Illustration of a santa visit scene (San Carlos Night of Holiday Lights)
Other Christmas Activities

San Carlos Night of Holiday Lights

Visitors can wander along the downtown street to experience festive light displays, falling snow, and a variety of family-friendly arts and crafts. Entertainment includes live holiday shows and musical acts ranging from youth theater to tap dancing Christmas trees. Guests can also enjoy hot chocolate, holiday treats, beer, wine, and appearances by Santa Claus and the Snow Queen.

What to Expect

Downtown celebration featuring festive lights, snow, live entertainment, and Santa visits.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown San Carlos

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

San Carlos Parks & Recreation Department

Food & Drink

Hot chocolate and holiday goodies, along with beer and wine for sale, are offered at the event.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and family-friendly

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

Free

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Downtown San Carlos
San Carlos, CA
94070

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Free community event. Beer and wine are for sale.
  • Hours: Event: 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.; emcees kick off at 5:00 p.m.; Wild Child performs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tips & Advice

  • Head to the main stage on Cherry Street as the emcees kick things off, and stay late for Wild Child, who closes out the evening.
  • Let the kids try the arts and crafts and play in the snow along Laurel Street between San Carlos Avenue and Cherry Street.
  • Dress warmly for an evening outdoors downtown in December, and warm up with hot chocolate and holiday goodies as you walk the street.
  • Keep a camera ready for the kids, because Santa Claus and the Snow Queen both make special appearances during the night.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Wild Child headlines the main stage on Cherry Street this year.
  • Santa Claus and the Snow Queen make special appearances during the evening.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is performing?

Emcees Lori & RJ open the celebration, and Wild Child headlines the main stage. The lineup also includes The Tide Note Singers led by Emily Bender, Broadway Babies & Kids, San Carlos Children's Theater, Peninsula Lively Arts, the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees and A Tribute to Stevie Wonder.

Where is the main stage?

The main stage is on Cherry Street, at one end of the festivities along Laurel Street.

What is there to eat and drink?

There's hot chocolate and holiday goodies, and beer and wine are for sale.

Is it good for kids?

Yes. There are family activities, kids' activities, arts and crafts, festive lights and snow, and youth performers like San Carlos Children's Theater and Broadway Babies & Kids.

Will Santa be there?

Yes. Santa Claus and the Snow Queen both make special appearances.

Tags

holiday light displayscommunity celebrationfamily friendlySanta visitslive musicfree eventfestive foodseasonal activities

More Christmas Events Near San Carlos

More Christmas Events near San Carlos

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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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 21, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team