with music and refreshments, making it a perfect...

Embark on a magical holiday adventure with Santa Claus aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train's Santa Train Jolly Journeys. This festive excursion through Napa Valley offers a delightful experience for all ages, complete with caroling, hot cider, and a special visit from Santa himself. Choose from four unique journeys, each...

Experience the magic of the Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair, a vibrant celebration of local artistry and community spirit. Browse a curated selection of 100% handmade crafts and art directly from talented local artisans. Enjoy the lively sounds of live music and be inspired by live art demonstrations, all set...

Experience the festive spirit of Winter on Solano Avenue, a vibrant community event spanning Albany and Berkeley. This celebration features a dedicated Kids Fun Zone with balloon art and face painting, a charming Solcar Choo Choo Train, and captivating performances by The Big Bubble People. Visitors can also meet Santa...

Discover unique holiday treasures and festive cheer at the Mission Bay Christmas Market. This event offers a delightful opportunity to find handcrafted gifts, seasonal decorations, and artisanal goods from local vendors. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with a charming market atmosphere.

Experience a cherished San Francisco holiday tradition at The Guardsmen Tree Lot. Since 1947, this all-volunteer organization has offered a wide selection of fresh-cut Noble Fir Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands, with all proceeds benefiting at-risk youth in the Bay Area. It's a festive way to kick off the holiday...

Discover a festive shopping experience at the Super Holiday Boutique, featuring a curated selection of handmade crafts and unique holiday gifts from local artisans. Explore a vibrant collection of seasonal decorations and find one-of-a-kind presents perfect for the holiday season. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to support local creators...

Discover a cherished holiday tradition at the Shadelands Ranch Holiday Faire. For over two weeks, the historic ranch house is transformed into a festive marketplace, brimming with unique handcrafted items and gifts from dozens of talented vendors. It's the perfect place to find special treasures and soak in the holiday...

Discover unique, handcrafted treasures at the Holiday Gift & Craft Fair. This vibrant event showcases around 70 local artists and makers, offering a diverse selection of one-of-a-kind gifts. Browse beautiful jewelry, cozy knitted goods, festive holiday decorations, and custom creations. It's the perfect opportunity to get a head start on...

Discover unique holiday treasures at the Novato Holiday Crafts Faire. This festive event features over 50 artisans showcasing handmade crafts like jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, and ornaments. Enjoy live entertainment and delicious food while finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Admission is free, making it an accessible...

Discover unique, handcrafted holiday gifts from local artisans at Domenico Winery's Annual Holiday Boutique + Craft Fair. Sip on delicious wines and enjoy festive bites while you shop for presents that can't be found on Amazon. The event also features a full-service restaurant and a special donation to The Samaritan...

Celebrate six decades of dance with Graham Lustig's enchanting production of The Nutcracker. This beloved holiday classic features stunning choreography, magnificent sets, and imaginative costumes, all brought to life by the Oakland Symphony and the Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir performing Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Follow Marie's adventure as she rescues...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with 'A Chanticleer Christmas,' a beloved tradition. This acclaimed vocal ensemble, known as an 'Orchestra of Voices,' will fill the air with centuries of music, from hushed reverence to joyous celebration. Performed by candlelight, their harmonies illuminate the spirit of Christmas, offering a...

Experience the magic of The Nutcracker, celebrating its 37th year! Join Clara on a whimsical journey through a land of giant mice and toy soldiers, culminating in the delightful Candy Kingdom. This festive production features colorful costumes, enchanting sets, and the talents of young dancers, offering an elegant and captivating...

Step into a world of enchantment with San Francisco Ballet's historic Nutcracker. Transport yourself to 1915 San Francisco and witness a timeless story unfold through breathtaking dance. Experience the magic of snowflakes, flowers, and dreams coming to life in this iconic holiday tradition.

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with the San Francisco Symphony's festive concert series. They offer a magical blend of live orchestral performances, beloved holiday films accompanied by a symphony, and special guest artists. From 'A Merry-Achi Christmas' to 'Disney's Frozen in Concert,' there's a performance to delight every member...

Celebrate Chanukah with the Novato community at a vibrant party filled with warmth and joy. This free event features a delicious dinner of Chinese food and Kosher fortune cookies, alongside engaging dreidel games and festive singing. Experience a traditional Menorah lighting and enjoy sweet treats like donuts and latkes. It's...

Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable culinary journey aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train's 'Midnight In Paris: A Legacy NYE Celebration.' This six-hour excursion pays homage to Napa's history with a special wine selection and a three-course gourmet meal served on vintage 1915 Pullman cars. The celebration culminates...

Experience the joy of the holiday season at Santa on Solano, a beloved local tradition since 2007. This event offers a unique and FREE opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus. Bring your own camera to capture precious moments with Saint Nicholas. Santa is also pet-friendly, so your furry friends...

Walnut Creek on Ice returns for its 20th anniversary, transforming Civic Park into a festive winter wonderland. This beloved community tradition offers a massive outdoor ice rink, a thrilling ice slide, and cozy fire pit rentals. It's the perfect destination for holiday fun, drawing visitors for skating, celebrations, and more.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the City of Concord's Annual Tree Lighting & Mayor's Sing-Along. This cherished event brings the community together to celebrate the start of the festive period with carols and the ceremonial lighting of the city's Christmas tree. Join the Mayor for a heartwarming...

Experience the magic of the holiday season in Downtown San Rafael with a festive array of events. They host a traditional Tree Lighting ceremony and a meaningful Menorah Lighting with a Gelt Drop. Engage in the fun of the annual Elf Hunt, admire creative holiday window displays, and find unique...

Experience the magic of the holidays at the Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. This beloved annual event brings the community together for an evening of festive cheer, featuring a vibrant parade with floats and marching bands, followed by a heartwarming tree lighting ceremony led by local officials...