San Mateo Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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 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 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...

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...

Join the City of Santa Clara for its beloved Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, a tradition spanning over a century. This festive evening in Central Park features live entertainment, delightful food options, and engaging children's activities. Capture cherished memories with a photo alongside Santa, and enjoy the magical moment of the...

Prepare for a magical holiday season with Christmas in the Park and Blinky's Drive Thru! This beloved event returns to San Jose, transforming Plaza de Cesar Chavez into a festive wonderland with dazzling lights and animated exhibits. Experience the spectacular Blinky's Drive Thru Light Show, a mesmerizing journey through millions...

Immerse yourself in the timeless holiday magic of The Nutcracker, presented by the esteemed Peninsula Ballet Theatre. This classic ballet, set to Tchaikovsky's unforgettable score, tells the enchanting story of Clara and her magical journey with a Nutcracker prince. Prepare to be captivated by stunning choreography, exquisite costumes, and elaborate...

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...

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.

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...

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 uplifting sounds of the 17th Annual South Bay Holiday Gospel Concert, featuring the renowned Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. This multicultural, interfaith ensemble will perform their signature gospel arrangements of beloved holiday classics. For an unforgettable experience, consider joining the South Bay Workshop Choir on stage with the main...

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 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...

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the German Holiday Market in Mountain View. This cherished tradition brings a European Christmas market experience to California, featuring over 100 artisan vendors offering handmade crafts, unique gifts, and traditional German holiday items. Savor delicious seasonal treats and warm beverages while enjoying the...

Experience the magic of Winter Wonderland in Downtown San Jose, a festive celebration running from November 28 to January 4, 2026. This beloved holiday event features a thrilling arcade with rides like a towering Ferris wheel and classic carousel, alongside a bustling Winter Gift Fair showcasing local artisans. Indulge in...

Join the Palo Alto Holiday Toy Drive to bring joy to local youth this season. They are collecting new, unwrapped toys, books, and gift cards to ensure every child experiences the magic of the holidays. Multiple convenient drop-off locations are available across the city, making it easy to contribute.

Experience the winter wonderland at San Mateo On Ice, an expansive outdoor ice rink located in Central Park. Perfect for all ages, they offer public skate sessions, private tent rentals for parties, and exclusive private ice bookings. Enjoy the thrill of skating under the California sun or the stars.

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...

California's Great America transforms into a winter wonderland for WinterFest, offering a magical holiday experience. Guests can enjoy thrilling rides, festive decorations, and the unique Pacific Gliders attraction. The park also features the South Bay Shores waterpark, making it a year-round destination for fun and excitement.

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 magic of the holiday season at the Concord Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting. This festive evening features a dazzling parade down Broadway Plaza Street, culminating in Santa Claus illuminating the Broadway Plaza Christmas Tree. Enjoy music, entertainment, and holiday cheer as you kick off the festive season.

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.