Newark Holiday Event Guide 2021: Christmas Parades & Santa Stops (2024)

Community Corner

Find tree lightings, Hanukkah menorah fests, Nutcrackers, concerts, ice rinks, craft boutiques & light shows & more in East Bay & nearby.

Posted Wed, Dec 1, 2021 at 8:37 pm PT

Christmas this year falls on a Saturday, Dec. 25. Hanukkah 2021 came a bit early, beginning Sunday, Nov. 28 at sundown, and runs through Monday, Dec. 6.

Peruse Patch's annual holiday guide, find nearby events and select the outings that appeal to you and yours. Many events kick off soon, while several require advance bookings, and space may be limited.

Do note: Always confirm with organizers that the listed activities are proceeding as planned when posted.

And to all of our readers, wishing you the happiest of holidays, from Patch!
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ALAMEDA:

DEC. 1: Registration Deadline: Breakfast With Santa. The event is Dec. 11, but sign-ups required by Dec. 1.

DEC. 4: Annual Holiday 'Lighted Yacht Parade': Alameda/Oakland. A 45-year tradition!

DEC. 4: The Menagerie Holiday Oddities Market. "Find one-of-a-kind treasures and unique gifts."

DEC. 8-JAN. 17: 'The Little Ice Rink' - New location with food trucks, music, entertainment, DJs & more.

DEC. 18-19 & 21-22: . Space very limited, so register soon.

DEC. 31: USS Hornet New Year's Eve Gala. Dance night away to 3 O'Clock Jump, a classic big band.

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ALBANY:

DEC. 4-19: Santa On Solano Avenue. Saturday & Sunday meet & greets ad photos with the Big Guy.

DEC. 5: Veretski Pass Klezmer Trio Hanukkah Concert. "Internationally renowned klezmer super-group celebrates Hanukkah."

DEC. 11: Solano Avenue Winter Stroll. Day includes entertainment, performers, cookie decorating, Peralta Park Festival of Lights & more.
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BERKELEY:

DEC. 4-19: Santa On Solano Avenue. Saturday & Sunday meet & greets ad photos with the Big Guy.

DEC. 11: Canadian Brass Holiday Concert: Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley. Grammy-winning ensemble's special holiday program.

DEC. 11: Solano Avenue Winter Stroll. Day includes entertainment, performers, cookie decorating, Peralta Park Festival of Lights & more.

DEC. 12: Holiday Concert Message of Peace: Beloved Seasonal Gems. With acclaimed East Bay Vocal Ensemble Voci.

DEC. 18: . Voices of Music's signature holiday program.

DEC. 19: Ensembles Of San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Holiday Concert. "Your favorite SFGMC holiday fare with the usual surprises."
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CASTRO VALLEY:

DEC. 2: Holiday Tasting Class: Castro Valley Marketplace. "Generous tastings of all the recipes!"

DEC. 3: . At Castro Village Shopping Center, plus free photos with Santa.

DEC. 3-24: 14 Nights of Christmas. Extravaganza at 3Crosses Church includes ice rink with $10 tickets for sale on line.

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CONCORD:

NOV. 5-FEB. 14, 2022: 'Ice At The Veranda' Holiday Skating. Family-friendly fun - and if you need some ice aid, lessons are available.

DEC. 3: . With carriage rides, reindeer, crafts & Santa in a snowglobe.

DEC. 3: Holiday Sip n' Stroll: Todos Santos Plaza. co*cktails & treats from local restaurants. Tickets on sale.

DEC. 4: Gift and Craft Fair. "A one-stop-shop for all your gift-giving needs."
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DANVILLE:

NOV. 26-JAN. 2: A Celebration of Holidays in the Valley. Special exhibit at Museum of the San Ramon Valley.

NOV. 30-DEC. 10: Santa's Mailbox. Drop off a letter & you-know-who will write back!

DEC. 3: Free Photos with Santa! A Winter Wonderland at Community Presbyterian Church.

DEC. 4: SRVHS Winter Boutique. With local vendors, artists & crafters.

DEC. 4: . Supporting Tri-Valley community.

DEC. 4-24: Christmas At The Livery. Select dates with Santa & festivities.

DEC. 5: Knights of Columbus Food Drive. Help feed families in need.

DEC. 9: Holiday Hangout (Ages 8-12): Community Center. Pre-registration required.

DEC. 10-11: . For ages 1-10 & space is limited.

DEC. 12: Celebration of Christmas Concert. With school choirs & Blackhawk Jazz.
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DUBLIN:

DEC. 2: . Music provided by local school bands & choirs.

DEC. 4: Breakfast With Santa: Shannon Community Center. Always sells fast, so don't delay.

DEC. 4: 'The Snow Queen' Ballet. Presentation of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved children's story.

DEC. 4-5: Holiday Art Boutique. "A wonderful opportunity to shop locally directly from artists."

DEC. 5: Handel's Messiah Ballet. Ideal for all ages at Performing Arts Center.
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EL CERRITO:

DEC.: Sundar Shadi Holiday Display 2021. Plans underway for this beloved, community display. Click link or Facebook to find dates & times.

DEC. 16: Cerrito Classics Film Series - Elf (2003). Tickets on sale from Rialto Cinemas.
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FREMONT:

NOV. 19-DEC. 28: Holiday Train Of Lights: Niles Canyon Railway. Popular with locals, so get tickets soon.

DEC. 1: Glow In The Dark Chanukah Menorah Lighting. New location this year.

DEC. 3: Outdoor Holiday Movie 'Home Alone' - Car Cinema. Tickets limited & pre-sale only.

DEC. 4: "Believe" Holiday Boutique. At American High School & includes bake sale to benefit Class of 2022’s safe & sober Grad Nite event.

DEC. 4 & 18: . Fun & festive with snow sculptures & more.

DEC. 4-5: MPCS 35th Annual Christmas at the Mission presents THE STORM IS PASSING. "An evening of good music and hope."

DEC. 14: . Via Zoom for ages 5-11.

DEC. 18: Virtual Holiday Concert - MFMII Kids Choir. Join Music For Minors II Kids Choir in virtual holiday mini-concert.
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HAYWARD:

DEC. 1- 18: . Select dates for tree lightings, Santa visits & self tours.

DEC. 4: Ballet Petit's Nutcracker: Chabot College Performing Arts Center. Back on stage for 2021!
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HERCULES:

DEC. 5: . Free event with cookie & ornament decorating, hot cocoa, coffee & entertainment.
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LAFAYETTE:

DEC. 4-5: . With music, festive décor & tours of the cabin interior.

DEC. 5: . With kids' crafts, treats & live entertainment.
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LIVERMORE:

NOV-DEC. 6: Tri-Valley Haven's Holiday Stocking Drive. For local, in-need children & adults.

NOV. 15-DEC. 8: Santa's Mailbox At Robert Livermore Community Center. Write to St. Nick & he'll write back!

NOV. 25-DEC. 10: LPD's Annual Giving Tree. Help spread joy to children, families & seniors in need.

NOV. 26-Until Trees Sell Out. Troop 999 Tree Lot. Early bird sale on Nov. 24.

DEC. 3: . Santa visits, too.

DEC. 3: Unique Original Gifts for Christmas. With Livermore Art Association.

DEC. 3-JAN. 1: Annual Deacon Dave's Christmas Display. the community tradition returns!

DEC. 4: . With marching bands, music & Santa.

DEC. 4: . Event includes gelt drop with fire department.

DEC. 4-5: Cuda Ridge Wines Holidays in the Vineyards. Music, food truck, Santa & toy drive.

DEC. 4-5: Holidays in the Vineyards at McGrail Vineyards. Live music, shopping pop-ups, wood-fired pizza & more.

DEC. 10: Shop With A Cop. Helping local kids in need.

DEC. 11: Ho Ho Holiday Carnival: Sycamore Grove Park. Registration required.

DEC. 11-12, 17-19: Valley Dance Theatre 'The Nutcracker': Bankhead. Accompanied by the Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra.

DEC. 12: Nutcracker Tea Party. Space is limited.

DEC. 16-24: Simbang Gabi. Nine-day Novena at St. Michael.

DEC. 19: Holiday Singalong and Ugly Sweater Party in McGrail’s Barrel Room. Family-friendly & tickets required.

DEC. 31: NYE Masquerade Party. At Elevation LVK at airport.
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MARTINEZ:

NOV. 27-DEC. 23: Main Street Santa House. Enjoy a meet & greet with St. Nick in his little red house.

DEC. 3: . Sign up soon if you want light wand!

DEC. 5: . Celebrate with music, sufganiyot & family fun.
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MORAGA:

DEC. 2: . With cookies, cocoa & holiday music.

DEC. 19: Breakfast With Santa. Three seatings, but book soon!
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NEWARK:

NOV. 19-DEC. 24: . Select dates for the pets & Santa Cares Days. Reservation recommended.

DEC. 6: Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Fest. With choir, dance team, cookies, cocoa & more.

DEC. 11: . This festive event is free!
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OAKLAND:

NOV. 12-JAN. 30, 2022: . Featuring larger-than-life glowing animal lanterns, plus Santa & train through Winter Wonderland.

NOV. 26-DEC. 19: . Full month of fun & festivities.

DEC. 2: . Participating cars receive party boxes.

DEC. 4: Annual Holiday 'Lighted Yacht Parade': Alameda/Oakland. A 45-year tradition!

DEC. 4: Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir's Free Holiday Concert SING JOY! At Jack London Square.

DEC. 4- 19: Visit with Santa. At Jack London Square.

DEC. 5: . With fire show, latkes, sufganiyot (jelly donuts), gelt, menorahs, dreidels & holiday spirit.

DEC. 10: . Bring your camera -- free photos at Jack London Square.

DEC. 11: . Includes festive entertainment & Santa.
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ORINDA:

DEC. 10-12: 'A Sweet Dream Nutcracker' - Family event from Orinda Ballet Academy & Company.
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PIEDMONT:

DEC. 1: Tree-Lighting Ceremony. A town tradition!

DEC. 5: . Hanukkah family fest at Community Hall.

DEC. 11: Breakfast With Santa. Save those seats!

DEC. 31: Family-Friendly Noon Year's Eve. With music, crafts, countdown at noon & balloon drop.
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PLEASANT HILL:

DEC. 1: Annual Holiday Festival. Canceled.

DEC. 4: Breakfast With Santa. Sold out.

DEC. 4: . Shop for the holidays with unique assortment of offerings.

DEC. 8: Around The World Holiday Express Drive-Thru. Free, but registration required, as space is limited.
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PLEASANTON:

DEC. 1-31: 'Widmer World' - Holiday Lights Display. Home extravaganza with magical dancing lights & themed displays.

DEC. 4: . Back for 2021 with community floats, bands & Santa!

DEC. 9: Pleasanton Senior Center Holiday Stroll. Outdoor event for seniors. Registration required.

DEC. 11: Alviso Adobe Community Park's Gingerbread Adobe. Recreate historic adobe house using gingerbread cookies.

DEC. 11: . A downtown event.
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PINOLE:

DEC. 4: . With holiday crafts, face painting, balloon twisting & visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

DEC. 10: Order Deadline: To-Go Holiday Meal Senior Center Fundraiser. Meal pick-ups are Dec. 17 & proceeds benefit Senior Center.
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RICHMOND:

DEC. 4: Arts of Point Richmond Annual Holiday Craft Faire. "Shop local and support your local artists."
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ROCKRIDGE:

NOV. 26-DEC. 19: . Full month of fun & festivities.

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SAN FRANCISCO:

NOV. 3-JAN. 17, 2022: Safeway Holiday Ice Rink: Union Square. Fun includes "Learn to Skate," "Flashback Fridays," "Polar Bear Skate" and "Drag Queens on Ice."

NOV.-JAN.: Holiday Ice Skating Rink: Embarcadero. Canceled.

NOV. 19-JAN. 1: Macy's Annual Great Tree: Union Square. No tree-lighting ceremony this year.

DEC. 1: . The 50-foot, chandelier-like tree is covered in crystals.

DEC. 1-31: World Premiere of 'The Magic Lamp' Panto for Holidays. "With humor, audience participation, dance, magic& hope for the whole family."

DEC. 2: Choir! Choir! Choir! Presents ‘Hallelujah’ Epic Singalong: Jewish Community Center. "Equal parts singing, comedy & community-building."

DEC. 2: Warriors' Thrive City Winter Wonderland: Lighting Ceremony: Chase Center. With entertainment & special guests.

DEC. 3-12: 'Let's Glow SF': Downtown San Francisco. Four buildings will transform nightly into winter wonderland display.

DEC. 4-5: . Community tradition returns for 2021!

DEC. 4-19: Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets. Designed for families with young children & features live, nine-piece chamber orchestra.

DEC. 5: Glowing Hanukkah Party Pop-Up At Ghirardelli Square. Free with crafts, games & music.

DEC. 5: Young Women’s Choral Projects ' Carols by Candlelight' Livestream. Online is option, as in-person is sold out.

DEC. 7: Holiday Heroes Returns to Oracle Park for Magical Night. Raises funds for children & families in crisis.

DEC. 10-11, 17-18: Kat Robichaud's A Very Merry Misfit Cabaret. "Here to bring the holiday cheer."

DEC. 10-11: 'Holigays Are Here...Again' Concert: SF Gay Men's Chorus. "A joyous, hilarious, and celebratory evening with something for everyone."

DEC. 11: 'Angelic Voices' Young Women’s Choral Holiday Concert. "Hear the sounds of angels this holiday season."

DEC. 11-12: Patchwork Show Makers Market: Westfield San Francisco Centre. Also features DIY craft stations!

DEC. 12: Oh, What Fun! Holiday concert with Santa, music of Vince Guaraldi & vocalist Olivia Chindamo.

DEC. 15: Holiday 'Science Under The Sea Stars': California Academy of Sciences. With holiday-themed crafts, shows & cookie decorating.

DEC. 18: SweaterCon: San Francisco Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl. "Throw on your best ugly Christmas Sweater, Hanukkah-inspired gear or whatever tickles your fancy."

DEC. 18: . Fun is free, but RSVPs required.

DEC. 18-19: Dollie + Me Holiday Tea at Westin St. Francis Hotel, Union Square. Each child receives a goodie bag.

DEC. 19: . "Voices of Music returns to the stage with our signature holiday program."

DEC. 31: NYE Yacht Party San Francisco. Tickets on sale.

DEC. 31: 'Dinner Detective' New Year's Eve Show: Le Meridien Hotel. "Solve a hilarious mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner."
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SAN JOSE:

NOV. 19-JAN. 9, 2022: 'Downtown Ice' Holiday Skating Rink. "Skate under the stars and palm trees in Downtown San Jose!"

NOV. 26-JAN. 9: Blinky's Illuminated Holiday Drive-Thru. "Mile of smiles" with synchronized light show & favorite tunes.

DEC. 5: . With scavenger hunt, story time, dreidel games & candle lighting.

DEC. 5: . With fan-fave Israeli rock band, The Peatot.

DEC. 7: Hammer Theatre Center's Cool Yule. Jazz concert with festive & familiar holiday songs.

DEC. 11: Symphony San Jose Chorale 'Carols In The California' - "Traditional sing-along of your favorite carols with choir & brass ensemble."

DEC. 11: Hammer Theatre's Mariachi Sol de Mexico's "A Merry-Achi Christmas." Fusion of traditional holiday spirit with colors& traditions of Mexican and American Christmas songs & carols.

DEC. 30: A Magical Cirque Christmas: Performing Arts Center. "Magic of Christmas with dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists... holiday music performed live."

DEC. 31: Noon Year’s Eve Party! (Family Event) 3Below Theaters. Includes film, games and prizes, & dessert buffet with sparkling cider.

DEC. 31: . "Come dressed to impress in costumes to match the movie, co*cktail attire, OR fancy PJs/loungewear!"
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SAN LEANDRO:

DEC.: "It's A Wonderful Night" Celebration. Canceled for 2021.

DEC. 2: Holiday Cookies With The Cops. Toy drive, too!
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SAN RAMON:

NOV. 17-JAN. 2, 2022: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink. Daily, rain or shine, at City Center Bishop Ranch.

NOV. 27-DEC. 19: Visits with Santa at City Center Bishop Ranch. Bubble Lady will be there, too.

DEC. 4: . Shirts & the famous Bah Humbug! ornaments to all participants.

DEC. 11-12: Impressions of The Nutcracker Sweet. "Fun new spin on this timeless classic."

DEC. 17: Symphonic Band Concert: Holiday Winds. Kids 12 & younger are free.

DEC. 31: New Year's Eve Party 2021 - 2022 at San Ramon Marriott. With dancing, live band, DJ casino games & more.
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SUNOL:

NOV. 19-DEC. 28: Holiday Train Of Lights: Niles Canyon Railway. Popular with locals, so get tickets soon. If sold out, cancellations always possible.

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UNION CITY:

DEC. 1: Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest Sign-Up Deadline. Open to individual homes, a cluster or whole street!

DEC. 4: Snacks with Santa. Sign up soon, as space is limited.

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WALNUT CREEK:

NOV. 11-DEC. 23: Holiday 'Garden Of D’Lights': Ruth Bancroft Garden. Meander through garden's magical & colorful botanical sculptures, transformed with thousands of lights.

NOV. 19-JAN. 30, 2022: 'Walnut Creek On Ice' Holiday Skating: Civic Park. "Bringing the sparkle back to Civic Park this holiday season!"

NOV. 27-DEC. 12: Holiday Craft Faire. At Shadelands Ranch Museum.

DEC. 4: Santa Claus is Coming to Shadelands Ranch. Sold out.

DEC. 4-5: Handcrafted Holiday Sale: Shadeland Arts Center. Weekend of holiday shopping with proceeds for arts groups.

DEC. 10: 'Elf' Outdoor, Family Movie Night. Space is limited, so book soon.

DEC. 11: Diablo Symphony Celebrates the Holidays with the Fratello Marionettes. Perfect for the whole family.

DEC. 12: It’s Holiday Time Again! Free concert with Danville Community Band.

DEC. 16: . A stunner, one-mile, illuminated stroll.

DEC. 17-19: 'The Biggest Gift': Lesher Center. Ideal for younger audiences.

DEC. 31: Murder Mystery Masquerade New Years Eve Party. At Walnut Creek Elks Lodge.

JAN. 13-23, 2022: 'Spontaneous Charles Dickens': Synergy Theater, Lesher. "Completely improvised tale in the style of Charles Dickens."
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SEE ENTIRE SF BAY AREA EVENT GUIDE:

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HEADING OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

• Orange County Holiday Events 2021
• San Diego County Holiday Events 2021
• Riverside County Holiday Events 2021