Tri-Valley Events: December 2025
December has arrived in the Tri-Valley, and the festive spirit is lighting up the streets! The season of joy is here, with dazzling holiday light displays, Christmas-themed attractions, and plenty of family-friendly events to enjoy. Whether you're taking a stroll through beautifully decorated neighborhoods, visiting local holiday markets, or experiencing classic traditions like ice skating and seasonal train rides, there’s something for everyone to celebrate the magic of the season. From twinkling lights to merry moments, let’s dive into the holiday happenings around the Tri-Valley this December!
NOV 21 – JAN 4: Winter Glow Experience: A Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show
Experience the magic of the Winter Glow Experience in Pleasanton, a spectacular drive-thru holiday light show at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. This one-mile route of dazzling lights is perfect for families, couples, and friends, with festive Christmas music on 88.9 FM, cozy blankets, and holiday cheer. Open select nights from November 21 through January 4, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, admission starts at $33, and light bites and holiday beverages are available for purchase. Don’t miss this must-see Pleasanton holiday event, a joyful way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
NOV 24 – DEC 19: Fresh Cut Christmas Trees at Alameda County Fairgrounds
Find your perfect holiday tree at Pleasanton’s favorite Christmas tree lot at the Alameda County Fairgrounds! Choose from a wide variety of fresh, fragrant trees in all shapes and sizes, along with handcrafted wreaths and festive greenery, perfect for cozy homes or grand holiday gatherings. Free admission and free parking at Gate 7 make it easy to shop, with hours from 9 AM to 8 PM. Located at 2005 Valley Avenue, Gate 8, Pleasanton, CA, this Pleasanton holiday event is a must-visit for families and friends looking to make the season bright.
NOV 21 – JAN 11: Garden of D’Lights at Ruth Bancroft Garden
Garden of D’Lights at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Concord is a self-guided holiday light experience that transforms the garden into a dazzling wonderland. From thousands of colorful lights to art installations and lasers, the garden's stunning plant collection takes on a magical, festive glow.
DEC 3: Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Civic Plaza
Join the annual Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting on December 3rd from 4-7 PM for a festive, free, family-friendly celebration! Enjoy performances, "snow" flurries, a toy giveaway, and holiday activities in the Makers Village. Santa will be there, along with food trucks and seasonal treats. The highlight is the lighting of the 50-foot noble fir at 5:30 PM, set against the backdrop of illuminated City Hall.
DEC 5 – DEC 23: Lights of Livermore Wine Tour at Concannon Vineyard
Experience the magic of Lights of Livermore, an unforgettable holiday tradition that sells out every year! Begin your evening at Concannon Vineyards with a one-hour wine tasting in a historic setting. Then, hop on a festive, holiday-decorated trolley for a one-hour tour of Livermore’s best light displays, complete with merry tunes and caroling. Enjoy wine, festive cheer, and a stop at the famous snow house for photo opportunities.
DEC 5: Magical Holiday Evening at Museum on Main
Magical Holiday Evening will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM in Downtown Pleasanton! Enjoy free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Museum on Main, plus family-friendly activities and live music. Stroll along Main Street, which will be closed to traffic, and take advantage of shopping specials, delicious dining, and festive tunes.
DEC 5: Downtown Livermore Holiday Village in the Park
Celebrate the holiday season at Holiday Village in Carnegie Park, Downtown Livermore, on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 4 PM to 8 PM. This family-friendly Livermore holiday event features festive holiday shopping with local vendors and crafters, holiday treats, live music from local performers, and fun activities for kids, including visits with Santa, the Gingerbread Girl, and the Candy Girl. Enjoy hot cocoa, local beers, wines, and mulled wine while exploring twinkling holiday booths. Perfect for families and friends, Holiday Village officially kicks off the Downtown Livermore holiday season with a magical, Hallmark-movie–style atmosphere at 2155 Third Street, Livermore, CA.
DEC 6: Downtown Livermore Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting
Celebrate the season at the Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting in Downtown Livermore on Saturday, December 6, 2025. This beloved Livermore holiday tradition features festive floats, performances by local schools, bands, businesses, and clubs, and a magical tree lighting ceremony with Santa escorted by LPFD and joined by a children’s choir. The parade begins at 6:00 PM on First Street, and the tree lighting immediately follows, rain or shine. Perfect for families and friends, attendees can bundle up, enjoy hot cocoa, and soak in the Downtown Livermore holiday spirit, part of a two-day celebration including Holiday Village at Carnegie Park on December 5.
DEC 6: Meet & Greet with Santa at The Blackhawk Museum
Celebrate the holiday season at the Blackhawk Museum with two festive Santa Claus visits on Friday, December 6th and Friday, December 20th from 11 AM–2 PM. Families and children can meet Santa, share holiday wishes, and take a free photo included with regular Museum admission, making it the perfect seasonal tradition. After visiting Santa, guests can explore the Museum’s renowned galleries, featuring classic cars, western history, and global cultural exhibits, all surrounded by festive holiday décor. Enjoy a joyful, family-friendly holiday outing where history, culture, and Christmas spirit come together at the Blackhawk Museum.
DEC 6: Holiday Art Fair at The Bankhead Theater
Shop for hand made art and fine hand crafts at the Holiday Art Fair at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore. Made by local area artists, these hand made items make ideal unique and memorable gifts.
DEC 6: Lighted Yacht Parade at The Alameda Estuary
The 49th Annual Lighted Yacht Parade takes place at the Oakland/Alameda Estuary on December 6th. Starting at 5:30 PM, the parade features beautifully decorated boats as they sail through the estuary. Don't miss this dazzling holiday tradition!
DEC 6: Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Celebration
Celebrate the season at Pleasanton's Hometown Holiday Celebration this Saturday, December 6th! The event is rain or shine, so come join the fun in Downtown Pleasanton. The festivities begin at 5:00 PM with the Hometown Holiday Parade, featuring festive floats, marching bands, community groups, and more. At 6:45 PM, enjoy the Tree Lighting Ceremony, complete with musical entertainment, the tree lighting by the Mayor and City Council, and a special appearance by Santa.
DEC 7: Christmas at the Livery
Kick off the holiday season at Christmas at The Livery in Danville on Saturday, December 7, from 12-3 PM! Enjoy free Santa visits, a snow zone, holiday trolley rides, street entertainment, a hot cocoa bar, and more.
DEC 6 – DEC 7: Stüssy Outlet Sale at Alameda County Fairgrounds
Join Stüssy for an exclusive pop-up sale event! This indoor, two-day event features an extensive collection of the popular skate and surf streetwear clothing brand’s archived pieces, including limited-edition apparel, headwear, and accessories. Don’t miss your chance to grab unique, discounted items for the perfect holiday gift.
DEC 13 – DEC 14: Great Train Show at Alameda County Fairgrounds
Calling all train enthusiasts, the nation’s largest traveling train show returns to the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The show will include model trains for sale, exhibitors from across the country, huge operating model displays, free workshops and demonstrations, free test tracks to test run your trains at the show, activities for the kids, and much more!
DEC 13: Spirit & Sweater Stroll in Downtown Pleasanton
Join in on the Spirit & Sweater Stroll on Saturday, December 13,, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Downtown Pleasanton! Dress in your favorite festive sweater and enjoy a holiday-themed evening as you stroll through 20 downtown locations, each serving up a unique cocktail. Start by checking in at the Museum on Main to receive your event glass, wristband, and map, then explore the stops at your leisure. The ticket includes drinks at each location, plus plenty of photo opportunities to capture the fun. Must be 21+ to participate!
DEC 13–DEC 21: Valley Dance Theatre: The Nutcracker
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker in the Tri-Valley, an annual holiday tradition that has captivated audiences for more than 40 years. Presented by Valley Dance Theatre and accompanied by the Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra, this beloved Tri-Valley holiday performance brings Tchaikovsky’s iconic music to life with stunning choreography, elaborate sets, and beautifully crafted costumes. Audiences of all ages will be enchanted by the magical nutcracker, swirling snowflakes, adorable mice, marching soldiers, and the dazzling Sugar Plum Fairy. With its exceptional dancers and professional production quality, Valley Dance Theatre has earned its reputation as the premier ballet company of the Tri-Valley, making this Nutcracker performance a must-see holiday event for families and friends.
DEC 20: Meet & Greet with Santa at The Blackhawk Museum
Celebrate the holiday season at the Blackhawk Museum with two festive Santa Claus visits on Friday, December 6th and Friday, December 20th from 11 AM–2 PM. Families and children can meet Santa, share holiday wishes, and take a free photo included with regular Museum admission, making it the perfect seasonal tradition. After visiting Santa, guests can explore the Museum’s renowned galleries, featuring classic cars, western history, and global cultural exhibits, all surrounded by festive holiday décor. Enjoy a joyful, family-friendly holiday outing where history, culture, and Christmas spirit come together at the Blackhawk Museum.
DEC 20: Livermore Santa Con in Downtown Livermore
Livermore’s 3rd Annual Santa Con is Saturday, December 20th! With 10 participating venues, 8 DJs, and 7 hours of non-stop fun, this event promises to be one for the books. With over 1,200 attendees last year, organizers are expecting double that amount this time around. Participants are encouraged to get their costumes ready and rally their "drinking buddies" for a day filled with shenanigans, games, and plenty of holiday cheer.
DEC 31: New Years Eve at Cellar Door
Ring in New Year’s Eve 2025 at Cellar Door and celebrate with your Cellar Door family for a festive night of fun on December 31, 2025, from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Enjoy great drinks, good company, and an unforgettable countdown as you welcome 2026 in the heart of the Tri-Valley with style and celebration.
