Author: Heather Ruiz

We can’t think of a better way to kick off the holidays than at one of the area’s annual tree lighting ceremonies. Whether you live in Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton or Livermore, we have you covered with what to expect at your hometown celebration. So gather friends, family, and neighbors and get your merry on. If you go, be sure to send us your photos or tag us on social media at @danvillesocial.

Tree Lighting Festivities, Todos Santos Plaza, Concord, 12/15, 4 pm-7 pm.
More info: here! They will have carriage rides, Mayor’s Sing-Along, and special visit from Santa!

 2nd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration, City Center, San Ramon, 11/22, 5 pm-9 pm. 
More info: here! The countdown to Christmas starts in San Ramon! Head over to the City Center where Pride & Joy, the Monte Vista High School Marching Band, San Ramon Voices and Santa will help with the lighting of a magnificent 50-foot Mount Shasta Fir tree adorned with 14,000 lights and ornaments. Revelers can sip on hot cocoa and cider provided by Williams Sonoma while enjoying the evening’s festivities.

The Lighting of the Old Oak Tree, Danville Blvd., Danville, 11/29, 5 pm.
More info: here! Father Christmas and the Snow Angel make their annual trek to Danville to sprinkle magic dust on the Old Oak Tree and bring it to light. Kids of all ages will enjoy holiday tunes sung by local choral groups and participating downtown businesses will have warm drinks and holiday refreshments sure to keep you cozy. It’s a magical evening perfect for families to enjoy together as well as a fun, seasonally inspired date night for grown-ups.

36th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dublin Civic Center, Dublin, 12/ 5, 7 pm.
More info: here! Seasonal entertainment, cookies and hot cocoa await guests at the annual Dublin Tree Lighting Ceremony. Featured guests include the Dublin High School Choir, the Youth Orchestra of Southern Alameda County and a sighting of Santa himself.

Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Celebration, Main Street, Downtown Pleasanton, 12/ 7, 5 pm- 7:30 pm 
More info: here! Everything is merry and bright along Main Street in Pleasanton when the annual Holiday Parade featuring seasonal-themed floats, marching bands, community groups and more heads down Main Street bringing holiday cheer to all. Following the parade, gather over at the Museum on Main (603 Main Street) for the Tree Lighting Ceremony (around 6:45 p.m.) where Mayor Jerry Thorne will light the tree. Guests will enjoy musical entertainment and an appearance by the man with the bag!

Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade, First Street, Livermore, 12/ 7, 6 pm.
More info: here! Watch as Downtown Livermore turns into a Winter Wonderland when 50 holiday-inspired floats take over First Street in Livermore. The parade culminates when Santa arrives from the North Pole just in time to help light the tree.

Alamo Tree Lighting, Oak Tree Plaza, Alamo, 12/ 8, 4:30 – 6:30 pm. 
More info: here! Join host. the Alamo Rotary Club, for a special evening featuring school choirs, jazz bands, and a special visit from Santa Claus who will be ready to entertain little ones.

Garden of d’ Lights, Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery, Walnut Creek, 11/30-12/29. 
More info: here! Whether you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, inspiration, or a fun day with loved ones, the Garden is the perfect getaway. Each season offers something new among the largest collection of succulents from around the world. Get lost in awe at the beauty of Ruth’s work, and walk away feeling refreshed and renewed. Bring your lunch or dinner along and make it a picnic! Read below to learn about our hours, admission fees, directions to the garden, and parking.

Macy’s Tree Lighting, Union Square, SF, 11/29, 6 pm-7 pm.
More info: here! Performances are usually followed by the lighting of the tree! Every year, the Christmas tree is given to the city as a gift from Macy’s. This year’s reusable tree is 83 feet tall and will feature more than 30,000 lights and around 1,100 decorations. After the official ceremony, the tree will be lit each night through the end of the year.