Light Up The Season
holiday_light_displays

Artistic rendering – Event may differ

Light Up The Season

Community celebration of diverse winter traditions

About

Experience the magic of 'Light Up The Season,' Hayward's annual winter celebration. This festive event at City Hall Plaza features a vibrant night market with over 30 vendors offering delightful snacks, traditional foods, and unique holiday gifts. The highlight is the traditional tree lighting ceremony just after sundown, illuminating the plaza with festive decorations. It's a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the diverse winter traditions of Hayward.

Our Take

Family Friendly

πŸŽ„ πŸŽ„ πŸŽ„ πŸŽ„ πŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families, community members

Vibe

Festive, inclusive, community-oriented

Energy Level

Low

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

πŸ“· πŸ“· πŸ“· πŸ“· πŸ“· (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • New winter night market with over 30 vendors
  • Celebration of diverse winter traditions

Tags

tree lightingcommunity celebrationholiday marketfestive foodfamily friendlyseasonal activitiesholiday traditionlight displays

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Location

777 B Street
Hayward, CA
94541

Event Details

Pricing

FREE

Duration

4 hours

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Hayward

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

City of Hayward

Practical Information

Pet Policy

No pets allowed

Food & Drink

Sweet snacks and traditional foods available from vendors

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive by 5 p.m. to witness the traditional tree lighting ceremony.
  • Explore the winter night market early to find the best selection of unique gifts and treats from over 30 vendors.
  • Consider using public transportation or rideshare services to easily access the City Hall Plaza.
  • Bring cash for vendors, as not all may accept card payments.
  • Check the City of Hayward's social media channels closer to the event date for any updates or special announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of the 'Light Up The Season' event?

The event aims to bring Hayward residents together in a spirit of inclusion to share and celebrate the winter-time traditions of diverse communities.

What kind of vendors will be at the winter night market?

The market will feature over 30 vendors offering sweet snacks, traditional foods, and fun holiday gifts.

When does the tree lighting ceremony take place?

The traditional lighting of the seasonal tree and other decorations occurs just after sundown, around 5 p.m.

Who can I contact if I have questions or want to participate in future events?

You can contact Zach Ebadi of the Hayward City Manager’s Office at (510) 583-3911 or by email at zach.ebadi@hayward-ca.gov.

Are there any specific traditions being highlighted?

The event acknowledges and celebrates various traditions including Twin Luminaries, Mawlid al-Nabi, Chalica, Bodhi Day, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Lohri, and Pongal.

Nearby Places (10 total)

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The ChristmasLocal.com editorial team

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