Last updated: November 11, 2024
Spread the festive joy in Danville! Our guide has all the top events and activities that make this season special. Whether you know Danville like the back of your hand or you're just finding your way, this guide is your festive roadmap.
One highlight of the holiday season is the enchanting performance of the Nutcracker by the San Francisco Ballet, a cherished tradition that captures the magic of Christmas through dance. With extravagant costumes and mesmerizing choreography, this event brings to life a timeless story. The Lighting of the Old Oak Tree adds to the festivities, illuminating the town with a vibrant display and creating a perfect backdrop for gatherings. And the Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a whimsical journey through a glittering trail of holiday lights. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Historic train ride with holiday lights and decorations.
The Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights offers a 1.5-hour round-trip journey through Niles Canyon, featuring antique coaches and open cars decorated with holiday lights and decorations. The train ride includes refreshments, music, and cheer, providing a unique holiday experience for families.
Where: Sunol | More Info: Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights
Community gathering celebrating the lighting of a historic oak tree.
The annual lighting of Danville's iconic oak tree draws together the community for a heartwarming evening. Attendees can enjoy live music, warm refreshments, and the camaraderie of locals as the tree's dazzling lights illuminate the night. This cherished tradition captures the spirit of the season and brings joy to families and friends alike.
Where: Danville | More Info: 44th Annual Lighting of Danville’s Oak Tree
Festive shopping and tree lighting ceremony.
Join us for the Holiday Sparkle Sip & Shop & Tree Lighting event, where you can enjoy a delightful evening of shopping, sipping, and festive cheer. The event features a beautiful tree lighting ceremony, local vendors offering unique gifts, and a variety of beverages to keep you warm and merry.
Where: Martinez | More Info: Holiday Sparkle Sip & Shop & Tree Lighting
Community-driven holiday shopping event with wine tasting.
Join Downtown Martinez for a delightful evening of wine tasting and shopping. Stroll through local small businesses, surrounded by the warmth of the community, and discover unique finds. The event includes an outdoor evening market from 5-9 PM and a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 7:30 PM with an appearance by Santa.
Where: Martinez | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting at the Main Street Plaza
Local artisans showcase crafts and gourmet foods in a charming outdoor setting.
Strolling through Danville’s Christmas Market provides a delightful blend of local crafts, gourmet food, and unique gifts. Artisans showcase their handmade wares, while visitors can sample seasonal treats and beverages. The atmosphere is enhanced by cheerful music and the warm glow of lights strung throughout the venue, making it an ideal locale for celebrating the holiday spirit with friends and family.
Where: Danville | More Info: Danville’s Christmas Market
Live music and Santa's arrival in a red convertible T-Bird.
The City Center Tree Lighting Ceremony features heartwarming performances by the Monte Vista High School Band, singers, and dancers. Santa makes a grand entrance, and the event includes visits with Santa and roaming entertainers like jugglers and stilt walkers.
Where: San Ramon | More Info: City Center Tree Lighting Ceremony
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
The San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker is a classic holiday performance featuring Helgi Tomasson's choreography, Tchaikovsky's iconic score, and elaborate sets. It includes special performances for young audiences, a sensory-friendly show, and a benefit luncheon. The event is set in early 20th-century San Francisco and showcases the ballet company's dedication to both tradition and innovation.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Nutcracker, SF Ballet
Themed toys and treats for all registered participants.
Join the Howl-o-Ween celebration at Hap Magee Ranch Dog Park, featuring a costume contest, pet parade, and photo opportunities. Categories include silliest, most original, best owner-dog duo, and best impersonation. Polite, leashed dogs welcome with current vaccinations.
Where: Danville | More Info: Howl-o-Ween
Traditional walking beer garden with local business discounts and festive decor.
Danville Oktoberfest is a community gathering featuring a Kids Zone, Business Pop-Ups, and a Walking Beer & Wine Tour through Downtown Danville. The event includes classic games, local business deals, and traditional polka music by the Olympia Fields Brass Band.
Where: Danville | More Info: Danville Oktoberfest
Scooby-Doo themed activities for kids.
Join us for a Scooby-Doo themed evening featuring arts and crafts, face painting, games, and trick-or-treating at the Danville Community Center.
Where: Danville | More Info: Spooktacular Celebration
Interactive games and crafts for tweens.
The Holiday Hangout at the Danville Community Center offers a variety of fun activities for tweens, including marshmallow challenges, homemade crafts, and minute-to-win-it games. Refreshments will be served, and parents are welcome to stay and participate with their children. The event is designed for kids aged 8-12 years.
Where: Danville | More Info: Holiday Hangout
Personalized Santa meet-and-greet with festive photo opportunities.
Families can meet Santa Claus at the Blackhawk Museum, enjoying a special photo opportunity and creating lasting holiday memories amidst the museum's vibrant exhibits.
Where: Danville | More Info: Blackhawk Museum Santa Meet & Greet
In-person Santa chats with photo opportunities.
Meet Santa Claus at City Center Bishop Ranch every Saturday and Sunday from November 24th to December 23rd. Parents can take photos of their children's chats with Santa, and a North Pole mailbox is available for shy children to write letters to Santa without postage.
Where: San Ramon | More Info: Visits with Santa, Bishop Ranch
Holiday photo opportunity with Santa.
Meet Santa at Broadway Plaza for a special holiday photo opportunity. Capture memories with the big man himself in a festive setting.
Where: Walnut Creek | More Info: Santa Photos, Broadway Plaza
Pet owners can enjoy a fun, family-friendly event with their pets.
Bishop Ranch offers a variety of holiday activities, including a Costumed Pet Parade where pets show off their Halloween costumes, treats, and a Halloween-themed selfie station.
Where: San Ramon | More Info: Bishop Ranch Holiday Fun
Illumination of a historic tree in downtown Danville.
The Lighting of the Old Oak Tree is a community event in Historic Downtown Danville, where the historic tree is illuminated, symbolizing the town's commitment to preserving its heritage. This event is supported by the Town Council as part of a council-approved program.
Where: Danville | More Info: Lighting of the Old Oak Tree
