It’s officially the holiday season! To celebrate, the Bay Area is aglow all month long with massive holiday light displays, parades, and multicultural events. One of the simplest pleasures for me each season is strolling down the streets of Willow Glen at night with a hot cocoa and candy cane in hand; the homes in this charming San Jose neighborhood put on one of the most stunning displays of Christmas lights in the entire Bay Area. (Wander north of Willow St. between Lincoln Ave. and Meridian Ave. to ensure you don’t miss the larger-than-life giant reindeer! Reach out for more of my favorite streets!)
Below are several more Bay Area traditions that are sure to bring a smile and warm your spirit:
Holidays at Filoli | Woodside | Now Through Jan. 7
The Filoli Estate & Gardens puts on an impressive holiday lights display each year. Step into the magic of the mansion decked in holiday cheer, then explore the illuminated winter gardens where inspiration glows. You can also reserve a firepit, bring your kids to meet Santa, or make your own holiday wreath while sipping mulled wine. Purchase tickets here.
Christmas in the Park | Downtown San Jose | Now Through Jan. 1
Glittering lights transform Plaza de Cesar Chavez into a holiday fantasy with over 40 musical and animated exhibits, a 50-foot Community Giving Tree, plus an enchanted “forest” of Christmas trees decorated by local schools and community groups. Enjoy nightly entertainment and holiday treats; discover more at christmasinthepark.com.
WinterFest | Santa Clara | Select Nights Through Jan. 5
Embrace the holidays at WinterFest, where California’s Great America is magically transformed into a winter wonderland and holiday festival. Guests can ice-skate in front of the iconic Carousel Columbia, take in the dazzling sights, sip on crafted hot chocolate and marvel at spectacular live shows. For more info and tickets, go here.
Après-Village and Skate Rink | Palo Alto | Now Through Jan. 7
Escape to a cozy mountain lodge atmosphere right here in the Bay Area at Four Seasons Silicon Valley. Private mini-chalets, a skate rink, and an Italian Mountain Valley-inspired menu create a magical winter wonderland. Open to the public, Fri – Sun. By private reservation Mon–Thu. Click here for more info.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair | Daly City | Weekends Through December 17
Immerse yourself in Victorian London by taking part in the annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair at historic Cow Palace. This elaborate holiday party features hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons through the winding lanes and lamplit shops of Charles Dickens’ London Town. A treasured Bay Area tradition since 1970! Visit dickensfair.com.
Trolley Rides & Brew Bikes Holiday Lights Tours | Willow Glen | Select Dates In December
Enjoy the festive spirit of Willow Glen on a trolley car that meanders nearby neighborhoods that are showing off their traditional yard trees and vast light displays. Trolley rides sell out fast! Purchase tickets here, or pedal and sing carols on a decorated San Jose Brew Bike through the beautifully lit streets and decorated homes with up to 15 family and friends. Visit sanjosebrewbike.com.
Nutcracker | San Francisco | December 6-29
Experience this magical holiday classic performed by San Francisco Ballet. A San Francisco tradition since 1944, this dazzling production is a kaleidoscope of over 150 dancers accompanied by the SF Ballet Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Purchase tickets at sfballet.org.
Tree Lighting & Children’s Parade | Los Gatos | Dec. 6-7
The holiday season kicks off in Town Plaza Park on Friday night with the annual tree-lighting ceremony and visit from Santa! Then on Saturday morning, the annual Children’s Christmas Parade marches downtown with school bands, drill teams, floats, and equestrian units all making their way down the Avenue while adoring parents look on. Visit lgsrecreation.org.
Holiday Lights Parade | Morgan Hill | Dec. 7
Enjoy a hometown holiday celebration with friends and family at Morgan Hill’s annual Christmas tree lighting and parade with floats, cars, local clubs, youth sports teams and even Santa himself! Explore holiday specials and events downtown at local shops and restaurants. Go to visitmorganhill.org for more info.
Carol of Lights | Downtown Campbell | Dec. 7
Come to the streets of Downtown Campbell for the annual Carol of Lights celebration! This family-oriented event features lots of festive lights, carols, donkey rides, a petting zoo, music and dance performances, and—of course—a visit from Santa! Find out more at downtowncampbell.com.
Lighted Boat Parade | Santa Cruz Harbor | Dec. 7
Celebrate the holidays Santa Cruz-style at the annual Lighted Boat Parade where 50 beautifully decorated power- and sailboats parade on the water through Santa Cruz Harbor shortly after sunset. Go early for the best viewing spots, bundle up, and vote for your favorite! For more details, click here.
Holiday Lights Train | Santa Cruz | Dec. 7-8, 14-23
Hop aboard the Holiday Lights Train from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk! Vintage excursion cars adorned with thousands of lights roll through the streets past the colorful homes of Santa Cruz. Visit roaringcamp.com for info.
Fantasy of Lights | Los Gatos | Dec. 10 – Jan. 5
Turn up the holiday tunes on your car radio as you enjoy a magical evening in Vasona Park. This cherished holiday tradition features a 1.5-mile drive-through of over 50 larger-than-life, animated holiday lights and displays. Admission is with pre-paid tickets only; purchase tickets here.
German Holiday Market | Mountain View | Dec. 14
Escape to Germany for the day in this open-air European winter market in the heart of Silicon Valley. Shop for unique, handcrafted gifts from both German and local artisans, and warm up with traditional German sausages and gluhwein as you enjoy this seasonal celebration by the German School of Silicon Valley at Mountain View City Hall Plaza. See here for more details.
Winterfest Sausalito | Sausalito | Dec. 14-15
The 37th Annual Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks lights up the waterfront and kicks off the two-day Sausalito Winterfest that includes a Jingle Bell 5K and Brunch as well as the boat parade. Beautifully decorated and brightly lit vessels sail the shoreline along with human-powered ones braving the cold temperatures with spirited fervor. Visit winterfestsausalito.com.
Hanukkah Celebration | San Jose | Dec. 29
Celebrate Hanukkah in festive Santana Row with a menorah lighting, kids activities, live music and more. Free for all. Visit santanarow.com.
