38 dated events
Christmas lights season runs from the start of November to the first week of January: drive-through and walk-through light shows, festivals of decorated trees, seasonal ice rinks and visits with Santa. A holiday market or a holiday concert is a different evening out and is not listed here, and nor is an autumn lantern or light festival that opens before November.
38 dated events across 35 attractions, soonest first. Many run on selected evenings only and several are ticketed separately — the venue’s own page, linked under every quote, is the one to check before you set off.
Nov 1 – Dec 31Season
Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City
Families embrace holiday magic with Grinchmas™ featuring The Grinch™, Christmas celebrations in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, and festive experiences throughout the park.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Holidays at Universal Nov–Dec”
Nov 6 – 17Event
Patchen Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch, Los Gatos
Families bring the pup and smiles for full farm access and vintage '55 Chevy photography at Old Town Location. The red truck is decked out for Christmas through November 17th.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“November 6, 20269:00 am - November 17, 20266:00 pm”
Nov 14 – Jan 10Season
Filoli Historic House & Garden, Woodside
The historic House and Garden transform for the holidays with daytime exploration of Thistlewyck Village and evening Holiday Lights displays featuring 300,000 twinkling lights, a 210-foot light tunnel, and 78 glowing lanterns in the Rose Garden.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“November 14, 2026–January 10, 2027”
Nov 18Season
Peltzer Farms, Temecula
Peltzer Ice Rink opens for the season starting November 18th. Families can visit the rink daily along with Peltzer Winery attractions.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Peltzer Ice Rink starting November 18th”
Nov 20 – Jan 3Season
Ice House Museum at Hotel del Coronado, Coronado
Families travel through time this holiday season discovering themed Christmas trees inspired by different chapters of The Del's history, with traditions including Skating by the Sea, holiday dining, a Lightshow Spectacular, and Beachside Igloos.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“November 20, 2026 - January 3, 2027”
Nov 20 – Jan 3Event
Ice House Museum at Hotel del Coronado, Coronado
Families experience the magic of the season as The Del's historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show set to festive music and a finale of snow flurries.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Lightshow Spectacular Nov 20-Jan 3”
Nov 20 – Jan 3
Ice Skating By The Bay, Monterey
An outdoor ice rink overlooking Monterey Bay operates as a seasonal winter attraction. Families can skate at the Custom House Plaza location from mid-November through early January.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“This season we're open from November 20, 2026 until January 3, 2027.”
Nov 20 – Jan 3Season
Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park
A holiday-themed seasonal event featuring Christmas decorations, festive entertainment, and seasonal attractions throughout the park, with a giant Christmas tree lighting up the midway.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Nov. 20, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027”
Nov 21Event
Campbell Historical Museum, Campbell
Santa Claus visits the Ainsley House on Saturday, November 21, from 9 AM to 12 PM. Families meet Santa in one-hour time slots and enjoy hot chocolate and holiday crafts while waiting.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Santa Claus will make a special appearance at the Ainsley House on Saturday, November 21, from 9 AM to 12 PM.”
Nov 21 – Jan 4Season
Kearney Mansion Museum, Fresno
Annual holiday display filling Kearney Mansion with more than a dozen decorated Christmas trees featuring stories of mythical gift bringers from around the world, plus Meet and Greet with Santa, Christmas Market, and Traditional Tea Party.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Our annual display will fill Kearney Mansion with more than a dozen Christmas trees from November 21st through January 4th.”
Nov 21Event
Triton Museum of Art, Santa Clara
Families shop for holiday gifts from 25–30 local vendors including artists and small businesses, enjoy live Victorian carolers performing traditional Christmas songs, and browse baked goods indoors at the museum.
Venue admission is free; event tickets may differ.
The venue: “The Museum provides free parking, and free admission to our exhibitions, as well as many of our community events.”
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Saturday, November 21st, 2026 10:00AM-4:00PM”
Nov 26 – Jan 3Season
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz
Families enjoy holiday-themed Boardwalk fun with rides, games, festive decorations and lights, photos with Santa, holiday treats, and fire pits throughout the season.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“November 26, 2026 - January 3, 2027”
Nov 27 – Dec 24Season
Agricultural History Project Center & Museum, Watsonville
A holiday lights production runs on select dates from late November through December 24. Families can visit the illuminated display; tickets become available in fall 2026.
Venue admission is free; event tickets may differ.
The venue: “Admission is free but visitors are asked to help support the work of the Agriculture History Project (AHP) with a suggested donation of $5.00 per person.”
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Next Event – select dates, November 27 thru December 24, 2026”
Nov 27 – Dec 23Event
Roaring Camp, Felton
Families ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain, sip hot cider, and greet Santa Claus. Winter-themed activities are available in town.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“November 27-29, December 5-6, 12-13, 19-23”
Nov 27 – Dec 21Season
Underwood Family Farms, Moorpark
The farm center and tree lot open for the holiday season with visits with Santa on weekends and November 27 from 11am to 4pm. Families select Christmas trees and enjoy festive farm activities.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Tree Lot: Friday November 27 - Sunday, December 21, 2026”
Nov 28 – Dec 24Season
Arapaho Rose Alpacas, Redding
The Christmas Boutique runs Saturdays and Sundays, November 28 to December 24, 2026, from 11am to 3pm. Tours with alpacas in the pasture are available 10–11am those days with no appointment required.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Come Visit us on Saturdays and Sundays November 28 to December 24, 2026 from11-3”
Nov 28 – Dec 6Event
California Lavender Honey Farm, San Miguel
Families tour the lavender farm, learn about lavender's royal heritage and Christmas traditions, test lavender products, enjoy royal tea with lavender cookies, and take holiday photos. Adults receive a gift bag with holiday items; toy donation supports Toys for Tots.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“WHEN: Dates for 2026: November 28-29, December 5-6.”
Dec 1 – 31Season
Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden, Buellton
The fifth annual Holiday Lights Festival transforms the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden with thousands of dazzling lights, live entertainment, food vendors, pictures with Santa, and Christmas carolers on select days.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Save the date for December 2026….”
Dec 4Event
Folsom Historic District Ice Rink, Folsom
Historic Folsom lights the Community Christmas Tree on December 4 from 6:00–9:00 PM with visits from Santa, ice skating, festive music, and holiday cheer throughout the district.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Friday, December 4, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM”
Dec 4 – 24Event
Ice House Museum at Hotel del Coronado, Coronado
Families celebrate the holidays with a classic photo with Santa on select dates throughout December.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Photos with Santa Dec 4-6, 11-13, 18-24”
Dec 4 – 20Event
Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey
Families stroll the Wharf enjoying a 23-foot Christmas tree, holiday displays, live entertainment, free meet-and-greets with Santa, holiday shopping, and seasonal treats across three festive weekends.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Christmas on the Wharf Weekends: December 4-20, 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)”
Dec 4 – 19Event
Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey
The Peninsula Harmony Company performs in vintage costumes on six Friday and Saturday evenings during Christmas on the Wharf, offering free holiday entertainment.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Peninsula Harmony Company (vintage costumes) – On Six Friday and Saturday evenings on December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 -- from 6 pm – 7 pm”
Dec 4 – 12Season
Van Ommering Dairy Farm, Lakeside
A holiday farm experience featuring festive activities, hands-on fun, and real construction equipment and tractor demonstrations for families on December 4–5.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“December 4–5 December 11–12 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM”
Dec 5 – 19Event
Blackhawk Museum, Danville
Santa Claus makes special appearances inside the Museum on Saturday, December 5th and Saturday, December 19th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for holiday season celebrations.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“December 5, 2026 at 11:00am”
Dec 5Event
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Calistoga
Nineteenth-century holiday celebration at Bale Grist Mill with activities like making clove pomanders, stringing popcorn and cranberries, decorating gingerbread cookies, and cutting paper snowflakes. Demonstrations and cider served.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“December 5, 2026”
Dec 5Event
Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum, Compton
A Christmastime tradition performance takes place from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, featuring the classic La Pastorela story.
Venue admission is free; event tickets may differ.
The venue: “Admission is always free.”
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“La Pastorela: A Christmastime Tradition, December 5th – 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM”
Dec 5 – 20Event
Gilchrist Farm, Santa Clarita
Pancake breakfast with Santa runs 8am–10am on the first three weekends of December. Families receive early entry, pancakes with toppings, Santa photos, a petting zoo visit, and a reserved parade spot. Reservations required.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Pancake Breakfast with Santa - First 3 full weekends of December 5/6, 12/13, 19/20. 8AM-10AM”
Dec 5Event
Roots of Motive Power, Willits
A Christmas party features Santa arriving on a steam locomotive, with trees, trains, singing, carollers, and refreshments for kids of all ages. Free and open to the public.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“December 5 Saturday Christmas Holiday Express”
Dec 5 – 19Event
Western Pacific Railroad Museum, Portola
Families ride festive holiday trains covered in lights, enjoy free homemade cookies and hot beverages, and children meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Museum opens at 4 PM with train rides starting at 5 PM on five dates in December.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“December 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19, 2026”
Dec 6Event
Catalina Express, Avalon
Catalina Island's annual holiday event features shopping, a festive parade, Christmas tree lighting and pictures with Santa on the Wrigley Stage from 12pm to 8pm.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Shop Catalina Holiday Kick Off & Community Tree Lighting is back in town on December 6. This event is packed with holiday shopping, a festive parade, the Christmas tree lighting and pictures with Santa on the Wrigley Stage. Get a head start on your holiday shopping in beautiful Avalon from 12pm to 8pm.”
Dec 6 · 11:00 amEvent
East Contra Costa Historical Society, Brentwood
A holiday celebration at the museum featuring farm-themed Christmas activities and festivities for families to enjoy throughout the day.
Venue admission is free; event tickets may differ.
The venue: “Admission: Free”
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“December 6 @ 11:00 am - 5:00 pm”
Dec 10 – 20Event
Kimberly Crest House & Gardens, Redlands
Families stroll through historic gardens decorated with festive lights, then tour the French chateau adorned in Victorian holiday tradition. Each hour-long tour accommodates up to 10 guests with a signature sweet treat included.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Thursday, December 10th – Sunday December 20th | 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays only”
Dec 11 – 12Event
Custom House Museum, Monterey
Monterey's historic adobes glow with luminarias, holiday décor, festive music and refreshments over two festive evenings. Families celebrate the season, connect with the community and experience early Monterey traditions and history.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“42nd Annual Christmas in the Adobes December 11 & 12, 2026 | 5–9 p.m.”
Dec 11 · 7:00 pmEvent
El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, Santa Barbara
A procession from the Chapel at El Presidio to Casa de la Guerra celebrating the cherished Latin American holiday tradition. Families sing holiday songs in Spanish and experience a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for lodging.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Friday, December 11, 2026 - 7:00 PM10:00 PM”
Dec 12 – 19 · 11:30 amSeason
Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Big Bear Lake
Families visit the zoo to meet Santa and enjoy holiday-themed activities with the animal ambassadors.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Santa Paws December 12, 2026 11:30 am - 3:00 pm”
Dec 12Event
Tuolumne City Memorial Museum, Tuolumne
The Museum hosts a Christmas Open House with homemade cookies, live Christmas music, a brilliantly lit ceiling-high tree, and richly decorated rooms featuring Christmas favorites and songs from the past.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Saturday, December 12 , 2026 1-3 pm”
Dec 13Event
Condor Express Whale Watching, Santa Barbara
Families board the Condor Express to view Santa Barbara's illuminated boat parade from the water, with fireworks starting around 7pm over West Beach. Santa's Village opens at 3pm on the City Pier.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“SUNDAY DECEMBER 13TH Board at 4:00 PM, Boat leaves at 5:00 PM”
Dec 16 – 27Event
Hanford Winter Wonderland, Hanford
Families create holiday memories meeting Santa in his decorated workshop. Each 15-minute session includes a digital photo.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Schedule:Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays + Bonus Dates Dec 16 & 17”
