Last updated: November 11, 2024
Unite with the Brentwood community for the holidays! Explore all the festive events in our guide. Whether you're a familiar face in Brentwood or a new visitor, our guide shows you the season's highlights.
One of the enchanting experiences this season is the Holidays at Filoli, where visitors can wander through beautifully decorated gardens and historic buildings. With a blend of history and holiday spirit, it creates a charming atmosphere. Additionally, Smuin's The Christmas Ballet offers a delightful combination of dance and classic holiday music, presenting a fresh twist on beloved traditions. And don't forget the Entwined event at Golden Gate Park, which transforms the space into a mesmerizing light display, creating a unique visual experience. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Immersive holiday light displays and unique behind-the-scenes tours.
Holidays at Filoli features beautifully decorated historic house and gardens with immersive light displays, holiday teas, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Woodside | More Info: Holidays at Filoli
Twinkling lights and culturally diverse holiday displays.
Fairy Winterland at Children's Fairyland in Oakland, California, features twinkling lights, festive music, wintertime stories, seasonal crafts, and a visit from Santa Claus. The event includes candle making, free cocoa and apple cider, and a parade led by Santa.
Where: Oakland | More Info: Fairy Winterland
Interactive light installation with wind-responsive tree.
Entwined at Golden Gate Park features a 30-ft metal sculpted tree, Elder Mother, which moves with the wind and carries a 25-ft canopy with ever-changing illumination and color. The installation includes six unique QR codes that allow attendees to control the lighting patterns, creating an immersive experience that combines art, technology, and nature.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Entwined at Golden Gate Park
Vibrant holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony.
The 42nd Annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in Downtown Brentwood features a "Let it Glow!" theme, with festivities running from 5 PM to 7 PM on November 30th, 2024. The event is hosted in partnership with the City of Brentwood and the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.
Where: Brentwood | More Info: Brentwood Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Unique shopping experience with local artisans and festive atmosphere.
The Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair in Berkeley offers a diverse array of handmade art, live music, and fine food. Over 200 local artisans showcase their unique handcrafted wares, creating a multicultural shopping atmosphere filled with festive lights and colorful decorations.
Where: Berkeley | More Info: Holiday Street Fair - Berkeley
Family-friendly event supporting local handmade artisans.
Join the Celebrate Antioch Foundation for the Holiday Delites Sip & Shop Artisan Faire, featuring music, wine, beer, food, and over 30 artisan vendors at the Riverfront in Downtown Antioch.
Where: Antioch | More Info: Holiday Delites Celebration - Antioch
Local artisans and vendors selling unique holiday gifts.
The Holiday Market at Brentwood City Park offers a variety of seasonal items and gifts, fostering a community atmosphere with local vendors and artisans.
Where: Brentwood | More Info: Holiday Market at Brentwood City Park
Toy giveaway for 400 children and holiday-themed DIY activities.
The Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting features festive performances, tap dancing Christmas trees, magician Josh Farenbaugh, and appearances by Santa. Enjoy holiday-themed activities, a toy giveaway, and festive bites while surrounded by an illuminated City Hall.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting
World-class ballet performance with a blend of classical and contemporary dance.
Smuin's The Christmas Ballet is a vibrant holiday production blending ballet, Broadway, and contemporary dance. It features a mix of classical and modern choreography, including iconic pieces like "Santa Baby," set to carols and pop music favorites. The show is known for its new additions each year, keeping the program evergreen.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Smuin's The Christmas Ballet
Traditional Mexican dance and music celebration with live mariachi.
Celebrate Mexico's festive Christmas traditions and folklore through music, song, and dance with Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno. This vibrant production features a live mariachi band and gorgeous costumes, taking you on a journey through various regions of Mexico.
Where: San Leandro | More Info: Navidad en Mexico - San Leandro
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Graham Lustig's "The Nutcracker" is a classic ballet performance featuring beautiful dancing, magnificent scenery, and imaginative costumes. The Oakland Symphony and Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir bring Tchaikovsky's magnificent score to life. The event includes a family-friendly atmosphere with all ages requiring a ticket.
Where: Oakland | More Info: Graham Lustig's "The Nutcracker" - Oakland
Family-friendly holiday event with live music and activities.
Concord’s Annual Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along features live performances, holiday crafts, Santa visits, and festive shopping in Todos Santos Plaza.
Where: Concord | More Info: Concord’s Annual Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along
Antique carousel with hand-carved wooden animals.
Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round features a historic, hand-carved carousel with calliope-style music, offering rides and a variety of snacks.
Where: Berkeley | More Info: Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round
Decorated steam train rides through the woods.
Tilden Park Steam Trains transform into a toddler-friendly Holiday Train, decorated with twinkling lights, tiny snowflakes, and Christmas ornaments. The trains operate on weekends in December, offering a festive ride through the woods.
Where: Berkeley | More Info: Tilden Park Steam Trains at Christmas
Giant public menorah lighting with live music and family activities.
The Bill Graham Menorah Celebration is a 48-year tradition featuring a 25-foot menorah in Union Square, San Francisco. The event includes live music, kids' crafts, and a fourth lighting ceremony honoring George Zimmer.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Bill Graham Menorah Celebration
Traditional menorah lighting with music and sufganiyot.
The Martinez Hanukkah Community Celebration, presented by Congregation B'nai Shalom and Downtown Martinez & Co., features traditional menorah lighting every evening at dusk in Main Street Plaza. Enjoy music, sufganiyot, and family fun.
Where: Martinez | More Info: Martinez Hanukkah Community Celebration
Free trick-or-treating with a $10 receipt.
The Streets of Brentwood offers a variety of events, including the "Treats at Streets" trick-or-treat event, where participants can enjoy free treats and trick-or-treating at stores with a $10 receipt from any retailer.
Where: Brentwood | More Info: Lite Up The Streets
Daily skating sessions with local skater performances and caroling.
The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink at City Center Bishop Ranch offers daily skating sessions and special weekend hours, featuring local skater performances and caroling. Guests can also rent firepits and birthday party tents to enhance their experience.
Where: San Ramon | More Info: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink
