Discover the top holiday highlights in Concord! Our guide features all the must-see events and activities for a festive season to remember. For Concord regulars and one-time visitors, this guide is your key to unlocking festive delights.
One of the most anticipated events is the Concord Christmas Tree Lighting, where the heart of downtown sparkles with a stunning display of holiday lights. Glide your way into the winter wonderland with the Holiday Ice Rink, offering hours of fun for friends and families. And definitely don’t forget the whimsical Mother Goose Parade, a cherished tradition that brings storybook characters to life. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Concord
See these and even more events listed below!Concord Holiday Light Displays
Concord Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-driven tree decorating
Description:
Concord's Christmas Tree Lighting transforms the city center into a twinkling spectacle. Residents contribute ornaments, creating a truly communal holiday symbol. The event honors Concord's founding in 1869, with the tree's height matching the city's age. Visitors can craft personalized decorations at on-site workshops, adding their touch to the towering evergreen. The air fills with the aroma of freshly baked cookies from local vendors. This cherished tradition unites neighbors and celebrates Concord's rich history.
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Concord Christmas Tree Lighting
Nearby Events
Holiday Ice Rink (Walnut Creek)
What to Expect:
Outdoor skating under the California sun
Description:
Walnut Creek's Holiday Ice Rink offers a unique winter experience in the heart of sunny California. Skaters glide across the ice while palm trees sway nearby, creating a delightful contrast. The rink pays homage to the city's agricultural roots with fruit-themed skating sessions. You can join a "learn to curl" class, trying your hand at this Olympic sport. The rink's eco-friendly cooling system reflects Walnut Creek's commitment to sustainability. This unexpected winter oasis brings frosty fun to the Bay Area.
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Mother Goose Parade (El Cajon)
What to Expect:
Largest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi
Description:
El Cajon's Mother Goose Parade marches into its 77th year, delighting spectators with its whimsical charm. As the largest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi, it features elaborate floats bringing nursery rhymes to life. The event celebrates El Cajon's rich history, dating back to its incorporation in 1912. Visitors can design their own mini-float at interactive stations along the route. The parade's lively music echoes through the streets, creating a joyous atmosphere. This beloved tradition continues to captivate generations of Californians.
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San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker (San Francisco)
What to Expect:
Set in 1915 San Francisco World's Fair
Description:
San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker reimagines the classic tale against the backdrop of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. This unique setting infuses the production with local history and Art Deco flair. Dancers pirouette through meticulously crafted sets that recreate the fair's iconic structures. Audience members can explore an interactive exhibit showcasing the ballet's evolution since its 1944 American premiere in San Francisco. The orchestra's live performance of Tchaikovsky's score fills the War Memorial Opera House with soaring melodies.
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San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
San Francisco Christmas Lights Tour (San Francisco)
What to Expect:
Combines sightseeing with holiday lights
Description:
San Francisco's Christmas Lights Tour illuminates the city's iconic landmarks in a dazzling display. This mobile adventure weaves through neighborhoods, showcasing both famous sights and hidden gems adorned with twinkling lights. The tour highlights the city's diverse architectural styles, from Victorian painted ladies to modern skyscrapers. Participants can capture stunning photos at designated picture-perfect stops along the route. The guide shares tales of San Francisco's holiday traditions, dating back to the Gold Rush era. This luminous journey offers a fresh perspective on the City by the Bay.
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San Francisco Christmas Lights Tour
Christmas in the Park (San Jose)
What to Expect:
Animated displays in a walkable winter village
Description:
San Jose's Christmas in the Park transforms downtown into a winter village brimming with animated displays. Over 500 decorated trees line the pathways, each sponsored by local organizations and reflecting Silicon Valley's innovative spirit. Visitors can ride the classic carousel, a restored piece from the 1950s. The event showcases San Jose's cultural diversity through international holiday traditions. Towering light sculptures create a mesmerizing canopy overhead, bathing the park in a warm glow. This immersive experience brings the community together in a celebration of creativity and holiday cheer.
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Fairy Winterland (Oakland)
What to Expect:
Multicultural holiday celebration with a fairy twist
Description:
Oakland's Fairy Winterland at Children's Fairyland embraces diverse holiday traditions with a sprinkle of fairy dust. This unique event showcases celebrations from around the world, including Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Diwali, alongside Christmas. Young visitors can craft wands at the Fairy Wand Workshop, adding their own magic to the experience. The park's storybook sets, dating back to 1950, receive a special holiday makeover. Twinkling lights illuminate the pathways, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This inclusive celebration honors Oakland's rich cultural tapestry and fosters understanding among its youngest residents.
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Berkeley Holiday Bazaar (Berkeley)
What to Expect:
Emphasis on locally-made, sustainable gifts
Description:
Berkeley's Holiday Bazaar showcases the city's commitment to sustainability and local artisanship. This eco-conscious market features handcrafted gifts made from recycled materials, reflecting Berkeley's long-standing environmental activism. Shoppers can participate in upcycling workshops, learning to create their own eco-friendly presents. The bazaar highlights Berkeley's culinary scene with a selection of locally-produced gourmet treats. Live performances by local musicians fill the air with joyful tunes. This thoughtful event embodies Berkeley's progressive spirit and supports its vibrant creative community.
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Teddy Bear Tea (San Francisco)
What to Expect:
Combines storytelling with a formal tea service
Description:
San Francisco's Teddy Bear Tea blends the charm of a traditional tea service with captivating storytelling. Young guests, accompanied by their favorite stuffed companions, are treated to a formal tea experience in the grand setting of a luxury hotel. The event pays homage to San Francisco's rich literary history, featuring readings from beloved children's books. Children can decorate their own teddy bear-shaped cookies, guided by expert pastry chefs. The tinkling of fine china and soft piano melodies create an elegant atmosphere. This sophisticated yet whimsical affair introduces little ones to a cherished San Francisco tradition.
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Smith Family Farm Christmas Faire (Brentwood)
What to Expect:
Combines agricultural heritage with holiday celebrations
Description:
Brentwood's Smith Family Farm Christmas Faire melds holiday cheer with the region's agricultural roots. This working farm transforms into a winter wonderland, showcasing vintage tractors adorned with lights. Visitors can hand-pick their Christmas trees from the farm's own fields, continuing a tradition that spans generations. The event features demonstrations of traditional farming techniques used in Contra Costa County since the 1800s. The aroma of freshly pressed apple cider fills the air as guests explore the grounds. This unique faire celebrates Brentwood's farming heritage while embracing the spirit of the season.
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Smith Family Farm Christmas Faire