Seasonal & Holidays
Holiday Tree Lightings, Parades & Ice Rinks: SF Bay Area 2017
Town-by-town guide to this year's breakfasts with Santa, Hanukkah festivals, Nutcrackers, Christmas theater, bazaars, teas and concerts.

BAY AREA, CA – The holidays are nearing! Make the most of the season, and take part in such delightful, hometown festivities as holiday parades, "Nutcracker" ballets, "Christmas Carol" productions, choirs and musical performances, tree and menorah lightings, and those charming Santa breakfasts and Teddy Bear teas.
Some events require advance reservations and sell out quickly, so get booking!
Happy holidays, from Patch!
Find out what's happening in Pleasantonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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ALAMEDA:
Find out what's happening in Pleasantonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Through JAN. 15: 'Little Ice Rink' - South Shore Center
DEC. 17: Café Flamenco: Colores de Navidad
DEC. 23: Holiday Traditions Free Open House - Crafts & Stories: Crab Cove
DEC. 28: Big Fat Year End Comedy Show
DEC. 31: USS Hornet New Year's Eve Big Band Gala 2017-18
ALBANY:
Through DEC. 17: Santa on Solano: Photos & Snacks: Albany - Berkeley
DEC. 31: Noon Year’s Eve - Ring in 2018, Party, Music & Crafts
ATHERTON:
DEC. 16, 17: It's a Wonderful Nutcracker
BELMONT:
DEC. 21: Santa at the Firehouse, Snow and Toy Drive
BERKELEY:
Through DEC. 17: Santa on Solano: Photos & Snacks: Albany - Berkeley
DEC. 16-17, 23-24: Telegraph Ave. Holiday Street Fair 2017
DEC. 12-20: Menorah Lighting - Chabad of East Bay: Claremont
DEC. 16: Hanooka Festival of Lights & Latkes 2017
DEC. 17: Hanukkah Celebration for Families with Young Children
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Balloon Drop -Lawrence Hall of Science
CAMPBELL:
DEC. 17: Holiday Open House & Refreshments: Ainsley House
DEC. 16: Winter Wonderland - Santa & Crafts: Free at Library
DEC. 16-17: Winter Wonderland Ballet: Heritage Theatre
CAPITOLA:
DEC. 15 - JAN. 7: Seaside Ice Skating: Esplanade Park
CASTRO VALLEY:
Through DEC. 17: 'Christmas In Oz' - East Bay Children's Theatre
DEC. 22-23: Nutcracker with Alameda Civic Ballet
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Cabaret: Center For Arts
COTATI:
DEC. 18: Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting: Oliver's Market
CUPERTINO:
DEC. 17: Advent Poetry and Prose
DEC. 17: Lessons and Carols by Candlelight
DEC. 23: The Jingle Ball - Singles Dance Party
DALY CITY:
Through DEC. 17: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair 2017 - Living Theater: Cow Palace
DANVILLE:
DEC. 16: Community Chanukah Celebration - Blackhawk Plaza
DAVENPORT:
DEC. 17: Holiday Wine Tasting - Singles Party
DAVIS:
DEC. 17: Holiday Craft & Vintage Fair
DEC. 13-17: Children's Nutcracker
DEC. 16: Holiday Wreath Design Class
DEC. 16: Breakfast with Santa 2017: Odd Fellows Lodge
DIXON:
DEC. 19: Christmas Fun For Kids Workshop
EL CERRITO:
DEC. 10- 26: Legendary Shadi Holiday Display
FAIRFIELD:
DEC. 19: Jelly Belly Chanukah Wonderland
FELTON:
Through DEC. 23, varying dates: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
FREMONT:
Through DEC. 29: SOLD OUT Train of Lights - Niles Canyon Railway
DEC. 9 - 25: Crippsmas Place 2017
DEC. 16: Holiday Sparkler - Fremont Symphony Orchestra
DEC. 19: Giant Menorah Lighting, Donuts & Crafts: Pacific Commons
DEC. 22-23: Children's Christmas Musical "Angel Alert"
DEC. 23: Christmas Swing Dance Party at Slap Face Coffee
GILROY:
Through DEC. 31: Gilroy Gardens 'Holiday@Night' with Ice Skating, Santa, Train Rides
HEALDSBURG:
Through JAN. 7: Holiday Model Trains Spectacular: Museum
Through DEC. 24: Hotel Healdsburg's Holiday Tea
HERCULES:
DEC. 16: Winter Wonderland Workshop - Fun for All Ages
DEC. 30: Noon Year's Eve Celebration - Family Fun
LAFAYETTE:
Through DEC. 16: 'A Civil War Christmas' - Town Hall Theatre
DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Brunch & Dinner: Park Bistro & Bar
DEC. 25: Christmas Grand Buffet: Park Bistro & Bar, Lafayette Park Hotel
LIVERMORE:
Through DEC. 24: Holiday Photos with Sugar Plum Fairy: Premium Outlets
DEC. 9 - 17: 'Nutcracker' - Bankhead Theater
DEC. 16: Chanukah Under The Stars & Menorah Lighting: Downtown
DEC. 21: 'An Irish Christmas' - Bankhead Theatre
DEC. 23: Santa Paws Holiday Show - Olate Dogs: Bankhead Theater
LOS ALTOS:
DEC. 17: The Great Big Chanukah Gelt Drop
JAN. 1: 2018 New Year's Day Fun Run
LOS ALTOS HILLS:
Through DEC. 23: TheatreWorks Presents "The Santaland Diaries"
LOS GATOS:
Through DEC. 30: Fantasy of Lights 2017 Drive-Thru: Vasona Lake Park
DEC. 17: RSJ Magical Hanukkah: Addison-Penzak JCC
MARTINEZ:
Through JAN 7: Downtown Holiday Ice Skating
Through DEC. 17: Martinez Holiday Boutique - Old Train Depot
MENLO PARK:
DEC. 16, 17: It's a Wonderful Nutcracker
MILL VALLEY:
DEC. 17: Community Chanukah Celebration 2017: Acqua Hotel
DEC. 18 & 19: Christmas Jug Band Family Night: Sweetwater Music Hall
DEC. 30: Pre-New Years Eve Singles Dance Party
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Party with Notorious
MOUNTAIN VIEW:
DEC. 16: Menorah Parade & Lighting- Hanukkah 2017: Palo Alto/Mountain View
DEC. 20: 'An Irish Christmas 2017' - Performing Arts Center
NAPA VALLEY:
Through JAN. 7: Outdoor Holiday Ice Skating Rink
Through DEC. 17: Season of Giving at Siena - Toy Drive at Meritage
Through DEC. 24: Sunday Brunch with Santa at Meritage
DEC. 16: Christmas Bird Count for Kids - Napa
DEC. 16-17: Nutcracker: Napa Valley Performing Arts Center
DEC. 16-17: Santa Sleigh Visits: American Canyon
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Dinners and Celebration - Meritage Resort
NOVATO:
DEC. 16: Holiday Drop 'N Shop & Child Care
DEC. 12: Grand Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Fest: Whole Foods
DEC. 17: Sundays on Sherman Winter Edition - Ice Skating & Family Fun
OAKLAND:
Through JAN. 1: ZooLights - Train Ride, Cocoa, S'Mores, New Laser-Light Show
Through DEC. 17: Holiday High Teas 2017: Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate
DEC. 8-17: 32nd Annual Christmas Revels
DEC. 17: Brunch with Santa: Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate
DEC. 17: KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble: Annual Wintersongs Community Sing
DEC. 23-24: Oakland Ballet Presents Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker
OAKLEY:
DEC. 21: Winter Solstice Celebration: Big Break at the Delta
ORINDA:
DEC. 17: Grand Chanukah Party - Menorah Lighting & Acrobats
PALO ALTO:
Through JAN. 14: Annual BayLUG Holiday LEGO® Show at MOAH!
Through DEC. 17: Palo Alto Children's Theatre Presents "Madeline's Christmas"
DEC. 12-16: Palo Alto Children's Theatre presents "The Gingerbread Man"
DEC. 16: Menorah Parade & Lighting- Hanukkah 2017: Palo Alto/Mountain View
DEC. 17: Chanukah Legoland & Menorah: Mitchell Park
DEC. 17: The North Pole Review by Fratello Marionettes
DEC. 17: Lessons and Carols at St. Ann Chapel Anglican Church
DEC. 19: Last Chanukah Night - Food & Crafts: Mollie Stone's
PENNGROVE:
DEC. 17: Penngrove Holiday Parade of Lights
PETALUMA:
DEC. 16, 23: McEvoy Ranch Welcomes Holiday Shoppers for “Buy Local” Promotions
DEC. 16: Capote's Christmas Memory & Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales
DEC. 17: 3rd Annual Chanukah at the River
PINOLE:
DEC. 20: Holiday Music with Sincerity Choral Group: Free
PLEASANTON:
Through DEC. 30: Christmas Season At English Rose Tea Room
DEC. 8 - 17: 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever' - Amador Theater
DEC. 16: Fifth Night of Hanukkah: A Young Family Celebration
DEC. 17: Chanukah Parade & Menorah Lighting 2017
REDWOOD CITY:
DEC. 17: Hip Hop Nutcracker 2017 - Peninsula Ballet Theatre
DEC. 16-17: Nutcracker 2017 - Peninsula Ballet Theatre
DEC. 17: Annual Chanukah Festival - Latkes, Donuts & Music
ROHNERT PARK:
DEC. 16-17: Annual KPFA’s Craneway Crafts Fair: Pavilion
SAN CARLOS:
DEC. 16: Breakfast With Santa
SAN FRANCISCO:
DAILY through Jan. 7: Holiday Ice Rink: Embarcadero Center
DAILY through JAN. 15: Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
Saturdays and Sundays through JAN. 14: Free 'Learn To Skate' Union Square Ice Rink
Through DEC. 30: Beach Blanket Babylon Holiday Extravaganza
Through DEC. 31: Winter Walk 2017 - Fun & Food Trucks: Union Square
Through DEC. 23: Holiday 'Teddy Bear Tea' at Ritz-Carlton
Through DEC. 24: 'A Noh Christmas Carol' - Theatre of Yugen
Through DEC. 24: A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Geary Theater
Through DEC. 17: Breakfast with Santa: Hyatt Regency
Through DEC. 24: 'The Secret Garden' Holiday Production
DEC. 9-23: Ninth annual Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets for Young Children
DEC. 12-19: Hanukkah Candle Lighting, Stories & Songs: JCC
DEC. 12-19: Union Square Menorah-Lighting Chanukah Ceremony
DEC. 14-24: SMUIN Presents "The Christmas Ballet"
DEC. 16-17: 'Home Alone' with SF Symphony, Ragazzi Boys Chorus
DEC. 17: Ragazzi Continuo Presents "Winter's Warmth"
DEC. 17: SFMade Holiday Gift Fair - California College of the Arts
DEC. 18: 'Chanukah Under Dome' Festivities: Westfield Mall
DEC. 21: 'The Nutcracker' with Russian Ballet
DEC. 21-24: 'Charlie Brown Christmas Live' with SF Symphony
DEC. 24: Latke Ball 2017
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve 'Beach Blanket Babylon'
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve with Seth MacFarlane & SF Symphony
DEC. 31: Free Waterfront Fireworks Show: San Francisco
DEC. 31: San Francisco New Year's Eve PubCrawl
DEC. 31: W San Francisco New Year's 2018
DEC. 31: New Year’s Eve Fireworks Gala Cruise
DEC. 31: New Year's Rock the Yacht
DEC. 31: Speakeasy New Year's Eve Cruise 2018
DEC. 31: M.O.A.N.Y. New Year's Eve Countdown 2018 - Regency Center
DEC. 31: Gatsby's House - SF New Year's 2018
JAN. 1: New Year's Day Polar Bear Skate 2018: Union Square
SAN JOSE:
Through JAN. 15: 'Downtown Ice' Outdoor Holiday Rink
DEC. 15-17, 19-20: Holiday Cable Car Rides & Lights Tour: Willow Glen
DEC. 12-20: Nightly Menorah Lighting: Westfield Oakridge
DEC. 16: Charles Dickens's Scrooge: Christmas Carol starring Kellan Baker
DEC. 17: Hello Gorgeous! Barbra Streisand Holiday Show
SAN MATEO:
Through JAN 15: Holiday Outdoor Ice Skating
DEC. 16: Chanukah on Ice & Menorah Lighting
DEC. 22: 'The Nutcracker' with Russian Ballet
SAN RAFAEL:
Through JAN. 7: 'Marin On Ice' Holiday Outdoor Skating
DEC. 16: Marin Dance Theatre's Sophie & the Enchanted Toyshop
DEC. 17: Singers Marin's 'Tis the Season...Peace on Earth
DEC. 18: Sewer Band's Free Holiday Concert
DEC. 23: 'Top Shelf' Holiday Show
SAN RAMON:
DEC. 22: 'Holiday Movie Magic' Symphonic Band Concert
DEC. 31: East Bay New Year's Eve Party at San Ramon Marriott
SANTA CLARA:
DEC. 12-20: Nightly Menorah Lighting 2017: Westfield Valley Fair
DEC. 17: The Choral Project's WINTER'S GIFTS
DEC. 17: Hanukkah, Dreidels & Crafts: Westfield Valley Fair
SANTA CRUZ:
Through JAN. 7: Holiday Ice Skating at Beach Boardwalk
Through JAN. 7: Classic Holiday Movies Near Ice Rink: Beach Boardwalk
Through DEC. 23: Holiday Lights Train
DEC. 15-17: 'Nutcracker' Ballet with Live Orchestra
DEC. 16: Breakfast with Santa & Storytime: Dream Inn
DEC. 16: The Santa Cruz Chorale presents, “Christmas with the Chorale.”
SANTA ROSA:
DEC. 16-17: Gingerbread Doghouse Workshops - Charles M. Schulz Museum
DEC. 18: Museum Mondays: Happy Holidays, Charlie Brown!
DEC. 18-19: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
DEC. 19: Chanukah Celebration Finale 2017: Oliver's Market
DEC. 23: Holiday Gift-Making Workshop - Charles M. Schulz Museum
DEC. 31: Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! -Charles M. Schulz Museum
SARATOGA:
DEC. 16: Celebration of Light: Blaney Plaza, Saratoga Village
DEC. 17: Winter Solstice Holiday Concert: Montalvo Arts Center
SAUSALITO:
DEC. 16-17: Snacks with Santa: Bay Area Discovery Museum
SCOTTS VALLEY:
DEC. 17: Gabriella's Snow Day -Santa, Music & Games: Skypark
SEBASTOPOL:
DEC. 16: Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting 2017: Plaza
SONOMA:
DEC. 16: Annual Holiday Teddy Bear Tea à La Française
DEC. 23: KIDS' HOLIDAY 'TAKE HOME' COOKIES Class: Ramekins
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO:
DEC. 16-17: The Nutcracker with SSF Civic Ballet
SUNNYVALE:
DEC. 16: "BELIEVE" Christmas Show
SUNOL:
DEC. 17: Sensational Solstice High Peaks Hike: Free - Wilderness Park
VACAVILLE:
DEC. 17: Menorah on Main 2017 & Car Parade: Downtown
WALNUT CREEK:
Through JAN. 15: Outdoor Ice Skating
DEC. 17: Grand Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration - Broadway Plaza
DEC. 17: Diablo Symphony and Local Choirs Present "Christmas Fantasia"
WATSONVILLE:
DEC. 15-17: Green Valley Christian Center presents a musical - "ALMOST THERE"
DEC. 23: Christmas Eve Eve Magic Bizzaro Extravaganza
WOODSIDE:
Through DEC. 19: Holiday Teas: Filoli Estate
Through DEC. 23: Santa Saturday: Filoli Estate
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ALSO FROM THE PATCH HOLIDAY FILES:
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--Images courtesy of Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square and Pixabay jill111, geralt, kevindvt
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