This December, I wish you all a holiday season that brightens your spirit and warms your heart. Even as the days grow shorter, the Bay Area comes alive with dazzling holiday light displays, world-class performances, and festive rides on trains, trolleys, and brew bikes.
Celebrate the season with one or more of these beloved traditions with friends, family, and visiting guests:
Holidays At Filoli | Woodside | Now—Jan. 11, 2026
Immerse yourself in pure holiday magic at the magnificent Filoli Estate. During the day, journey through the elegantly decorated mansion and gardens, or explore Thistlewyck, an enchanting village in the Redwoods. At night, Filoli transforms its 16 acres of formal gardens into a dazzling landscape of twinkling lights. Reserve a firepit, bring your kids to meet Santa, or make your own holiday wreath while sipping mulled wine. Purchase tickets here.
The Velveteen Rabbit | San Francisco | Now—Dec. 7
Watch as the story of The Velveteen Rabbit comes to life with larger-than-life characters, fantastic costumes, and stunning choreography featuring students from ODC/Dance’s Youth & Teen Program. Voted San Francisco Magazine’s Best Dance Experience, you can catch the 39th anniversary of this heartwarming show at the Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA. Get tickets here.
Holiday Tree Lighting & 69th Annual Children’s Christmas Parade | Los Gatos | Dec. 5-6
Celebrate the holiday season in charming owntown Los Gatos at the town’s annual winter celebration and tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 5, in Town Plaza Park. Then join adoring parents, families and friends on Saturday morning as the annual Children’s Christmas/Holidays Parade marches downtown, complete with school bands, drill teams, floats, and equestrian units along Santa Cruz and Main Avenues. Visit lgsrecreation.org.
Carol Of Lights | Downtown Campbell | Dec. 6
Bring friends and family to the annual winter festival in Downtown Campbell for festive lights, carols, donkey rides, a petting zoo, music and dance performances, and a visit from Santa. This year, dig out your favorite ugly sweater and show off your terrible fashion choices for all to enjoy. Visit downtowncampbell.com.
Santa Cruz Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade | Santa Cruz | Dec. 6
Watch boats creatively decorated to this year’s theme, “Disco at the North Pole,” as they parade through Santa Cruz Harbor in the annual Lighted Boat Parade. Go early for the best viewing spots, and don’t forget to bundle up while voting for your favorite! For more details, click here.
Trolley Rides & Brew Bike Holiday Lights Tours | Willow Glen | Select Dates In Dec.
Bask in the enchantment of Willow Glen from a trolley car that meanders nearby neighborhoods while they showcase traditional yard trees and grand holiday lights displays. Trolley rides sell out fast, so purchase tickets soon here. Or, pedal and cruise the neighborhood on a decorated San Jose Brew Bike through the beautifully lit streets with up to 15 family and friends. Book now: sanjosebrewbike.com.
Weihnachtsmarkt – German Holiday Market | Mountain View | Dec. 13
Experience a traditional, open-air European holiday market in the heart of Silicon Valley. Shop for unique, handcrafted gifts from Germany 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. Find out more at germanholidaymarket.org.
The Nutcracker | San Francisco | Dec. 13-21
A local tradition since 1944, San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker is the country’s oldest full-length production. Glittering costumes, dazzling sets, and incredible performances from a world-class cast of dancers will fill you with festive joy from the first step. Purchase tickets here.
Vasona Park’s Fantasy Of Lights | Los Gatos | Dec. 9-30
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.
Christmas In The Park | San Jose | Now—Jan. 1
Enjoy nightly entertainment, holiday treats, and glittering lights as Downtown San Jose’s Plaza de Cesar Chavez transforms into a holiday fantasy. This completely free event features over 40 musical and animated exhibits, a 50-foot Community Giving Tree, and an enchanted “forest” of Christmas trees decorated by local schools and community groups. Discover more at christmasinthepark.com.
Holiday Lights Train & Tree Walk | Santa Cruz & Felton | Select Dates In Dec.
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. Or, bring the family to Felton to board the Redwood Forest Steam Train for a wintry ride to Bear Mountain to greet Santa Claus! Visit roaringcamp.com.
