Bay Area Holidays: Your Festive Events Guide
The holiday season has arrived, bringing dazzling events and festive “sensory overload” to the Bay Area. From iconic tree lightings to glowing menorahs, live performances, and faux snow, our communities are transforming into winter wonderlands.
San Francisco’s Festive Events
San Francisco sparkles with beloved traditions, ensuring the city is aglow with holiday spirit.
Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting
San Francisco’s longest-held Christmas tradition returns December 3rd, 4-7 p.m. (tree lighting 5:30 p.m.). Featuring Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, San Francisco Boys Choir, magician, clown, and the Grinch. Enjoy a toy giveaway (first 500 kids under 12), ornament making, Santa letter writing, book giveaway, “snow” flurries, and a Santa visit.
Pier 39 Holiday Cheer
Pier 39 kicks off its festive season on December 5th, 5-10 p.m., with its 60-foot Christmas tree lighting. Experience a choreographed light show synchronized to holiday music every half hour. The tree remains lit until January 22nd. A menorah lighting also takes place at the Entrance Plaza, sundown December 14th-22nd.
Union Square Winter Walk
The popular Winter Walk runs December 5th-24th, featuring a holiday marketplace, food trucks, stage programming, and a Nintendo tent. Explore the Ornament Trail (guide at Cable Car Turnaround) with large artist ornaments. The Powell Street Sled launches December 6th, noon-2 p.m., offering Santa photos, carolers, and ornament painting. The 50th Annual Bill Graham Menorah will be lit nightly December 14th-22nd.
Regional Holiday Highlights
From Oakland to San Jose and Marin, the wider Bay Area offers unique ways to celebrate the season.
Jack London Square Tree Lighting (Oakland)
Oakland’s Jack London Square tradition continues on November 29th, 5:45-8 p.m. Santa leads the Shasta Fir tree lighting, followed by a laser light show set to holiday music and faux snow. Santa will be available for photos, joined by Frosty and a Christmas teddy bear. Performances by Oaktown Jazz Workshops and Lyric Performing Arts Academy.
Walnut Creek Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting
Walnut Creek welcomes the holiday season with its Parade of Lights along Broadway Plaza Street on December 4th, 6-8:30 p.m., featuring Santa, decorations, hot cocoa, and carolers. The Tree Lighting, at Civic Park, takes place on November 21st, 5:30-6:30 p.m., showcasing a winter wonderland theme.
Doca Light Festival in San Jose
New this year, the Doca Light Festival at Discovery Meadow runs November 14th-January 4th, 4:30-10:30 p.m. daily. This immersive light festival features six themed zones, three Christmas trees, and over 40 sculptures with 280,000+ lights. Inspired by San Jose’s culture, it blends local heritage with light art. Tickets vary by day and age.
Marin County Hanukkah Festivals
Marin County embraces Hanukkah with community-focused festivals. Chabad West Marin presents its fifth annual Fairfax Chanukah Festival at Bolinas Park on December 18th, 4:30-6 p.m. (indoors if rain). Enjoy latkes, soup, kids’ crafts, a community art mural, live music by Saul Kaye, and a grand 9-foot menorah lighting. A San Anselmo Chanukah Festival (date not specified) also features booths, doughnuts, latkes, hot soup, a grand menorah lighting, and fire entertainer.
Bon Air Latkes & Lights (Greenbrae)
The Bon Air shopping center in Greenbrae hosts its eighth annual Latkes & Lights celebration on December 17th at 6 p.m. This event features a menorah lighting led by Rabbi Yisrael Rice, free latkes with applesauce, hot chocolate, and a “gelt drop” of chocolate coins. A joyful community gathering to celebrate freedom and spread light.
Bay Area Holiday Events at a Glance
| Event | Location | Date(s) | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting | San Francisco | Dec 3 | Performances, toy giveaway, “snow” |
| Pier 39 Tree Lighting | San Francisco | Dec 5 (Tree), Dec 14-22 (Menorah) | Choreographed light show |
| Union Square Winter Walk | San Francisco | Dec 5-24 | Marketplace, Ornament Trail, Bill Graham Menorah |
| Jack London Square Tree Lighting | Oakland | Nov 29 | Santa, laser light show, faux snow |
| Doca Light Festival | San Jose | Nov 14 – Jan 4 | Immersive themed light zones |
| Walnut Creek Parade of Lights | Walnut Creek | Dec 4 | Santa-led parade |
| Walnut Creek Tree Lighting | Walnut Creek | Nov 21 | Winter wonderland theme |
| Fairfax Chanukah Festival | Fairfax | Dec 18 | Live music, 9-ft menorah |
| Bon Air Latkes & Lights | Greenbrae | Dec 17 | Menorah lighting, free latkes, gelt drop |
Frequently Asked Questions About Bay Area Holiday Events
- Are most Bay Area holiday lightings free to attend?
Many events like tree/menorah lightings (SF, Oakland, Walnut Creek) are free. The Doca Light Festival in San Jose requires tickets. - Where can I experience faux snow in the Bay Area?
Faux snow at SF’s Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting and Oakland’s Jack London Square Tree Lighting. - Which events offer toy giveaways for children?
The Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting in San Francisco has a toy giveaway for the first 500 children aged 12 and under. - Are there multiple Hanukkah celebrations across the Bay?
Yes, menorah lightings at Pier 39/Union Square (SF) and festivals in Fairfax, San Anselmo, and Greenbrae (Bon Air) celebrate Hanukkah.
With so many vibrant events illuminating the Bay Area this holiday season, remember to check specific event websites for any last-minute changes and embrace the joyous community spirit. Get out there and make some festive memories!
Bay Area Holiday Events Guide
