Don't miss the must-see holiday events in Los Altos! Discover all the top festive highlights with our guide. From Los Altos locals to holiday travelers, our guide helps everyone find the city's seasonal magic.
One of the standout attractions during the holiday season is the enchanting Smuin's The Christmas Ballet, which features a delightful mix of classic dance and festive cheer. This captivating performance pairs traditional ballet with holiday music to create a unique experience. The Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade is another highlight, where twinkling lights and festive floats illuminate the streets, delighting attendees of all ages. And the Contra Costa's "The Nutcracker" is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a beloved holiday classic in a cherished local setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Los Altos
- Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade
- Contra Costa's "The Nutcracker" (Walnut Creek)
- Smuin's The Christmas Ballet (Walnut Creek)
- Once Upon a Christmas (Walnut Creek)
- The Biggest Gift (Walnut Creek)
- 44th Alameda Holiday Boutique (Alameda)
- Holiday Parade & Market (Benicia)
- Holiday Open House (Benicia)
- Craft Fest (Walnut Creek)
- Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland (San Rafael)
See these and even more events listed below!
Los Altos Holiday Light Displays
Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade
What to Expect:
Spectacular holiday floats and lights in downtown Los Altos.
Description:
The Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade is a vibrant holiday event featuring colorful floats, festive lights, and community spirit, kicking off the holiday season in downtown Los Altos.
Where: Los Altos | More Info: Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade
Santa's Landing - Enchant: San Jose
What to Expect:
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for a memorable holiday experience.
Description:
At Santa's Landing in Enchant: San Jose, meet Santa Claus and share your holiday wishes. Enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus and capture cherished moments with a photo.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Santa's Landing - Enchant: San Jose
Holiday Lights - Santa Cruz Fairgrounds & Event Center
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday light display with festive decorations.
Description:
Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds features a 1/2 to 3/4 mile drive-through experience with spectacular lighted displays, including giant Christmas trees, Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and lighted tunnels.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Holiday Lights - Santa Cruz Fairgrounds & Event Center
Annual Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade
What to Expect:
Nationally recognized holiday parade with decorated vehicles.
Description:
The Annual Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade is a nationally recognized holiday event featuring beautifully decorated vehicles, including tractors, utility vehicles, and floats, all lit up with thousands of glittering lights. It takes place in Downtown Calistoga on Lincoln Avenue, attracting tens of thousands of people to kick off the holiday season.
Where: Calistoga | More Info: Annual Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade
Los Altos Holiday Markets and Shopping
44th Alameda Holiday Boutique
What to Expect:
Unique handmade crafts and gifts from local artisans.
Description:
The 44th Alameda Holiday Boutique features over 50 local artisans showcasing handmade crafts and unique gifts. This event supports local small businesses and benefits the Leisure Club, a recreation program for developmentally disabled teens and adults.
Where: Alameda | More Info: 44th Alameda Holiday Boutique
Craft Fest
What to Expect:
Celebrating local artisans with a variety of handmade goods.
Description:
Craft Fest at Bedford Gallery is a one-day marketplace showcasing local, independent makers and designers offering handmade jewelry, ceramics, beauty and wellness products, home goods, artisanal foods, clothing, and toys.
Where: Walnut Creek | More Info: Craft Fest
Holiday Parade & Market
What to Expect:
Local marching bands and Santa Claus procession.
Description:
The Holiday Parade & Market in Downtown Benicia features a festive procession of local marching bands, dancers, and Santa Claus, culminating in a holiday market offering handcrafted arts and gourmet items.
Where: Benicia | More Info: Holiday Parade & Market
Winter Festival Marketplace
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with vintage treasures and free coffee.
Description:
The Winter Festival Marketplace at Gamble Garden offers one-stop shopping for holiday gifts, greenery, and décor in a festive atmosphere. Enjoy a festive marketplace with vendors in the Gamble house and outdoors under twinkling lights, as well as Gamble’s signature sale, Over The Garden Fence – Winter Edition, featuring previously loved and vintage treasures at remarkable prices. Free coffee is available while supplies last, and all attendees receive one free raffle entry for a chance to win exciting prizes.
Where: Palo Alto | More Info: Winter Festival Marketplace
Holiday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday shopping event with wine tasting and tree lighting.
Description:
Join Downtown Martinez for a delightful evening of wine tasting and shopping on November 22nd, 2024. Stroll through local small businesses, surrounded by the warmth of community, and discover unique finds at our downtown businesses and outdoor evening market. The event includes an outdoor holiday market from 5-9 PM, a Sip N Shop event from 6-9 PM, and a Christmas Tree Lighting at 7:30 PM with an appearance by Santa.
Where: Martinez | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting
Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Large-scale Holiday Parade with arts and crafts.
Description:
Downtown San Rafael hosts its 40th annual Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland, featuring a Holiday Marketplace with arts and crafts, live entertainment, and children's activities, culminating in one of the largest Holiday Parades in the Bay Area.
Where: San Rafael | More Info: Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland
Los Altos Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Smuin's The Christmas Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with a mix of classical and contemporary dance.
Description:
Smuin's The Christmas Ballet is a vibrant holiday performance blending ballet, contemporary, character, Broadway jazz, and tap. It features classical ballet set to carols and contemporary works danced to pop music favorites, showcasing Michael Smuin's signature style with new and iconic pieces each year.
Where: Walnut Creek | More Info: Smuin's The Christmas Ballet
Contra Costa's "The Nutcracker"
What to Expect:
Elaborate sets and costumes in a classic holiday ballet.
Description:
Contra Costa Ballet presents a family-friendly production of "The Nutcracker" at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Join Clara and her beloved nutcracker-turned-prince on a journey among giant mice and toy soldiers into the Candy Kingdom. This one-hour performance features colorful costumes, whimsical sets, and talented young dancers.
Where: Walnut Creek | More Info: Contra Costa's "The Nutcracker"
The Biggest Gift
What to Expect:
ASL-interpreted performance for the deaf community.
Description:
Join Tucker the elf and his toy friends as they set out to save Christmas in this fun and laughter-filled show. Recommended for ages 3-6, the performance includes an ASL-interpreted show on Saturday at 10 AM.
Where: Walnut Creek | More Info: The Biggest Gift
Once Upon a Christmas
What to Expect:
Award-winning ballet featuring youth performers.
Description:
Once Upon a Christmas is a fully narrated ballet based on a Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble story about a clumsy Elf named Roho. The ballet brings Dolls and Toys to life as they celebrate before their Christmas Eve journey, teaching Roho about believing in oneself and having confidence. This story is perfect for all ages and lasts approximately 60 minutes with no intermission.
Where: Walnut Creek | More Info: Once Upon a Christmas
Holiday Open House
What to Expect:
Costumed carolers and live entertainment.
Description:
First Street merchants and Benicia Main Street host an open house event, offering beverages, treats, and showcasing holiday goods while costumed carolers sing traditional Christmas tunes. Live entertainment and Christmas Tree lighting add to the festive atmosphere.
Where: Benicia | More Info: Holiday Open House
Holiday Magic - Gilroy Gardens
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and festive light displays.
Description:
Gilroy Gardens presents a holiday celebration featuring jolly characters, live shows, ice skating, a grand feast in Snowflake Square, Santa's Workshop, and magical light displays.
Where: Gilroy | More Info: Holiday Magic - Gilroy Gardens
Los Altos Other Holiday Activities
Breakfast with Santa Claus
What to Expect:
Breakfast with Santa, including a photo opportunity and special gifts.
Description:
Join Santa Claus for a delightful breakfast at the Colma Community Center, where each child and adult will receive breakfast and a special gift. All children will also receive a photo for their annual holiday card.
Where: Colma | More Info: Breakfast with Santa Claus
Carol of Lights
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with Santa visits and petting zoo.
Description:
The Carol of Lights is a free, family-oriented holiday celebration in Downtown Campbell featuring Santa visits, a petting zoo, donkey rides, bounce houses, craft tables, face painting, carolers, and music. It includes free festival snacks and community performances, sometimes with snow.
Where: Campbell | More Info: Carol of Lights
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Mountain View (2 miles)
- Palo Alto (4 miles)
- Sunnyvale (4 miles)
- East Palo Alto (6 miles)
- Menlo Park (6 miles)
- Cupertino (6 miles)
- Santa Clara (9 miles)
- Redwood City (10 miles)
- Saratoga (10 miles)
- Newark (11 miles)
- Campbell (11 miles)
- San Carlos (12 miles)
- San Jose (12 miles)
- Belmont (13 miles)
- Fremont (13 miles)
- Los Gatos (13 miles)
- Foster City (15 miles)
- Union City (15 miles)
- San Mateo (17 miles)
- Burlingame (19 miles)
- Hayward (20 miles)
- San Lorenzo (20 miles)
- Millbrae (21 miles)
- Ashland (21 miles)
- Castro Valley (21 miles)
- San Bruno (23 miles)
- San Leandro (24 miles)
- Dublin (24 miles)
- South San Francisco (25 miles)
- Pacifica (26 miles)
- Alameda (28 miles)
- Visitacion Valley (28 miles)
- Livermore (28 miles)
- San Ramon (28 miles)
- Santa Cruz (29 miles)
- Daly City (29 miles)
- Oakland (30 miles)
- Noe Valley (31 miles)
- Danville (31 miles)
- Morgan Hill (31 miles)
- Mission District (31 miles)
- San Francisco (32 miles)
- Chinatown (33 miles)
- Lafayette (35 miles)
- Berkeley (35 miles)
- Walnut Creek (36 miles)
- El Cerrito (38 miles)
- Watsonville (38 miles)
- Pleasant Hill (39 miles)
- Gilroy (40 miles)
- Richmond (40 miles)
- Concord (41 miles)
- San Pablo (42 miles)
- Martinez (44 miles)
- Brentwood (44 miles)
- Hercules (45 miles)
- Tracy (45 miles)