NEWARK, CA — The holiday season is in full swing throughout Newark and the East Bay!
Grab your calendars, so you don’t miss a moment … as the New Year will be here before your know it.
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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.
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!
Note: Always confirm with organizers that events are proceeding as planned when posted.
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ALAMEDA:
DEC. 31: USS Hornet New Year’s Eve Gala. Featuring 3 O’Clock Jump & special guest Nick Rossi & his Swing Four Band.
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ALBANY:
DEC. 17: Winter Solstice Holiday Carols Sing-A-Long. With egg nog, cookies, holiday songs & a 1924 Steinway.
DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Morning Service @ The Church on the Corner. Caroling planned, too.
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ANTIOCH:
THROUGH DEC. 17: Black Diamond Ballet ‘Nutcracker’: El Campanil Theatre. “Join us for an afternoon or evening of enchantment & artistic excellence.” Sensory-friendly show offered, too.
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BERKELEY:
DEC. 16: Locavore Wonderland: Farmers’ Market Gifting Series. A great place to find gifts!
DEC. 17: San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus ‘Holiday Spectacular.’ Concert experience that blends enchantment of season with compassion & community.
DEC. 21: Winter Solstice & Tinsel Labyrinth Creation. At Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley in Kensington.
DEC. 31: The Dresden Dolls NYE Show. At The UC Theatre.
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CASTRO VALLEY:
DEC. 17: Crafternoon: Let’s Build a “Gingerbread” House. At Castro Valley Marketplace.
THROUGH JAN. 7: Christmas Village & Outdoor Ice Skating Rink. Festivities include Santa, live music, bounce house & crafts.
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CONCORD:
DEC. 15-16: Drive-Thru Christmas Nativity: Bethel Baptist Church. Free to all.
DEC. 16: Wreaths Across America. At Memory Gardens Cemetery.
DEC. 17: Breakfast With Santa: The Veranda. Book soon!
DEC. 17: ‘Christmas Is Real – A Joyous Christmas’ Free Concert: First Presbyterian Church. Admission is free.
THROUGH FEB. 14: ‘Ice At The Veranda’ Outdoor, Winter Skating Rink. With more than 20 nearby restaurants, too, for your dining pleasure.
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DANVILLE:
DEC. 16: Encounter- A Festive Christmas Concert. “Join us for a joyful Christmas concert.”
DEC. 17: Danville Community Band Free, Christmas Concert. With selection of moving and festive tunes.
DEC. 23: Santa Meet & Greet at Blackhawk Museum. Attention all parents!
DEC. 31: New Year’s Eve Party. At Blackhawk Museum.
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DUBLIN:
DEC. 15-17: Tiffany’s Dance Academy ‘The Nutcracker’ -An annual, Tri-Valley favorite.
DEC. 16: Selfies with Santa. Free at KeyPoint Credit Union.
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EL CERRITO:
DEC. 16-27: Sundar Shadi Holiday Display. Cherished local tradition started in 1949 by the late Sundar Shadi, a long-time resident.
THROUGH DEC. 17: WestCAT’s Holiday Bus Toy & Canned Food Drive. Collections on all buses.
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FREMONT:
DEC. 14: Chabad Of Fremont Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting. With treats & crafts planned.
DEC. 15-23: ‘Las Posadas’ Christmas Traditions & Caroling: Mission San Jose. Annual tradition at historic mission for 41 years.
THROUGH DEC. 29: Train of Lights. Sold out.
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HAYWARD:
DEC. 17: Bay Philharmonic ‘Holiday Spectacular’ & Ballet Folklorico: Chabot College. “Some of the most beautiful holiday music you know.”
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HERCULES:
DEC. 17: Breakfast with Santa. Sign-ups underway.
THROUGH DEC. 17: WestCAT’s Holiday Bus Toy & Canned Food Drive. Collections on all buses.
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LAFAYETTE:
DEC. 17: Danville Community Band Free, Christmas Concert. With selection of moving and festive tunes.
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LIVERMORE:
DEC. 15-17: A Holiday Story Soiree. Enjoy DIY hot cocoa bar & caroling.
DEC. 16: ‘Hittin’ the Holiday Road’ Concert. Starring Harmony Fusion Chorus, a women’s acapella chorus.
DEC. 16-24: Simbang Gabi. Filipino Novena Mass leading to Christmas.
THROUGH DEC. 17: Valley Dance Theatre ‘Nutcracker’ With Orchestra: Bankhead Theater. East Bay full-length performance accompanied by Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra.
DEC. 23: Motown Christmas. At Almost Famous Wines.
DEC. 23: Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular. “Stunning choreography, dazzling costumes & unforgettable music.”
DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Candle Light Services. At VCC.
DEC. 31: New Year’s Eve with The Four Freshmen. At Bankhead Theater.
THROUGH JAN. 1: Deacon Dave’s ‘Casa Del Pomba’ Christmas Lights Display. A must-see extravaganza since 1982!
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MARTINEZ:
DEC. 17: Lowell Ensemble Holiday Concert: Martinez Campbell Theater. With musicians from SF Opera & Ballet Orchestras.
THROUGH DEC. 17: WestCAT’s Holiday Bus Toy & Canned Food Drive. Collections on all buses.
DEC. 19: Brewery Breadmaking Class – Holiday Edition. At Five Suns Brewing.
DEC. 21-23: Holiday Gift Wrapping Fundraiser. Supports Starlight Dance Studios & Theater.
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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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NEWARK:
DEC. 16: ‘Santa At Firehouse’ & Christmas Toy Drive. Photos with Santa, milk & cookies, Newark Memorial High School choir &n more.
DEC. 16: Mele Kalikimaka by Ohana Ke Akua Ministries. Hawaiian-style worship featuring music, gospel hula & refreshments.
DEC. 16: Newark Symphonic Winds – Free Holiday Concert & Sing-Along. Ideal for all ages.
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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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ORINDA:
DEC. 14: Miramonte High School Winter Concert. Starring talented choir & musical theater students
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PINOLE:
THROUGH DEC. 17: WestCAT’s Holiday Bus Toy & Canned Food Drive. Collections on all buses.
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PLEASANT HILL:
DEC. 14: Clarinet Fusion ‘A Crackin’ Holiday’ Concert. Nine musicians playing five different kinds of clarinets from 18 inches to 9 feet!
DEC. 15: Christmas Bunco & Dinner, El Tapatio Restaurant. Reservations underway.
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PLEASANTON:
DEC. 12: Chanukah Wonderland & Menorah Lighting: Stoneridge Shopping Center. Free &open to all.
DEC. 15: “A Very Tucked Holiday” Drag Show. For ages 18 & up.
DEC. 16: Downtown Spirit & Sweater Stroll. Sold out.
THROUGH DEC. 24: Santa Photo Experience at Stoneridge Shopping Center. Reservations advised.
THROUGH DEC. 31: Annual ‘Widmer World’ Christmas Lights Display. A free, community tradition.
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SAN FRANCISCO:
DEC. 13-30: SF Ballet ‘Nutcracker’ With Orchestra: War Memorial 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 LEANDRO:
DEC. 13: Holiday Cookies With Cops & Santa. “SLPD’s Best Event of the Year!”
DEC. 16-17: Oakland Ballet School ‘Ronn Guidi’s The Secret Nutcracker’: Performing Arts Center. In San Leandro & set to Tchaikovsky’s classical score.
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SAN RAMON:
DEC. 16-17: San Ramon Valley Dance Academy ‘Impressions Of The Nutcracker’ -With special visit from Santa Claus & chance to meet performers.
THROUGH JAN. 7: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink: City Center Bishop Ranch. Options for private cabanas & fire pits, too.
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UNION CITY:
DEC. 14: Chabad Of Fremont Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting. With treats & crafts planned.
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WALNUT CREEK:
DEC. 14: A Jolly Jubilee | Holiday Crafting Extravaganza. At Tellus Coffee.
DEC. 15-17: The Biggest Gift. An annual favorite at Lesher Center.
DEC. 21: “Upon a Midnight Clear,” An Open Holiday Concert. Admission is free.
THROUGH DEC. 21: Center Rep’s ‘Christmas Carol’: Lesher Center. Annual holiday tradition for thousands.
THROUGH JAN. 15: ‘Walnut Creek On Ice’ Holiday, Outdoor Skating Rink. Advance booking recommended.
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FOR ENTIRE SF BAY AREA GUIDE: SF Bay Area Holidays: Christmas Events & Hanukkah Fests 2023
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