Last updated: November 11, 2024
Don't miss the must-see holiday events in Los Altos! Discover all the top festive highlights with our guide. From Los Altos locals to holiday travelers, our guide helps everyone find the city's seasonal magic.
One of the standout attractions during the holiday season is the enchanting Smuin's The Christmas Ballet, which features a delightful mix of classic dance and festive cheer. This captivating performance pairs traditional ballet with holiday music to create a unique experience. The Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade is another highlight, where twinkling lights and festive floats illuminate the streets, delighting attendees of all ages. And the Contra Costa's "The Nutcracker" is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a beloved holiday classic in a cherished local setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Los Altos Holiday Light Displays
Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade
The Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade is a vibrant holiday event featuring colorful floats, festive lights, and community spirit, kicking off the holiday season in downtown Los Altos.
Santa's Landing - Enchant: San Jose
At Santa's Landing in Enchant: San Jose, meet Santa Claus and share your holiday wishes. Enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus and capture cherished moments with a photo.
Holiday Lights - Santa Cruz Fairgrounds & Event Center
Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds features a 1/2 to 3/4 mile drive-through experience with spectacular lighted displays, including giant Christmas trees, Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and lighted tunnels.
Los Altos Holiday Markets and Shopping
44th Alameda Holiday Boutique
The 44th Alameda Holiday Boutique features over 50 local artisans showcasing handmade crafts and unique gifts. This event supports local small businesses and benefits the Leisure Club, a recreation program for developmentally disabled teens and adults.
Craft Fest
Craft Fest at Bedford Gallery is a one-day marketplace showcasing local, independent makers and designers offering handmade jewelry, ceramics, beauty and wellness products, home goods, artisanal foods, clothing, and toys.
Holiday Parade & Market
The Holiday Parade & Market in Downtown Benicia features a festive procession of local marching bands, dancers, and Santa Claus, culminating in a holiday market offering handcrafted arts and gourmet items.
Winter Festival Marketplace
The Winter Festival Marketplace at Gamble Garden offers one-stop shopping for holiday gifts, greenery, and décor in a festive atmosphere. Enjoy a festive marketplace with vendors in the Gamble house and outdoors under twinkling lights, as well as Gamble’s signature sale, Over The Garden Fence – Winter Edition, featuring previously loved and vintage treasures at remarkable prices. Free coffee is available while supplies last, and all attendees receive one free raffle entry for a chance to win exciting prizes.
Holiday Tree Lighting
Join Downtown Martinez for a delightful evening of wine tasting and shopping on November 22nd, 2024. Stroll through local small businesses, surrounded by the warmth of community, and discover unique finds at our downtown businesses and outdoor evening market. The event includes an outdoor holiday market from 5-9 PM, a Sip N Shop event from 6-9 PM, and a Christmas Tree Lighting at 7:30 PM with an appearance by Santa.
Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland
Downtown San Rafael hosts its 40th annual Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland, featuring a Holiday Marketplace with arts and crafts, live entertainment, and children's activities, culminating in one of the largest Holiday Parades in the Bay Area.
Los Altos Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Smuin's The Christmas Ballet
Smuin's The Christmas Ballet is a vibrant holiday performance blending ballet, contemporary, character, Broadway jazz, and tap. It features classical ballet set to carols and contemporary works danced to pop music favorites, showcasing Michael Smuin's signature style with new and iconic pieces each year.
Contra Costa's "The Nutcracker"
Contra Costa Ballet presents a family-friendly production of "The Nutcracker" at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Join Clara and her beloved nutcracker-turned-prince on a journey among giant mice and toy soldiers into the Candy Kingdom. This one-hour performance features colorful costumes, whimsical sets, and talented young dancers.
The Biggest Gift
Join Tucker the elf and his toy friends as they set out to save Christmas in this fun and laughter-filled show. Recommended for ages 3-6, the performance includes an ASL-interpreted show on Saturday at 10 AM.
Once Upon a Christmas
Once Upon a Christmas is a fully narrated ballet based on a Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble story about a clumsy Elf named Roho. The ballet brings Dolls and Toys to life as they celebrate before their Christmas Eve journey, teaching Roho about believing in oneself and having confidence. This story is perfect for all ages and lasts approximately 60 minutes with no intermission.
Holiday Open House
First Street merchants and Benicia Main Street host an open house event, offering beverages, treats, and showcasing holiday goods while costumed carolers sing traditional Christmas tunes. Live entertainment and Christmas Tree lighting add to the festive atmosphere.
Holiday Magic - Gilroy Gardens
Gilroy Gardens presents a holiday celebration featuring jolly characters, live shows, ice skating, a grand feast in Snowflake Square, Santa's Workshop, and magical light displays.
Los Altos Other Holiday Activities
Breakfast with Santa Claus
Join Santa Claus for a delightful breakfast at the Colma Community Center, where each child and adult will receive breakfast and a special gift. All children will also receive a photo for their annual holiday card.
Carol of Lights
The Carol of Lights is a free, family-oriented holiday celebration in Downtown Campbell featuring Santa visits, a petting zoo, donkey rides, bounce houses, craft tables, face painting, carolers, and music. It includes free festival snacks and community performances, sometimes with snow.