Holiday Events In Berkeley 2022: Christmas Parades; Tree Lightings

BERKELEY, CA — 'Tis the season!

It's time to start filling your 2022 calendars with such holiday events as Christmas parades, tree lightings, Hanukkah menorah celebrations, breakfasts with Santa, Nutcracker ballets, concerts and other extravaganzas in Berkeley and throughout East Bay communities.

Christmas this year falls on Sunday, Dec. 25, while Hanukkah runs Dec. 18 through Dec. 26.

Peruse Patch's annual guide to find festivities going on near you. Always confirm with organizers that events are proceeding as planned when posted.

And to all our readers, Happy Holidays, from Patch!

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ALAMEDA:

DEC.-JAN.: The Little Ice Rink: Alameda Point. Not planned for 2022-23.

DEC. 3: Lighted Yacht Holiday Parade: Alameda-Oakland Estuary. A don't-miss tradition with proceeds for Oakland Firefighters Random Acts & Alameda County Community Food Bank.

DEC. 10: Breakfast With Santa: Albert H. DeWitt O'Club. Registration deadline is Dec. 1.

DEC. 17-18:Santa Home Visits. Residents can book visits from the Big Guy.

DEC. 18: Chanukah Menorah Lighting Fest, Latkes, Donuts & Grand Can-Orah. Bouncers for kids, gelt & giant menorah made of cans!

DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Gala: USS Hornet. Ring in the New Year with live music, food & dancing.

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ALBANY:

DEC. 3-4, 10-11 & 17-18: Santa On Solano. Stop by & see Old St. Nick while strolling a charming street.

DEC. 4: Annual Yuletide Tea. With bake sale, boutique, live entertainment by the Albany High School Chorus & quilt show.

DEC. 18: Baymele Klezmer Trio - Hanukkah Concert. "Showcases newly rediscovered gems from Ashkenazi Jewish, Polish, Romanian, Ukrainian & Hungarian folk music traditions."

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BERKELEY:

DEC. 17-18: Santa On Solano. Stop by & see Old St. Nick while strolling a charming street.

DEC. 18: North Berkeley Winter Festival: Saul's Latke Party & Klezmer Jam. Outdoor fun at North Berkeley Winter Festival.

DEC. 18: Handel's Messiah Sing-Along. Concert extravaganza with orchestra & soloists.

DEC. 21: Chanukah Story Time & Craft Time. Held in Kensington by Chabad of El Cerrito.

DEC. 21-24 & 27-30: The Marsh Presents "Fool La La: Holiday Gift!" Show includes family juggling workshop.

THROUGH DEC. 24: Holidays On Fourth Street, Santa & Light Show. Plus dates for artisan market, marionette show & fantasy parade, too!

THROUGH FEB.: 'Five Palms' Outdoor Skating Rink: Claremont Club & Spa. Lace up your skates!

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CASTRO VALLEY:

DEC. 2: Christmas Tree Lighting, Live Music & Santa: Castro Village. Free photos with Santa!

DEC. 3: Holiday Tea & Boutique. Seating is limited, so book soon.

DEC. 3: Holiday Market. With local artists, crafters & Santa.

DEC. 3-4 & 10-11: Holiday "Unique" Boutique. Free admission.

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CONCORD:

DEC. 2: Holiday Tree Lighting, Mayor's Sing-Along & Santa. Performances by Concord High Jazz Band, D’Ann’s Dance Academy, Concord High Ladies First & The 925 Band.

DEC. 11 & 18: Breakfast With Santa & 'Grinch' Movie: The Veranda. Book soon!

NOV. 11-DEC. 24: 'Santa’s Flight Academy' Holiday Photo Experience: Sunvalley Mall. Reservations recommended.

DEC. 17: HEAD WEST Holiday Marketplace: Todos Santos Plaza. Live music, food, plus kid- & pet-friendly.

THROUGH FEB. 4: 'Ice At The Veranda' Outdoor, Holiday Skating Rink. Season passes offered, too.

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DANVILLE:

NOV. 25: Holiday 'Lighting Of The Old Oak Tree' - Father Christmas & Snow Angel return to historic downtown!

NOV. 27: Christmas At The Livery, Santa, Entertainment & Train Rides. Weekend Santa visits are back, too.

DEC. 9-10: Elf Workshop & Santa For Ages 1-9. Registration required. No walk-ins.

DEC. 11: A Celebration Of Christmas. With performances by high school choirs from San Ramon Valley.

DEC. 11: Blackhawk Chorus presents "Home for the Holidays." At Monte Vista High School.

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DUBLIN:

DEC. 1: Holiday Tree-Lighting, Entertainment & Food Trucks. A new, 30-foot tree to be illuminated.

DEC. 3: Breakfast With Santa: Shannon Community Center. Three sessions planned.

DEC. 3: Holiday Used Book Sale. "Shop for holiday gifts at bargain prices!"

DEC. 3: Christmas Food Drive. From Cornerstone Realtor Team to support local food bank.

DEC. 3-4: Radiance Ballet 'The Cobbler's Gift': Performing Arts Center. "Sure to be a highlight in your Christmas activities."

THROUGH DEC.5: Alameda County Sheriff Holiday Toy Drive. Drop-off spots throughout the city.

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EL CERRITO:

DEC. 3-4: St. Jerome Crafters Christmas Fair. With holiday items & handmade gifts.

DEC. 10: Hanukkah Candle Making For Families With Young Children: Tassajara Park. Hanukkah-themed stories, foods & crafts.

DEC. 17-27: Sundar Shadi Holiday Display. The annual tradition returns!

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FREMONT:

THROUGH DEC. 28: Holiday Train Of Lights: Niles Canyon Railway. Tickets always sell fast, so don't delay.

NOV. 25: Niles Festival Of Lights Parade, Tree Lighting & Santa. Flurry of floats, marching bands, entertainment & more.

DEC. 2: Holiday Fun, Laser Light Show & Santa. Frosty the Snowman, Peppermint Princess, Nutcracker & Holiday Teddy Bear will be there, too!

DEC. 3: Free "Believe" Holiday Boutique. With bake sale, artists, crafters & more to support American High senior class "Safe and Sober" Grad Nite.

DEC. 3: Holiday Celebration, Tree Lighting & Santa: Pacific Commons. Carolers, elves & free photos with Santa.

DEC. 14: Chamber Holiday Mixer. With refreshments, toy drive & door prizes.

DEC. 10-31: 'Crippsmas Place' Neighborhood Holiday Display & Charity Fundraiser. A not-to-be-missed community tradition with 70+ homes.

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HAYWARD:

DEC. 3: 'Light Up The Season' Tree Lighting Fest. With song & dance performances from local groups.

DEC. 3: Ballet Petit's Nutcracker: Chabot College Performing Arts Center. A holiday classic!

DEC. 3, 10 & 17: Christmas Festivities At McConaghy House. Halls are decked & Santa is coming!

DEC. 3, 10 & 17: Christmas Festivities At Meek Mansion. Three Saturdays with holiday fun.

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HERCULES:

DEC. 4: Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa. Food, coat & toy drive planned, too.

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LAFAYETTE:

DEC. 4: It’s A Wonderful Life In Lafayette Holiday Celebration. With tree lighting, Santa, free train rides, crafts & more.

DEC. 8: Make DIY Holiday Paper House with Jackie Smith at Hollie's Homegrown. Materials provided.

DEC. 15: Drink Up! Wine for the Holidays with Hollie at Hollie's Homegrown. "Hollie will taste-you-through all her holiday wine & food pairing favorites."

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LIVERMORE:

THROUGH DEC. 16: LARPD Letters to Santa. There's a magical mailbox at Robert Livermore Community Center!

NOV. 19-20: Shop the Hops for the Holidays. Vendors, Toys for Tots drive, free pics with Santa, live music & more at Homegrown Hops Brewing.

NOV. 27: Pacific Chamber Orchestra 'Handel's Messiah': Bankhead Theater. "Begin the holiday season anew."

DEC. 1: Paws In Need Photos With Santa & Twilight Tastings: Page Mill Winery. Fundraiser for the pet charity.

DEC. 2: Holiday Village In The Park & Santa: Carnegie Park. "Like a Hallmark Christmas Movie- BUT IN REAL LIFE!"

DEC. 2-31: Deacon Dave’s Casa del Pomba Christmas Display. Opening day procession is Dec. 2.

DEC. 3: Family Day: Holiday in the Vineyards. At Wente with festive menu, food trucks, live music & marketplace.

DEC. 3: Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade Downtown. "A Livermore tradition you don't want to miss!"

THROUGH DEC. 7: Tri-Valley Haven Stocking & Gift Card Holiday Drive. Supports Tri-Valley individuals in need.

DEC. 10-11, 16-18: Valley Dance Theatre 'The Nutcracker': Bankhead Theater. An annual Tri-Valley favorite.

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MARTINEZ:

NOV. 26: Christmas Tree Lighting, Santa & Movie Night. First-come, first-served seating for "Polar Express."

NOV. 27-DEC. 23: Main Street Santa House: Downtown. Stop by the little, red house!

DEC. 2: Holiday Frolic & Children's Light Parade. Free, light wands for first 600 to register.

DEC. 10: Santa Beer Crawl: Downtown. "Join the jolliest bunch of Santas this side of the bay."

DEC. 18: Hanukkah Celebration & Menorah Lighting: Downtown. With music, sufganiyot & family fun!

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MILPITAS:

DEC. 1: Tree Lighting Ceremony: Civic Center. Hosted by the rec department.

DEC. 3: Milk & Cookies With Santa. Reserve your spot soon for this beloved community event.

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MORAGA:

DEC. 1: Holiday Tree Lighting, Music, Cookies & Santa. At Moraga Commons Park.

DEC. 4: St. Mary's College Jazz Band Holiday Concert. With jazz classics & holiday music.

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NEWARK:

NOV. 23-DEC. 24: Pictures With Santa, Pet Nights & Santa Cares Day: NewPark Mall. Specific dates set for pet & Santa Care visits.

DEC. 5: Holiday Tree Lighting & Family Fun. Photo booth, crafts, games, hot cocoa bar & more.

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OAKLAND:

DEC. 3: Lighted Yacht Holiday Parade: Alameda-Oakland Estuary. A don't-miss tradition with proceeds for Oakland Firefighters Random Acts & Alameda County Community Food Bank.

DEC. 3: Interfaith Gospel Choir Annual Holiday Concert. A season tradition in its 37th year!

THROUGH DEC.5: Alameda County Sheriff Holiday Toy Drive. Drop-off spots throughout the city.

DEC. 16-17: KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble: Wintersongs. "Abundant feast of sacred & secular songs for holiday season."

DEC. 18: Hanukkah Celebration: Lake Temescal. Open to all.

THROUGH JAN. 29: Glowfari: Holiday Lantern Festival: Oakland Zoo. Santa will be there, too.

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ORINDA:

NOV. 26: Pacific Chamber Orchestra 'Handel's Messiah.' "Riveting performances."

DEC. 3: Holiday Tree Lighting & Entertainment: Community Center. With Orinda Intermediate School Choir.

DEC. 9-11: Orinda Ballet Academy 'A Sweet Dream Nutcracker'- "An event for the whole family to enjoy!"

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PLEASANT HILL:

DEC. 2: Golden Follies Holiday Extravaganza. "Fast-paced Las Vegas style revue featuring performers ages 55+."

DEC. 3: Breakfast With Santa. Reservations required.

DEC. 3: Mt. Diablo Adult Education's Annual Art & Crafts Sale. Featuring more than 1,000 original works of art & crafts using skills acquired in AdEd classes.

DEC. 7: Annual Holiday Festival & Santa. Free at community center.

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PLEASANTON:

NOV. 25: Pacific Chamber Orchestra 'Handel's Messiah.' Take in the "sheer beauty of George Frideric Handel’s beloved Messiah."

DEC. 1-31: 'Widmer World' Annual Holiday Display. A beloved community tradition.

DEC. 3: Hometown Holiday Celebration, Parade & Tree Lighting. Santa will be there, too!

DEC. 3-4: Craneway Craft Fair 51st Annual KPFA Holiday Benefit. At Alameda County Fairgrounds with DJ, food & more than 150 artists & craftspeople.

DEC. 8: Peddler Shoppe Holiday Boutique at Senior Center. Handcrafted items from local artisans.

DEC. 10: Holiday Spirit & Sweater Stroll: Downtown. Your ugly sweater's time to shine!

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PIEDMONT:

NOV. 26-DEC.: Piedmont Scout Tree Lot. Online ordering included, too.

DEC. 10: Santa's Workshop & Kids' Holiday Crafts. Register to save your space.

DEC. 18: Hanukkah Menorah Lighting, Donuts & Dreidels. Open to all!

DEC. 31: Family-Friendly Noon Year's Eve. With music, crafts, & balloon drop.

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PINOLE:

DEC. 3: Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa: Fernandez Park. With crafts, face painting & more.

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SAN FRANCISCO:

NOV. 23-DEC. 31: 'Dear San Francisco' Holiday & NYE Edition: Club Fugazi. ""Leap into the holiday season with the show thousands have fallen head over heels for!"

NOV. 26-DEC. 16: The Guardsmen Christmas Tree Lot. A Bay Area tradition since 1947.

NOV. 26-DEC. 18: Creativity Explored Holiday Pop-Up. Saturdays & Sundays at Ferry Building & supporting neurodiverse & disabled Bay Area artists.

NOV. 27 & DEC. 4, 11 & 18: Holiday Craft Making. Ideal for families.

NOV. 30: Holiday Open House. With music, family fun, food & gingerbread house display.

NOV. 30-DEC. 24: 'A Christmas Carol': American Conservatory Theater. A holiday tradition for San Francisco Bay Area families for nearly 50 years.

DEC. 1-30: World Premiere of New 'Sleeping Beauty' Panto for the Holidays. "Slapstick humor, one-line zingers, outrageous characters & send-ups of current events."

DEC. 3: Baltic Christmas Fair. Offering variety of gifts from makers, sellers & artisans from local Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian communities.

DEC. 3-4: Caltrain Holiday Train & Santa: SF Bay Area Peninsula Cities. Don't miss out at your local station stop Dec. 3-4 weekend.

DEC. 3-4, 10-11 & 17-18: Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets. Unique 50-minute version designed for families with young children.

DEC. 4: Holiday Concert with the San Francisco Youth Chorus. "Holiday choral music from throughout the ages."

DEC. 10: Christmas with Intermediate Chorus & Handbells of SF Boys Chorus. Program of carols & holiday songs.

DEC. 14-24: Smuin Contemporary Ballet's "The Christmas Ballet" - "Declared 'sheer joy…the finest toast to the season' by the San Francisco Chronicle."

DEC. 17-18: Dollie & Me Holiday Tea. At The Westin St. Francis.

DEC. 18: KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble: Wintersongs. "Abundant feast of sacred & secular songs for holiday season."

DEC. 24: SF Gay Men’s Chorus 'Holiday Spectacular: Home for the Holidays': Castro Theatre. The return to historic Castro Theatre for first time in three years.

DEC. 24: Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Christmas Eve Concert. At Great American Music Hall.

DEC. 31: New Year's Eve with ALESSO + Open Bar. "Regarded as one of best New Year’s events in the country!"

THROUGH JAN. 16: SF Union Square Safeway Holiday Ice Rink. Bay Area tradition with themed Drag Queens On Ice, Learn to Skate, Flashback Fridays, Polar Bear Skate & more.

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SAN JOSE:

NOV. 25-JAN. 1: 'Christmas In The Park' Holiday Walk-Thru: Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Free to all. Tree lighting is Nov.25.

NOV. 26-JAN. 1: Blinky's Holiday Lights Drive-Thru: Lake Cunningham Park. Load up the gang! Tickets on sale.

DEC. 1: Holiday Candle Workshop @Wheelhouse. Create custom candles to take home.

DEC. 2: Winterdance: A Christmas Celebration. Starring music of Celtic & Nordic lands, New World String Project & champion Irish Dancers.

DEC. 2-4, 8-11, 15-18: Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Presented by Silicon Valley Shakespeare.

DEC. 3-4: Winchester Mystery House Annual 'Menagerie Holiday Oddities Market' - A most unique spot to start holiday shopping!

DEC. 3, 10 & 17: Winchester Mystery House 'Holidays with the Historian' - Step back in time with treats, caroling & more. Victorian costumes encouraged.

DEC. 4: Menorahs & Miracles: Children’s Discovery Museum Of San Jose. Day includes puppet show, songs, scavenger hunt & glow-in-the-dark dance party.

DEC. 6: Hammer Theatre presents Cool Yule. With San José State University Jazz Orchestra & Valley Christian High School Jazz Ensemble.

DEC. 9-11 & 16-18: History Park Heritage Holiday Light Show. With "sleigh" rides, games, food trucks & more.

DEC. 10: Christmas Sweater Dance Party. Featuring holiday-inspired dance music from DJ duo SOULMAT3S!, hot chocolate & coffee.

DEC. 10: 'Carols In The California' with Symphony SJ Chorale. Traditional sing-along that has become a family holiday tradition.

DEC. 19: Menorah Lighting. At Westfield Oakridge with Chabad of San Jose .

DEC. 29-30: Aiden Sinclair’s Ghost Of Christmas Passed: Winchester Mystery House. "Once upon a time, Christmas was more than a celebration of giving."

DEC. 31: New Year's Eve San José Chamber Orchestra 'Celebration' Concert. "Reception following with a bubbly New Year's Eve toast!"

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SAN LEANDRO:

NOV. 26-27: Nutcracker Pinata. "A national holiday tradition with fusion of Mexican folklore."

DEC. 2: 'It's A Wonderful Night' Holiday Market & Tree Lighting. Includes live performances, Santa photos & night of family-friendly fun.

DEC. 3-4: Conservatory of Classical Ballet’s Nutcracker. At San Leandro Performing Arts Center.

THROUGH DEC.5: Alameda County Sheriff Holiday Toy Drive. Drop-off spots throughout the city.

DEC. 7: Holiday Cookies With The Cops. Photos with Santa, too.

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SAN RAMON:

DEC. 3: Bah Humbug! 5K Run/ Walk & Kid’s Dash. Festive tradition for all ages.

DEC. 3: Community Tree Lighting & Santa. Treats, crafts, entertainment & more.

DEC. 10: Simply Christmas Concert. Family-friendly & free.

DEC. 11: Impressions of Nutcracker Sweet. Unique "Nutcracker" experience with San Ramon Valley Dance Academy.

THROUGH JAN. 8: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink: City Center Bishop Ranch. Open daily, even on holidays.

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SUNOL:

THROUGH DEC. 28: Holiday Train Of Lights: Niles Canyon Railway. Tickets always sell fast, so don't delay.

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UNION CITY:

DEC. 3: Snacks With Santa. Space is limited & advance tickets required.

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WALNUT CREEK:

THROUGH DEC. 24: Photos With Santa: Broadway Plaza. Book your spot to see the jolly one!

NOV. 19-20: Smuin Contemporary Ballet presents "The Christmas Ballet" -"Declared 'sheer joy…the finest toast to the season' by San Francisco Chronicle."

NOV. 25-27: Contra Costa Ballet's 'The Nutcracker': Lesher Center. One-hour performances, so could be ideal for little ones.

NOV. 25-JAN. 8: Holiday 'Garden of D’Lights': Ruth Bancroft Garden. Annual, magical walk-thru for the season.

NOV. 26: Santa is Coming to Shadelands Ranch Museum. "Holiday meet & greet with Mr. & Mrs. Claus."

NOV. 29: Holiday Concert With Walnut Creek Concert Band: Lesher Center. With sounds of the season & holiday favorites.

DEC. 1: Holiday Parade Of Lights, Tree Lighting & Santa: Broadway Plaza. Festive fun for all!

DEC. 2-3: Lareen Fender's The Ballet School Performing Arts "Once Upon A Christmas." A family favorite for all ages.

DEC. 3: Celebrate the Season Sip, Shop Stroll. Tickets on sale.

DEC. 8-22: 'A Christmas Carol': Lesher Center. "Critics have called it 'THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area.'"

DEC. 10: 'Holiday Concert: Home for the Holidays' Diablo Symphony Orchestra. Featuring Blackhawk Chorus.

DEC. 10-11: Diablo Women's Chorale Fall Concert "Bells and Noels" - "Get ready for some fun holiday music!"

DEC. 10-JAN. 16: 'Walnut Creek On Ice' Holiday Skating Rink: Civic Park. Get your skate on!

DEC. 10-22: Visit To North Pole & Santa - Live Theatre Experience: Lesher Center. "Join Santa and Mrs. Claus in the North Pole, during this immersive, live theatre experience."

DEC. 16-18: 'The Biggest Gift' Christmas Theater With Tucker the Elf: Lesher Center. A family tradition in the East Bay.

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