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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Experience the best of the season in Castro Valley with our detailed guide. Whether you're here every year or just this once, our guide shows you the holiday wonders of Castro Valley.

This holiday season, immerse yourself in the magical glow of the Illuminate SF Festival of Light, showcasing stunning light installations that bring the city to life. Additionally, the Mission Inn Festival of Lights enchants visitors with over 5 million holiday lights and beautiful displays across the historic inn. And the San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a captivating performance that captures the essence of Christmas through exquisite dance. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Castro Valley Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Diverse light art installations by international and local artists.

Description:

Illuminate SF Festival of Light transforms San Francisco into a radiant canvas of light art, featuring dozens of site-specific artworks by world-renowned artists. The festival showcases both permanent and temporary installations, including iconic pieces like Leo Villareal’s Bay Lights and Jenny Holzer’s White Light. Most installations are accessible by public transportation and free to view.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Illuminate SF Festival of Light

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Immersive holiday light displays and unique activities.

Description:

Filoli Historic House & Garden transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with stunning light displays, festive decorations, and various activities such as holiday teas, private fire pit experiences, and visits with Santa. The estate offers both daytime and evening admissions, allowing guests to explore the beautifully adorned House and Gardens in different settings.

Where: Woodside | More Info: Holidays at Filoli

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Traditional Christmas display with fairy grotto and waterfalls.

Description:

Farley’s Christmas Wonderland is a traditional walk-in Christmas display in Santa Cruz, CA, featuring numerous Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, an elf village, and a fairy grotto with waterfalls. Visitors can explore the exhibit, sit in the Fairy Garden, and enjoy the waterfall or relax in the log cabin by the fireplace.

Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Farley’s Christmas Wonderland

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Interactive light-controlled tree with wind movement.

Description:

Entwined in Golden Gate Park features a 30-ft metal sculpted tree, Elder Mother, with a 25-ft canopy that moves in the wind and offers ever-changing illumination and color. The installation includes six unique QR codes allowing attendees to control the lighting patterns.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Entwined in Golden Gate Park

Event Organizer?

Castro Valley Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Unique holiday shopping experience with all proceeds supporting local youth.

Description:

The Guardsmen Tree Lot offers a vast selection of Christmas trees and holiday decorations, with all proceeds benefiting at-risk youth in the Bay Area. The event features a variety of special activities, including family days, comedy nights, and a crab feed, making it a unique and charitable holiday experience.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: The Guardsmen Tree Lot

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Napa wine tastings and live jazz music in a decorated marketplace.

Description:

The Ferry Building Holiday Open House & Wine Tasting features Napa wine tastings, live music by the Awesome Orchestra Jazz Band, holiday crafts, and a photo studio. Enjoy warm drinks and festive vibes in the beautifully decorated marketplace.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Ferry Building Holiday Open House & Wine Tasting

Event Organizer?

Castro Valley Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.

Description:

San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker is a classic holiday ballet featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic score, elaborate sets, and costumes. The performance includes a variety of dances and characters, set in San Francisco in 1915 during the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. It is a family-friendly event suitable for all ages.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Toy giveaway and holiday-themed activities.

Description:

The Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting features festive performances, a toy giveaway, holiday-themed activities, and festive bites and drinks. The event includes performances by the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, magician Josh Farenbaugh, singer Doris Bumpus, and appearances by Christmas VIPs and Santa. It also offers "snow" flurries and a wonderful backdrop for photos across from an illuminated City Hall.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting

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What to Expect:

A dazzling parade featuring illuminated floats and community participation.

Description:

The San Rafael Parade of Lights features an array of beautifully decorated floats, showcasing dazzling light displays throughout the route. Local community groups participate, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with holiday spirit. Families gather to witness the procession, capturing memories while enjoying the festive environment. The event often includes live performances, food stalls, and much more, making it a wonderful celebration in the heart of San Rafael.

Where: San Rafael | More Info: 39th Annual San Rafael Parade of Lights

Event Organizer?

Castro Valley Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Traditional Filipino parols and cultural performances.

Description:

The Parol Lantern Festival is an annual celebration at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in December, featuring traditional Filipino parols, live music, cultural performances, and a Taste of Christmas with traditional holiday dishes. The event includes a Parol Stroll and the Tala Awards, showcasing community and professional parol lanterns.

Where: San Francisco | More Info: Parol Lantern Festival and Parade

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with a 3-story tall Christmas tree and festive decorations.

Description:

Celebrate the holiday season at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with festive decorations, holiday lights, and a 3-story tall Christmas tree. Enjoy select Boardwalk rides, attractions, and arcades, along with delicious treats and photos with Santa.

Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Christmas Celebrations

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