California Events
Alameda, Calif. Christmas Tree Lane
Friday, December 13, 2024
ALAMEDA: Christmas Tree Lane, December 7-31, 2024, an annual favorite holiday tradition for 85 years, is a community gift to the public. Free to see and experience.
ARCATA: Season of Wonder & Light Tree Lighting December 13, 2024, 4-8 p.m. Plaza, G & H from 9th to 9th, 8th and 9th from G to H Street. Call: (707) 822-4500 cityofarcata.org Enjoy Open House Downtown complete with Santa's Arrival and
ALTADENA: Christmas Tree Lane December 7-31, 2024. For 104 years, Altadena's Deodar trees have been lit for public enjoyment at a magical place called Christmas Tree Lane.
ANAHEIM: Disneyland Festival of Holidays November 15, 2024-January 6, 2025. Christmas Fantasy Parade is back along with Haunted Mansion's Nightmare Before Christmas, It's a Small World Christmas-themed ride, festive costumes, towering Christmas trees for photos, great fan merchandise, gifts, and candy and sweets decorated like Mickey Mouse. Location: 1313 S. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA. $Tickets, disneyland.com
ATWATER: Razzari Ice Skating Center November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025 in Old Town Atwater. Seasonal ice skating rink offers affordable holiday fun.
AUBURN: Placer Theatre Ballet Nutcracker December 6-15, 2024. Location: Placer Theatre, 275 Orange Street, Auburn, CA. $20-30, placertheatreballet.org
BRENTWOOD: Brentwood on Ice November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 across from City Hall on 2nd Street celebrates its 8th season in Contra Costa County. $17, brentwoodonice.com
BUENA PARK: Knott's Berry Farm Christmas November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025. Enjoy Christmas Crafts Village, Snoopy's Night Before Christmas Ice Show, Santa's Christmas Cabin photos, Home for the Holidays musical production and seasonal foods, plus all the great rides in one awesome day & night. Location: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA. $60-up, knotts.com
CAMPBELL: JOURNEY with Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus December 13-15, 2024 at Campbell United Methodist Church. The Journey is the reward in this holiday themed concert. Location: 1675 Winchester Blvd., Campbell, CA $35, svgmc.org/tickets
CARLSBAD: Holidays at Legoland California November 23, 2024-January 5, 2025 | Fireworks on December 7, 14, and 21- 30, 2024. Meet Lego characters, see the Lego Christmas Tree made of 360,000 Lego & Duplo bricks, life-size Lego reindeer & Santa, hear the Brass Band, and enjoy the fun. Location: One Legoland Drive Carlsbad, CA $79-94, legoland.com/california
CHICO: Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza November 15, 2024-January 12, 2025 in City Plaza features events like Ugly Sweater, Barbie, Adult Skate and Silent Disco. $5-25, chicorec.gov/chico-ice-rink
CLAREMONT: Living Nativity December 12-15, 2025 with timed entry 5-7:30 p.m. at Granite Creek Community Church. Location: 1580 N Claremont Blvd., Claremont, CA. Free tickets required due to popularity. Go to granitecreek.org/living-nativity/
CORONA DEL MAR: Nights of 1000 Lights December 5-22, 2024, 5-9 p.m. at Sherman Library and Gardens. Light displays, live music, Santa and hot chocolate & s'mores. $50, slgardens.org
CORONADO: Skating by the Sea November 21, 2024-January 5, 2025 at Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. is one of the most scenic seaside ice skating rinks in the U.S. Public invited. $, hoteldel.com
CONCORD: Ice at the Veranda November 9, 2024-February 2025 at The Veranda shopping mall. Come glide on Ice at The Veranda with open-air shopping, dining and entertainment.
COSTA MESA: Winter Fest OC November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 at Orange County Fair & Event Center. Snow, ice tubing, ice skating, rides, fire pits and more. Location: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA. $35-110, winterfestoc.com
COSTA MESA: American Ballet Theatre The Nutcracker December 12-22, 2024 with Pacific Symphony Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. $39-250, scfta.org
ENCINITAS: Lightscape November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025, 5-8:30 p.m. at San Diego Botanic Garden includes over one million lights in artistic installations along a one-mile, easily walkable garden path. $26-35, sdbg.org
FOLSOM: Folsom Zoo Wild Nights, Holiday Lights December 6-22, 2024. Nighttime lights experience illuminates Folsom's beloved Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. Location: $10; $6 optional Starlight Express Train Ride, folsomzoofriends.org
FRESNO: Holiday Sweets & Winter Treats at Kearney Mansion Museum November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays $12, valleyhistory.org
FREMONT: Twilight Time Holiday Open House at the Patterson House December 6-22, 2024, 4:30-8 p.m. Location: Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont, CA 94555 $, fremont.gov
GILROY: North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens theme park November 29-December 30, 2024 includes Ice Skating, Santa's Workshop, Rudy's Roadtrip, Tinsel's Groove Train, Lighting Displays, stage shows and more. $40-50, gilroygardens.org
GRASS VALLEY: Grass Valley Cornish Christmas Fridays November 29-December 20, 2024, 6-9 p.m. in Downtown Grass Valley. Rekindle the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas at this delightful holiday event. downtowngrassvalley.com
HAYFORK: Hayfork Christmas Lights Parade & Tree Lighting December 13, 2024, 6 p.m. Downtown Hayfork Park Hayfork, CA facebook.com/ hayforkchamberofcommerce
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Ballet Repertory Theatre's The Nutcracker December 7-24, 2024 at Golden West College Mainstage Theater. Location: 15751 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach, CA. Box office (714) 895-8150 x1 $30, gwctheater.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH: A Christmas Carol presented by ACTS Drama Group December 6-15, 2024 at Calvary Chapel of the Harbour, 4121 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA Free admission, free beverages & cookies, ccoth.com | carol
INDIO: Coachella Valley Magic of Lights Drive Thru November 19-December 29, 2024, 5:30 p.m. at Empire Polo Club. Holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Location: 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA. $15-40, magicoflights.com
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE: Enchanted Forest of Light November 17, 2024-January 5, 2025 features an after-dark, mile-long walkthrough of holiday lights in Descanso Gardens, a unique Southern California botanic garden that's magical during the day, and mesmerizing at night. $22, descansogardens.org
LAGUNA HILLS: Journey to Bethlehem December 13-15, 2024, 5-8 p.m. Crossline Community Church 23331 Moulton Parkway Laguna Hills, CA $5 donation, ticket required, crosslinechurch.com
LAKE FOREST: Holiday Lights Dec.13-15, 2024, 5-9 p.m. at Heritage Hill. Free to attend with free parking. Inclement weather may cancel the events. Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA. Free, ocparks.com/heritagehill or (949) 923-2230
LONG BEACH: A Victorian Holiday Celebration at the Bembridge House December 13, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m. Location: 953 North Park Circle, Long Beach, CA. $12.51, lbheritage.org | holiday homes
LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles Ballet - The Nutcracker December 13-15, 2024 at Royce Hall, UCLA. Location: 10745 Dickson Court, Los Angeles, CA. $, losangelesballet.org
LOS ANGELES: LA Zoo Lights, Animals Aglow November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025, 6-10 p.m. at Los Angeles Zoo. Special holiday display seen only at night with lit lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, glowing rivers, and a magical Holiday Forest with majestic pine trees and the return of Santa himself. Location: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA, $29-35, lazoo.org
MODESTO: Central West Ballet The Nutcracker December 13-22, 2024 at Gallo Center for the Arts. Location: 1000 I St., Modesto, CA. $27-73, galloarts.org
MONTEREY: Christmas in the Adobes December 13-14, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Step back into Monterey's past and see the adobes by candle light and listen to live Christmas music performed the old-fashioned way. Location: Pacific House, 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA. $32.93, pre-sale at mshpa.org
MOUNTAIN VIEW: Western Ballet's The Nutcracker December 13-15, 2024 at Mountain View Center For The Performing Arts. Location: 500 Castro St., Mountain View, CA. $47, mvcpa.com
OAKLAND: Twas the Night Before Fairy Winterland (21+) An Adults-Only Soulful Celebration Under the Stars December 13, 2024, 6-10 p.m. at Children's Fairyland. Part music, part soul, and all party, concert performers include Mickala Cheadle Josey, REBEL, and Joshua Carter. Food trucks include Mai Garlic Noodles Halal Bites Mediterranean Street Food, The Table Catering, Chef Hits the Streets Hawaiian Poke Bowls and Harris Catering Comfort Food. Beer, wine, and a signature spiked apple cider also sold. Location: 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA. Tickets $30 includes 2 beverages of choice, fairyland.org
PALOS VERDES PENINSULA: Astra Lumina, An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The Stars at South Coast Botanic Garden November 9-December 15, 2024, 5-10 p.m. Celestial, multisensory experience features out-of-this-world light sculptures. $35-65, southcoastbotanicgarden.org
PARADISE: Northern California Ballet Nutcracker December 13-15, 2024 at Paradise Performing Arts Center. Location: 777 Nunneley Road, Paradise, CA. $22, northerncaliforniaballet.com
PERRIS: Southern California Railway Polar Express November 20-December 31, 2024. Family adventure on a magical train ride complete with dancing chefs, caroling, cookies and cocoa, re-creates the classic children’s story. $84.25 general admission, socalrailway.org
PORTERVILLE: Zalud House Old Fashioned Christmas Candlelight Tours December 13 & 14, 2024, 6-8 p.m. Built in 1891, the Zalud House is one of few museums in the nation that is furnished entirely with the original owners' possessions. Location: 393 N. Hockett St., Porterville, CA. $3 no reservation needed, ci.porterville.ca.us
OAKLAND: Temple Hill Days of Christmas November 29-December 31, 2024. A beacon for spectacular holiday lights, Christmas concerts, theatrical performances, nativity and creche presentations on panoramic Temple Hill. Free, templehill.org
OAKLAND: Oakland Zoo Glowfari November 8, 2024-January 6, 2025, 5-9 p.m. The Wildly Illuminating Lantern Festival features wading wildlife along Africa's Nile River, ancient Egyptian structures, dinosaurs, barnyard animals and Avian Odyssey train ride. Advanced ticket purchase required: $26-41 adult, oaklandzoo.org
OAKLAND: Make the Yuletide Gay! with Oakland Gay Men's Chorus December 13, 2024, 7:30 p.m. at Montclair Presbyterian Church. 90-minute concert packed with Christmas classics. Location: 5701 Thornhill Dr., Oakland, CA. $33.85, oaklandgmc.org/tickets
PETALUMA: A Chanticleer Christmas December 13, 2024 7:30-9:30 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul. Location: 35 Liberty Street, Petaluma, CA. $45-91, chanticleer.org
POMONA: Hot Tub & Swim Spa December 13-15, 2024 at Fairplex. Sale Save thousands on the largest selection of Hot Tubs & Swim Spas! Location: 1101 West McKinley Avenue Pomona, CA $ admission, parking, fairplex.com
POMONA: Imaginarium at Fairplex November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025. Over 5 million lights in colorful displays, holiday foods and Cirque performances stir the imagination in this all ages, limited engagement. Location: Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA. $28-up, imaginarium360.com/fairplex/
POWAY: Poway Christmas in the Park December 13-14, 2024, 3:30 - 8:30 p.m. Tree Lighting expected time 5:15 p.m. Old Poway Park 14134 Midland Rd Poway, California (858)668-4576 poway.org
REDDING: Garden of Lights November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 at McConnell Arboretum. Walk on the world-famous Sundial Bridge to the the Arboretum where over one million animated lights are on display select nights. $20-25, reddinggardenoflights.org
RIVERSIDE: Mission Inn Festival of Lights November 23, 2024 - January 6, 2025. The National Historic Landmark dazzles with millions of holiday lights in Christmas displays called one of the best in the U.S. Free, missioninn.com
SACRAMENTO: Theatre of Lights November 27-December 24, 2024 performed from a balcony overlooking the the streets of Old Town. Based on Clement Clarke Moore's classic Christmas poem 'Twas the night before Christmas. Free, oldsacramento.com
SAN DIEGO: A Christmas Carol November 29-December 24, 2024 at Old Town Cygnet Theatre. Location: 4040 Twiggs St. San Diego, CA 92110 $, cygnettheatre.com | carol
SANTA BARBARA: Una Noche de Las Posadas December 13, 2024, 7-9 p.m. Begins at the Chapel at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park and ends at Casa de la Guerra 15 East De la Guerra Street, Santa Barbara. Location: El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, 123 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, CA. FREE sbthp.org
SANTA BARBARA: ZooLights November 13, 2024-January 12, 2025, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Santa Barbara Zoo. Walk through the Zoo to see thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED bulbs, showcasing animal and nature scenes depicting wild places from around the world. Location: 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA. $21-35 sbzoo.org
SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker December 6-29, 2024 at War Memorial Opera House. Helgi Tomasson's Nutcracker with Artistic Director Tamara Rojo and accompaniment by SF Ballet Orchestra. Location: 301 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA $49-395, approx., sfballet.org
SAN FRANCISCO: Union Square Ice Rink November 6, 2024-January 20, 2025. Themed days and special events add to the fun.
SAN JOSE: San Jose Dance Theatre's Nutcracker Ballet December 6-15, 2024 at Center for the Performing Arts. Location: 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA. $39.50-115, sanjosetheaters.org
SAN LUIS OBISPO: Nature Nights November 22-December 28, 2024, 5-8 p.m., at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Stunning lighting exhibitions and art throughout eight acres of gardens, live music each night, local culinary treats, plus regional wine and beer for sale. Location: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA. $28, slobg.org
SAUSALITO: Sausalito Gingerbread House Tour December 8-31, 2024 features nearly 20 unique displays in a walking tour. Free to see, sausalito.org/gingerbread-house-tour
HANFORD: Winter Wonderland Ice Skating November 23, 2024- January 12, 2025 at Civic Park, Downtown Hanford. Make it a date with the family and friends for fun holiday ice skating. $, hanfordwinterwonderland.com
IRVINE: Irvine Spectrum Holiday Ice Rink November 1, 2024-January 5, 2025 next to the Giant Wheel. Skating, shopping and dining all in one place! Location: 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA. $25, irvinespectrumcenter.com
LOS ANGELES: Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink November 21, 2024-January 12, 2025. Sharpen your blades and skills or just go to chill with themed events and great music. $25, holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
OXNARD: Oxnard Christmas Tree Lane December 8-26, 2024, 6-10 p.m. in historic district features elegant and festive home lighting displays.
SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Ballet's The Nutcracker December 13-22, 2024 Memorial Auditorium, 1515 J Street Sacramento, CA Tickets: $35-109, sacballet.org
SACRAMENTO: Imaginarium November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 at Cal Expo. Some exciting, new twists at the largest holiday light show in Northern California! Location: 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA. $25-up, imaginarium360.com
SAN DIEGO: SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025, 10 a.m. daily, including Christmas and New Year's Day! . Rudolph's Christmas Town with the Red-Nosed Reindeer, music-activated Tunnel of Lights, The Christmas Shoppe, Donner & Blitzen's Laser Light Show and optional Christmas Nights at a low price! Location: 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, CA. $Tickets, seaworld.com
SAN DIEGO: Jungle Bells Aurora at San Diego Zoo December 12, 2024-January 4, 2025 includes light shows, reindeer games, brass band music, jugglers & acrobats, and forest pathways through holiday, lighted trees to visit polar bears, arctic foxes and reindeer. $74 ticket, approx. sandiegozoo.org
SAN DIEGO: Golden State Ballet's The Nutcracker December 13-22, 2024 with live music performed by San Diego Symphony at San Diego Civic Theatre. Location: 1100 3rd Avenue, San Diego, CA. $35-129, goldenstateballet.org
SAN FRANCISCO: Stapleton School of the Performing Arts Nutcracker December 13-15, 2024, 1 & 5 p.m. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre 3301 Lyon Street San Francisco, CA $23.18-71.21, stapletonschool.org
SAN JOSE: Christmas in the Park November 29, 2024-January 1, 2025, 12-10 p.m. daily. The two-acre park features a holiday fantasy with over 40 musical and animated exhibits, glimmering lights and a 65-foot illuminated Christmas Tree. This free attraction for the child in all of us is a holiday tradition beloved by all. Location: Plaza De Cesar Chavez, 194 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Free, christmasinthepark.com
SAN JOSE: Holiday Lights Drive Thru November 21, 2024-January 1, 2025, 5-11 p.m. in History Park San Jose. More than one mile of magical scenes and displays synced to favorite holiday tunes. $25-31, approx., christmasinthepark.com
SAN JOSE: Downtown Ice November 15, 2024-January 20, 2025 in Circle of Palms Plaza on Market Street. $21, sjdowntownice.com
SAN MATEO: IlluminOdyssey November 16, 2024-January 26, 2025 at CuriOdyssey, a zoo and learning center containing native, non-releasable animals such as river otter, bobcat, gray fox and more. Location: 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA. $, curiodyssey.org
SAN MATEO: San Mateo on Ice November 15, 2024-January 12, 2025 in Central Park. Largest outdoor ice rink in the Bay Area features 11,000 square feet of REAL ice to skate on in sunny San Mateo - nice! $21 approx., onicerinks.com
SAN RAMON: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink November 8, 2024-January 5, 2025 at City Center Bishop Ranch. Many special events include Elsa, Santa Claus, Barbie and Kristi's skating clinic. $26, citycenterbishopranch.com
SANTA CLARA: Great America WinterFest November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025. Ice Skate in front of the iconic Carousel Columbia and marvel at spectacular live shows. More than 60 rides and holiday attractions. Location: 237 W to Great America Parkway. $ tickets
SANTA CLARA: Bethlehem December 12-16, 2024, 6:30-9 p.m. at Santa Clara First Baptist Church. Location: 3111 Benton Street, Santa Clara, CA. Free, scfbc.org/bethlehem/
SANTA MARIA: Christmas in the Country Elks Drive-thru Holiday Lights Experience November 29-December 24, 2024 at Elks Unocal Event Center. Timed entry starts at 6 p.m. Pick available day and time online. Location: 2325 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA. $40 per car, elksrec.com
SANTA MONICA: ICE November 8, 2024-January 20, 2025 at 5th & Arizona. DJs spin tunes on Wed., Classical Music Sunday sessions. $22 includes skate rental for hour session, iceatsantamonica.com
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE: Heavenly Village Ice Rink November 1, 2024-March 31, 2025
TEMECULA: Mark Erickson's Nutcracker December 13-23, 2024 at Old Town Temecula Community Theater. Location: 42051 Main Street Temecula, CA 92590. $39-47, tickets.temeculatheater.org
TORRANCE: San Pedro City Ballet Nutcracker December 13-14, 2024 at James Armstrong Theatre. Location: 478 W. 6th Street, Torrance, CA. $45, sanpedrocityballet.org
VACAVILLE: The Nutcracker Ballet by Vacaville Ballet Company December 12-15, 2024 at Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre. Location: 1010 Ulatis Drive Vacaville, CA $25, vpat.net
VACAVILLE: Live Nativity December 13-15, 2024, 6 & 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church.Two shows each night - 6 & 7:30 p.m. Full 45 to 50 minutes presentation using choirs, music, actors, lights, sound, and animals. Location: 401 W. Monte Vista Ave. Vacaville, CA. Free, tbcvacaville.com
VENTURA: Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks December 13-14, 2024, 6:30-9 p.m. Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks Friday & Saturday 1-5 p.m. Parade Starts at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at 8 p.m. Ventura Harbor Village Ventura, California venturaharborvillage.com
VISTA: Jingle Terrace Live December 6-21, 2024, 5:30-9 p.m. at Brengle Terrace Park Moonlight Amphitheatre. Location: 1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA. Free, moonlightstage.com
VISTA: Holiday Lights December 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21, 2024, 5-9 p.m. at Agsem (Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum.) Location: 2040 N Santa Fe Ave. Vista, CA. $10 presale, more at gate, agsem.org
UKIAH: Ukiah on Ice December 2, 2024-January 12, 2025 next to Alex R. Thomas Plaza on School Street. Seasonal holiday ice rink open daily for holiday fun! Location: 310 S. State St., Ukiah, CA. $12, cityofukiah.com/ukiahonice
UNIVERSAL CITY: Universal Studios Hollywood Christmas November 29, 2024-January 6, 2025 showcases the holiday makeover of three major attractions: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas with costumes, colors and decor. The thrills remain true to form! $95-up, tickets
VALENCIA: Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park, November 28, 2024-January 5, 2025, 5 p.m. rocks each night with 2 million lights in 7 themed areas featuring dance, music & light shows, cocktail bars, holiday sweets, s'more fire pits & Santa Claus. Location: 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA. $49-75, sixflags.com/magicmountain
WALNUT CREEK: Walnut Creek on Ice November 22, 2024-January 12, 2025. Skate 90 minutes for $20, ice skate rental included or $20 Ice Slide. Location: Civic Park, Walnut Creek, CA. walnutcreekonice.com
WATSONVILLE: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Drive Through November 29-December 24, 2024, 5:30-9 p.m. at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Location: 2601 East Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 $20-25 per car, fairgrounds-foundation.org/ holiday-lights
WOODSIDE: Holidays at Filoli November 16, 2024-January 12, 2025. Georgian revival-style mansion with 16 acres of exquisite English Renaissance gardens at an historic 654-acre estate (as seen in Falcon Crest show) is all decked out with 20 miles of Holiday lights, food delights, Santa visits and add-on experiences like firepit nights. $41-45, filoli.org
FELTON: Holiday Lights Train, Roaring Camp Railroads
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.