Seasonal & Holidays
Palo Alto Holidays: Christmas Events & Hanukkah Fests 2023
See Santa stops, menorah lightings, Christmas concerts, lights extravaganzas, Nutcrackers & more festivities in Palo Alto & Peninsula.
PALO ALTO, CA — The holiday season is in full swing throughout Palo Alto, the Peninsula and the South Bay!
Grab your calendars, so you don't miss a moment ... as the New Year will be here before your know it.
Hanukkah's "Festival of Lights" ends Friday, Dec. 15. Christmas, Dec. 25, is on a Monday this year, followed by New Year's Eve on Sunday, Dec. 31.
Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Peruse our annual guide to finding Santa, menorah lightings, "Nutcracker" ballets, Christmas concerts, theater productions, winter ice rinks, walk- and drive-thru, holiday-lights extravaganzas and more.
And to all, from Patch, Happy Holidays!
Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Note: Always confirm with organizers that events are proceeding as planned when posted.
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BELMONT:
DEC. 14: Santa At Firehouse & Toy Drive. Snow play, cider & cookies planned, too.
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BURLINGAME:
DEC. 17: A Christmas Cantata: First Presbyterian Church Of Burlingame. With choir & full orchestra.
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CAMPBELL:
DEC. 16: Tower of Power - Holidays and Hits Tour. Sold out.
THROUGH DEC. 21: Ainsley House Holiday Open Houses & Tours. See the local landmark decked out with "Christmas Cravings" theme.
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CAPITOLA:
DEC. 21-JAN. 7: Flynn Creek Circus All-New Holiday Show Under Heated Big Top. "Featuring international & award-winning aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, comedians & more!"
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CUPERTINO:
DEC. 19: Holiday Sing-Along For Ages 50+: Senior Center. Registration is underway.
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DALY CITY:
THROUGH DEC. 17: Great Dickens Christmas Fair: Cow Palace. Immerse yourself in world of music halls, theatres, pubs, dance parties, charming shops, aroma of roasting chestnuts & more.
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EAST PALO ALTO:
THROUGH JAN. 28: Après Village & Skate Rink: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley. Cozy, holiday pop-up with s'mores, food truck, chalets & outdoor skating rink.
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FOSTER CITY:
DEC. 12: Hanukkah Celebration & Menorah Lighting: Leo J. Ryan Park. With donuts, dreidels, music, latkes, gelt, balloons & more.
THROUGH DEC. 28: Art Gallery 'Winter Scene' Snow Globe, Photo Op. Need a backdrop for holiday cards?
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GILROY:
DEC. 16: Strolling Santa at Gilroy Premium Outlets. Here's your chance before he heads back to North Pole!
THROUGH DEC. 31: Gilroy Gardens 'North Pole Nights' & Holiday Ice Rink. "Skate with some of Santa elves under beautiful winter stars!"
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HALF MOON BAY:
DEC. 15-17: Coastal Repertory Theatre 'White Christmas'- A holiday staple!
DEC. 16: Holiday Jazz & Vibrant Dining, Fattoria e Mare. Dine while tapping your toes to jazzy, classic holiday songs.
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LOS ALTOS:
NOV: Festival of Lights Parade was held in November. But you can click link to view it online.
DEC. 14: Holiday Market: Downtown. Enjoy live music while shopping for gifts, baked goods & more.
DEC. 17: Sunday Worship: Telling the Christmas Story. At Foothills Church.
DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols. Event concludes with special candlelit carol in courtyard.
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LOS ALTOS HILLS:
DEC. 15-16: Palo Alto Dance Connection 'Nutcracker Ballet & 'Hip Hop Nutcracker' - Select from a traditional or a contemporary version.
DEC. 17: Holiday Extravaganza by Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra. "Infuse your holiday season with unforgettable moments!"
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LOS GATOS:
DEC. 14: Hanukkah On Main Street & Menorah Lighting. Free & open to all.
DEC. 19-21: Los Gatos Ballet 'Nutcracker': McAfee Performing Arts Center. Featuring "Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, exciting choreography, exquisite dancing & beautifully designed costumes, props & sets."
THROUGH DEC. 30: 'Fantasy Of Lights' Holiday Drive-Thru: Vasona Lake County Park. An ooh & aah adventure!
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MENLO PARK:
DEC. 29: New Year's Eve Brunch: Little House. Reservations requested by Dec. 15.
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MILLBRAE:
DEC. 15: Sew & Go: Holiday Stockings. Library event is booked, but you can join the wait list.
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MILPITAS:
DEC. 14: Hanukkah Fest & Menorah Lighting. At Civic Center Plaza.
DEC. 16-17: Milk and Cookies with Santa at Great Mall. Book soon!
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MONTEREY:
DEC. 1-23: 'Christmas On The Wharf' Festivities. Santa visits, carolers & more.
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve 'First Night Monterey' Celebration. Iconic family-friendly event in its 31st year.
THROUGH DEC. 31: 'Ice Skating By The Bay' Outdoor, Holiday Rink. "A winter wonderland right by the Bay."
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MORGAN HILL:
DEC. 16-17 & 23-24: 'Christmas On The Hill' Free, Lights Extravaganza: West Hills Community Church. Sure-fire way to get in the holiday spirit!
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MOUNTAIN VIEW:
DEC. 16-17: 'Nutcracker: Not A Ballet': Center For Performing Arts. Like the title says, this is not a ballet. But it is a play aimed for little ones. Performed in Russian, too.
DEC. 16-17: Bayer Ballet Company's 'Snow Queen': Center For Performing Arts. For those interested in an alternative to "Nutcracker," this is a popular holiday ballet.
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OAKLAND:
DEC. 13: Car Menorah Parade & Chanukah Celebration. "Spread Jewish pride, light, and the universal message of Chanukah through the streets of Oakland!"
DEC. 15-16: KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble: Wintersongs. Seasonal songs from Balkan, Baltic, Caucasian, Mediterranean & Slavic lands.
DEC. 16-17: Oakland Ballet School 'Ronn Guidi’s The Secret Nutcracker': Performing Arts Center. In San Leandro & set to Tchaikovsky’s classical score.
DEC. 16-17: Winter Open House: Homesteading Holiday Social, Tasting & Sale. At Mariposa Grove.
DEC. 16-17: Oakland Ballet 'Nutcracker' With Symphony: Paramount Theatre. With Oakland Symphony & Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir.
THROUGH DEC. 30: 'Fairy Winterland' Holiday Celebration: Children’s Fairyland. See Black Santa & Festival of Lights Parade before they head back to North Pole Dec. 23.
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Balloon Drop Celebration: Chabot Space & Science Center. Perfect for families with little ones.
THROUGH JAN. 28: Oakland Zoo 'Glowfari' Holiday Lantern Festival. "Wildly popular, family-friendly experience is back with hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns."
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PACIFICA:
DEC. 17: 'Santa Is Coming To Nancyland' Visits & Photo Ops. Get in your RSVPs!
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PALO ALTO:
DEC. 15-16: Palo Alto Dance Connection 'Nutcracker Ballet & 'Hip Hop Nutcracker' - Select from a traditional or a contemporary version.
DEC. 16-31: 'Christmas Tree Lane' Drive & Walk-Thru: Fulton Street. A community favorite for 82 years!
DEC. 17: Holiday Extravaganza by Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra. "Infuse your holiday season with unforgettable moments!"
JAN. 1: SF Chamber Orchestra New Year's Concert, Admission-Free. Ring in 2024!
THROUGH APRIL 7: 'Winter Lodge' Outdoor Ice-Skating Rink. A community tradition since 1956.
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PORTOLA VALLEY:
DEC. 16: Choral Project & San José Chamber Orchestra 'Winter’s Gifts' Concert. Tickets online & at door.
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REDWOOD CITY:
DEC. 15-16: Peninsula Ballet Theatre 'Nutcracker': Fox Theatre. "Professional company is joined by Peninsula School of the Arts in this sparkling production. Meet the cast onstage after each show."
DEC. 16-17: 'Hip-Hop Nutcracker': Fox Theatre. "Mix it up with this new holiday classic!"
DEC. 16-17: Bay Area Youth Ballet 'Nutcracker': Cañada College Theater. A slightly condensed version for all ages, plus features professional guest artists for roles of Nutcracker Prince & Sugar Plum Fairy.
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SAN BRUNO:
DEC. 16 & 23: Free Photos With Santa: The Shops At Tanforan. Free? Yes, free.
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SAN CARLOS:
DEC. 15: 4th Annual Holiday Market. At Devil's Canyon Brewing Company.
DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Morning and Evening Service. Services in Samoan & English.
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SAN FRANCISCO:
DEC. 13-14: Chanukah In Union Square & Menorah Lighting. Iconic setting with live music & more planned.
DEC. 13-30: SF Ballet 'Nutcracker' With Orchestra: War Opera House. "This dazzling production is a kaleidoscope of over 150 dancers accompanied by SF Ballet Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. "
DEC. 15-17: 'Million Dollar Quartet Christmas' Holiday Rock N' Roll: Curran Theater. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins & Elvis Presley come to life!
DEC. 16: Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl. Tickets on sale.
DEC. 16: Holiday Bingo With Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence. "Festive holiday edition of bingo at enchanting Hotel Zeppelin."
DEC. 16-17: Dance-Along Nutcracker 'Nutmare Before Christmas': Yerba Buena Center For Arts. "You’ll waltz! You’ll march! You’ll pirouette! You’ll sing along!
DEC. 16-17: Stapleton School Of Performing Arts 'Nutcracker': Palace Of Fine Arts. Family-friendly Nutcracker Ball follows Saturday evening performance.
DEC. 16-23: 'Elf' Movie Party: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. With games, props & a very loud sing-along!
DEC. 17: KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble: Wintersongs. Seasonal songs from Balkan, Baltic, Caucasian, Mediterranean & Slavic lands.
DEC. 19: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet: Golden Gate Theatre. "Beloved family tradition."
DEC. 24: SF Gay Men’s Chorus 'Holiday Spectacular': Castro Theatre. A 34-year, heartwarming holiday tradition.
THROUGH DEC. 23: 'The Golden Girls: The Christmas Episodes': Victoria Theatre. Four drag legends stage eagerly-awaited holiday tradition.
THROUGH DEC. 24: 'A Christmas Carol': A.C.T. Toni Rembe Theater. American Conservatory Theater's celebrated production of the Charles Dickens classic.
THROUGH DEC. 26: Chase Center 'Winter Wonderland' Ice Skating Rink. Event is free!
DEC. 27: River Otter Snow Days: Aquarium Of The Bay, Pier 39. See otters frolic in snowy wonderland.
THROUGH DEC. 30: 'Dear San Francisco' Holiday Version: Club Fugazi. Homage to SF with world-class acrobats.
THROUGH DEC. 31: Macy's & SPCA Annual Holiday Windows. Tradition returns with kitties & puppies in need of forever homes.
DEC. 31: SF New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2023-24: Embarcadero. "Say goodbye to 2023 and ring in the 2024 new year with 200,000 fellow bundled-up San Franciscans."
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Pub Crawl Party. Featuring multiple SF hot spots.
DEC. 31: New Year's Eve 'Dear San Francisco': Club Fugazi. Two special NYE performances.
DEC. 31: Thrive City Kwanzaa & Noon Year’s Eve: Chase Center. With arts, crafts, treats & dancing.
THROUGH JAN. 15: Safeway Holiday Ice Rink: Union Square. Special events include Simba Saturdays, Flashback Fridays & Polar Bear Skate.
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SAN JOSE:
DEC. 15-17 & 22-23: Holiday Lights Pedicab Tour of Willow Glen. Fun way to experience sights & sounds of the holidays
DEC. 16: The Official Christmas Bar Crawl. Tickets on sale.
DEC. 16-23: 'The San Jose Nutcracker': California Theatre. Two-act performance with live accompaniment by New Ballet Orchestra.
DEC. 31: Silicon Valley New Year's Eve Bash for Singles Professionals. With DJ & dancing.
DEC. 31: San José Chamber Orchestra New Year's Eve Concert & Reception. "No better way to celebrate the New Year!"
THROUGH DEC. 31: Winchester Mystery House Holiday Candlelight Tours. "Whether in search of romantic night, family adventure or touch of holiday magic, Holiday Candlelight Tour is ideal option."
THROUGH DEC. 31: 'Enchant' Christmas Light Maze, Village & Ice Skating Trail: PayPal Park. "Over 4 million sparkling lights creating an immersive walk-thru, story-themed maze."
THROUGH JAN. 15: 'Downtown Ice' Outdoor, Winter Skating Rink. The San Jose tradition is back at Circle of Palms Plaza!
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SAN MATEO:
DEC. 14: Holiday Sip and Shop. Event free at Bryds Filling Station.
DEC. 16: Breakfast With Santa: Par 3 Restaurant At Poplar Creek. Book your seats for a merry morning!
JAN. 1-5: Winter Wonderland Dance Camps. Sign-ups underway.
THROUGH JAN. 7: 'San Mateo On Ice' Holiday, Outdoor Skating Rink. Free community skate days planned.
THROUGH JAN. 28: 'IlluminOdyssey' Winter Light Experience: CuriOdyssey Museum. The fan-favorite returns for its 7th year.
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SANTA CLARA:
DEC. 17: Choral Project & San José Chamber Orchestra 'Winter’s Gifts' Concert. Honoring different faith traditions around Bay Area.
THROUGH DEC. 31: WinterFest & Holiday Ice Rink: California’s Great America. With ice skating in front of the iconic Carousel Columbia.
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SANTA CRUZ:
THROUGH DEC. 23: Holiday Lights Train & Santa: Roaring Camp Railroads. Cider, sing-alongs & Santa!
DEC. 14: "Lighting Up the Holidays" Business Mixer. RSVPs requested.
DEC. 16: Holiday 'Winter On The Wharf' Santa & Snow. Play in snow area with Elsa & Anna from Frozen!
DEC. 16-17 & 22-23: Visits with Santa. "Stop by to say hello to him at Childish on Pacific."
DEC. 17: Teen Movie "The Nightmare Before Christmas" at Advisory Council of Teens Meeting. Free at library.
DEC. 17: A Celtic Christmas. "A warm, cozy, feel-good holiday performance."
THROUGH DEC. 23: Reindeer Round-up. Fun, downtown scavenger hunt.
THROUGH DEC. 31: 'Boardwalk Winter Wonderland' Santa & Holidays. Full schedule of various events.
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SARATOGA:
DEC. 19-21: Los Gatos Ballet 'Nutcracker': McAfee Performing Arts Center. Featuring "Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, exciting choreography, exquisite dancing & beautifully designed costumes, props & sets."
DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Worship - Family-Friendly Time & Christmas Eve Worship - Classic Carols & Candlelight. At Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
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SCOTTS VALLEY:
DEC. 16: The Nutcracker Ballet. "Meet the dancers afterwards in our lobby parade!"
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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO:
DEC. 16-17: SSF Civic Ballet 'The Nutcracker' - Tickets $10 for adults & $8 for youth & seniors.
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SUNNYVALE:
DEC. 31: Toasted by the Bay - NYE Celebration & Dance Party at Hilton. Tickets on sale.
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WATSONVILLE:
DEC. 16: Taiko Holiday Cookies Workshop.
THROUGH DEC. 24: Holiday Lights Drive-Thru: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Tune car radio to the Holiday Lights station & enjoy!
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WOODSIDE:
DEC. 16-23: Santa Days: Filoli Estate. Time slots fill fast, so book quickly if interested.
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FOR ENTIRE SF BAY AREA GUIDE: SF Bay Area Holidays: Christmas Events & Hanukkah Fests 2023
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