Last updated: November 11, 2024
Feel the holiday joy in East Palo Alto! Our guide highlights all the community events and activities. Whether East Palo Alto is your backyard or a new adventure, our guide reveals the top holiday events.
One of the delights of the season is the Union Square Ice Rink and Winter Walk, where the festive atmosphere sets the perfect backdrop for skating and seasonal festivities. An enchanting display awaits at Enchant: San Jose, where stunning light installations and a whimsical maze captivate all ages. And the Ghirardelli Square Holiday Events is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring mouthwatering treats and festive cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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East Palo Alto Holiday Light Displays
Enchant: San Jose
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday light maze with a captivating original story.
- Description
- Enchant Christmas in San Jose features a world's largest Christmas light maze, ice skating trail, Santa visits, and seasonal food and drink.
- Where
- San Jose | More Info : Enchant: San Jose
Thrive City’s Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Grand lighting ceremony with festive decorations.
- Description
- Thrive City’s Winter Wonderland is a festive celebration featuring a grand lighting ceremony, festive decorations, and community activities.
- Where
- San Francisco | More Info : Thrive City’s Winter Wonderland
Holiday Lights Train - Roaring Camp
- What to Expect
- Vintage train cars with thousands of colorful lights.
- Description
- The Holiday Lights Train by Roaring Camp Railroads features vintage excursion cars adorned with thousands of colorful lights, rolling through Santa Cruz city streets past homes. Live music by Steve Bennett and visits with Santa Claus and his elves add to the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Felton | More Info : Holiday Lights Train - Roaring Camp
East Palo Alto Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Festival - Gamble Garden
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of holiday shopping, vintage treasures, and festive activities.
- Description
- The Winter Festival at Gamble Garden features a festive marketplace with vendors, a signature sale of previously loved and vintage treasures, and a holiday raffle with exciting prizes. Enjoy wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, holiday tree lighting, and special activities for all ages.
- Where
- Palo Alto | More Info : Winter Festival - Gamble Garden
East Palo Alto Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Night with Santa - Gamble Garden
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with Santa, ballet, and festive shopping.
- Description
- Join Gamble Garden for a festive evening of holiday activities, including photo opportunities with Santa, a beautiful ballet performance, holiday shopping, and cookies and cider. Enjoy the beautifully decorated and illuminated garden, as well as the Festival Marketplace with artisans and vendors.
- Where
- Palo Alto | More Info : Holiday Night with Santa - Gamble Garden
Ghirardelli Square Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Live music and cultural events in a historic San Francisco landmark.
- Description
- Ghirardelli Square transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with live music, local artisans, and festive activities. Enjoy Bavarian-inspired menu items, traditional German beers, and seasonal farm-to-table bites. The square also hosts various live music events and cultural celebrations, making it a dynamic hub of holiday entertainment.
- Where
- San Francisco | More Info : Ghirardelli Square Holiday Events
East Palo Alto Other Holiday Activities
Holidays at Filoli
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experiences with private fire pits and elegant tea services.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Filoli with breathtaking decorations, immersive light displays, and unique experiences. Explore the beautifully adorned House and Garden, enjoy warm drinks by a firepit, and indulge in elegant tea services. Create unforgettable memories with family and friends in cozy, private settings.
- Where
- Woodside | More Info : Holidays at Filoli
Union Square Ice Rink and Winter Walk
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of holiday cheer and ice skating with special events.
- Description
- The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, presented by Kaiser Permanente, offers outdoor ice skating and holiday festivities in the heart of downtown San Francisco. The rink features special events like Drag Queens on Ice, Silent Skate, and Polar Bear Skate, as well as Learn to Skate lessons for beginners.
- Where
- San Francisco | More Info : Union Square Ice Rink and Winter Walk