It's holiday season, El Cerrito! Explore our guide for all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're a local or a visitor, our guide helps you enjoy the festive charm of El Cerrito.
One highlight of the season is the Holidays at Filoli, where you can stroll through stunning gardens adorned with sparkling lights and seasonal decorations. Another festive attraction is Concord's Annual Tree Lighting & Mayor's Sing-Along, featuring community performances that bring joy to attendees of all ages. And the Bishop Ranch Tree Lighting is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful blend of live music and holiday spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around El Cerrito
- Holidays at Filoli (Woodside)
- Concord’s Annual Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along (Concord)
- Bishop Ranch Tree Lighting (San Ramon)
- Walnut Creek Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting (Walnut Creek)
- Holiday Sparkle Sip & Shop & Tree Lighting (Martinez)
- Children’s Magical Tea, Top of the Mark (San Francisco)
- Fairmont San Francisco’s Holiday Tea (San Francisco)
- Contra Costa Ballet's The Nutcracker (Walnut Creek)
- Fairy Winterland (Oakland)
See these and even more events listed below!
El Cerrito Holiday Light Displays
Holidays at Filoli
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light displays and unique behind-the-scenes tours.
Description:
Filoli Estate & Gardens transform into a vibrant holiday display with thousands of lights, 7,000 ornaments, and immersive decorations, offering daytime and evening experiences.
Where: Woodside | More Info: Holidays at Filoli
Walnut Creek Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Special Tree Lighting Ceremony led by Santa Claus.
Description:
The Walnut Creek Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting is a festive event that kicks off the holiday season with an evening parade featuring music, refreshments, and a special Tree Lighting Ceremony led by Santa Claus.
Where: Walnut Creek | More Info: Walnut Creek Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting
Fairy Winterland
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with diverse cultural displays and Santa's visit.
Description:
Fairy Winterland at Children's Fairyland in Oakland, California, features thousands of twinkling lights, culturally diverse holiday displays, and festive activities like ornament making and a visit from Santa Claus.
Where: Oakland | More Info: Fairy Winterland
El Cerrito Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Sparkle Sip & Shop & Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Holiday shopping and tree lighting in downtown Martinez.
Description:
Join Downtown Martinez & Co. for the Holiday Sparkle Sip & Shop, a festive evening market featuring local vendors, holiday shopping, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Martinez | More Info: Holiday Sparkle Sip & Shop & Tree Lighting
El Cerrito Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Concord’s Annual Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along
What to Expect:
Live performances by local choirs and bands.
Description:
Concord’s Annual Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along features live performances by local choirs and bands, a holiday sing-along, and the lighting of the official holiday tree. Families can take pictures with Santa, feed his reindeer, and enjoy handmade artisan goods.
Where: Concord | More Info: Concord’s Annual Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along
Bishop Ranch Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Live performances by local talent and Santa's arrival in a red convertible T-Bird.
Description:
The Bishop Ranch Tree Lighting features heartwarming performances by the Monte Vista band, singers, and dancers, culminating in Santa's grand entrance. Enjoy memorable visits with Santa throughout the holiday season.
Where: San Ramon | More Info: Bishop Ranch Tree Lighting
Contra Costa Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Contra Costa Ballet presents The Nutcracker, a family-friendly production featuring youth performers and professional guest artists. This one-hour performance includes colorful costumes, whimsical sets, and a delightful journey through the Candy Kingdom. It is an elegant introduction to the holiday classic.
Where: Walnut Creek | More Info: Contra Costa Ballet's The Nutcracker
El Cerrito Other Holiday Activities
Children’s Magical Tea, Top of the Mark
What to Expect:
Family-friendly afternoon with activities and treats.
Description:
At Children’s Magical Tea at Top of the Mark, families can enjoy delicious treats, delightful activities, and breathtaking views. The event features activities like cookie decorating, pastry chef demonstrations, fantastic balloon art, face painting, and a special appearance by the Grinch. A buffet with tea sandwiches, scones, and treats complements the afternoon perfectly.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Children’s Magical Tea, Top of the Mark
Fairmont San Francisco’s Holiday Tea
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday tea service with Victorian accouterments.
Description:
Savor the tradition of Fairmont San Francisco’s Holiday Tea, featuring fine loose-leaf tea, house-made scones, tea sandwiches, and luscious pastries in the elegant setting of Laurel Court.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Fairmont San Francisco’s Holiday Tea
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Richmond (2 miles)
- San Pablo (4 miles)
- Berkeley (4 miles)
- Hercules (7 miles)
- Oakland (8 miles)
- Chinatown (10 miles)
- Alameda (10 miles)
- Lafayette (11 miles)
- San Francisco (11 miles)
- Martinez (12 miles)
- Mission District (12 miles)
- Benicia (12 miles)
- San Rafael (13 miles)
- Noe Valley (13 miles)
- Vallejo (13 miles)
- Walnut Creek (13 miles)
- Pleasant Hill (14 miles)
- Visitacion Valley (15 miles)
- San Leandro (16 miles)
- Concord (16 miles)
- Daly City (17 miles)
- American Canyon (18 miles)
- Danville (18 miles)
- Ashland (19 miles)
- South San Francisco (19 miles)
- San Lorenzo (19 miles)
- Castro Valley (20 miles)
- San Bruno (20 miles)
- San Ramon (20 miles)
- Bay Point (21 miles)
- Hayward (21 miles)
- Millbrae (22 miles)
- Pacifica (23 miles)
- Burlingame (23 miles)
- San Mateo (24 miles)
- Pittsburg (25 miles)
- Foster City (25 miles)
- Dublin (25 miles)
- Suisun (27 miles)
- Union City (27 miles)
- Fairfield (27 miles)
- Belmont (27 miles)
- Petaluma (28 miles)
- Antioch (28 miles)
- San Carlos (28 miles)
- Redwood City (30 miles)
- Newark (31 miles)
- Fremont (31 miles)
- East Palo Alto (32 miles)
- Menlo Park (33 miles)
- Oakley (33 miles)
- Brentwood (34 miles)
- Livermore (34 miles)
- Palo Alto (34 miles)
- Vacaville (35 miles)
- Rohnert Park (36 miles)
- Los Altos (38 miles)
- Mountain View (39 miles)
- Sunnyvale (41 miles)
- Santa Rosa (42 miles)
- Santa Clara (43 miles)
- Cupertino (44 miles)