Seasonal & Holidays
SF Bay Area Holidays: Christmas Events & Hanukkah Fests 2023
See Santa stops, menorah lightings, Christmas concerts, lights extravaganzas, Nutcrackers & more festivities through San Francisco Bay Area.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CA — The holiday season is in full swing throughout the San Francisco Bay Area!
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.
Find out what's happening in San Franciscofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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!
Find out what's happening in San Franciscofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Note: Always confirm with organizers that events are proceeding as planned when posted.
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ALAMEDA:
DEC. 31: USS Hornet New Year's Eve Gala. Featuring 3 O’Clock Jump & special guest Nick Rossi & his Swing Four Band.
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ALBANY:
DEC. 17: Winter Solstice Holiday Carols Sing-A-Long. With egg nog, cookies, holiday songs & a 1924 Steinway.
DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Morning Service @ The Church on the Corner. Caroling planned, too.
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ANTIOCH:
THROUGH DEC. 17: Black Diamond Ballet 'Nutcracker': El Campanil Theatre. "Join us for an afternoon or evening of enchantment & artistic excellence." Sensory-friendly show offered, too.
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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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BELMONT:
DEC. 14: Santa At Firehouse & Toy Drive. Snow play, cider & cookies planned, too.
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BENICIA:
DEC. 13: Meghan Campbell Memorial Chanukah Menorah Lighting. At City Park Gazebo.
DEC. 16-17: Benicia Ballet Theatre 'Nutcracker': Solano Community College. "Come share the magic of the traditional story with some unexpected twists."
DEC. 17: Sing it Yourself Messiah. Join the fun in Historic Clock Tower.
THROUGH DEC. 22: Museum Of History Christmas Tree Lot Fundraiser. Featuring various kids' activities on weekends.
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BERKELEY:
DEC. 16: Locavore Wonderland: Farmers’ Market Gifting Series. A great place to find gifts!
DEC. 17: San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus 'Holiday Spectacular.' Concert experience that blends enchantment of season with compassion & community.
DEC. 21: Winter Solstice & Tinsel Labyrinth Creation. At Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley in Kensington.
DEC. 31: The Dresden Dolls NYE Show. At The UC Theatre.
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BOULDER CREEK:
DEC. 24: 7th Annual Reindeer Run. Family-friendly 5K & costumes encouraged.
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BURLINGAME:
DEC. 17: A Christmas Cantata: First Presbyterian Church Of Burlingame. With choir & full orchestra.
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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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CONCORD:
DEC. 15-16: Drive-Thru Christmas Nativity: Bethel Baptist Church. Free to all.
DEC. 16: Wreaths Across America. At Memory Gardens Cemetery.
DEC. 17: Breakfast With Santa: The Veranda. Book soon!
DEC. 17: 'Christmas Is Real - A Joyous Christmas' Free Concert: First Presbyterian Church. Admission is free.
THROUGH FEB. 14: 'Ice At The Veranda' Outdoor, Winter Skating Rink. With more than 20 nearby restaurants, too, for your dining pleasure.
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CORTE MADERA:
DEC. 12: Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting. Hosted by Chabad of Larkspur - Corte Madera.
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COTATI:
DEC. 16: Kids' DIY-U Workshop: Holiday Delivery Truck: Lowe's. Sign up for a time slot.
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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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DANVILLE:
DEC. 16: Encounter- A Festive Christmas Concert. "Join us for a joyful Christmas concert."
DEC. 17: Danville Community Band Free, Christmas Concert. With selection of moving and festive tunes.
DEC. 23: Santa Meet & Greet at Blackhawk Museum. Attention all parents!
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Party. At Blackhawk Museum.
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DAVIS:
DEC. 31: 'Seussical The Musical' New Year's Eve Show & Dinner. Catered diner, plus "witty, wild & whimsical" show.
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DIXON:
DEC. 15: Christmas 'Carols In The Tunnel' Tradition. Join singers at underpass with amazing tunnel acoustics.
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DUBLIN:
DEC. 15-17: Tiffany’s Dance Academy 'The Nutcracker' -An annual, Tri-Valley favorite.
DEC. 16: Selfies with Santa. Free at KeyPoint Credit Union.
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EAST PALO ALTO:
THROUGH JAN. 28: Après Village & Skate Rink: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley. Cozy, holiday pop-up with s'mores, food truck, chalets & outdoor skating rink.
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EL CERRITO:
DEC. 16-27: Sundar Shadi Holiday Display. Cherished local tradition started in 1949 by the late Sundar Shadi, a long-time resident.
THROUGH DEC. 17: WestCAT’s Holiday Bus Toy & Canned Food Drive. Collections on all buses.
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FAIRFAX:
DEC. 14: Chanukah Festival & Menorah Lighting: Bolinas Park. Music, crafts, photo booth, food & more planned.
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FAIRFIELD:
DEC. 14: Annual Chanukah Wonderland: Jelly Belly. With jelly bean-filled menorah!
DEC. 16-17: Benicia Ballet Theatre 'Nutcracker': Solano Community College. "Come share the magic of the traditional story with some unexpected twists."
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FOSTER CITY:
DEC. 12: Hanukkah Celebration & Menorah Lighting: Leo J. Ryan Park. With donuts, dreidels, music, latkes, gelt, balloons & 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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HALF MOON BAY:
DEC. 15-17: Coastal Repertory Theatre 'White Christmas'- A holiday staple!
DEC. 16: Holiday Jazz & Vibrant Dining, Fattoria e Mare. Dine while tapping your toes to jazzy, classic holiday songs.
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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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HEALDSBURG:
DEC. 16: Holiday Drop N' Shop For Kids 3-10. Fun for little ones while parents shop & run errands.
DEC. 19: Creativebug: DIY Gift Boxes. Advance registration encouraged, but not required.
DEC. 20: Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids. At library for grades K-6.
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Party With John Courage Trio: Elephant In The Room. With special guests The Gill Brothers Band.
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HERCULES:
DEC. 17: Breakfast with Santa. Sign-ups underway.
THROUGH DEC. 17: WestCAT’s Holiday Bus Toy & Canned Food Drive. Collections on all buses.
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LAFAYETTE:
DEC. 17: Danville Community Band Free, Christmas Concert. With selection of moving and festive tunes.
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LARKSPUR:
DEC. 12: Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting. Hosted by Chabad of Larkspur - Corte Madera.
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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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MARTINEZ:
DEC. 17: Lowell Ensemble Holiday Concert: Martinez Campbell Theater. With musicians from SF Opera & Ballet Orchestras.
THROUGH DEC. 17: WestCAT’s Holiday Bus Toy & Canned Food Drive. Collections on all buses.
DEC. 19: Brewery Breadmaking Class - Holiday Edition. At Five Suns Brewing.
DEC. 21-23: Holiday Gift Wrapping Fundraiser. Supports Starlight Dance Studios & Theater.
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MENLO PARK:
DEC. 29: New Year's Eve Brunch: Little House. Reservations requested by Dec. 15.
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MILL VALLEY:
DEC. 17: 'Winterfest' Holiday Entertainment & Kids' Fun. Jumpy house, cornhole & movie, too.
DEC. 17: Christmas Caroling With Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Church. Followed up with cocoa & cookies.
DEC. 21: Christmas Jug Band & Special Guest Kathy Kennedy, Sweetwater. Get ready for musical, holiday wackiness!
DEC. 30: Pre-New Year's Eve Singles Dance Party. At Club at Harbor Point, Lighthouse Grill.
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MILLBRAE:
DEC. 15: Sew & Go: Holiday Stockings. Library event is booked, but you can join the wait list.
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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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NAPA:
DEC. 15-17: Napa Regional Dance 'Nutcracker' With Orchestra: Performing Arts Center. "Combination of this beloved ballet & live symphony is truly stunning & you, all, are in for a real treat!"
DEC. 17: Sing Napa Valley 'A Christmas Carol' Concert. Featuring professional soloist from SF Opera Chorus as Scrooge.
DEC. 17: Santa’s Workshop at Ackerman Heritage House. "Our iconic Victorian’s Carriage House becomes Santa’s workshop."
DEC. 17: 3rd Annual Holiday Krampus Pop Up Market. Cocktails, entertainment, Krampus, minions & Santa!
DEC. 24: Family Christmas Eve Morning Service & Candlelight Christmas Eve Service. At First Christian Church.
THROUGH JAN. 7: 'Merry Meritage' Holiday Ice Skating Rink & Winter Village. Enjoy igloo experience & fire pits!
THROUGH DEC. 25: Santa Visits & Storytime: Meritage Resort. No reservations required.
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Celebration. At Carneros Resort and Spa with dinner & dancing.
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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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NOVATO:
DEC. 16: 'Come One, Come All Christmas Caroling' Cocoa & Cookies. Promenade led by professional singers with jingles all can sing.
DEC. 17: Marin Conservatory Of Dance 'Nutcracker' - "Celebrate the holidays with our original version of 'The Nutcracker'!"
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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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ORINDA:
DEC. 14: Miramonte High School Winter Concert. Starring talented choir & musical theater students
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PACIFICA:
DEC. 17: 'Santa Is Coming To Nancyland' Visits & Photo Ops. Get in your RSVPs!
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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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PENNGROVE:
DEC. 17: Holiday Parade Of Lights. A community tradition with lighted tractors & more.
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PETALUMA:
DEC. 15-17: 2 Capote & Thomas Holiday Classics On Stage: Polly Klaas Community Theater. Enjoy Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory' & Dylan Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales."
DEC. 16: Wacky Holidays: Christmas Jug Band, Big Easy. Get ready for musical holiday wackiness!
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PIEDMONT:
DEC. 3: Berkeley Symphony 'Holiday Winds' Concert: Center For Arts. "A concert of festive holiday favorites."
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PINOLE:
THROUGH DEC. 17: WestCAT’s Holiday Bus Toy & Canned Food Drive. Collections on all buses.
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PLEASANT HILL:
DEC. 14: Clarinet Fusion 'A Crackin’ Holiday' Concert. Nine musicians playing five different kinds of clarinets from 18 inches to 9 feet!
DEC. 15: Christmas Bunco & Dinner, El Tapatio Restaurant. Reservations underway.
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PLEASANTON:
DEC. 12: Chanukah Wonderland & Menorah Lighting: Stoneridge Shopping Center. Free &open to all.
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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PORTOLA VALLEY:
DEC. 16: Choral Project & San José Chamber Orchestra 'Winter’s Gifts' Concert. Tickets online & at door.
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REDWOOD CITY:
DEC. 15-16: Peninsula Ballet Theatre 'Nutcracker': Fox Theatre. "Professional company is joined by Peninsula School of the Arts in this sparkling production. Meet the cast onstage after each show."
DEC. 16-17: 'Hip-Hop Nutcracker': Fox Theatre. "Mix it up with this new holiday classic!"
DEC. 16-17: Bay Area Youth Ballet 'Nutcracker': Cañada College Theater. A slightly condensed version for all ages, plus features professional guest artists for roles of Nutcracker Prince & Sugar Plum Fairy.
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ROHNERT PARK:
DEC. 15-17: Santa Rosa Dance Theater 'Nutcracker': Spreckels Performing Arts Center. "Snow falling, flowers waltzing and children delighting."
DEC. 16: San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus 'Holiday Spectacular': Green Music Center. Concert experience that blends enchantment of season with compassion & community.
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SAN ANSELMO:
DEC. 20: Violin and Cello Winter Concert. Free at the library.
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SAN BRUNO:
DEC. 16 & 23: Free Photos With Santa: The Shops At Tanforan. Free? Yes, free.
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SAN CARLOS:
DEC. 15: 4th Annual Holiday Market. At Devil's Canyon Brewing Company.
DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Morning and Evening Service. Services in Samoan & English.
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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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SAN RAFAEL:
DEC. 14: Hanukkah Cocktail-Making Workshop & Kid-Friendly Event: Osher Marin JCC. Includes dinner for the youngsters!
DEC. 15: Hanukkah 'Shabbat Shmooze' Celebration & Menorah Lighting: Osher Marin JCC. Free event with music, wine, latkes & donuts.
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Stand-Up Comedy Showcase. LOL while you ring in the new year.
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SAN RAMON:
DEC. 16-17: San Ramon Valley Dance Academy 'Impressions Of The Nutcracker' -With special visit from Santa Claus & chance to meet performers.
THROUGH JAN. 7: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink: City Center Bishop Ranch. Options for private cabanas & fire pits, too.
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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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SANTA ROSA:
DEC. 15-17: Santa Rosa Dance Theater 'Nutcracker': Spreckels Performing Arts Center. "Snow falling, flowers waltzing and children delighting."
DEC. 18: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet: Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. "The peak of classical European Ballet."
DEC. 23: New World Ballet 'Duke Ellington Nutcracker' & Orchestra: Luther Burbank Center. "New World Ballet & Marcus Shelby Orchestra come together in this special holiday production."
THROUGH DEC. 31: 'Winter Lights' Outdoor, Holiday Skating Rink: Downtown. Themed-day fun planned, too.
THROUGH JAN. 16: 'Northern Lights' Winter Walk-Thru: Luther Burbank Center Sculpture Garden. Free with twinkling tunnels & lights.
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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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SONOMA:
DEC. 16: 'Here Comes Santa Claus' Photos & Kids' Fun: Sonoma Marketplace. Bring your camera!
DEC. 19: Pop-Up Workshop: Holiday Paper Lantern. At Community Center.
DEC. 19: Christmas Line Dancing & Lessons. For all levels & all ages.
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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO:
DEC. 16-17: SSF Civic Ballet 'The Nutcracker' - Tickets $10 for adults & $8 for youth & seniors.
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SUISUN CITY:
DEC. 14: Suisun Waterfront Hanukkah Fest & Menorah Lighting. With entertainment, latkes, donuts & music.
DEC. 28: 1st Annual Kwanzaa Celebration. Free, community event with food, music, dance & more.
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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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VALLEJO:
DEC. 14: Drive-In Chanukah & Grand Menorah Lighting: City Hall. With music & holiday food.
THROUGH JAN. 7: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom 'Holiday In The Park.' Featuring Santa, dazzling lights, entertainment & more holiday activities.
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WALNUT CREEK:
DEC. 14: A Jolly Jubilee | Holiday Crafting Extravaganza. At Tellus Coffee.
DEC. 15-17: The Biggest Gift. An annual favorite at Lesher Center.
DEC. 21: “Upon a Midnight Clear,” An Open Holiday Concert. Admission is free.
THROUGH DEC. 21: Center Rep's 'Christmas Carol': Lesher Center. Annual holiday tradition for thousands.
THROUGH JAN. 15: 'Walnut Creek On Ice' Holiday, Outdoor Skating Rink. Advance booking recommended.
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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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