California Events
Saturday, November 30, 2024
ANAHEIM: Anaheim Ballet The Nutcracker with Symphony Irvine November 29-30, 2024 at The City National Grove of Anaheim. Location: 2200 E. Katella, Anaheim, CA. $54-95, anaheimballet.org/ nutcracker
BAKERSFIELD: City of Bakersfield Christmas Tree Lighting November 30, 2024, 5:30 p.m. Downtown Bakersfield Free, bakersfieldcity.us Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Mayor Goh
BASS LAKE: Parade of Lights & Christmas Tree Lighting November 30, 2024, 5:30-8 p.m. at The Pines Resort. 33rd Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights. Participate by decorating a festive float, or just come over for a fun evening browsing the Pines Village Arts & Crafts Fair. The event is free, basslake.com
BENICIA: Wine Walk & Shop Small November 30, 2024, 1-5 p.m. Wine Walk Downtown Benicia at participating merchants on First Street -- stroll First Street on a beautiful afternoon and taste over a dozen wines being poured inside downtown shops. Benicia, CA. Benicia, CA. $35, BeniciaMainStreet.org
BIG BEAR CITY: Big Bear City Christmas Tree Lighting November 30, 2024, 5-7 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. Santa Arrival Big Bear City Fire Station 282 Big Bear Blvd. 301 West Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear City, CA bigbearfire.org | facebook.com/ BigBearFire
BRENTWOOD: Brentwood Lighted Holiday Parade November 30, 2024, 5-7 p.m. 2024 theme: Let it Glow Parade route - starts on: First St., ends on Pine Brentwood, CA. After the Parade, stay for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. brentwoodchamber.com
CAPITOLA: Capitola Surfing Santa Arrives November 30, 2024, 12-3 p.m. Main Beach in Capitola Village Capitola by the Sea, California cityofcapitola.org
COPPEROPOLIS: Tree Lighting November 30, 2024, 4-7 p.m. an afternoon of fun with vendors on the Town Square culminates at dark with the lighting of the tree!
DANA POINT: City of Dana Point Tree Lighting Ceremony November 30, 2024, 4:30-5:30 p.m. La Plaza Park 34111 La Plaza Pacific Coast Highway & Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA Free danapoint.org
DORRINGTON: Dorrington Tree Lighting November 30, 2024, 6 p.m. Meet at the Dorrington Hotel Parking Lot 3450 CA Hwy-4 Dorrington, CA Dorrington Realty, (209) 795-4455 facebook.com/dorringtonrealty/
ELK GROVE: Dickens Faire November 30, 2024, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Held every year on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving in Old Town Elk Grove on Elk Grove Blvd. oldtownelkgrove.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
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
FRESNO: Holiday Sweets & Winter Treats at Kearney Mansion Museum November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays $12, valleyhistory.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
GRASS VALLEY: Country Christmas Faire November 29-December 1, 2024 at Nevada County Fairgrounds. Strolling entertainment, festival foods, the magical Gingerbread House exhibit, elves, and a community bonfire. Wagon rides around the Fairgrounds will be offered; and Victorian singers perform throughout the event. Santa available each day. Location: 11228 McCourtney Rd. Grass Valley, CA. $5, nevadacountyfair.com
HOLLISTER: Lights On Holiday Parade Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree + Tree Lighting Ceremony. It's a full day of fun!
HOLLYWOOD: David Benoit's Charlie Brown Christmas Concert November 29 & 30, 2024 Doors: 7 p.m. / Show: 8:30 p.m. Catalina Bar & Grill 6725 Sunset Boulevard Hollywood CA 90028 All Ages $55-65, catalinajazzclub.com
JACKSON: Christmas Delights Tree Lighting & Open House November 29-30, 2024 on Historic Main Street. Historic Jackson Business Association, the City of Jackson, the Amador County Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Jackson's Economic Development Committee present Christmas Delights Festival of Trees. ci.jackson.ca.us
JULIAN: Julian Country Christmas Tree Lighting November 30, 2024, 12-7:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. Tree Lighting Julian Town Square Main & Washington Julian, CA Free, visitjulian.com
LEWISTON: Lewiston Christmas Bridge Lighting & Fireworks November 30, 2024, 3 -7 p.m. Free Fireworks begin at 5:30 p.m. Downtown Lewiston Turnpike & Deadwood Rd. Lewiston, CA lewistonbridgelighting.com | lewistonsparkles.com
OAKDALE: Cowboy Christmas November 29-30, 2024 at Gene Bianchi Community Center. Presented by the Cowboy Museum, Cowboy Santa appears Saturday, November 30, 2024, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Location: 110 S. 2nd Ave. Oakdale, CA 355 E. F Street Oakdale, CA Free, oakdalecowboymuseum.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 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
SANTA BARBARA: Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Special Thanksgiving Weekend Show, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fine and Contemporary Art & Craft from 200 Artists and Artisans. Location: East Cabrillo Blvd. on the beach from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez. Santa Barbara, CA. Free admission, santabarbaraca.gov
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
YUCAIPA: Apple Butter Festival at Historic Los Rios Rancho November 29-December 1, 2024 at Riley's at Los Rios Rancho. Location: 39611 Oak Glen Rd. #13, Yucaipa, CA. Free admission, losriosrancho.com
ATWATER: Razzari Ice Skating Center November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025 in Old Town Atwater. Seasonal ice skating rink offers affordable holiday fun.
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
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
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
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. '
FOLSOM: Historic Folsom Ice Rink November 8, 2024-January 20, 2025 in Downtown Folsom, 2oo Wool Street (behind Chamber of Commerce), Folsom, CA $, historicfolsom.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
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
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
LAKEPORT: Lakeport Dickens Faire Pet Parade November 30, 2024, 12 p.m. Parade; Dickens Faire 11 a.m.-6 p.m. lakeportmainstreet.com
LAKEPORT: Lakeport Lighted Boat Parade, November 30, 2024, 5:30 p.m. Visible from Xabatin Community Park, watch and vote for your favorite, then stick around for the Tree Lighting Ceremony held in the park afterward.
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
MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay November 22-December 31, 2024 at Custom House Plaza. $20 includes skate rental, iceskatingbythebay.com
NAPLES: Lighted Trees in the Bay, Nightly at Sunset, November 28, 2024-January 1, 2025. This annual tradition in not a ceremony per se, but more of an esthetic pleasure for the holidays, brought to the public by donors, volunteers and Long Beach City workers.
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
ONTARIO: Christmas on Euclid Street Nativity thru January 1, 2025.
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
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
SACRAMENTO: Hmong New Year November 29-December 1, 2024 at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. Bands, Food & Merch Vendors, Volleyball Competition, Hmong Idol, Miss Hmong California Beauty Contest and more. Doors open at 8 a.m. calexpo.com | $, sacramentohmongnewyear.com
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: Old Town Cygnet Theatre November 29-December 24, 2024. Location: 4040 Twiggs St. San Diego, CA 92110 $, cygnettheatre.com | carol
SAN FRANCISCO: The Ritz-Carlton Holiday Tree
Lighting Ceremony, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location:
600 Stockton Street,
San Francisco, CA. Free, public invited
SAN FRANCISCO: Union Square Ice Rink November 6, 2024-January 20, 2025. Themed days and special events add to the fun.
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 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 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 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 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
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
SANTA PAULA: Santa Paula Christmas Parade November 30, 2024, 6:30 p.m. "A Santa Paula Classic Christmas" is 2024 theme; Grand Marshal is Ruth Rope santapaulachamber.com
SANTA YSABEL: Holiday Hayride 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with caroling, hoedown & jug band show, treasure hunt and more at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures. Location: 4425 CA-78, Santa Ysabel CA 92070 fortcross.com
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE: Heavenly Village Ice Rink November 1, 2024-March 31, 2025
VACAVILLE: Ron George's Big Band Christmas November 30, 2024, 3 p.m. at Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre. Location: 1010 Ulatis Drive Vacaville, CA $25, vpat.net
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
WEED: Olde Fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony November 30, 2024, 5-7 p.m. | Tree Lighting 6 p.m. at City Hall Centennial Plaza, 550 Main St., Weed, CA. weedchamber.com
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
YREKA: May Your Christmas Sparkle Like Diamonds Yreka Holiday Parade November 30, 2024, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Miner Street. The 75th annual Christmas Parade is brought to the community by the Elks Lodge 1980.
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.