Home For The Holidays? Take In These 10 Northern CA Events

The “most wonderful time of the year” is also one of the busiest in Northern California, with holiday events, cultural festivals and other celebrations filling up the December calendar.

Many of these events and activities are ingrained in Bay Area history and cultural identity. Taking part in them creates a sense of belonging and shared experiences unique to Northern California.

We’ve rounded up 10 can’t-miss holiday events:

Gap Inc. and Nest Host 2nd Annual Holiday Market Spotlighting San Francisco Creative Talents
When: Fri, Dec 5, 2025 at 5-9 PM
Where: 2 Folsom St, SF, CA, 94105
Details: Nest and Gap Inc. are excited to announce the return and expansion of the Gap Inc. x Nest Holiday Makers Market, a second annual collaborative marketplace celebrating Nest’s Makers United San Francisco program, which is sponsored by Gap Inc. and supports Bay Area makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs with business development resources and market access. The market will take place on December 5-6, 2025, at 2 Folsom St. in San Francisco, CA, and will be open to the public on Friday, December 5, from 5pm - 9pm PST, and Saturday, December 6, from 10am - 5pm PST, featuring over 50 talented local makers offering a wide array of handcrafted goods, including jewelry, fashion accessories, beauty and apothecary, and ceramics.

Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Day at Ghirardelli Square
When: Fri, Dec 5, 2025 at 3-7 PM
Where: 900 North Point St, SF, CA, 94109
Details: Celebrate the season at Ghirardelli Square's free, family-friendly Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Day, presented by Creative Communal. The event offers holiday fun in an iconic San Francisco setting, featuring Santa photo opportunities (4–7 PM), festive craft stations for DIY mini wreaths, custom snow globes, and Christmas totes, along with peppermint bark giveaways and special holiday treats like the Peppermint Bark Sundae and Peppermint Hot Cocoa.

Let’s Glow SF After Party at the Ferry Building
When: Fri, Dec 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Where: 1 Ferry Building, SF, CA, 94111
Details: The Downtown SF Partnership is introducing "After Glow at the Ferry Building" for Let's Glow SF 2025. This new, free event is the official afterparty for Countdown to Glow, taking place on December 5. Attendees can expect a festive atmosphere with holiday music, winter wonderland decor, and entertainment including strolling drag performers and a free silent disco on the South Plaza. The celebration will also feature complimentary hot beverages from select Ferry Building merchants and a pop-up bar serving festive cocktails. RSVPs, which are recommended, can be made here: https://tinyurl.com/bdej5h9b.

Holiday Faire
When: Fri, Dec 6, 2025 at 11 AM
Where: 4602 Hyland Ave, San Jose, CA, 95127
Details: The Annual SJV Holiday Faire is a highly-anticipated three-day holiday shopping event running from Friday, December 5th, to Sunday, December 7th, inviting everyone to shop local and support over 30 small businesses and artisans. Beyond the shopping, the faire offers a variety of fun, family-friendly events including Breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus's Cafe, a Sip & Shop hour, and raffles, with shopping hours scheduled from 2 pm to 7 pm on Friday, 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday, and 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday.

Crepe House Holiday Art Pop-up
When: Wed, Dec 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Where: 1755 Polk St, SF, CA, 94109
Details: Crepe House is hosting its first local artist pop-up on December 10th from 4 pm to 8 pm at Polk and Washington, offering a chance to meet and purchase unique, original art from neighborhood artists. Featured artists include Andrea Fuenzalida (AKA: Drea), producing art in San Francisco since 1998, and current Crepe House artist Donna Marchesano, who has been selling consciousness art since 1985. Attendees can treat themselves or a loved one to a special gift and enjoy beer and wine available for purchase.

Christmas Market at Castro Valley Marketplace
When: Thu, Dec 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Where: Castro Valley Marketplace, 3295 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA, 94546
Details: Get into the holiday spirit at the Christmas Market, held at the Castro Valley Marketplace on December 11 & 12, 2025, from 3–8 PM, where you can discover seasonal finds, gifts, décor, and unique products from a curated selection of local makers, arts & crafts vendors, and small brands, all while enjoying a lively community atmosphere with live music; admission and parking are free, and everyone is welcome!

Holiday Mixer 2025- Mix, Mingle & Be Merry
When: Fri, Dec 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Where: The Commonwealth Club, 110 The Embarcadero, SF, CA, 94105
Details: You are cordially invited to our annual Holiday Mixer for an evening of holiday cheer and networking. Co-presidents and Co-CEO’s Gloria Duffy and Phillip Yun will announce exciting plans for 2026 at Commonwealth Club World Affairs, and you can learn about the various programs the Club offers to its members. The mixer will feature live R&B music by San Francisco's Earth Child, abstract paintings by Usha Shukla in the Farmer Gallery, poetry by Laura Cohen, and live painting by Allison McCrady, along with other local art vendors. Your ticket includes complementary lite bites and beverages.

Newark Symphonic Winds - Free Holiday Concert and Sing-along
When: Sat, Dec 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Where: Newark Memorial High School, 39375 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA, 94560
Details: The Newark Symphonic Winds, directed by Richard Wong, invites the community to its Free Holiday Concert and Sing-along on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Newark Memorial High School Theatre, 39375 Cedar Blvd. The performance will feature festive pieces like “Cowboy Christmas” and a medley “Walkin' Down Christmas Lane,” and include a special appearance by emeritus Mayor Dave Smith reading “‘Twas the Night before Christmas,” followed by a traditional visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. After intermission, the Newark Saxophone Quartet will perform, followed by the symphony with inspiring works like "Symphonic Prelude on Adeste Fidelis" and the audience-favorite sing-along led by Joan Carter, culminating in a traditional rendition of Leroy Anderson's “Sleigh Ride.” This free concert, sponsored by the Fremont Bank Foundation, is expected to be a full house, so early arrival is suggested, and more information, including a parking map, is available at https://newarksymphonic.org.

13th Annual Chanukah lighting
When: Sun, Dec 14, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Where: 3500 Capitol Ave, Fremont, CA, 94538
Details: Get ready, Fremont — the 13th Annual Chanukah Lighting, hosted by Chabad of Fremont, is set for Sunday, December 14 at the Downtown Event Plaza (3500 Capitol Ave.) with festivities starting at 4:00 PM and the Grand Menorah Lighting of the 8-foot Giant Floral Menorah at 5:00 PM. This FREE event is open to the entire community and will feature a Craft Corner, Face Painting, a Photobooth, Hot Dogs, Soup, Hot Drinks, Fresh Jelly Donuts, a Live DJ, and a Chanukah Pop-Up Shop, offering a night filled with light, joy, and community spirit for all ages.

Mrs. Dickens' Christmas Dinner
When: Fri, Dec 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Where: Mercury Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma, CA 94952
Details:Before Charles Dickens wrote "A Christmas Carol," the inspiration came from a Christmas dinner, as twenty people are expected for the holiday meal. While Charles is preoccupied with writing great literature, his wife, Kate, secretly writing a cookbook, just wants help with the Christmas turkey, prompting her to go on strike when Charles fails to appreciate her holiday labor. On Christmas Eve 1841, as Charles seeks inspiration, Kate grapples with the elaborate menu, an expanding guest list, and Charles's difficult father, ultimately leaving her clueless husband to face the holiday chaos alone when she goes on strike. This $20 event is presented by Petaluma Readers Theatre. For more information, visit petalumareaderstheatre.com, email info@petalumareaderstheatre.com, or call 707-287-1766.

If you’re planning a holiday event — or any event — feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!