Section
137 listings in 24 counties. Dated pumpkin patches, holiday lights, Nutcrackers and seasonal festivals. Every listing links to its source.
Every listing links to its source · Updated
5 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventAn adults-only Halloween night at Fairyland, with DJ heyLove and adult elixirs, 6-10pm.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventFairyland's Halloween trick-or-treat event with bounce houses, crafts, live performances and STEM activities, 12-7pm. Costumes encouraged, not required.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventMariachi performances, a book celebration with author Sara Andrea Fajardo and an art exhibition, on Nov 1 and Nov 7-8.
Section: Seasonal and HolidaycampOakland Zoo's Thanksgiving-week day camp for grades K-5, with zoo tours, animal close-ups, lessons, games and nature play. Before and after care cost extra.
Section: Seasonal and HolidaycampTwo winter-break sessions of Oakland Zoo's day camp for grades K-5. Thursdays are half days with no after care.
1 pick
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventWalk-through light displays, twinkling pathways and photo spots, a free holiday arts and craft activity each night, and family films on select dates (Hook on Nov 28). Leashed pets welcome outdoors.
3 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHoliday craft faire at the Napa Valley Expo, produced by Eckerstrom Productions, ahead of Thanksgiving gift season.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHoliday crafts, milling demonstrations, folk music, cider and cookie decorating, 10am-2pm.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA Napa Valley holiday tradition for over 30 years, with home decor, art, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, crafts, specialty items and gourmet foods.
4 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidaycampSF Rec & Park camp at the city's archery range: basic recurve and compound archery, field games and crafts, ending with Archery Tag at Ocean Beach. Drop-off and pick-up at Cabrillo Playground.
Section: Seasonal and HolidaycampSF Rec & Park sports camp with indoor rock climbing and games in Glen Canyon Park; climbing equipment provided.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayfestivalFree holiday projection art on downtown landmarks over ten nights, including the Ferry Building.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayfestivalPlayGround's fringe-style festival of new holiday plays: 8 productions, 24 performances.
1 pick
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA Victorian London holiday party in the Cow Palace exhibition halls, with hundreds of costumed players, music halls, pubs, dance floors and shops. Tickets are sold online only and are good for any one day.
7 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventChildren's Halloween event, 2:00 pm.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventCommunity Day at the San José Museum of Art, 11am.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHalloween trick-or-treating throughout the museum, with hands-on spooky science and laser shows. Oct 31, 10am-5pm.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventDía de los Muertos celebration (Nov 1) and Diwali, the Festival of Lights (Nov 7).
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHoliday evenings at Gilroy Gardens with light displays, a 100-foot musical Tunnel of Lights, character shows with Santa, ice skating and North Pole Village.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventFree downtown holiday celebration with free Santa photos at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, on Market St. between San Fernando and San Carlos.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHoliday event for children, 2:00 pm.
6 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHoliday lights, a synchronized Christmas Tree Forest light show, tree lighting ceremony, carolers and live shows, Santa, cookie decorating and Christmas crafts, plus select rides.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventSmall Business Saturday wine walk: shop downtown Benicia while tasting wines at participating businesses.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHoliday kickoff at the city's Paradise Valley Golf Course with Santa, a kids' craft corner, a holiday market, a golf cart parade and holiday treats. Food and drinks for purchase.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventFirst Street merchants open their doors with treats, costumed carolers, live entertainment and a Christmas tree lighting.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventTree lighting at Children's Wonderland with live music, hot cocoa and photos with Santa. Gates open 5pm; tree lighting at 6:30pm.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventParade from First and D streets to H Street with marching bands, dancers and Santa Claus, plus a holiday market of handcrafted and gourmet goods.
6 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventFree family day with costumes, food, Halloween and Día de los Muertos crafts and wildlife displays.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventStories, crafts and a screening of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown for ages 1-5 and caregivers; come in costume. Trick-or-treating starts at 11am.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventSelf-guided activity for dogs and their people, with prizes; Halloween prizes for dogs in costume.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHoliday art and craft show with artisan vendors, live music on stage and daily drawings for Harvey Bucks.
Section: Seasonal and Holidayevent46th annual open house: the home decorated for the holidays, Kris and Mrs. Kringle, cookies and the gift shop. Free parking at First & D Streets.
Section: Seasonal and HolidaycampHoliday day-camps for children 6-12, sold by session or by individual date, plus Fall Holiday Day-Camps Nov 23-25.
8 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventTrick-or-treating at Main Street shops in downtown Placerville, with a costume contest and carnival games.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventLighting of the 65-foot fresh-cut Christmas tree at The Shops at Heavenly Village, hosted by Senator Alexandra Duarte and Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, with a live performance by Mark Mackay. Afterward, Santa lights the tree daily at 5:30pm through Christmas. Parking in the Bellamy Way garage.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventPlacerville's annual tree lighting festival, with live music, food and drinks, Santa Claus and the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Bell Tower. Dress up for the Whoville costume contest at Placerville Antiques.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe annual Town Center tree lighting to welcome the holiday season.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHoliday breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Fire & Ice in Heavenly Village. Limited tickets; no refunds.
Section: Seasonal and Holidayevent"All American Christmas" parade with floats, a marching band, carolers and Santa, starting on Broadway. Grand Marshal: Kris Payne. Main Street and Broadway close to traffic noon-4pm.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventOld-fashioned Christmas at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park: historic holiday house tours with docents, wreath making, Christmas crafts, warming fires, local gift vendors, hot food and visits with Santa.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHeavenly Village's New Year's Eve celebration, with a fireworks show and live music from 5pm.
6 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHalloween night climbs with spooky lighting and music; costumes encouraged if harness-friendly.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHalloween haunted house at the 1908 Watson Cabin, the oldest log structure remaining in the North Lake Tahoe area, from the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society. Free 5th annual haunted house during the Tahoe City Trick or Treat event.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventFirst chair of the 2026/27 ski season at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley, weather and snow permitting.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventLocal businesses, organizations and schools decorate trees around The Square: watch the grove light up, make holiday crafts, enjoy music, visit Santa and shop local vendors.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe city's Christmas tree is lit on The Square at about 6:10pm, with cookie decorating, Santa, a kids' activity zone, music and food.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventDowntown Roseville's holiday party with wine and beer tastings.
6 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHalloween cocktails for $9 and small bites aboard the historic Delta King on the Sacramento River.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventFairytale Town's 40th annual Safe & Super Halloween, circus-themed this year, with crafts, games, magic and trick-or-treating; come in costume.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe evening starts with Polar Express characters in the passenger station, then a one-hour train ride to the North Pole with hot chocolate and a treat, carols, and Santa handing every passenger a silver sleigh bell. Santa visits afterward in the Eagle Theater.
Section: Seasonal and HolidaycampThree-day Thanksgiving-break camp for grades 1-6 on how animals adapt to changing seasons. Extended care 4-5pm.
Section: Seasonal and HolidaycampThanksgiving-week camp for ages 4-9 with themed hands-on activities. Morning session 9am-12pm, with optional Afternoon Adventures to 4pm; early drop-off $15 a day.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventFairytale Town's Winter Wonderland weekends, a special ticketed event. Nightly snowfall at 6pm by the Mother Goose Stage.
4 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHalloween trick-or-treating along downtown Yuba City's Plumas Street, from the Yuba City Downtown Business Association.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHoliday craft fair with 100+ vendors selling Christmas decorations, jewelry, candles, handmade soaps, homemade candy and more, plus photos with Santa.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventFree opening reception for the Art Box Holiday Marketplace at the Sutter Theater, showcasing local artists, with complimentary drinks and appetizers.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventOne of the area's most popular holiday events, with more than 120 vendors, 70 downtown shops, food and kids' games.
5 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventDía de los Muertos concert from one of Latin America's most influential voices, weaving Mexican tradition with jazz, cumbia and folk. About 90 minutes, no intermission.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventDowntown Winters kicks off the holidays with a vendor market, a hot cocoa crawl, Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the gazebo and the tree lighting at 6pm.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventAn all-new holiday show from Thomas Lauderdale's "little orchestra", featuring singers Ari Shapiro, Edna Vazquez and Jimmie Herrod: classic pop, big band sound and Hollywood glamour.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA holiday tradition since 2015: local farmers' tractors decked out in lights roll through downtown Winters, with a holiday vendor market and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventJazz pianist Isaiah J. Thompson celebrates the holiday music of Vince Guaraldi in the intimate Vanderhoef Studio Theatre.
5 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventAnnual Halloween-themed night of sprint car racing (Sat Oct 24). Kids are invited to wear costumes and go down onto the track to collect candy from drivers and crews, so bring a 'track or treat' bag.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventShop jewelry, apparel, baked goods and more from local Yuba-Sutter vendors.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHoliday evening on D Street that brings the community together while collecting toys and raising funds for local children through the SoYouCan nonprofit.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventYuba College's evening of live music and holiday cheer at the Marysville Campus Theatre.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA Las Vegas-style tribute to Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine, with "Conga," "1-2-3" and "Turn the Beat Around."
5 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThanksgiving craft afternoon: make a turkey windsock.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe fair's first Christmas bazaar, with food and holiday shopping from local vendors.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventMaestro Ming Luke leads the Merced Symphony in holiday classics and festive favorites at the historic Merced Theatre.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe Chamber of Commerce's lighted night parade, themed "Elves on Parade," followed by awards, carolers and the tree lighting in Henry Miller Plaza, with arts and crafts, choirs, marching bands and food vendors.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventMarie's Nutcracker comes to life on Christmas Eve in a production with 40 dancers, more than 150 hand-sewn costumes and hand-crafted sets. Runs 1 hour 40 minutes with a 20-minute intermission; ages 2 and up.
11 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventFour days of carnival rides, a hay maze, VR haunted house, Halloween market, kids activities and Dia de los Muertos programming, with trunk-or-treat car shows Fri-Sun nights and fireworks Saturday and Sunday at 7pm.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventBilled as the largest Nutcracker production in North America, the 34th annual tour launches in Stockton with an international cast, acrobatics and larger-than-life puppetry set to Tchaikovsky's score.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe Kiwanis Club of Greater Lodi's 29th annual parade fills downtown with more than 80 lighted floats, marching bands and dance troupes, ending with Santa on a Lodi fire truck. Arrive early; parking fills quickly.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventCentral West Ballet's holiday tradition follows Clara to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, including a sensory-friendly performance. On Dec 5, Central Ave. is closed for the farmers market and parade.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHoliday shopping, food and craft vendors, kid rides, free kids' activities and visits with Santa, followed by the "Hometown Christmas in Manteca" parade of floats and marching bands along Yosemite Avenue.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA festive concert with American Idol finalist Filo Ebid and the Stockton Youth Chorale: Sleigh Ride, O Holy Night, Symph-Hanukkah, music from The Nutcracker and Frozen, and a carol sing-along.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe Tracy City Center Association's lighted parade and tree lighting through downtown Tracy. Streets close from 3pm.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventSnowfall, cookies and hot chocolate, live performances and local vendors at Weber Point, with the tree lighting at 5:30pm and the Lynn Hahn Memorial Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade around 6:30pm. Bring blankets and lawn chairs; no pets, alcohol or bikes. Parking is on-street or in paid city lots.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe long-running holiday drag tour, hosted by Nina West, with an all-new lineup of RuPaul's Drag Race stars, costumes, comedy and festive surprises. Ages 18 and up; 20-minute intermission.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventBallet students of the City of Lodi Parks and Recreation program present their annual Nutcracker, with a few new surprises this year.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe holiday classic on the big screen at the historic Bob Hope Theatre, preceded by an organ concert. Popcorn available.
10 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe City of Modesto's McHenry Mansion and the county library host slightly spooky story times, activities and trick-or-treating for kids, tweens and teens ages 2 to 17, outside the mansion.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventMore than 80 local vendors with handmade goods, vintage finds, baked treats and food, plus free photos with Santa, kids' crafts and letters to Santa.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventIrish music, song, dance and storytelling bring the traditions of Christmas in Ireland to the stage.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA stage production that brings Karen Carpenter's voice and The Carpenters' holiday music, including "Merry Christmas, Darling," back to the stage.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventUkulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, featuring Justin Kawika Young, plays music from Tis The Season: classic carols, Hawaiian holiday favorites and soulful arrangements.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventCapathia Jenkins joins Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray and the MSO Chorus for a program of holiday favorites.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventTurlock's traditional downtown Christmas parade, with floats from local businesses, groups and families.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventModesto's holiday parade, themed "Winter Wonderland," starts at 14th and I Streets and travels west on I to 10th, north on 10th to J, and east on J to 17th Street. Road closures begin at 1pm.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventCentral West Ballet's holiday tradition follows Clara to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Separately ticketed Sugar Plum Fairy Parties on stage after select performances let children meet the characters.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventTraditional Christmas hymns and carols by the MSO, MSO Chorus, Opus Handbell Ensemble and Central Valley Youth Chorus in a church decorated with candlelight. Printed tickets required; doors open no earlier than 7pm.
3 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventWalk-through holiday light displays, Santa (or the Grinch on Sundays), carolers, live bands Friday and Saturday, holiday market, train rides and Santa's Workshop. New for 2026: Frosty's Carnival and Whoville Bounce Village (Wonderpass add-on for unlimited rides).
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventStudents of PacRep's Peppy Garner & Darnell Whitt School of Performing Arts stage the musical based on the animated holiday special, outdoors at the Forest Theater. Runs 1 hour 30 minutes with one intermission; ages 4 and up. The Dec 19 show is ASL interpreted.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHistoric adobes in Old Monterey open for two evenings with luminarias, holiday decor, music and refreshments. Pick up wristbands and maps at will-call (Stanton Center, Casa Gutierrez or Stevenson House) from 4pm. Rain or shine; no refunds.
8 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe MAH's community Día de los Muertos celebration with traditional music, dance and art.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventAn afternoon of spooky fun and trick-or-treating at Santa Cruz Harbor.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventFree holiday admission to the Boardwalk: a tunnel of lights, festive decor, free light shows every 15 minutes from 5 to 8pm in the Main Plaza, photos with Santa and 10-15 rides (weather permitting), with $2 rides after 5pm.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventVintage excursion cars covered in thousands of lights roll through the streets of Santa Cruz, with a holiday sing-along, live music, hot spiced cider and a visit from Santa. One-hour ride on Roaring Camp's Beach Train.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventRide the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the winter redwoods to Bear Mountain, sip hot cider with Santa Claus, then enjoy winter-themed activities in town. 75-minute train ride.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe official kickoff to the holidays downtown, with about 1,200 participants from Santa Cruz County schools, youth organizations and local nonprofits, and over 3,000 spectators. Rain or shine.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe Santa Cruz Yacht Club's 39th annual parade of 50 decorated power and sailboats through the harbor, rain or shine. Hot drinks and snacks are available around the south harbor.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventOne-hour ride through the streets of Santa Cruz with Chanukah music, warm latkes and hot apple cider from Chabad by the Sea, plus festive games and prizes.
14 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe 3rd annual Witches Walk brings live music by Triple Threat (4-7pm), the dancing Witches of West Point, food, games, crafts, face painting, a vendor fair, shopping and a 5pm costume contest in the auditorium with categories for adults, children and dogs.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHalloween-season afternoon at the Shenandoah Valley tasting room with award-winning wines, live music and fall fun.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventGuided workshop where you build a pumpkin succulent fall centerpiece with a glass of wine in hand. All supplies are included; it sold out fast last year.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventLive music, Iron Hub wines by the glass or bottle and a costume contest, with food for purchase from Chef Andy's Crossover Kitchen.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventWear a tutu and a mustache to celebrate Halloween in Dobra Zemlja's wine cave, with spiced and spiked apple cider and Halloween candy pairings with select wines.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHoliday comedy in the intimate Cobblestone Theatre: to keep her mother from finding out she's divorced, Wendy pays her ex to pose as her husband for the holidays, and havoc ensues.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventFamily holiday play by Ken and Jack Ludwig staged in Baker Street West's immersive Victorian London setting. The theatre is up 30+ stairs with no elevator.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventGrammy-nominated singer-songwriter Lacy J. Dalton, a North American Country Music Association International Hall of Fame inductee, kicks off the holidays with Christmas music and her country songs. Open seating; beer and wine available.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA holiday tradition of angelic singing, instrumental wizardry and championship Irish step dancing, with vocalist Amelia Hogan and Molly's Revenge fiddler John Weed. Open seating; beer and wine available.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA Christmas holiday show of classic 1950s and '60s rock and roll, fronted by Frankie Adele, former lead singer of the original Sha Na Na. Open seating; beer and wine available.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventSteiner Road wineries on Amador County's first wine trail offer festive tastings, small bites and holiday discounts, with 100% of net ticket proceeds going to the Interfaith Foodbank of Amador County. Online tickets through Dec 3; limited day-of tickets at participating wineries. Reservations may be required at some wineries.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHoliday stroll through 1894 Preston Castle styled as Christmas past. Gate entry gets you Santa, the gift shop and a craft fair; touring the castle costs extra. Tickets go on sale in November.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventSinger-songwriter Mark Mackay blends arena-ready rock and roll with country soul in a holiday show. Open seating; beer and wine available.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe 19th annual lighted holiday parade down Main Street, rain or shine, with arts and crafts vendors in the auditorium from 1-8pm and food vendors at both ends of Main Street. Roads close at 5pm; a free shuttle runs from the Italian Picnic Grounds 3-5:30pm and after the parade.
4 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA Halloween-themed bluegrass show on Friday, Oct 30 by the Santa Cruz band. Doors 6pm; mix of standing room and first-come seating; food available for purchase.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventWalking parade, community altar, folklorico and Aztec dance performances, a lowrider car show, face painting, a free photo booth and a scavenger hunt on the meaning of Day of the Dead.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventDowntown Chico merchants kick off the holiday season with decorations, entertainment and a visit from Santa for family photos.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA stage version of Dickens' story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.
2 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventCity of Clearlake's family winter festival at Austin Park, with festival activities from 2pm, a parade at 6pm and the tree lighting at about 6:30pm.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe Lake County Symphony Association's annual Christmas concert, conducted by John Parkinson, with an opening performance by the Lake County Adult and Youth Concert Orchestra. Doors 1:30pm.
4 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventKids and families come in costume for games with lots of prizes.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventAll-ages Halloween roller skate night with music at the Old Rec Gym. (Fri Oct 23 is an adults-only 18+ night.)
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA handmade light show by Gardens staff and volunteers along lighted garden pathways, rain or shine. No dogs; free parking shuttle from the Mendocino College lot at 1211 Del Mar Dr.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA 60-minute holiday play of 12 five-minute scenes based on the verses of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," with musical interludes.
9 picks
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventTrick-or-treat through the Downtown Park and Community Arts Center, with Halloween-themed tables, music on the Downtown Stage and a 5:30pm costume contest.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA Downtown Truckee tradition for more than 45 years: local children decorate trees for the streets, the Rotary Club of Truckee serves hot cocoa, and Santa arrives for the lighting of the Bud Fish Tree.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe 58th annual old-fashioned Christmas street faire turns Mill and Main Streets into a festive marketplace with twinkling lights, local artisans, seasonal treats, carolers, live music and hot cider, honoring Grass Valley's Cornish Gold Rush heritage.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventMore than 100 artisan vendors with handcrafted gifts, plus musical entertainment, a gingerbread house and holiday displays, a community bonfire, wagon rides, food booths and visits with Santa.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe 15th annual Nevada City Winter Craft Fair, with more than 70 local crafters, designers and artisans selling handmade home decor, apparel, bath products, stationery, art, food and drinks.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventHolt Ballet Conservatory's reimagined Clara & the Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky's score, with guest artists and young dancers in a holiday show for all ages.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventA tradition since 1978: gas-lit hilly streets, roasted chestnuts, carolers in Victorian attire, 100+ artisan vendors, live entertainment, yuletide treats and Father Christmas. Broad and Commercial Streets are closed to through traffic; shuttles are recommended.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventThe Count Basie Orchestra, defining big band jazz for nearly 90 years, plays swing and holiday favorites with Grammy-winning vocalist Carmen Bradford.
Section: Seasonal and HolidayeventSan Francisco string band The Brothers Comatose throws a Shipwrecked-themed New Year's Eve party with a champagne toast at midnight and a balloon drop; Bluegrass Blowouts open; costumes encouraged.
137 listings in 24 counties. The most are in Amador County (14), San Joaquin County (11), Stanislaus County (10).
26 listings list free entry, including Holiday Light Spectacular at Marin Center, Let's Glow SF, Twisted Holiday Festival, Christmas in the Park.
Monsters' Ball at Children's Fairyland (Oct 23, 2026), Children's Halloween Haunt at History Park (Oct 24, 2026), Community Day: Día de Los Muertos at SJMA (Oct 24, 2026), Los Colores de Otoño at Jack London State Historic Park (Oct 25, 2026), Fright Climb at Quarry Park (Oct 23 and Oct 30, 2026).
Every listing links to the venue's or organizer's own source. Source links are checked automatically, and a listing shows a Last checked date when its source answered that check; the most recent check in this section was Oct 21, 2026. Past events are removed on each rebuild.
