Date ideas in Alameda County: 19 picks from the Alameda County guide, each linked to its source. Details can change. Check with the venue before you go.
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In December, Livermore Valley wineries transform their tasting rooms into festive wonderlands for Holidays in the Vineyards. Concerts at the Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton and nights at the Oakland Zoo are among the other date ideas in Alameda County. Source: lvwine.org
Date ideas in Alameda County
Evenings out, scenic spots and shared experiences for two.
Hundreds of all-new animal lanterns light up the zoo after dark in its seventh year, themed on California forests, San Francisco Bay, Montana, the Everglades and Hawaii. Timed tickets go on sale 28 days ahead.
Dates
Nov 6, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027
Hours
Entry 4:30-6:30pm; all guests out by 9pm. Closed Nov 9, 10, 16, 17, 26; Dec 24-25; Jan 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
Cost
Parking included; members 10% off; ticket prices on the zoo site
Chorus Eclectic celebrates the enduring legacy of Indigenous First Nations through music, honoring stewardship, respect for nature and caring for future generations with choral performances of music by Native American artists.
Laurie Roldan's cabaret concert brings Karen Carpenter's beloved Carpenters music and holiday songs to life with live musicians and guest artists, including Merry Christmas Darling, Sleigh Ride and Winter Wonderland.
Livermore Valley wineries turn their tasting rooms into festive wonderlands with special wines, local artisan crafts, holiday music and activities. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots drive.
Dates
Saturday-Sunday, December 5-6, 2026
Hours
12-4:30pm
Cost
Free admission; tasting fees may apply and vary by winery
Two-time Grammy winner Mads Tolling blends the Christmas customs and sounds of the Nordic countries with American jazz, including a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen and jazz-infused holiday favorites.
Talented and energetic senior performers light up the stage with a holiday revue of lively choreography and heartwarming music, with special guest vocal artist Deborah Del Mastro and percussionist Rusty King.
Shop beans, gear and holiday gifts, taste coffee and meet the people behind twelve of Oakland's hottest coffee brands inside the Rotunda Building. Every ticket includes a vendor voucher.
Dates
Sunday, December 13, 2026
Hours
10am-4pm
Cost
Half day $10, full day $15, VIP $50, tasting workshop + VIP $95
Kedrick Armstrong and the Oakland Symphony are joined by Bay Area artists for the orchestra's annual holiday party, a tribute to Quincy Jones at the Paramount Theatre, which offers wheelchair-accessible locations and assistive listening.
An instructor-guided acrylic painting workshop inspired by solar halos, with two drink tickets and snacks; a relaxed, creative evening for friends, partners or solo guests. 21+.
A redwood forest a few miles over the ridge from downtown Oakland. Parking fees are cash only. Part of the Stream Trail is closed for repairs through Oct 31.
Hours
October 8am-7pm; November-December 8am-6pm
Cost
Parking $5 per vehicle (weekends and major holidays, April-October)
34 acres and over 10,000 kinds of plants. Docent-led drop-in tours Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30. Some paths are unpaved, narrow or steep. Closed Tuesdays.
Hours
10am-5pm (last entry 4:30pm)
Cost
Adult $18; Seniors (65+) $12; Youth (5-17) $8; 4 and under free
Section: Date ideasevent
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