Oakland Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Temple Hill's 'Days of Christmas' event. Visitors can immerse themselves in a peaceful and beautiful Christmas atmosphere, illuminated by stunning light displays. The event features a variety of free, family-friendly performances, including concerts, choir recitals, and ballet, alongside inspiring Nativity tours that...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

Experience the magic of the season at the Downtown Alameda Winter Market. This festive event brings together local vendors, offering unique crafts and seasonal delights. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, festive sips, and delicious bites, creating a joyful atmosphere for all.

Discover a delightful array of handmade crafts and unique holiday gifts at the Oakland Coffee Holiday Market. This event brings together local artisans and vendors, offering a chance to find special treasures while enjoying the festive spirit. It's the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and find one-of-a-kind items for...

Step into a winter wonderland at Fairyland's holiday market! This enchanting event transforms the beloved park into a festive destination, offering a magical experience for families. Discover unique gifts from artisan vendors, enjoy delightful entertainment, and create lasting memories amidst the charming storybook sets. It's a perfect way to embrace...

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, 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...

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...

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...

Join the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir for their spectacular 40th Anniversary Holiday Concert at the historic Paramount Theatre. This unforgettable evening promises to be a joyous celebration of soul-stirring music, community, and the rich traditions of Black gospel and spirituals. Experience the choir's powerful performances and immerse yourself in the...

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...

Prepare to be captivated by a timeless holiday classic as Singleton's Esprit de Corps Dance Company presents Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. This beloved ballet promises a magical journey filled with wonder and festive spirit, perfect for all ages.

The Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir presents their 28th annual holiday concert, 'Yuletide Youth,' featuring the Oakland Interfaith Kids Choir and special guest artists. This festive event promises a heartwarming celebration of the season through powerful gospel music.

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...

The Valley Dance Theatre presents its enchanting rendition of the timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker. This full-length ballet performance, accompanied by a live pit orchestra, brings the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to life with stunning choreography, exquisite costumes, and captivating sets. It's a quintessential holiday tradition...

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Oakland Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl on December 21st! Don your most outrageous holiday knitwear and join a vibrant crowd for a night of festive fun. Explore multiple venues, each offering unique drink specials and a lively atmosphere. This is the ultimate way...

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...

Children's Fairyland transforms into a magical Fairy Winterland, offering a whimsical escape for young families. This enchanting park invites children to step into beloved storybook sets, now adorned with festive decorations and twinkling lights. It's a place where imagination thrives, encouraging creative play and learning in a safe, magical environment.

Join the community at Jack London Square for their annual holiday tree lighting ceremony. This festive event marks the official start of the holiday season, bringing together friends and family to celebrate. Experience the magic as the tree is illuminated, filling the square with a warm, festive glow.

Capture the holiday spirit with free selfies alongside Santa Claus at Jack London Square. This festive event offers a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories during the Christmas season. Enjoy the cheerful ambiance of the square as you meet Santa.

Join the festive atmosphere at the Bay Street Tree Lighting ceremony! The OIGC Youth Program will be performing, adding a special touch to the evening's celebrations. Arrive early to soak in the holiday spirit before the grand tree lighting.

Capture the holiday spirit with a visit to see Santa and Mrs. Claus for free photos at the historic Tower Chapel. This festive event also includes delightful arts and crafts and refreshments, making it a perfect outing for families.

Sausalito Winterfest transforms the waterfront into a holiday wonderland with two days of festive events. Kick off the celebration with the dazzling Lighted Boat Parade and a spectacular fireworks show on Saturday evening. Sunday brings the energetic Jingle Bell 5K Run and a Kids Fun Run, followed by a delightful...

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...

Experience the festive spirit at the 'Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade' and the beloved tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Livermore. This cherished tradition brings the community together with dazzling floats and performances from local groups. Following the parade, join in a heartwarming sing-along before Santa himself helps light up the...