Sunday, December 8, 2024

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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.

ANAHEIM: Anaheim Tree Lighting Festival December 8, 2024 p.m. | 6 p.m. Tree Lighting Anaheim City Hall 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA downtownanaheim.com

ANTIOCH: Black Diamond Ballet's The Nutcracker December 6-15, 2024 at El Campanil Theater. Location: 602 W. 2nd St. Antioch, CA $23-41, elcampaniltheatre.com

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

BAKERSFIELD: CALM Zoo Holiday Lights November 30, 2024-January 4, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Stroll through millions of lights in holiday-themed lands featuring over 200 displays. $18, calmholidaylights.org

BALBOA ISLAND: The 26th Annual Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tour 8 tastefully decorated island homes and cottages at your leisure and all are sure to spark holiday cheer! $40, balboaislandnb.org | holiday homes

BENICIA: Benicia Lighted Boat Parade December 8, 2024, 6 p.m. Benicia Marina Benicia CA beniciayachtclub.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: Holidays at the Ainsley House November 14-December 22, 2024, Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. View and tour the home decorated with enchanting holiday Tickets $12 campbellmuseums.com

CALISTOGA: Old Mill Holidays December 8, 2024, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park.  Volunteers dressed in 1850s-style costumes sing carols, serve hot apple cider and cookies, and teach traditional holiday crafts such as Christmas tree decorations of cranberries and popcorn and cut paper snowflake ornaments. Write a letter to Santa with a quill pen and seal it with wax. Form rosemary wreaths or fir garlands to decorate their homes. Design clove and citrus pomanders. Decorate gingerbread men. Split firewood and learn about old wood working tools. Take a tour of the historic Bale Grist Mill as the water powered wheel mills flour. Location: Bale Grist Mill 3369 St Helena Hwy No Calistoga, 94574 $5; children under six are free, napavalleystateparks.org

CANOGA PARK: cicLAvia Open Streets - The Valley: Canoga Park, Winnetka, Reseda, December 8, 2024, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Experience 5 Miles along Sherman Way in the West San Fernando Valley car free! Walking, jogging, biking, roller skating, skating, or simply spectating are all welcomed. Free, ciclavia.org/ ciclavia_the_valley_24

CAYUCOS: Cayucos Holiday Tree Lighting December 8, 2024, 5 p.m. Corner of D St. & Ocean Ave. Cayucos, CA cayucoschamber.com

CERRITOS: Holiday Celebration, December 8, 2024, 12-2 p.m. at Cerritos Towne Center. Take-home photos with Santa, kids' crafts and games, face painters and balloon twisters. Location: 12731 Towne Center Dr., Cerritos, CA. Free and open to the public, cerritostc.com

CHICO: Stansbury Home Victorian Christmas December 6-8, 2024, 307 W 5th St. Chico, CA 95928 $6, facebook.com/stansburyhome

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: Inland Pacific Ballet The Nutcracker December 7-8, 2024 at Claremont Bridges Auditorium. Location: Pomona College, 450 N. College Way, Claremont, CA. $67-95, pomona.edu

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

CORONA DEL MAR: Christmas Walk December 8, 2024, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Coast Highway Corona del Mar, CA Free, cdmchamber.com

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

DANA POINT: Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights December 13-15, 2024. Holiday Lights Cruise December 6-7, 20-21, 2024; Boat Ride with Santa December 7-8, 2024, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: Dana Point Harbor by the Water's Edge 34555 Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA danapointharbor.com

DANA POINT: Surfing Santa Competition December 8, 2024 at Salt Creek Beach. A fun surf competition where men, women and children dress like Santa or other holiday inspired characters and surf Salt Creek to benefit Surfers Healing. Location: 33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. Dana Point, CA.  $30-60, surfingsantacontest.org  

DUARTE: Snow Nite 5-8 p.m. at Beardslee Park. Experience 40 tons of snow, tasty eats, carnival rides, holiday boutique and photos with Santa. Location: 2000 Buena Vista Street, Duarte, CA. Free admission, accessduarte.com

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. $26-34 general admission, sdbg.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

FELTON: Holiday Lights Train November 29-December 23, 2024. Evening ride on a beautifully lit vintage train which begins in the Santa Cruz mountains at Roaring Camp Railroads. $tickets, roaringcamp.com

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

FOLSOM: Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair December 8, 2024, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on four blocks of Historic Sutter Street and the public plaza by landmark train turntable ice rink. Parking:  Sutter Street Parking Garage 905 Leidesdorff St, Folsom, CA. Free admission, historicfolsom.org

FOUNTAIN VALLEY: The Christmas Creche December 6-8, 2024, 6-9 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Living Nativity, local school choirs and bands performing holiday concerts, free donuts and a room of Christmas creches to admire. Location: 17500 Talbert Ave., Fountain Valley, CA. Free, thecrecheoc.com

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

FRESNO: Holiday Sweets & Winter Treats at Kearney Mansion Museum November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays $12, valleyhistory.org

FRESNO: IllumiNature November 26, 2024-January 31, 2025 at Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a special holiday event featuring lighted lantern displays that entertain and amaze! $, fresnochaffeezoo.org

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

GRANADA HILLS: Favorite Holiday Songs Granada Hills Holiday Parade December 8, 2024, 1:30 p.m. Over 100 parade entries along the two-mile route make this one of California's biggest Christmas parades. Free. granadahillsholidayparade.org

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

HERMOSA BEACH: Hermosa Beach Sandpipers Holiday Homes Tour December 6-8, 2024, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Fri.&Sat.; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sun. $40, sandpipers.org | holiday homes

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

HUNTINGTON BEACH: Huntington Beach Light of Love Parade & Pier Lighting December 8, 2024, 4-7 p.m. Parade route: Main at Orange Street, and ending at Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. waymakersoc.org

HUNTINGTON BEACH: Ballet E'tudes The Nutcracker December 7-15, 2024 at Huntington Beach High School Auditorium. Location: 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets: $, balletetudes.com

INDIO: Tamale Festival December 7-8, 2024. Billed as world's largest tamale fest, enjoy eating tons of tamales as well as listening to bands, seeing a car show and entering contests such as Tamale Eating Contest and Best Tamale Recipe.

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

IRVINE: Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker   December 7-24, 2024 at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Location: 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA. $50-120 approx. thebarclay.org

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

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

LAKE FOREST: Heritage Hill Candlelight Walk December 6-8, 2024, 5-9 p.m. at Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA.Event & parking are free! ocparks.com/heritagehill

LA JOLLA: La Jolla Holiday Parade & Festival December 8, 2024, 1:30 p.m. Palm Trees & Poinsettias ~ A California Christmas is 2024 theme. Parade route: Girard Avenue from Kline to Prospect. Left on Prospect to Silverado. Ends in front of Contemporary Museum of Art San Diego.  Free, ljparade.com

LA QUINTA: Ironman 70.3 December 8, 2024, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at Lake Cahuilla.Course covers Indian Wells - La Quinta. Race starts at Lake Cahuilla, going through neighborhoods in La Quinta, until finishing up at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Location: 58075 Jefferson Street, La Quinta, CA. laquintaca.gov

LOMITA: San Pedro City Ballet Nutcracker December 7-8, 2024 at Alexander Fleming Middle School Location: 25425 Walnut Street, Lomita, CA. $49.87, sanpedrocityballet.org

LOS GATOS: Fantasy Lights Walk Through December 7-8, 2024. Extremely popular drive-through holiday display at Vasona Lake Park sells quickly. $17 general, parks.sccgov.org

LOWER LAKE: Hometown HoliDaze Street Fair December 8, 2024, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Main Street, downtown. Family-filled fun! Children's Scavenger Hunt with prizes for all participants, Bounce House, Face Painting, Christmas Art Project, Santa will be on hand! Vendors, Merchants and Food. facebook.com /llcag

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

LOS ANGELES: Grier House Victorian Christmas House Tour December 8, 2024, 1-4 p.m. Tours at 1 & 2:30 p.m. A tour of a historic Victorian house of 1898, includes refreshments. $15 RSVP: (213) 413-1814 Location: 403 South Bonnie Brae Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057 griermussermuseum.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

MANHATTAN BEACH: Fireworks over the Manhattan Beach Pier December 8, 2024 100 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach, California 90266 Free, mbfireworks.com

MONROVIA: Winter Carriage Rides Sundays, December 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2024, 3-6 p.m. in Library Park.  for Winter Carriage Rides in Old Town. Ride on a horse drawn carriage as you take in the holiday charm of Old Town. Rides are on a first come, first serve basis, $5 per rider, check in at Library Park. monroviaca.gov

MONTEREY: Monterey Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade Sunday, December 8, 2024, 5:30-7 p.m. Old Fisherman's Wharf 1 Fisherman's Wharf Monterey, California 93940 mpyc.org Lighted Boat Parade. Local boats of all sizes, decorated with

MONTEREY: Tree of Life Lighting Ceremony December 8, 2024, 5-6:30 p.m. Portola Plaza 2 Portola Plaza Monterey, CA hospicegiving.org/treeoflife/

MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay November 22-December 31, 2024 at Custom House Plaza. $20 includes skate rental, iceskatingbythebay.com

NOVATO: Marin Ballet Nutcracker December 7-8, 2024, 1 & 5 p.m. Novato High School - Marin School of the Arts Theater 625 Arthur Street Novato, CA $32.49-55.59, marinballet.org

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

ORANGE: Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony with Candlelight Choir Procession December 8, 2024, 3:30-7 p.m. Program begins at 5:15 p.m. Plaza Park Chapman & Glassell St. Orange, CA cityoforange.org

OXNARD: Oxnard Christmas Tree Lane December 8-26, 2024, 6-10 p.m. in historic district features elegant and festive home lighting displays.

OXNARD: Ventura County Ballet Company Nutcracker December 7-8, 2024 Oxnard Performing Arts Center 800 Hobson Way Oxnard, CA $20-50, venturacountyballet.com | theopac.org

PALM SPRINGS: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Tree Lighting with American Idol's Local Abi Chapman December 8, 2024, 5:30 p.m. Location: Palm Springs 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA. $, pstramway.com

PASADENA: Los Angeles Ballet - The Nutcracker  December 6-8, 2024 at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, CA. $,  losangelesballet.org 

PASADENA: 57th Annual Look In Holiday Home Tour December 7-8, 2024, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. See 4 elegant homes decorated for the holidays. $48,pasadenaholidaylookin.org | holiday homes

PASADENA: Holiday Tour at Castle Green, December 8, 2024, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 125-year-old Castle Green is open to the public one of only two times each year. Visit private condominiums, the Penthouse, and the iconic Bridge, as well as the ground floor that's decked in holiday finery. Built in 1898. Location: 99 S. Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA $65.87, castlegreen.com | holiday homes

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

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

PLACERVILLE: Hangtown Christmas Parade, December 8, 2024, 1-3 p.m. free in Downtown Placerville Main St. hangtownchristmasparade.com

POMONA: Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show December 6-8, 2024 at Fairplex. Live entertainment, strolling entertainers, crafting demonstrations, contests, and a Kidzone. Location: 1101 West McKinley Avenue Pomona, CA $5 admission, $18 parking, harvestfestival.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/

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

REDLANDS: YMCA 56th annual Holiday Home Tour, December 8, 2024, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Event features 6 homes. $40, or $100 patron ticket which includes champagne brunch ymcaeastvalley.org | holiday homes

REDWOOD CITY: Academy of American Ballet Nutcracker December 7-8, 2024 at Canada College Theater. Location: 4200 Farm Hill Blvd. Redwood City, CA Cost: $20-52.54, americanballet.com

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

ROSSMOOR: Holiday Home Tour, December 8, 2024, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Five beautifully decorated homes. $25, rossmoorwomansclub.com | holiday homes

ROSEVILLE: Tree Grove on the Square  December 4-13, 2024. Vernon Town Square Roseville, CA Free, roseville.ca.us

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

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

SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Sacred Heart 50th annual Holiday Home Tour December 6-8, 2024. Visit five magnificent, holiday-decorated homes in Sacramento's Fabulous Forties neighborhood. $40, $35 senior, sacredhearthometour.com | holiday homes

SAN BERNARDINO: Inland Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker December 6-8, 2024 at California Theatre of the Performing Arts. Location: 562 W. 4th St., San Bernardino, CA. Tickets: $20-50 approx., Call (909) 885-8263 californiatheatre.net 

SAN DIEGO: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights December 8 & 15, 2024, 5-8:30 p.m. Peace on Earth is the 2024 theme of the 54th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights .Cost: Free to watch. sdparadeoflights.org

SAN DIEGO: So-No Fest & Chili Cook-off December 8, 2024, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Chili Sampling, Craft Beer Food Trucks, Music and more. 32nd & Thorn St., San Diego, CA sonofestchilicookoff.com

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: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair November 23-December 22, 2024, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Cow Palace. Eat, drink and be merry at this huge Victorian party with characters you'll remember from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Guests are encouraged to come in costume. $33-up, dickensfair.com

SAN GABRIEL: Pasadena Dance Theatre The Nutcracker December 7-8, 2024 at San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. Location: 320 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA. $25-75, missionplayhouse.0rg

SANGER: Trek to General Grant, Nation's Christmas Tree December 8, 2024, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Ceremony 2:30 p.m. at Kings Canyon National Park. Round-trip bus ride and brunch from Sanger to witness historic tree and wreath laying ceremony. $150 ticket includes bus ride, custom brunch, alcoholic beverages and more but act fast, space is limited, sanger.org

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: Capistrano Lights December 7-29, 2024 at Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. All-ages, family event includes nightly musical tree lighting and decorative light displays. Admission allows you to spend the day starting at 9 a.m. and stay for the holiday programming starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m. Location: 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA. $20, missionsjc.com

SANTA CLARA: Santa Clara Historic Home Tour December 6-8, 2024 tour features many historic homes, all decorated for the holidays.This year Santa Clara Railroad Depot/Car open. The Control Tower on Saturday for tours only. The Harris-Lass Museum open house from 12 noon - 2pm Sunday. $30, sc-hometour.com | holiday homes

SAN FRANCISCO: Union Square Ice Rink November 6, 2024-January 20, 2025. Themed days and special events add to the fun.

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker December 6-29, 2024, at War Memorial Opera House. Location: 301 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA $20-up, sfballet.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

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

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: 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 JOSE: Downtown Ice November 15, 2024-January 20, 2025 in Circle of Palms Plaza on Market Street. $21, sjdowntownice.com

SALINAS: Streets of Bethlehem December 5-8, 2024, 6-8 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Salinas 1130 San Vincente Avenue Salinas, CA 93901 Free admission, streetsofbethlehem.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: Peninsula Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker Sweet December 7-8, 2024, 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30 p.m. Nutcracker Sweet (abridged version of The Nutcracker ideal for ages 3-6 years & families) Peninsula Lively Arts 1880 S. Grant St. San Mateo ​, CA Prices $35-45, peninsulaballet.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 BARBARA: Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland December 8, 2024, 5:30 p.m. Yuletide Pirates is 2024 theme. Route: from Ledbetter Beach down the coast to the Cabrillo Arts Pavilion, then back along the coast to Stearns Wharf. santabarbaraca.gov Event admission is free!

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

SANTA MONICA: Westside Ballet's The Nutcracker November 30-December 8, 2024,  with live orchestration at The Broad Stage. Location: Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, CA. $66.50, westsideballet.com

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE: Heavenly Village Ice Rink November 1, 2024-March 31, 2025

SAN FRANCISCO: Golden Girls Christmas Episodes December 5-22, 2024 at The Victoria Theatre 2961 16th Street San Francisco, California 94103 $, thegoldengirlslive.com

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

SANTA ROSA: Handmade Holiday Craft Fair December 7-8, 2024, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Finley Community Center. Booths with handcrafted items created and sold by the artists.  $5, SRCity.org/ CraftsFair or 707-543-3737.

SANTA ROSA: Holiday Open House  December 7-8, 2024, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Luther Burbank Home & Gardens. Historic site decorated for the holidays in turn of-the-century style. Shop for unique gift items and enjoy tea and cookies in the Greenhouse. $3, lutherburbank.org or 707-524-5445.

SNELLING: Christmas Holiday Town Home Town Christmas Parade December 8, 2024, 5-7:30 p.m. on Highway 59 (3rd St.).  Santa & Mrs. Claus lead parade through town starting at 5 p.m.   and appear at  Snelling Fire Department for pictures, along with beverages and cookies afterward.  Holiday Craft Bizarre is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Downtown Snelling.  facebook.com/ events/ 1055220462577519/

 TURLOCK: San Joaquin Valley Toy Train Operators December 7-8, 2024, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: Stanislaus County Fairgrounds 900 N. Broadway, Turlock, CA Hours: Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 10-4 Admission: $10. Free Parking. sjvttoinc.com

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

VALLEJO: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Holiday in the Park November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025, 12-7 p.m. most days. Special holiday guests, entertainment, foods, rides & attractions like Arctic Penguins. Location: 1001 Fairgrounds Dr. Vallejo, CA 94589 $35-39, sixflags.com/discoverykingdom

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

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

 

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.