Milpitas Holidays: Christmas Events & Hanukkah Fests 2023

MILPITAS, CA — The holiday season is in full swing throughout Milpitas, nearby communities, beach towns and the South Bay!

Grab your calendars, so you don't miss a moment ... as the New Year will be here before your know it.

Hanukkah's "Festival of Lights" ends Friday, Dec. 15. Christmas, Dec. 25, is on a Monday this year, followed by New Year's Eve on Sunday, Dec. 31.

Peruse our annual guide to finding Santa, menorah lightings, "Nutcracker" ballets, Christmas concerts, theater productions, winter ice rinks, walk- and drive-thru, holiday-lights extravaganzas and more.

And to all, from Patch, Happy Holidays!

Note: Always confirm with organizers that events are proceeding as planned when posted.

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APTOS:

DEC. 20: "The Best Santa Cruz Nutcracker at Cabrillo Crocker Theater." "Don't miss this beloved holiday tradition that will captivate audiences of all ages."

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BOULDER CREEK:

DEC. 24: 7th Annual Reindeer Run. Family-friendly 5K & costumes encouraged.

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CAMPBELL:

DEC. 16: Tower of Power - Holidays and Hits Tour. Sold out.

THROUGH DEC. 21: Ainsley House Holiday Open Houses & Tours. See the local landmark decked out with "Christmas Cravings" theme.

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CAPITOLA:

DEC. 21-JAN. 7: Flynn Creek Circus All-New Holiday Show Under Heated Big Top. "Featuring international & award-winning aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, comedians & more!"

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CASTRO VALLEY:

DEC. 17: Crafternoon: Let’s Build a “Gingerbread” House. At Castro Valley Marketplace.

THROUGH JAN. 7: Christmas Village & Outdoor Ice Skating Rink. Festivities include Santa, live music, bounce house & crafts.

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CUPERTINO:

DEC. 19: Holiday Sing-Along For Ages 50+: Senior Center. Registration is underway.

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DALY CITY:

THROUGH DEC. 17: Great Dickens Christmas Fair: Cow Palace. Immerse yourself in world of music halls, theatres, pubs, dance parties, charming shops, aroma of roasting chestnuts & more.

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FREMONT:

DEC. 14: Chabad Of Fremont Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting. With treats & crafts planned.

DEC. 15-23: 'Las Posadas' Christmas Traditions & Caroling: Mission San Jose. Annual tradition at historic mission for 41 years.

THROUGH DEC. 29: Train of Lights. Sold out.

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GILROY:

DEC. 16: Strolling Santa at Gilroy Premium Outlets. Here's your chance before he heads back to North Pole!

THROUGH DEC. 31: Gilroy Gardens 'North Pole Nights' & Holiday Ice Rink. "Skate with some of Santa elves under beautiful winter stars!"

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HAYWARD:

DEC. 17: Bay Philharmonic 'Holiday Spectacular' & Ballet Folklorico: Chabot College. "Some of the most beautiful holiday music you know."

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LIVERMORE:

DEC. 15-17: A Holiday Story Soiree. Enjoy DIY hot cocoa bar & caroling.

DEC. 16: 'Hittin' the Holiday Road' Concert. Starring Harmony Fusion Chorus, a women’s acapella chorus.

DEC. 16-24: Simbang Gabi. Filipino Novena Mass leading to Christmas.

THROUGH DEC. 17: Valley Dance Theatre 'Nutcracker' With Orchestra: Bankhead Theater. East Bay full-length performance accompanied by Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra.

DEC. 23: Motown Christmas. At Almost Famous Wines.

DEC. 23: Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular. "Stunning choreography, dazzling costumes & unforgettable music."

DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Candle Light Services. At VCC.

DEC. 31: New Year's Eve with The Four Freshmen. At Bankhead Theater.

THROUGH JAN. 1: Deacon Dave’s 'Casa Del Pomba' Christmas Lights Display. A must-see extravaganza since 1982!

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LOS ALTOS:

NOV: Festival of Lights Parade was held in November. But you can click link to view it online.

DEC. 14: Holiday Market: Downtown. Enjoy live music while shopping for gifts, baked goods & more.

DEC. 17: Sunday Worship: Telling the Christmas Story. At Foothills Church.

DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols. Event concludes with special candlelit carol in courtyard.

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LOS ALTOS HILLS:

DEC. 15-16: Palo Alto Dance Connection 'Nutcracker Ballet & 'Hip Hop Nutcracker' - Select from a traditional or a contemporary version.

DEC. 17: Holiday Extravaganza by Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra. "Infuse your holiday season with unforgettable moments!"

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LOS GATOS:

DEC. 19-21: Los Gatos Ballet 'Nutcracker': McAfee Performing Arts Center. Featuring "Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, exciting choreography, exquisite dancing & beautifully designed costumes, props & sets."

THROUGH DEC. 30: 'Fantasy Of Lights' Holiday Drive-Thru: Vasona Lake County Park. An ooh & aah adventure!

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MILPITAS:

DEC. 14: Hanukkah Fest & Menorah Lighting. At Civic Center Plaza.

DEC. 16-17: Milk and Cookies with Santa at Great Mall. Book soon!

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MONTEREY:

DEC. 1-23: 'Christmas On The Wharf' Festivities. Santa visits, carolers & more.

DEC. 31: New Year's Eve 'First Night Monterey' Celebration. Iconic family-friendly event in its 31st year.

THROUGH DEC. 31: 'Ice Skating By The Bay' Outdoor, Holiday Rink. "A winter wonderland right by the Bay."
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MORGAN HILL:

DEC. 16-17 & 23-24: 'Christmas On The Hill' Free, Lights Extravaganza: West Hills Community Church. Sure-fire way to get in the holiday spirit!

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MOUNTAIN VIEW:

DEC. 16-17: 'Nutcracker: Not A Ballet': Center For Performing Arts. Like the title says, this is not a ballet. But it is a play aimed for little ones. Performed in Russian, too.

DEC. 16-17: Bayer Ballet Company's 'Snow Queen': Center For Performing Arts. For those interested in an alternative to "Nutcracker," this is a popular holiday ballet.

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NEWARK:

DEC. 16: 'Santa At Firehouse' & Christmas Toy Drive. Photos with Santa, milk & cookies, Newark Memorial High School choir &n more.

DEC. 16: Mele Kalikimaka by Ohana Ke Akua Ministries. Hawaiian-style worship featuring music, gospel hula & refreshments.

DEC. 16: Newark Symphonic Winds - Free Holiday Concert & Sing-Along. Ideal for all ages.

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OAKLAND:

DEC. 15-16: KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble: Wintersongs. Seasonal songs from Balkan, Baltic, Caucasian, Mediterranean & Slavic lands.

DEC. 16-17: Oakland Ballet School 'Ronn Guidi’s The Secret Nutcracker': Performing Arts Center. In San Leandro & set to Tchaikovsky’s classical score.

DEC. 16-17: Winter Open House: Homesteading Holiday Social, Tasting & Sale. At Mariposa Grove.

DEC. 16-17: Oakland Ballet 'Nutcracker' With Symphony: Paramount Theatre. With Oakland Symphony & Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir.

THROUGH DEC. 30: 'Fairy Winterland' Holiday Celebration: Children’s Fairyland. See Black Santa & Festival of Lights Parade before they head back to North Pole Dec. 23.

DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Balloon Drop Celebration: Chabot Space & Science Center. Perfect for families with little ones.

THROUGH JAN. 28: Oakland Zoo 'Glowfari' Holiday Lantern Festival. "Wildly popular, family-friendly experience is back with hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns."

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PALO ALTO:

DEC. 15-16: Palo Alto Dance Connection 'Nutcracker Ballet & 'Hip Hop Nutcracker' - Select from a traditional or a contemporary version.

DEC. 16-31: 'Christmas Tree Lane' Drive & Walk-Thru: Fulton Street. A community favorite for 82 years!

DEC. 17: Holiday Extravaganza by Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra. "Infuse your holiday season with unforgettable moments!"

JAN. 1: SF Chamber Orchestra New Year's Concert, Admission-Free. Ring in 2024!

THROUGH APRIL 7: 'Winter Lodge' Outdoor Ice-Skating Rink. A community tradition since 1956.

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PLEASANTON:

DEC. 15: "A Very Tucked Holiday" Drag Show. For ages 18 & up.

DEC. 16: Downtown Spirit & Sweater Stroll. Sold out.

THROUGH DEC. 24: Santa Photo Experience at Stoneridge Shopping Center. Reservations advised.

THROUGH DEC. 31: Annual 'Widmer World' Christmas Lights Display. A free, community tradition.

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SAN FRANCISCO:

DEC. 13-30: SF Ballet 'Nutcracker' With Orchestra: War Memorial Opera House. "This dazzling production is a kaleidoscope of over 150 dancers accompanied by SF Ballet Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. "

DEC. 15-17: 'Million Dollar Quartet Christmas' Holiday Rock N' Roll: Curran Theater. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins & Elvis Presley come to life!

DEC. 16: Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl. Tickets on sale.

DEC. 16: Holiday Bingo With Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence. "Festive holiday edition of bingo at enchanting Hotel Zeppelin."

DEC. 16-17: Dance-Along Nutcracker 'Nutmare Before Christmas': Yerba Buena Center For Arts. "You’ll waltz! You’ll march! You’ll pirouette! You’ll sing along!

DEC. 16-17: Stapleton School Of Performing Arts 'Nutcracker': Palace Of Fine Arts. Family-friendly Nutcracker Ball follows Saturday evening performance.

DEC. 16-23: 'Elf' Movie Party: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. With games, props & a very loud sing-along!

DEC. 17: KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble: Wintersongs. Seasonal songs from Balkan, Baltic, Caucasian, Mediterranean & Slavic lands.

DEC. 19: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet: Golden Gate Theatre. "Beloved family tradition."

DEC. 24: SF Gay Men’s Chorus 'Holiday Spectacular': Castro Theatre. A 34-year, heartwarming holiday tradition.

THROUGH DEC. 23: 'The Golden Girls: The Christmas Episodes': Victoria Theatre. Four drag legends stage eagerly-awaited holiday tradition.

THROUGH DEC. 24: 'A Christmas Carol': A.C.T. Toni Rembe Theater. American Conservatory Theater's celebrated production of the Charles Dickens classic.

THROUGH DEC. 26: Chase Center 'Winter Wonderland' Ice Skating Rink. Event is free!

DEC. 27: River Otter Snow Days: Aquarium Of The Bay, Pier 39. See otters frolic in snowy wonderland.

THROUGH DEC. 30: 'Dear San Francisco' Holiday Version: Club Fugazi. Homage to SF with world-class acrobats.

THROUGH DEC. 31: Macy's & SPCA Annual Holiday Windows. Tradition returns with kitties & puppies in need of forever homes.

DEC. 31: SF New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2023-24: Embarcadero. "Say goodbye to 2023 and ring in the 2024 new year with 200,000 fellow bundled-up San Franciscans."

DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Pub Crawl Party. Featuring multiple SF hot spots.

DEC. 31: New Year's Eve 'Dear San Francisco': Club Fugazi. Two special NYE performances.

DEC. 31: Thrive City Kwanzaa & Noon Year’s Eve: Chase Center. With arts, crafts, treats & dancing.

THROUGH JAN. 15: Safeway Holiday Ice Rink: Union Square. Special events include Simba Saturdays, Flashback Fridays & Polar Bear Skate.

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SAN JOSE:

DEC. 15-17 & 22-23: Holiday Lights Pedicab Tour of Willow Glen. Fun way to experience sights & sounds of the holidays

DEC. 16: The Official Christmas Bar Crawl. Tickets on sale.

DEC. 16-23: 'The San Jose Nutcracker': California Theatre. Two-act performance with live accompaniment by New Ballet Orchestra.

DEC. 31: Silicon Valley New Year's Eve Bash for Singles Professionals. With DJ & dancing.

DEC. 31: San José Chamber Orchestra New Year's Eve Concert & Reception. "No better way to celebrate the New Year!"

THROUGH DEC. 31: Winchester Mystery House Holiday Candlelight Tours. "Whether in search of romantic night, family adventure or touch of holiday magic, Holiday Candlelight Tour is ideal option."

THROUGH DEC. 31: 'Enchant' Christmas Light Maze, Village & Ice Skating Trail: PayPal Park. "Over 4 million sparkling lights creating an immersive walk-thru, story-themed maze."

THROUGH JAN. 15: 'Downtown Ice' Outdoor, Winter Skating Rink. The San Jose tradition is back at Circle of Palms Plaza!

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SAN LEANDRO:

DEC. 13: Holiday Cookies With Cops & Santa. "SLPD’s Best Event of the Year!"

DEC. 16-17: Oakland Ballet School 'Ronn Guidi’s The Secret Nutcracker': Performing Arts Center. In San Leandro & set to Tchaikovsky’s classical score.

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SAN MATEO:

DEC. 14: Holiday Sip and Shop. Event free at Bryds Filling Station.

DEC. 16: Breakfast With Santa: Par 3 Restaurant At Poplar Creek. Book your seats for a merry morning!

JAN. 1-5: Winter Wonderland Dance Camps. Sign-ups underway.

THROUGH JAN. 7: 'San Mateo On Ice' Holiday, Outdoor Skating Rink. Free community skate days planned.

THROUGH JAN. 28: 'IlluminOdyssey' Winter Light Experience: CuriOdyssey Museum. The fan-favorite returns for its 7th year.

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SANTA CLARA:

DEC. 17: Choral Project & San José Chamber Orchestra 'Winter’s Gifts' Concert. Honoring different faith traditions around Bay Area.

THROUGH DEC. 31: WinterFest & Holiday Ice Rink: California’s Great America. With ice skating in front of the iconic Carousel Columbia.

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SANTA CRUZ:

THROUGH DEC. 23: Holiday Lights Train & Santa: Roaring Camp Railroads. Cider, sing-alongs & Santa!

DEC. 14: "Lighting Up the Holidays" Business Mixer. RSVPs requested.

DEC. 16: Holiday 'Winter On The Wharf' Santa & Snow. Play in snow area with Elsa & Anna from Frozen!

DEC. 16-17 & 22-23: Visits with Santa. "Stop by to say hello to him at Childish on Pacific."

DEC. 17: Teen Movie "The Nightmare Before Christmas" at Advisory Council of Teens Meeting. Free at library.

DEC. 17: A Celtic Christmas. "A warm, cozy, feel-good holiday performance."

THROUGH DEC. 23: Reindeer Round-up. Fun, downtown scavenger hunt.

THROUGH DEC. 31: 'Boardwalk Winter Wonderland' Santa & Holidays. Full schedule of various events.

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SARATOGA:

DEC. 19-21: Los Gatos Ballet 'Nutcracker': McAfee Performing Arts Center. Featuring "Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, exciting choreography, exquisite dancing & beautifully designed costumes, props & sets."

DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Worship - Family-Friendly Time & Christmas Eve Worship - Classic Carols & Candlelight. At Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

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SCOTTS VALLEY:

DEC. 16: The Nutcracker Ballet. "Meet the dancers afterwards in our lobby parade!"

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SUNNYVALE:

DEC. 31: Toasted by the Bay - NYE Celebration & Dance Party at Hilton. Tickets on sale.

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UNION CITY:

DEC. 14: Chabad Of Fremont Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting. With treats & crafts planned.

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WATSONVILLE:

DEC. 16: Taiko Holiday Cookies Workshop.

THROUGH DEC. 24: Holiday Lights Drive-Thru: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Tune car radio to the Holiday Lights station & enjoy!

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WOODSIDE:

DEC. 16-23: Santa Days: Filoli Estate. Time slots fill fast, so book quickly if interested.

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ALSO SEE:

• SF Bay Area Guide To Outdoor, Ice Skating Rinks: Holidays 2023-24
• 'The Nutcracker': Where To See The Holiday Ballet In SF Bay Area 2023