Things to Do

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.

 

 

Weekend Happenings; 9/20-9/22

83rd Annual Walnut Festvial 9/20, 9/21, 9/22-The four-day Festival offers family-friendly entertainment, two stages of live music, a large carnival with more than 30 rides, Kid Zone, a showcase of amazing local and regional talent including artists, craftsmen, designers, jewelers, builders, food specialties, craft beer garden and more.

Danville Police Department Open House 9/21– Want to see how drones work? or watch a K9 Officer in action? Head over to 510 La Gonda Way on Saturday for the Danville PD Open House! Exhibits, tours, demos, & FREE food! From 10AM-2PM.

AR Workshop Date Night Special 9/20-Two people can work on one project!  Working together for on One Project for One Night Only!

Neon Jump Night at Rockin’ Jump 9/20-Neon Jump Night is jump time open to the whole family with neon lights and today’s top hits!

Creek Clean Up 9/21-Volunteers work on a variety of outdoor tasks that may include: picking up garbage, pulling invasive species, spreading mulch, moving materials, cleaning signage or planting native plants. Registration is highly recommended! After your volunteer assignment is completed, you will receive free admission to explore the Zoo for the remainder of the day!

Danville Farmers Market 9/21-It’s the perfect place to stock up for the week, or shop al fresco while socializing with friends.

Farmers Market at Bishop Ranch 9/21-San Ramon is proud to provide its residents and surrounding residents a quality farmers market with diverse offerings that celebrate our local growers and produce!

Coastal Cleanup Family Farm Day 9/21-Honor the waterways and ocean by taking part in the 35th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day. Slide Ranch is one of over a thousand sites, both inland and coastal, that are hosting an organized cleanup to steward our environment and resist the scourge of marine pollution.

Bay Area Children’s Theatre; Goodnight Gorilla 9/21-You’re not dreaming! Our mischievous gorilla and his zoo pals are tiptoeing out of their cages to follow the zookeeper home for the night.

Lafayette Art, Wine, & Music Festival 9/21-Don’t miss Lafayette’s 24th art & wine festival! This years FREE event has something for everyone. Explore over 250 bay area artisans and vendors, delicious foods, local premium wines and craft beers and great music. Bring the kids to explore lots of activities at the kid’s zone.

Draeger’s Market Fallfest 9/21– Head over to Draeger’s in Blackhawk Plaza for the Fallfest! There will be a Cornhusk and a pie eating contest!

Yoga Barn’s 1 Year Anniversary 9/21-Sample classes, food, shopping, wine and music. They would love to see you! Bay Area FitWear will be there with a great selection of yoga pants, tops, etc.

Fundraiser Supporting Contra Costa Police Department 9/21– Show your support and buy your tickets to the Recruit Class 188 Banquet Dinner! There will be delicious food & drinks, prepared by Vic’s Martinez & The Hideout Kitchen. Update- This event is sold out! Danville Social will be attending this event and sending pictures via IG- @danvillesocial.

Martinez Martini Shake Off 9/21-Featuring jumpin’ and jivin’ music, full catered dinner, specialty libations, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. This stunning and exclusive event has become the jewel of East Bay social events.

Danville d’Elegance 9/21-Enjoy an exciting afternoon of cars for a cause at Danville d’Elegance, Danville’s premier charitable event benefiting the Parkinson’s Institute. Picturesque downtown provides the perfect backdrop for showcasing some of the finest exotic automobiles past and present. Visit fine wine and food stations throughout the event, and learn more about Parkinson’s disease and how your contributions can help find a cure.

Sonoma Harvest Music Festival 9/22-he intimate atmosphere and up-close stage viewing make for a premium experience for all guests. Dedicated to hospitality, the festival perfectly pairs great music with the best of what Sonoma Valley has to offer, artisanal foods from Sonoma’s acclaimed chefs plus B.R. Cohn’s selection of premium wines and Northern California craft beer.

Face Painting at Clementine’s 9/22– for Free Face Painting from 10AM-1PM! Whether you’re a kid or an adult, it doesn’t matter! This is for everyone! Just come on by with an empty tummy, enjoy good food, & have some fun! We hope you can make it! For the parents; enjoy bottomless mimosas until 2PM for $15.95.his is a completely FREE EVENT!

NorCal Night Party 9/20, 9/21, 9/22– featuring 200+ food and merchandise vendors, crafters, games, an art walk, and live music. Not your average night market! We invite chefs, artists, musicians, businesses, and entrepreneurs from all over the community to participate.

The Jazz Room 2019 Series 9/21– An Evening with vocalist Paul McKnight and special friends. Paul has been performing since he was 9. From the moment he was introduced to musical theatre, he knew that it would be the focus of his singing. Paul starred in over 50 productions in 20 years. Currently, Paul is a long-time member and a featured soloist of the Blackhawk Chorus. In addition, he is a founding member of the vocal jazz ensemble Special Blend, which performs locally and internationally.

McGah’s Sunday Sunday 9/22– McGah’s signature brunch menu available beginning at 11:30AM. Drink specials including $7 mimosa pitchers and extreme Bacon Bloody Marys. Outdoor patio games: Bean Bag Toss, Basketball, Giant Connect Four-Family Friendly!

Memory & Imagination Exhibit 9/22-The latest exhibition at the Village Theatre Art Gallery is Memory & Imagination, featuring art by the residents of the Reutlinger Community.

**Hiking Spots Near Danville – Check out this site for the best hiking spots near Danville! Dog-Friendly, Kid-Friendly, distance, etc.