Holiday Activities

Holiday Events Guide

The Holidays are here and we have so many fun events going on! Don’t miss out on events and happenings, make sure to sign up on our site so we can send you weekly happenings straight to your inbox! No need to go searching and wasting time looking for happenings, when we do all the work for you! Make sure you follow us on FB and IG@danvillesocial to stay informed and up-to-date with everything!

Field of Light at Sensorio, Paso Robles
If you are up for a little drive, this is worth it! Imagine a multi-acre walk through a field of lights! The lights illuminate the landscape perfectly. All brought to you by the internationally acclaimed Artist, Bruce Munro. To purchase tickets and for hours of operation, click here. Tickets are on sale through April 2025.

Niles Canyon Train of Lights
Enjoy a 1.5-hour-long round trip through Niles Canyon filled with refreshments, music, and cheer aboard our antique coaches and open cars that feature holiday lights and decorations inside and out. The Train of Lights offers a rare opportunity to experience a train ride through Niles Canyon at night. With one departure from Niles at dusk and a second departure from Sunol after dark, you can choose your favorite time to ride. Tickets here.

Fairy Winterland, Children’s Fairyland, Oakland
Yes, Black Santa will be there. He will lead families through the Festival of Lights Parade, and, in the end, he’ll give out a treat to all the kids. Children will also get to see him while you’re here, drop your child’s “Letter to Santa” in the mailbox at the Chapel of Peace. They make sure he gets it. And, yes, you’ll be able to cozy up with a FREE cup of hot cocoa. Reserve your tickets now!

Nutcracker, SF Ballet
From 12/6-12/29- All the characters you know, and love are back for another thrilling performance of San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker. Enjoy exquisite dancing, stunning sets, and Tchaikovsky’s popular score played live by the Grammy award-winning San Francisco Orchestra. Don’t miss out on the must-see show of the holiday season. Grab your tickets and reserve the edge of your seat today.

Union Square Christmas Tree, SF
The tree is up and the lights look spectacular, located in the heart of Union Square. Make sure to check it out this year!

45th Annual Lighting of Danville’s Oak Tree, Downtown Danville
11/29, 5:15 PM-8 PM. One of the most popular holiday events in Danville.
Meet Father Christmas and the Snow Angel and enjoy holiday treats and Holiday Classics by the Danville Girls Chorus, the Monte Vista High School Chamber Singers & San Ramon High School Chamber Singers. Join in the fun as we kick off the Holiday Shopping Season!

Christmas Lights Display, Danville & Surrounding Areas
We are lucky to live in such an amazingly beautiful area and it’s even more fun when everyone decorates for the Holidays. Check out our Holiday Lights Display Guide. Times are crazy and if we missed one, please let us know! Email- Heather@danvillesocial.com

Letters to Santa, Danville
Start getting those letters ready for Santa! Please include your mailing address so Santa knows where to send his letter! Drop your letter off by 12/2-12/13 to receive one by 12/24. More info here.

Blackhawk Museum Santa Meet & Greet
On 12/7 & 12/21, 11 am-2 pm. Bring your little ones to the Blackhawk Museum for an unforgettable Santa Meet and Greet! It will be a magical holiday event that the whole family will cherish. With museum admission, your family can enjoy a day filled with wonder, smiles, and a personal meeting with Santa amidst the vibrant backdrop of our exhibits. Create holiday memories that will last a lifetime! More info here.

Ice Skating at the Veranda and National Cookie Day, Concord
Ice skating at the Veranda is open from November 8th-February 14th. Purchase tickets here.
Enjoy Cookies & Cocoa with Santa and his friends. Meet & Greet with Santa, Mrs. Claus and his elves. Storytime, crafting and more! Click here!

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees, Alameda Fairgrounds, Pleasanton
Deck the halls because Santa Claus is coming to town on Saturday, November 30 from 2pm-4pm, don’t miss out! With FREE admission and parking, make sure to get a tree while supplies last and spread the cheer. More info here.

Kristi Yamaguchi Ice Skating Rink
The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink is back at City Center Bishop Ranch, open for the winter season from November 8th to January 5th! Then on November 15 at 6pm, join Kristi as she celebrates local skaters and their performances and cuts the ribbon for the official opening. Glide into the holiday spirit with daily skating sessions, and enjoy special weekend hours. For more info and tickets, click here.

Garden d’Lights, Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek
Using a specially programmed laser, spot and LED lights, the illuminated Garden comes alive at night, creating magical colorful sculptures from its many cacti, succulents, and trees. November 22-January 11, wander the meandering paths and discover the Garden in a whole new light. To purchase tickets, click here.

The Nutcracker, Bankhead Theatre, Livermore
From December 14-22nd, experience the magic of the Nutcracker. This annual Tri-Valley holiday event continues to enchant audiences of all ages, bringing Tchaikovsky’s well-known music and ballet to life with all of its elegance and beauty. Thrill to a stage filled with one magical nutcracker, a swirl of lovely snowflakes, adorable mice, dancing soldiers and a glittering sugar plum fairy. To purchase tickets, click here.

A Christmas Carol, Bay Area Children’s Theatre, San Jose
Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Purchase tickets here.

Zoo Lights, Oakland Zoo
Soar over the Oakland hills in our festively-lit gondolas and see the Bay Area skyline like never before. Enjoy our dazzling Penguin Playground attraction featuring Santa for the ultimate holiday experience. More info & purchase tickets here.

Luxury Sip & Stroll Event, Livermore Outlets
Sip, shop and stroll with us on Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 5PM-8PM. Enjoy exclusive shopping offers, wine-tasting experiences in-store from your favorite Livermore Valley Winegrowers plus special silent raffle prizes from the particpating boutiques. Click here to RSVP.

Family Fun:

Pinots & Pallet Holiday Painting, Danville
This is an all-ages event! Throughout November and December, paint a snowman, ornament, etc. To purchase tickets, click here!

Photos with Santa Family Event, CPC Danville
Friday, December 6 from 5 pm-8 pm as they transform CPC into a Winter Wonderland with a special guest… Santa! FREE photos with Santa, a train, inflatables & more! This event is truly spectacular, one you do not want to miss. Invite your friends and neighbors! Click here for more info.

Elf Workshop, Danville Community Center, Town of Danville
Children will love this holiday craft workshop! Light refreshments will be served, pictures with Santa, and children will enjoy hands-on holiday crafts. Please register here! For ages; 1yr-9yr.

Livermore Wine Trolly’s Family Lights of Livermore Tour, Livermore
Great for kids 2 and up! You will be riding in their new White Trolley with perimeter seating and USB ports near each seat! Hop on the Trolley and experience one of Livermore’s Favorite Holiday Traditions! Receive discounts at participating restaurants with your receipt. Pick up the Trolley in Downtown Livermore, 2350 Railroad Avenue – at Bus Stop near CREAM across the street from the Livermore Valley Parking Garage. No Alcohol Allowed. More info and purchase tickets here!

Santa Visits at the Danville Livery, 12/8, 12/14, 12/15, 12/21, 12/22.
Christmas at the Livery, 12/7 from 12-3pm.

Ice Skating, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Head over to Broadway Plaza for ice skating fun! To purchase tickets and more info, click here.

Tree lighting Ceremony, City Center Bishop Ranch
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with our enchanting Holiday Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival on Friday, November 22, at 6 pm! Enjoy heartwarming performances by the talented Monte Vista band, singers, and dancers. Witness the magic as Santa makes his grand entrance. More info here.

Santa Visits, City Center Bishop Ranch
Memorable visits with Santa on November 29, 30, and December 1, as well as on December 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22. It’s a festive season filled with music, dance, and the jolly spirit of Santa Claus. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Santa Beer Crawl, Downtown Martinez, 12/14, 1 pm-4 pm. 
Join the jolliest bunch of Santas in the East Bay for the annual Santa Beer Crawl through downtown Martinez. Santa costumes and ugly sweaters are encouraged, but not required. Tickets start at $30. More info and purchase tickets here!

Spirit & Sweater Stroll, Downtown Pleasanton, 12/14, 5 pm-8 pm. 
Don your ugliest sweater and head to Downtown Pleasanton for the annual Spirit & Sweater Stroll. Guests 21 and over will check in at the Museum on Main where they will pick up a commemorative glass and event program with a map and list of all participating businesses along with a menu of poured items. More info and purchase tickets here!

 

 

 

 

 

Black Friday Deals! November 2024

 

Shop Small at the Livery, Downtown Danville
Retailers and restaurants will be offering BIG DEALS and DEEP DISCOUNTS all day! It’s a shopping day you don’t want to miss. More info here!

Flaunt, Danville
Stay tuned! They haven’t announced their Black Friday Sale just yet.

Bliss, Danville
On Black Friday, you can take 40% off your entire purchase. They have a great selection of clothing, slippers, scarves, jewelry, and stocking stuffers.

Ella J, Danville
Head downtown to Ella J and get some cute outfits and accessories! Take 40% off your entire purchase! All sales are final.

Bishop Ranch, San Ramon
Enjoy an amazing lineup of events at Bishop Ranch! The stores will all have their own Black Friday sales!

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
For ALL Black Friday deals at the Broadway Plaza, click here!

The Veranda, Concord
For a list of Black Friday deals, click here!

Stoneridge Mall, Pleasanton
For ALL Black Friday deals at Stoneridge, click here!

Alameda County Fairgrounds
Black Friday Deals and Cyber Monday! Click here for more info. This is the biggest sale of the Season.

 

 

Danville Holiday Shopping Guide

2024 Holiday Shopping Guide

This is the time to give back and be grateful for where we live. Let’s support our local businesses this Holiday Season! I’ve partnered up with some businesses and they are offering a discount of free shipping if you mention our special code! Make sure to keep checking back as I will update this list daily with new deals! You can count on us to give you the best information and updates around Danville!

You can find great gift ideas from Danville’s local shops in the Holiday Gift Guide
Don’t forget to follow us on social media to watch our live shows and more! @danvillesocial

Beyond Active, Danville
Buy a $100 Gift Card for $75, a FREE gift with a $100 purchase. 50% Off Rack!
11/25-12/31, FREE Shipping! Use Discount Code: DanvilleSocial

Stay Polished, IG-@StayPolished
11/25-12/31, 50% off teeth whitening OR spray tan service! Use code: Danvillesocial

The Yogurt Shack, Danville
Now-12/31, Buy a $20 gift card, and get a $5 gift card!

Starcycle, Danville
11/25-12/31, Enjoy a FREE ride/class, Use Code: DANVILLESOCIALSTAR

PrepCuts, Danville
All Month of December! 50% OFF haircuts and blowouts!

Danville Cheese, IG-@danvillecheese
All Month of December, Get $10 Off a cheese board. Just mention code: DanvilleSocial.

KM Home, Danville, IG-@Kristemichelini
Sign up for their mailing list on the website and receive 10% Off your purchase.

The Rogue Cosmetics, Danville
11/29-12/31, Enjoy 10% Off Caudalie when you mention Danvillesocial!

Spree Boutique, Danville
This year, Spree is giving back to those in need. They want to give back this year to a foster child. Many of these children are close to the age of 18 where they will be out on their own! Show them some love & joy this season!
This is how it will work….Pick a tag off their tree, located in the store, Buy the gift, and then bring it back to the store for a FREE gift!

VIDA Wellness Boutique, Danville
Now-12/31-Use Code: Danvillesocial to get 10% Off retail or a service!

Brie Grazing Boards, IG-@brie_grazing_boards
11/27-12/31, Get $5 Off ANYTHING! Use code: Danville Social.

Utopia Tanning & Spa, San Ramon
Month of December, Take 25% Off a single spray tan when you mention code: Danville Social.
Must make an appointment, due to COVID Guidelines, either IG or Call: 925-901-1001.

Uber Eats $15 Credit
Get $15 off your first order with Uber Eats when you spend $20 or more on delivery of your favorite foods. Expires 01-20-2021.
CODE:US21PM

Our local businesses are the heart of our small-town community. Many have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. To preserve our business community we need to support them now and shop locally this holiday season. The Town of Danville, in partnership with the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce and with input from local businesses, has developed a grassroots campaign to encourage everyone to pledge support for our businesses. 

 

Tree Lighting Celebrations

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.

 

 

Pumpkin Patches Near Danville

It’s that time of year! The leaves will start changing with the season. Even though the weather doesn’t feel like Fall, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all of the Activities and Fun! Check out our list of Fall Fun and Pumpkin Patches!

Want us to share your photos with everyone? Tag us on social media @Danvillesocial and we will give you all the credit! Want to advertise or list your business? Email: heather@danvillesocial.com

 

Local School Festivals

Green Valley Elementary

Tassajara Elementary

Sycamore Valley Elementary

 

Pumpkin Patches
Dell’Osso Family Farm, Lathrop- Opening Day is October 1! Corn Maze, Haunted Castle, Dell’Osso Express Train, Hay Ride, Goat Walk, Duck Races, Tire Pyramid, Dell’Osso Speedway, Animal Zoo, Ball Shoot Arena, Tire Play Area, Lawn Games, Mini Golf, Low Obstacle Course, Kiddie Play Land, Spinning Pumpkins, Pillow Jumping, Children’s Interactive Pirate Show, Pig Races & Entertainment. PARKING IS ALWAYS FREE!

G M Farms, Livermore- The farm is so fun, and it has been featured twice on the David Letterman Show! Bring the whole family there’s harvest fun for all ages at G&M Farms, and it’s easy to find, right off I-580 at Isabel Avenue in Livermore. It is closed on Mondays & Tuesdays!

ABC Tree Farms, Opening in late September. San Leandro-Thye has over 20 Pumpkin Patches retail lots throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California Locations begin opening in mid to late September and remain open through October 31st. Their pumpkin patches offer several inflatable amusement rides, photographs, game areas, LOTS of different pumpkins, pumpkin carving kits and so much more!

Joan’s Farm, Livermore- Closed Mondays, except 10/10. This is a great spot to take the whole family! Snack Shack offers hot dogs, pumpkin pie, soda, water, nachos, etc. A Hay bale maze, Pumpkin bowling, a Little blue train, Feed the farm animals, a Large inflatable slide, Old West Town, and Old farm equipment.

Three Nunns Farm, Opening September 17. They have over 40 acres for exploring and encourage children (and parents) to get as dirty as possible! They recommend wearing closed-toe shoes for your visit – and keeping a close eye on little ones. They accept cash or cards and have plenty of wagons and free parking!