Your Ultimate East Bay Holiday Events Guide
The holiday season has officially arrived in the East Bay, and there’s truly nothing quite like it. From twinkling light experiences and hometown parades to wine-country trolley tours and magical cultural performances, the East Bay transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive moments for families, friends, and visitors alike. And while every corner of the East Bay offers something special, the Tri-Valley, Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and the surrounding communities, shines brightest this time of year.
Whether your holiday traditions revolve around sparkling lights, Christmas markets, cozy cocoa, live performances, or Santa sightings, this East Bay guide has you covered. Packed with more than 40 seasonal events, this is your go-to resource for making holiday memories across the region, with standout highlights from the Tri-Valley, one of the most magical holiday destinations in the East Bay.
Below you’ll find everything happening this November and December, organized, expanded, and written to help you plan the most memorable holiday season yet. Bundle up, grab your favorite seasonal drink, and dive into the very best of the East Bay and Tri-Valley this holiday season!
HOLIDAY LIGHTS & OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
Winter Glow Experience – Pleasanton (Nov 21 – Jan 4) | Visit Website
The Winter Glow Experience at the Alameda County Fairgrounds is one of theEast Bay’s brightest holiday attractions and a signature Tri-Valley favorite. This one-mile drive-thru show surrounds you with glowing tunnels, towering light structures, dancing displays, and synchronized music broadcast on 88.9 FM. It’s cozy, memorable, and perfect for families who want the magic of the season without leaving the warmth of the car. With light bites, warm beverages, and admission starting at $33, it’s an ideal way to kick off or close out your holiday festivities. As far as Tri-Valley traditions go, this is one you simply can’t miss.
Garden of D’Lights – Ruth Bancroft Garden, Concord (Nov 21 – Jan 11) | Visit Website
In the broader East Bay, there are few light experiences as enchanting as Garden of D’Lights. It transforms the iconic Ruth Bancroft Garden into a glowing botanical world filled with lasers, art installations, and thousands of vibrant lights woven throughout the desert landscape. This self-guided experience is a quieter, more immersive alternative to busy city displays, an ideal evening escape for families, date nights, and garden lovers alike.
Castro Village’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting – Castro Valley (Dec 5) | Visit Website
Celebrate the holidays at Castro Village’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting! Enjoy live music, festive entertainment, and complimentary photos with Santa (be in line by 7:30 PM). The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 PM near Loard’s Ice Cream. Bring the whole family for an evening of holiday magic and cheer!
Orinda Winterfest 2025 – Orinda (Dec 5) | Visit Website
Join Orinda Winterfest 2025 on Friday, December 5, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Orinda Community Park for a free, family-friendly holiday celebration! Enjoy refreshments, live performances, crafts, festive photo opportunities, and the announcement of the gingerbread house contest winners.
Lighted Yacht Parade – Oakland / Alameda Estuary (Dec 6) | Visit Website
A true East Bay classic returns for its 49th year—the Lighted Yacht Parade at the Oakland-Alameda Estuary. Dozens of boats decked out in holiday lights sail the water starting at 5:30 PM, creating unforgettable reflections across the harbor. Pack warm layers and cocoa before settling in for one of the most beloved maritime holiday traditions in the East Bay.
It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration – Lafayette (Dec 7) | Visit Website
Celebrate the season at the It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 4–6 PM in Lafayette Plaza! Enjoy Santa sightings, train rides, live music, kids’ activities, festive photo ops, and the tree lighting at 5:30 PM, plus holiday treats and shopping at local businesses. This free, family-friendly event is hosted by the Lafayette Chamber and sponsored by local community partners.
HOLIDAY TREE LOTS, MARKETS & FESTIVE SHOPPING
Fresh Cut Christmas Trees – Pleasanton (Nov 24 – Dec 19) | Visit Website
The Alameda County Fairgrounds hosts one of the Tri-Valley’s favorite holiday traditions: fresh Christmas trees of every size, shape, and scent. Families from across the East Bay come here each year to choose their perfect pine or fir, pick up handcrafted wreaths, and enjoy free parking and free admission. If you’re looking for a classic holiday experience in the heart of the Tri-Valley, this Pleasanton lot is a must.
Small Business Saturday – Downtown Pleasanton (Nov 29) | Visit Website
Support the small businesses that make the East Bay and Tri-Valley so special during Small Business Saturday. Downtown Pleasanton comes alive with boutique shopping, seasonal treats, artisan goods, and cozy cafés. Nearly every storefront offers specials, and participating shops provide “Support Local” totes that have become a tradition of their own. Whether you’re checking off your gift list or shopping for yourself, there’s no better way to invest back into the community.
Berkeley Holiday Gift Fair – Berkeley (Dec 4) | Visit Website
Kick off the holiday season at the 7th Annual Berkeley Holiday Gift Fair at Hotel Shattuck Plaza! This free, in-person event in Downtown Berkeley features a festive evening of shopping, supporting local businesses, and holiday cheer. Explore a wide variety of vendors, including artisans, makers, wellness providers, and specialty shops offering unique gifts, from handmade candles and art to teas, puzzles, and treats. Come find the perfect holiday treasures while celebrating the spirit of the season!
Holiday Village in the Park – Downtown Livermore (Dec 5) | Visit Website
This charming Tri-Valley event transforms Carnegie Park into a Hallmark-movie-style holiday village. Complete with local vendors, cozy beverages, Santa appearances, Christmas treats, and live music, the Holiday Village captures everything that makes the East Bay and Tri-Valley so inviting during the holidays. Support local makers, enjoy mulled wine, and take in the glow of twinkling booths.
Holiday Window Decorating Contest – Pleasanton (Dec 5 – 31) | Visit Website
Downtown Pleasanton’s annual decorating contest turns Main Street into a sparkling holiday showcase, drawing visitors from across the East Bay. Stroll the shops, admire the festive creativity, and vote for your favorites. It’s simple, wholesome, and one of the most cherished Tri-Valley traditions of the season.
Winter on Solano – Berkeley (Dec 7) | Visit Website
Celebrate the season along Solano Avenue in Albany and Berkeley! This family-friendly, free event features live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, and specials from local businesses along the mile-long stretch from The Alameda to San Pablo Avenue. Enjoy the Kids Fun Zone with face-painting, the Solcar Choo Choo Train, and The Big Bubble People, plus performances by Korsa Musical Theater, Albany Jazz Big Band, Berkeley Community Chamber Singers, and Groove Objective. Don’t miss Santa on Solano for a festive photo opportunity! The event is rain or shine, wheelchair accessible, and Solano Avenue remains open to traffic.
Holly Jolly Fiesta Filipino! – Brentwood (Dec 13) | Visit Website
Celebrate Filipino food, culture, and the holiday season at Brentwood City Park! Enjoy authentic Filipino dishes like lumpia, live entertainment, music, and a unique marketplace with gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, savor a variety of international cuisines from Japanese, Thai, Korean, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and more.
SANTA EVENTS & FAMILY TRADITIONS
Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Celebration (Dec 6) | Visit Website
One of the Tri-Valley’s biggest annual traditions returns with a festive parade at 5 PM, complete with floats, marching bands, community groups, and performances. At 6:45 PM, the Tree Lighting Ceremony begins with Santa, live entertainment, and a magical community countdown. It’s the type of holiday moment that brings the entire East Bay together.
Meet & Greet with Santa – Blackhawk Museum (Dec 6 & Dec 20) | Visit Website
The Blackhawk Museum’s Santa visits are warm, charming, and great for families. With regular museum admission, kids can meet Santa, share their wish lists, and take home a free photo. Then, explore the museum’s cultural exhibits, classic cars, and holiday décor. It’s one of the most unique Santa events in the East Bay, blending fun with history and learning.
Breakfast with Santa – Dublin (Dec 6) | Visit Website
Held at the Shannon Community Center, this beloved Tri-Valley event features a hearty pancake breakfast, Santa photos, and live music from the Dublin High Music program. The sensory-friendly session makes it accessible for all families. Dublin shines during the holidays, and this is one of its sweetest traditions.
Photos with Santa – Fremont (Dec 6) | Visit Website
Celebrate the season at Photos With Santa on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 PM at Fremont Main Library’s Storytime Theater. Bring your family for a festive photo with Santa, enjoy holiday crafts, games, and activities, and write or drop off letters to Santa. Free numbered tickets are required for photos and will be distributed 20 minutes before each session.
Letters to Santa – Dublin City Hall (Nov 24 – Dec 12) | Visit Website
Kids can write heartfelt letters to Santa and drop them in Santa’s Mailbox at Dublin City Hall. Santa personally replies (as long as letters arrive by December 12). It’s a magical, simple tradition embraced by families across the East Bay and the Tri-Valley.
Finding Frosty Scavenger Hunt – Downtown Pleasanton (Dec 5 – 19) | Visit Website
A Tri-Valley favorite! Kids and families pick up a map at Towne Center Books or Five Little Monkeys, then search for hidden Frosty figures throughout participating shops. Complete the map and return it for a prize drawing. It’s playful, community-oriented, and a fun way to explore the heart of the East Bay.
PERFORMANCES, CONCERTS & CULTURAL EVENTS
Valley Dance Theatre presents: The Nutcracker (Dec 13 – 21) | Visit Website
This Tri-Valley classic has delighted the East Bay for more than 40 years. With a full orchestra, professional-level dancers, stunning costumes, and magical sets, this Nutcracker is widely considered one of the best regional productions in Northern California. It's a must-see for families, ballet lovers, and anyone who wants to experience pure holiday magic.
Livermore-Amador Symphony Family Holiday Concert – Bankhead Theater (Dec 6) | Visit Website
A free family concert at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore, featuring beloved holiday music, this joyful event is one of the Tri-Valley’s most welcoming traditions. Kids are encouraged to attend, dance, clap, and experience the joy of live music—part of what makes the East Bay arts community so special.
Simply Christmas Concert – San Ramon (Dec 6) | Visit Website
Experience the Simply Christmas Concert 2025 on Saturday, December 6, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Church of the Valley in San Ramon. Join Maameafon and friends from the Bay Area for the 13th annual edition of this festive concert, filled with vibrant music to kick off the holiday season.
Irish Christmas in America – Bankhead Theater (Dec 8) | Visit Website
This heartwarming East Bay performance blends Celtic music, storytelling, and dance with the warmth of Irish holiday traditions. It’s cozy, cultural, and uplifting, perfect for a December night in Downtown Livermore.
A Christmas Carol – Walnut Creek (Dec 10) | Visit Website
Experience the West Coast Premiere of A Christmas Carol at the Lesher Center for the Arts from December 10–21, 2025. This all-new adaptation by Harrison David Rivers reimagines Dickens’ classic through young Tim Cratchit’s heartfelt wish, sending Ebenezer Scrooge on his iconic journey of transformation. Directed by Jared Mezzocchi and produced in association with AXIS Dance Company, this production blends tender storytelling with stunning digital design for a fresh, immersive take on the beloved holiday tale.
Diablo Symphony Holiday Concert “Winter Lights” with Blackhawk Chorus – Walnut Creek (Dec 13) | Visit Website
Enjoy a festive afternoon at the Diablo Symphony’s “Winter Lights” Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church. Featuring the Blackhawk Chorus and violinist Simon Hagopian, the program includes seasonal favorites like “Fantasia on Greensleeves,” “Sleigh Ride,” “O Holy Night,” and Vivaldi’s “Winter.” This joyful concert offers uplifting holiday music for all ages.
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico – Bankhead Theater (Dec 22) | Visit Website
A vibrant celebration of Mexican holiday traditions featuring Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar. The colorful costumes, live music, and storytelling bring cultural richness to the East Bay’s holiday season and highlight the diverse traditions that shape our communities.
Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole – Bankhead Theater (Dec 18) | Visit Website
Rising star Stella Cole brings her jazz-infused voice to a holiday performance reminiscent of classic Christmas specials. Backed by a string ensemble, she offers warmth, nostalgia, and a stunning evening perfect for music lovers across the East Bay.
HOLIDAY BAR EXPERIENCES & NIGHTLIFE
Lights of Livermore Wine Tour – Concannon Vineyard (Dec 5–23) | Visit Website
One of the most popular wine-country experiences in the East Bay, this event begins with a peaceful wine tasting at historic Concannon Vineyard before guests board a festive trolley to tour Livermore’s best light displays. Sing along to carols, snap photos at the famous Snow House, and sip wine as the twinkling neighborhoods shine.
Tri-Valley Holiday Bars to Visit
Looking for holiday-themed nightlife in the East Bay? The Tri-Valley has some of the best seasonal pop-ups:
Beer Baron (Pleasanton) – Cozy décor, festive cocktails
The Fat Pigeon Bar (Livermore) – A neighborhood favorite with holiday spirit
Cellar Door (Livermore) – Known for craft wine and a warm, seasonal aesthetic
Murrieta’s Well – Wine-club charm meets holiday magic
Sauced BBQ & Spirits – Bold drinks and spirited décor
Da Boccery – Games + seasonal drinks
These venues are must-visits for festive nights out across the East Bay and the Tri-Valley.
Livermore Santa Con – Downtown Livermore (Dec 20) | Visit Website
One of the most energetic holiday events in the East Bay, Livermore Santa Con draws more than 1,200 participants, expected to double this year. With DJs, decorated venues, costume contests, and endless holiday shenanigans, it’s the ultimate night-out event for adults in the Tri-Valley.
New Year’s Eve at Cellar Door – Livermore (Dec 31) | Visit Website
Ring in 2026 at one of the Tri-Valley’s favorite wine lounges, Cellar Door. DJ sets, festive cocktails, and a celebratory countdown make this one of the best New Year’s Eve parties in the East Bay.
ACTIVE HOLIDAY FUN
Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink – City Center Bishop Ranch (Nov 7 – Jan 4) | Visit Website
A beloved East Bay tradition returns to San Ramon, bigger than ever with its expanded rink, fire pits, and festive environment perfect for families, date nights, and groups. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, this San Ramon rink is a must-visit during the holidays.
Candy Cane Lane Bowling Tournament – Livermore (Dec 3) | Visit Website
Hosted by the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce, this event is a fun, social afternoon perfect for coworkers, friends, or families wanting a break from traditional holiday activities. It’s one more example of the Tri-Valley’s festive, community-oriented spirit.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & GIVEBACK OPPORTUNITIES
Warm Coat Drive – Pleasanton (Dec 6) | Visit Website
Hosted by local real estate team, Connect California Homes, this East Bay community drive collects clean and gently used coats to support local families. With the season’s emphasis on generosity, this local tradition embodies the heart of the Tri-Valley.
Dublin Tree Lane – Dublin Civic Center (Nov 3–24) | Visit Website
A new and growing Tri-Valley tradition! Families, schools, organizations, and businesses decorate trees for public display, adding creativity and brightness to Dublin’s Civic Center. It’s joyful, community-focused, and a wonderful addition to the East Bay holiday landscape.
Deck the Homes Holiday Decorating Contest – Dublin (Dec 8–12) | Visit Website
This citywide decorating competition lights up Dublin’s neighborhoods with categories ranging from “Most Enchanting” to “Over-Inflated Award.” A community map helps residents tour the most festive homes across the East Bay, making this a fun, interactive activity for all ages.
Festive Holiday Crafting – Danville (Dec 11) | Visit Website
Get into the holiday spirit at Holiday Celebration: Festive Holiday Crafting on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Danville’s Community Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue. Enjoy a fun morning of DIY crafting with easy, festive projects perfect for creating personalized holiday decorations or gifts for friends and family. All materials are provided—just bring your creativity!
Why the Tri-Valley is the Heart of the East Bay This Holiday Season
There are countless holiday celebrations throughout the East Bay, but the Tri-Valley stands out for its sense of community, walkable downtowns, wine-country charm, and family-friendly environment. Pleasanton’s classic holiday traditions, Livermore’s vibrant arts and wine scene, Dublin’s community events, and Danville’s charming seasonal festivals create a collection of experiences unlike anywhere else in the East Bay.
From parades and tree lightings to boutique shopping, cultural shows, Santa visits, and scenic outdoor fun, the Tri-Valley truly embodies the spirit of the season—and offers some of the most memorable holiday moments you’ll find across the entire East Bay.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are a magical time in the East Bay, and the Tri-Valley in particular offers a blend of community charm, festive creativity, and seasonal warmth that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re planning a cozy family outing, a night of holiday lights, a festive date night, or a spirited celebration with friends, you’ll find something perfect on this list.
Save this guide, share it with friends, and enjoy everything the East Bay and Tri-Valley have to offer this holiday season. Here's to making joyful memories all season long!
