Things to Do

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!