Oakland, CA, transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, offering a myriad of exciting events and experiences for both locals and visitors. From the dazzling Christmas Tree Lighting in the city center to the Lake Merritt Chanukah Festival featuring a unique floating menorah, Oakland's holiday celebrations embrace the city's rich cultural tapestry.
Don't miss the enchanting Oakland Ballet's rendition of "The Nutcracker," which elegantly weaves local historical elements into the classic tale. These events, among many others, showcase Oakland's vibrant community spirit and diverse traditions, making it a perfect place to celebrate the season.
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The Top Christmas Events in Oakland
- Christmas Tree Lighting
- Lake Merritt Chanukah Festival
- Oakland Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
- Jack London Square Lights Festival
- Christmas at Dunsmuir
- ZooLights at Oakland Zoo
- Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Concert
- Christmas Revels
- Children's Fairyland Winter Weekends
Oakland Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-driven ornament decorating
Description:
Oakland's annual Christmas tree lighting transforms the city center into a glowing beacon of community spirit. Residents contribute by decorating ornaments that adorn the towering evergreen, creating a truly collaborative display. The tradition dates back to 1933, when the city first erected a public Christmas tree during the Great Depression to boost morale. As you admire the twinkling lights, you can join in decorating a communal wreath to be displayed alongside the tree, adding your own touch to this cherished Oakland custom.
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Jack London Square Lights Festival
What to Expect:
Maritime-themed light installations
Description:
Jack London Square's Lights Festival illuminates the waterfront with dazzling maritime-themed light installations. This unique celebration pays homage to Oakland's rich nautical history and the square's namesake, author Jack London. The festival began in 1993 as a way to revitalize the area and has since become a beloved annual tradition. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of the light sculptures, each telling a story of Oakland's connection to the sea. The gentle lapping of waves against the shore provides a soothing backdrop to the visual spectacle.
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Jack London Square Lights Festival
ZooLights at Oakland Zoo
What to Expect:
Animal-shaped light displays representing endangered species
Description:
Zoo Lights at Oakland Zoo illuminates the night with vibrant animal-shaped light displays, many representing endangered species. This unique approach combines holiday cheer with wildlife conservation awareness. The event, which began in 2011, has evolved to showcase the zoo's commitment to animal protection. Visitors can ride the illuminated gondola for a bird's-eye view of the dazzling displays. Each light sculpture tells a story of biodiversity and the importance of preserving our planet's diverse ecosystems.
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Oakland Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Oakland Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
What to Expect:
Local historical elements incorporated into the production
Description:
Oakland Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker infuses the classic tale with local historical elements, creating a uniquely Bay Area experience. The production seamlessly weaves Oakland landmarks and figures into the traditional narrative, celebrating the city's rich cultural heritage. This innovative approach began in 1972, distinguishing it from other Nutcracker performances. Audience members can spot familiar Oakland scenes reimagined within the ballet's fantastical world. The graceful dancers bring to life a story that resonates deeply with the local community.
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Oakland Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Concert
What to Expect:
Diverse choir representing multiple faiths and cultures
Description:
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Concert unites voices from various faiths and cultures, creating a powerful symphony of diversity. This unique performance celebrates unity through music, transcending religious boundaries. Founded in 1986, the choir embodies Oakland's spirit of inclusivity and harmony. Audience members can join in a communal sing-along, experiencing the uplifting power of gospel music firsthand. The concert resonates with the rich history of gospel in Oakland, a genre that has played a significant role in the city's cultural landscape.
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Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Concert
Christmas Revels
What to Expect:
Incorporation of diverse cultural traditions from around the world
Description:
The Christmas Revels in Oakland weaves together diverse cultural traditions from around the world, creating a tapestry of global holiday celebrations. This unique performance transcends typical Christmas shows by exploring winter solstice customs across cultures. Established in 1985, the Revels has become a platform for cultural exchange and understanding. Audience members can learn traditional dances from various cultures during interactive segments of the show. The performance pays homage to Oakland's rich multicultural heritage and its history as a melting pot of traditions.
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Oakland Other Holiday Activities
Lake Merritt Chanukah Festival
What to Expect:
Floating menorah on Lake Merritt
Description:
Lake Merritt's Chanukah Festival illuminates Oakland's "jewel" with a unique floating menorah. This distinctive celebration honors Jewish heritage while embracing the city's diverse community. The festival originated in 1975 as a small gathering and has since grown into a major cultural event. Visitors can participate in traditional dreidel games on the shore, learning about the ancient spinning top's significance. The aroma of freshly fried latkes wafts through the air, enticing attendees to sample this holiday staple.
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Lake Merritt Chanukah Festival
Christmas at Dunsmuir
What to Expect:
Victorian-era holiday traditions recreated
Description:
Christmas at Dunsmuir transports visitors to a bygone era, meticulously recreating Victorian holiday traditions within the historic Dunsmuir Hellman Estate. This immersive experience showcases authentic 19th-century decorations and customs, offering a glimpse into Oakland's past. The estate, built in 1899, serves as the perfect backdrop for this historical celebration. Guests can participate in period-appropriate parlor games, gaining insight into how the upper class celebrated Christmas over a century ago. The event breathes life into Oakland's rich architectural heritage.
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Children's Fairyland Winter Weekends
What to Expect:
Storybook sets transformed into winter scenes
Description:
Children's Fairyland Winter Weekends transform beloved storybook sets into whimsical winter scenes, creating a unique holiday experience for young visitors. This creative reimagining of classic tales adds a seasonal twist to the park's enduring charm. Fairyland, which opened in 1950, inspired Walt Disney in creating Disneyland. Children can participate in winter-themed puppet shows, bringing snowy stories to life. The event celebrates the park's role in nurturing imagination and literacy in generations of Oakland children.
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Children's Fairyland Winter Weekends
Nearby Events
Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center (San Francisco)
What to Expect:
Skate with panoramic views of the Bay Bridge
Description:
The Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center offers a unique skating experience with panoramic views of the iconic Bay Bridge. This urban winter oasis contrasts beautifully with the surrounding skyscrapers, creating a memorable setting for holiday fun. The rink first opened in 1988, quickly becoming a cherished Bay Area tradition. Skaters can glide across the ice while taking in the stunning cityscape and waterfront vistas. The gentle sea breeze adds an invigorating touch to your skating adventure.
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Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center
Berkeley Holiday Bazaar (Berkeley)
What to Expect:
Focus on locally-made, sustainable gifts
Description:
Berkeley's Holiday Bazaar showcases an array of locally-made, sustainable gifts, reflecting the city's commitment to environmental consciousness. This eco-friendly market stands out by prioritizing artisans who use recycled materials and ethical production methods. The bazaar, established in 2010, has become a platform for promoting sustainable consumerism during the holiday season. Shoppers can participate in upcycling workshops, learning to create unique gifts from repurposed items. The event embodies Berkeley's long-standing tradition of environmental activism and community-driven initiatives.
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Holiday Lighted Boat Parade (Alameda)
What to Expect:
Boats decorated with recycled and upcycled materials
Description:
Oakland's Holiday Lighted Boat Parade dazzles spectators with vessels adorned in lights, many using recycled and upcycled materials. This eco-conscious twist on a classic holiday tradition aligns with the Bay Area's environmental values. The parade, which began in 1976, has evolved to showcase creativity in sustainable decorating. Onlookers can vote for their favorite boat designs via a mobile app, engaging directly with the floating spectacle. The event highlights Oakland's maritime heritage while promoting innovative approaches to holiday celebrations.
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San Francisco Symphony Holiday Concerts (San Francisco)
What to Expect:
Fusion of classical masterpieces with contemporary holiday compositions
Description:
The San Francisco Symphony's Holiday Concerts blend classical masterpieces with contemporary holiday compositions, offering a fresh take on seasonal music. This innovative approach bridges the gap between traditional and modern orchestral performances. The symphony, founded in 1911, has long been at the forefront of musical innovation. Concertgoers can experience the world premiere of a newly commissioned holiday piece, witnessing the creation of future classics. The performances showcase the Bay Area's rich musical heritage and its continued influence on the classical music world.
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San Francisco Symphony Holiday Concerts
Christmas Fantasy of Lights (Vallejo)
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays controlled by visitors
Description:
The Christmas Fantasy of Lights captivates visitors with interactive light displays they can control using their smartphones. This innovative approach allows for a personalized and engaging light show experience. The event, launched in 2015, showcases the intersection of technology and holiday traditions. Participants can choreograph their own light sequences, contributing to the ever-changing spectacle. The display highlights Oakland's position as a hub of technological innovation in the Bay Area.
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Union Square Ice Skating (San Francisco)
What to Expect:
Surrounded by illuminated palm trees
Description:
Union Square's ice skating rink offers a uniquely Californian winter experience, surrounded by illuminated palm trees. This juxtaposition of tropical and winter elements creates a distinctly San Francisco holiday atmosphere. The rink, first installed in 2007, has become a symbol of the city's ability to blend diverse experiences. Skaters can participate in themed nights, from disco to ugly sweater parties, adding variety to their visits. The event embodies San Francisco's spirit of embracing unconventional and eclectic celebrations.