Walnut Creek Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Discover the enchanting Garden of D'Lights, a self-guided holiday light experience at The Ruth Bancroft Garden. Wander through three acres of illuminated cacti, succulents, and unique plants, transformed into a dazzling waterwise wonderland with thousands of colorful lights, art installations, and lasers. This magical event offers a unique and awe-inspiring...

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 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...

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 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...

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...

Discover the Tunnels of Joy, a beloved holiday tradition where a Brentwood neighborhood transforms into a magical wonderland of lights. Visitors are encouraged to park and stroll through the streets, immersing themselves in the festive spirit and admiring the dazzling home decorations. This event also serves as an annual fundraiser...

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...

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...

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 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...

Experience a memorable holiday tradition with the Lights of Livermore tour. Begin with a wine tasting at Concannon Vineyards, then board a festive trolley adorned with holiday lights. Enjoy an hour-long tour of Livermore's most dazzling displays, complete with holiday music and carols, and a special stop at the enchanting...

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.

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...

Discover the vibrant Bedford Gallery Craft Fest, a beloved annual event showcasing the best of Bay Area artistry. This bustling marketplace features over 100 independent makers offering unique handmade jewelry, ceramics, artisanal foods, clothing, and more. It's the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts and kickstart your holiday shopping in...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Broadway Plaza's Holiday HQ. Capture unforgettable photos with Santa, including special Pet Nights. Discover unique gifts and artisanal crafts at the Makers Market, and witness the spectacular Holiday Parade of Lights and tree lighting ceremony. A festive destination for all your holiday...

Discover unique, handcrafted treasures at the annual Handcrafted Holiday Sale in Walnut Creek. Over 60 local artists showcase ceramics, paintings, jewelry, and more, offering thoughtful gifts for everyone. A special Kids Shopping Area provides a fun, independent shopping experience for children, with proceeds benefiting arts scholarships.

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 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...

Step into a magical 1950s San Francisco at the Fairmont Hotel for Diablo Ballet's enchanting production of The Nutcracker Suite. This delightful adaptation by Julia Adam features Tchaikovsky's beloved score and brings to life the classic tale of Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Mouse King with new dances...

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...

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 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 New Year's Eve 2026 with a spectacular party atop ROOFTOP in Walnut Creek. The festivities kick off at 10 PM with a DJ spinning the hottest hits. Enjoy a special drink menu, complimentary party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. Dance the night away and welcome the new...

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...

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 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.

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a special visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the historic Shadelands Ranch. This festive event offers a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories. Bring your camera to capture precious moments during this delightful meet and greet.

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...

Get ready for the 43rd Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in Brentwood! This festive event kicks off the holiday season with a dazzling parade featuring illuminated floats and community groups. Following the parade, join the City of Brentwood for their cherished annual tree lighting ceremony, bringing a magical glow...

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...

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...

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...