Places to Go

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! Thinking of adopting a cat or dog?? The East Bay SPCA is waiving adoption fees (on select animals) until 12/29/19! The address is 4651 Gleason Drive, Dublin.

Holidays on the Farm, Ice Skating, Snow Tubing, & Country Store, Lathrop, Now-1/4/19, 10 am-9 pm.
Just a little under an hour away, you can enjoy snow tubing, ice skating, zip lines, play zones & much more! Located at, Dell’Osso Family Farm, 501 Manthey Rd., Lathrop. To purchase tickets and check schedules, click here!

European Model Train Exhibit, Blackhawk Plaza, Blackhawk, Now-1/5, 10 am-5 pm.
Visitors will marvel at the selection of locomotives, freight and passenger cars from various European countries as well as detailed scale versions of European landscapes including mountains, villages, bridges, farms, lakes, and industries which come alive when the trains travel through the layout. Admission is $5. More info here!

Ice Skating at the Veranda, Concord, Now-2/17/20
For hours and times of the Veranda Ice Rink, click here!

LumiNight Lantern Festival, Alameda Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, Now-2/2, 5 pm-10 pm.
LumiNight presents One World. A Million Lights, a unique celebration of our planet’s most treasured wonders, wildlife, and nature that includes a Forest of a Million Lights, dinosaurs, Chinese Zodiac animals, the Great Barrier Reef, the story of Noah’s Ark, and more. Admission starts at $12. More info here!

Kristi Yamaguchi Ice Skating Rink, Now-1/5/20.
The first and only outdoor ice rink in the Tri-Valley will officially celebrate its grand opening on 11/15 at 5 PM. The 4,100-square-foot ice rink is named after the beloved 1992 Olympic gold medal winner in women’s figure skating and East Bay native, Kristi Yamaguchi, who will kick off the grand opening with a few words. The event will continue with a choreographed holiday skating performance called, “An Icy Christmas” by Polina Edmunds, the 2016 US Silver Champion, with young up-and-coming local skaters, including Yamaguchi’s daughter, Emma Hedican. A portion of all ticket sales will benefit Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation, a local organization committed to inspiring underserved children to reach for their dreams through innovative reading programs, and promote the importance of early childhood literacy. Hours/Price: Ticket prices are $12 per skater and $5 for skate rentals.

Garden d’Lights, Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, Now-12/29, 5:30 pm-9 pm.
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. Wander the meandering paths and discover the Garden in a whole new light. To purchase tickets, click here!

Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage, Bankhead Theatre, Livermore, 12/29, 1 pm, 4 pm, & 7 pm.
Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang produce their own Christmas play and ultimately learn the true meaning of the season. Tickets start at $20. More info and purchase tickets here!

Construction Site on Christmas Night, Bay Area Children’s Theatre, SF, Now-12/29.
Down in the big construction site, Bulldozer, Excavator, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck and Crane Truck are giving their all to build a big new home for the fire trucks before Christmas. Will they make it? And what surprises are in store before they bid each other goodnight once more? Recommended for ages 3 and up. Address and Parking tips here! Purchase tickets here!

Zoo Lights, Oakland Zoo, Now-1/5, 5:30 pm-9 pm. 
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. Meet Santa every night between 12/6-12/23, from 6 pm-9 pm. More info & purchase tickets here!

PAST EVENTS:

Visit the Winter Wonderland Fairy, Livermore Outlets, Now-12/22, 2 pm-4 pm. 
Every Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm-4 pm, near the Christmas tree at the main entrance near Tommy Hilfiger don’t forget to bring your camera and take a pic with the Winter Wonderland Fairy! More info here!
**Don’t forget to go shopping and save! Wednesdays just got way better! Local residents are invited to shop at the Livermore Outlets and enjoy a Local Residents Discount Card, a free special gift and more. Visit Simon Guest Services for details. And now Monday – Thursday local residents are able to pick up a free Local Residents Discount Card free of charge!
**On Thanksgiving Day, starting at 3 pm, the outlets will be open for 31 hours straight! There will be lots of deals going on for Black Friday.

Holiday Gifting Event at Neiman Marcus, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, 12/12, 5:30 pm-9 pm.
Bites, Bubbles, Festive Music, Prizes, and Surprises, and Complimentary Gift Wrapping! Must RSVP here: rsvpwalnutcreek@neimanmarcus.com. More info here!

Family Fun:

Round Table Pizza, Featuring Pinots & Pallet, Danville, 12/15, 2 pm-3:30 pm.
This is an All Ages Event! Take the kids to Round Table Pizza for an all-ages event. To purchase tickets, click here! Painters will be painting on a 10×10 canvas or $10.00 more on a canvas tote. This adorable snowman is both whimsical and endearing. Perfect to brighten your holiday season.

Paint by Day, CPC Danville, 12/14, 9 am-11:30 am.
A fun new Christmas class! Paint By Day Holiday Edition will feature a fun painting workshop for 1st-4th graders, designed for all skill levels! Invite your friends and join the CPC gym. The cost is $20! To register, click here!

Holiday Playdate, CPC Danville, 12/12, 9:30 am-11:30 am.
Join us for a HOLIDAY PLAYDATE with Bounce Houses & Crafts for kids 5 and under. They will have FREE coffee and lots of Christmas Cheer! The location is 222 W. El Pintado.

Elf Workshop, Danville Community Center, Town of Danville, 12/13 & 12/14, Times Vary.
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! Some workshops are full, but a waitlist is available! For ages; 1yr-9yr.

Holiday Hangout, Danville Community Center, Town of Danville, 12/12, 4 pm-5:30 pm.
Head down and get out of the house! There will be tween games and activities! Just to name a few; candy cane blindfold testing, Marshmallow challenges, homemade crafts, prizes & more! Refreshments will be served Parents are welcome to stay! There is a fee to register. Please click here! For ages; 8-12 years old.

Livermore Wine Trolly’s Family Lights of Livermore Tour, Livermore, 12/12-12/23, 6 pm & 7:30 pm. 
Great for kids 2 and up! On 12/12, 12/14, 12/19, 12/20 & 12/21, 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, 12/14, 12/15, 12/21, 12/22, 12/23, 12/24.

Photos with Santa, Blackhawk Plaza, Blackhawk, Now-12/24. 
Santa may be away from his house at various times throughout the season helping with special events. Santa’s Villa will be closed on Thanksgiving. Santa’s Villa is located in Center Court near the fireplace. Take photos with Santa at his beautiful waterfront villa! More info and pictures pricing here!
Pet Photo Nights! Bring Your Dog to See Santa! Blackhawk Plaza, 12/11, and 12/18, 6 pm-8 pm.

Holiday Train Rides, Blackhawk Plaza, Blackhawk, 12/13-12/24, 12 pm-3 pm. 
They are partnering with a non-profit organization that recycles used crayons to create new crayons to donate to children’s hospitals in the bay area. The rides may be rescheduled due to rain. $1 per ticket, all sales go to non-profit. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Holiday Frozen Dance Show, Nextstep Dance Studio, Blackhawk Plaza, Blackhawk, 12/15, 2 pm.
Head down to Blackhawk Plaza and enjoy this FREE, beautiful Holiday Frozen II Dance Show, presented by Next Step Dance Studio! This event will take place in the Rotunda area of the Plaza.

Elf Skate & Santa Social, The Veranda, Concord, 12/15, & 12/22, 3 pm-6 pm.
Santa’s Elves will be skating on the ice and talking all things Christmas and Santa’s workshop! You will also have a chance to meet Santa himself and take photos with him, so don’t forget to bring your camera! For hours and times of the Veranda Ice Rink, click here!

Gingerbread House Day, Downtown Danville, 12/12, 10 am-9 pm.
Decorate a small gingerbread house, or stock up on candy to make your own at home! Located at Sweet Street in Downtown Danville.

Grand Menorah Lighting, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, 12/22, 4 pm-6 pm.
Admission is FREE! Families are invited to enjoy the Grand Menorah Lighting hosted by the Chabad of Contra Costa. More info here!

Selfies with Santa at City Center Bishop Ranch: Santa returns to City Center Bishop Ranch starting 11/22. St. Nick will greet visitors in Alexander Square every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. throughout the holiday season. Shoppers are invited to share holiday wishes and take complimentary Selfies with Santa.

Adult Festivities: 

11th Annual Sweaty Eddy & Santa Pub Crawl, Norms Place, Danville, 12/14, 6 pm-11 pm.
Pub Crawl Locations: Norm’s Place, Auburn Lounge, Elliott’s, McGah’s, Primo’s, Tower Grille and Meenar. DJ, Runway Costume Contests. Get your Friends, Families, and Co-workers out for this annual holiday event. Come dressed in your Ugliest Holiday Sweaters, Holiday Costume or as the big guy himself, Santa! More info and to register, click here!

Annual Alamo Danville Artists’ Society Christmas Party, Blackhawk Gallery, Blackhawk Plaza, 12/15, 3 pm-5 pm.
Blackhawk Gallery is a nonprofit co-op art gallery, operated by the Alamo Danville Artists’ Society. Additionally, Blackhawk Gallery Artists enhance art programs in local public schools by donating a percentage of sales to the ADAS Art For The School Program Grants. Join for their Christmas party and have fun, while sipping on drinks and appetizers! Please RSVP to Megan Parks-Haller. Email: mainprez@comcast.net.

Livermore’s Wine Trolly’s Lights of Livermore Holiday Show, December-12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23, 5:30 pm & 7 pm. 
Join Concannon Vineyard and the Livermore Wine Trolley for a unique Holiday experience of lights, bites, and flights throughout the month of December! Begin at Concannon’s historic estate where they will host a private tasting reception of perfect wines for the holidays, assorted holiday desserts and lots of Holiday Cheer! This is a 21 & over event. Then embark on the Livermore Wine Trolley for a magical ride to Livermore’s most dazzling displays on a holiday tour unlike any other. Bottles of wine are available for purchase to enjoy on your Trolley ride through the festively decorated streets of Livermore. More info and purchase tickets here!

Santa Beer Crawl, Downtown Martinez, 12/14, 1:30 pm-4:30 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!