Christmas Events for Kids in California (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

232 min read

California has 289 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from San Francisco on Ice in San Francisco on November 4 to Glowfari in Oakland, which runs through January 31. 142 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in every state.

The short version

  • 289 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in California for 2026, in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Riverside, Santa Rosa, Anaheim, Irvine, Stockton, Oxnard, Sacramento, Modesto, Palm Springs, Bakersfield, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Oakland, Long Beach and Fontana
  • First: San Francisco on Ice, San Francisco, November 4. Runs latest: Glowfari, Oakland, through January 31
  • Free: 21st Annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove, Santa Letters Express, Nutcracker in a Nutshell, Performance: Nutcracker Sweets Ballet with Mark Foehringer Dance Project, Letters to Santa at The Collection, One Enchanted Evening, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Lightshow Spectacular, 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony, Gingerbread House Lighting Ceremony, Letters to Santa, Pasko Na! Author Storytime with Kym Bisnar, Holiday Crafternoon, Christmas in the Park: Downtown Park Experience, Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration, 2026 Holiday Tree Lighting, Dickens Street Faire, Santa's Riverboat Arrival, Surfin' Santa Arrival, Hollywood Christmas Parade, Holiday Lighting Celebration at Huntington Park, City of Lights Driving Tour, All About the Christmas Tree, Carolers & Crafts, Santa Home Visits, Santa Storytime and craft, Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Winterfest, Activity: LEGOs and Holiday Ornaments, DIY Holiday Cards (Ages 6 to 12), Downtown Holiday Celebration: Christmas Tree Lighting, Handprint Holiday Trees, PIER 39 Tree Lighting, Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest, Sunset Holiday Gift Markets & Tree Lighting, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Balboa Park December Nights, Community Christmas Tree Lighting, Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting, Let's Glow SF, Little Explorers: Wonderful Winter!, Photos with Santa at The Marketplace, Pictures with Santa, Tree Lighting Ceremony, 30th Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Market at Crystal Cove, 45th Annual Lighted Boat Parade, Annual Lighting Ceremony and Winterfest on Christmas Tree Lane, Belmont Shore Christmas Parade, Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade, Carol of Lights Celebration, Celebration: Holiday Crafting Party, Children's Electric Christmas Parade, Christmas Parade, City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, Downtown Petaluma Holiday Shopping Stroll, Family Fun: Holiday Card Making, Fratello Marionettes: The North Pole Review, Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Windsor Regional Library), Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting, Holiday Tree Lighting, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Holidays in the Village: A European Marketplace, Light Up the Square Tree Lighting Celebration, Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village, Los Gatos Children's Christmas and Holidays Parade, Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade, Sunset Holiday Mercantile, Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit at Heritage Square, Holiday Lights in Downtown El Cajon, La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival, North Pole By The Sea, Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall, Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House, Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting 2026, Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa, Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train, Neighborhood Santa, Origami Ornaments, Santa Storytime: Holiday Fun for Kids, Crafty Hands: Gumball Ornament, Family Gingerbread House Making, Mini Canvas Ornaments, Montclair Village Holiday Stroll, Riverdale: Santa Visit, Visit from Santa Claus!, Winter Festival and Santa Visit, 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade, 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade, All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of Trains, Breakfast with Santa, Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace, Candy Caneland and Craft Fair, Cathedral City SnowFest, City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and Festival, Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball Bash, Festival of Christmas at Petaluma Valley Baptist Church, Festival of Winter, Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Petaluma Regional Library), Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios, Holiday in the Village, Poway's Christmas in the Park, Reedley: Visit with Santa, Sausalito 39th Annual Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks, Sensory with Santa at BFYIC, Visit with Santa (In-Person), WEE Explore the North Pole, Christmas Open House, Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Sonoma Valley Regional Library), Holiday Festival at The Muckenthaler, Merry Pixie Pages, San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, Bilingual Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids, Carolers & Crafts, Family Movie Night: The Polar Express, Mini Snow Globes, Winter Ornament Decorating, Cookie Decorating, Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night, Holiday Family Storytime, Visit with Santa Claus, Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread Man, Cookie Decorating, Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Central Santa Rosa Library), Cookie Decorating at El Toro Library, Merry Little Market, Activity: SF Ballet's Nutcracker Oral History and Chair Dance Class, Mike Della Penna: Winter Magic Show, Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Central Santa Rosa Library), Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Northwest Santa Rosa Library), Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit the Library!, Snowed in at the Library, Workshop: Parol Making, Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Petaluma Regional Library), Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Roseland Regional Library), Cozy Winter Party (Ages 0 to 6), West Fresno Branch: Christmas Movie Marathon, Activity: Nutcracker Storytime, Holiday Cookie Decorating, Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon, Winter Animal Crafts and Winter Stories in Kamishibai
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our California Christmas train rides page.

California Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
289 confirmed for 2026
Cities
San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Riverside, Santa Rosa, Anaheim, Irvine, Stockton, Oxnard, Sacramento, Modesto, Palm Springs, Bakersfield, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Oakland, Long Beach and Fontana
Season
November 4, 2026 to January 31, 2027
Free events
142
Kinds of events
Santa visit, holiday show, holiday crafts and tree lighting
Last checked

Plan your December

When each California Christmas event for kids happens

The first is San Francisco on Ice in San Francisco on November 4; the last runs to January 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in California? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in San Francisco

33 confirmed events for kids in San Francisco, including nearby Calistoga, Daly City, Napa, Oakland, Pleasanton, Sausalito, Vallejo, Walnut Creek and Woodside, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in San Francisco.

Christmas events for kids in Los Angeles

31 confirmed events for kids in Los Angeles, including nearby Altadena, Arcadia, Bellflower, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, La Mirada, Lawndale, Marina del Rey, Maywood, Pasadena, Redondo Beach, San Fernando, San Gabriel, Santa Clarita and Santa Monica, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in Los Angeles.

Christmas events for kids in San Diego

26 confirmed events for kids in San Diego, including nearby Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, La Mesa, Oceanside and Poway, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in San Diego.

Christmas events for kids in San Jose

19 confirmed events for kids in San Jose, including nearby Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill and Saratoga, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in San Jose.

Christmas events for kids in Riverside

18 confirmed events for kids in Riverside, including nearby Moreno Valley, Murrieta and Temecula, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in Riverside.

Christmas events for kids in Santa Rosa

18 confirmed events for kids in Santa Rosa, including nearby Petaluma, Sonoma and Windsor, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in Santa Rosa.

Christmas events for kids in Anaheim

17 confirmed events for kids in Anaheim, including nearby Brea, Buena Park, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Stanton and Villa Park, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in Anaheim.

Christmas events for kids in Irvine

17 confirmed events for kids in Irvine, including nearby Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach and Tustin, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in Irvine.

Christmas events for kids in Stockton

15 confirmed events for kids in Stockton, including nearby Lodi, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in Stockton.

Christmas events for kids in Oxnard

14 confirmed events for kids in Oxnard, including nearby Camarillo and Thousand Oaks, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in Oxnard.

Christmas events for kids in Sacramento

13 confirmed events for kids in Sacramento, including nearby Elk Grove, Folsom, Rancho Cordova and Roseville, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in Sacramento.

Christmas events for kids in Modesto

12 confirmed events for kids in Modesto, including nearby Ceres, Hughson, Newman, Riverbank, Salida, Turlock and Waterford, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in Modesto.

Christmas events for kids in Palm Springs

12 confirmed events for kids in Palm Springs, including nearby Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, La Quinta and Palm Desert, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in Palm Springs.

Christmas events for kids in Bakersfield

11 confirmed events for kids in Bakersfield, including nearby Oildale, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in Bakersfield.

Christmas events for kids in Fresno

10 confirmed events for kids in Fresno, including nearby Clovis, Fowler, Kingsburg, Reedley and Riverdale, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in Fresno.

Christmas events for kids in Santa Barbara

9 confirmed events for kids in Santa Barbara, including nearby Goleta, soonest first.

Full details, times and prices for each of these are in our guide to Christmas events for kids in Santa Barbara.

Christmas events for kids in Oakland

6 confirmed events for kids in Oakland, including nearby Livermore, soonest first.

Livermore: Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting

Holiday paradeFreeLivermore Downtown Inc. · Livermore

Host
Livermore Downtown Inc. (opens in a new tab)
Where
First Street, Downtown Livermore, First St, Livermore, CA 94550 (near Oakland)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Downtown Livermore holds its Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2026. The parade starts at 6 pm on First Street and features floats and performances by local businesses, bands, schools and clubs. The tree lighting follows right away. The fire department escorts Santa to the parade, and he joins a children's choir from local schools on stage for a sing-along before the countdown.

Stores and restaurants downtown hold a holiday open house earlier in the day. The listing mentions face painting for kids at Wingen Bakery and free ornament painting at Pinot's Palette from 9 am to 3 pm. The parade goes ahead in rain or shine.

Parent tip: Bring warm layers and a chair or blanket. Come early to find a spot along First Street.

See dates and details from Livermore Downtown Inc. (opens in a new tab)

Oakland: Montclair Village Holiday Stroll

Story time with SantaFreeMontclair Village Association · Oakland

Host
Montclair Village Association (opens in a new tab)
Where
Montclair Village, La Salle Ave at Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA 94611
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 4 to 8 pm
Cost
Free admission; Santa photos $35
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Montclair Village Association's Holiday Stroll fills the village with lights, live music and caroling on Thursday, Dec 10, from 4 to 8 pm. Admission and entertainment are free. Performers include DJ Wiley Coyote, the Edna Brewer Jazz String Combo, Evelie and the Merry Minstrels, the Piedmont Troubadours and The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees.

Kids can have professional winter wonderland photos with Santa for $35, taken by Leah Marie Studio, or stay busy in the family zone with glow-in-the-dark face painting, crafts hosted by local churches and a storytime led by Montclair Oakland Public Library. An Oakland Fire Department parade rig collects toys for a Random Acts toy drive, and more than 40 village businesses offer treats and promotions. Parking is available at the Montclair Garage at 6235 LaSalle Avenue.

Parent tip: Bring a new toy for the toy drive if you can. Use the Montclair Garage at 6235 LaSalle Ave, since village streets get busy.

See dates and details from Montclair Village Association (opens in a new tab)

Oakland: Fairy Winterland

Santa visitChildren's Fairyland · Oakland

Host
Children's Fairyland (opens in a new tab)
Where
Children's Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610
When
Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19, Sun December 20, Sat December 26 and Sun December 27, 2026, noon to 7 pm
Cost
$21 children, $23 adults, $20 seniors; members $10.50 children, $11.50 adults
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Fairy Winterland fills Children's Fairyland on three December weekends, including the weekend after Christmas. Kids can visit Black Santa in the Chapel, catch puppet shows at 2, 4 and 6 pm, and watch live performers such as KulArts, Firelight Shadow Theater and the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees. Around the park there is a snowball fight on Play Island, ice fishing and dreidel in the Merry Meadow, gumdrop hopscotch, a snow machine in the Upper Plaza, wax candle making, holiday keepsake crafts and rangoli chalk drawing. A parkwide scavenger hunt ends with prizes at the Rainbow Desk, and the day closes with a Freeze Dance finale.

Hot cocoa, cider and tea are complimentary. General admission is $21 for children and $23 for adults, with lower prices for seniors, members and FL4A guests. Tickets are sold through the Fairyland ticket site.

Parent tip: Plan your visit around the 2, 4 and 6 pm puppet shows. Buy tickets through the Fairyland ticket site; call (510) 452-2259 with questions.

See dates and details from Children's Fairyland (opens in a new tab)

Oakland: Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker

Holiday showOakland Ballet Company · Oakland

Host
Oakland Ballet Company (opens in a new tab)
Where
Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
When
Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 1 pm
Cost
Ticketed; optional Sweet Dreams Party add-on
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Oakland Ballet Company presents Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker at the historic Paramount Theatre in downtown Oakland, described as perfect for all ages. Marie and her soldiers rescue the Nutcracker Prince from the Rat King, and dancing snowflakes lead the way to the Land of Sweets. The Oakland Symphony and the Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir perform the Tchaikovsky score.

There are two performances, Saturday, Dec 19 and Sunday, Dec 20, 2026, both at 1 pm, which suits families with younger children. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster and the Oakland Ballet site, and the Paramount box office is open Fridays from noon to 5 pm. Families can add a ticket to the Sweet Dreams Party to meet the cast and characters, pose for photos, collect autographs and enjoy treats. The theater is a short walk from the 19th Street BART station.

Parent tip: Buy tickets only from Oakland Ballet or Ticketmaster. The Sweet Dreams Party is an optional add-on after the show.

See dates and details from Oakland Ballet Company (opens in a new tab)

Oakland: Winter Stories in Kamishibai

Holiday story timeFreeOakland Public Library · Oakland

Host
Oakland Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
When
Tuesday, December 29, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Families and intergenerational groups
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Kamishibai is a Japanese form of paper-theater storytelling in which a storyteller slides illustrated cards through a small stage. At this Oakland Public Library program, winter-themed stories are told in that style, and then everyone makes paper snowflakes.

The program is on Tuesday, Dec 29, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Ave. The library lists it for children, families and adults, and it especially invites intergenerational family groups, so grandparents and parents are welcome to join the children. Educators and parents of preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten children can also stop by to learn how to check out a kamishibai kit to use at home. The listing does not require registration, and the contact is the library at 510-597-5017.

Parent tip: This is an after-dinner program, so plan for an early evening. Ask staff about borrowing a kamishibai kit.

See dates and details from Oakland Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Oakland: Countdown in Wonderland

Holiday showChildren's Fairyland · Oakland

Host
Children's Fairyland (opens in a new tab)
Where
Children's Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
When
Thursday, December 31, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
Cost
Included with general admission; members free
Ages
Young children and families
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Countdown in Wonderland is Children's Fairyland's New Year's Eve celebration made for kids who go to bed early. The park is open 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday, Dec 31, with an Alice in Wonderland theme and a proper ball drop at noon and again at 3 pm.

Activities include themed arts and crafts, puppet shows, a Mad Tea Party photo spot, a flurry of bubbles, a toast with Shrinking Drink, noise makers and a White Rabbit cameo. Storyteller John Weaver is the featured performer. The event is included with general admission, and Fairyland members get in free. The park's own page says tickets will be available soon, so check the Fairyland website before you plan the day. Plan for an outdoor park visit in winter weather.

Parent tip: Choose the noon or 3 pm countdown that fits nap time. Check the website for ticket release details.

See dates and details from Children's Fairyland (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Long Beach

5 confirmed events for kids in Long Beach, soonest first.

Long Beach: Pasko Na! Author Storytime with Kym Bisnar

Holiday story timeFreeLong Beach Public Library · Long Beach

Host
Long Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Harte Neighborhood Library, 1595 W Willow St, Long Beach, CA 90810
When
Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Toddlers (1 to 3 years), families welcome
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Pasko Na is a picture book about the Filipino tradition of making bright, colorful parols, the star-shaped lanterns that decorate homes during the Christmas season. Author Kym Bisnar reads her recently published book, Pasko Na, aloud at the Harte Neighborhood Library on Tuesday, Nov 24, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Kids and families learn how parols are made and why they are part of the holidays. After the reading, children are invited to create their own parols to decorate at home. The library lists the audience as toddlers ages 1 to 3, and families with slightly older children are welcome to join. The event is hosted by Long Beach Public Library at Harte, and the branch contact is Courtney at 562-570-1044 for questions or accommodation requests.

Parent tip: Call the branch at 562-570-1044 with questions about registration or accommodations. Bring a bag to carry the finished parol home.

See dates and details from Long Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Long Beach: A Christmas Carol (2026)

Holiday showLong Beach Playhouse · Long Beach

Host
Long Beach Playhouse (opens in a new tab)
Where
Long Beach Playhouse Mainstage, 5021 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804
When
Fri December 4 (8 pm), Sat December 5 (8 pm), Sun December 6 (2 pm), Thu December 10 (8 pm), Fri December 11 (8 pm), Sat December 12 (8 pm), Sun December 13 (2 pm), Thu December 17 (8 pm), Fri December 18 (8 pm), Sat December 19 (8 pm) and Sun December 20 (2 pm), 2026
Cost
Ticketed (see Playhouse box office)
Ages
Not admitted under age 5
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Long Beach Playhouse brings back its yearly production of A Christmas Carol, adapted from the Charles Dickens novella and directed by Katherine White. The retelling is quick and highly theatrical, following Ebenezer Scrooge as the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future show him the cost of his miserly ways and the joy of generosity.

Performances run Dec 4 to 20, 2026. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 pm, and Sunday shows start at 2 pm on Dec 6, 13 and 20. The Friday, Dec 4 show is a half price preview, and Saturday, Dec 5 is opening night. The theatre does not admit children under age 5, so this suits school age children and families with older kids. Tickets are sold by the box office at 562-494-1014.

Parent tip: Children under 5 are not admitted. Sunday matinees at 2 pm are the easiest fit for young families.

See dates and details from Long Beach Playhouse (opens in a new tab)

Long Beach: Belmont Shore Christmas Parade

Holiday paradeFreeBelmont Shore Business Association · Long Beach

Host
Belmont Shore Business Association (opens in a new tab)
Where
2nd Street, Belmont Shore, E 2nd St at Livingston Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6 to 9 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade is one of the largest holiday parades in Southern California, drawing about 30,000 spectators. Local marching bands, festive floats, singers, dancers and costumed groups travel along 2nd Street, and Santa and his elves are part of the show.

The 41st annual parade is on Saturday, Dec 5, 2026, from 6 to 9 pm. The route heads east on 2nd Street from Livingston Avenue to Bayshore Avenue and loops back west to Livingston, so spectators on both sides get a close view. Streets close at 4 pm, which lets families set up chairs and blankets early. Visit Long Beach suggests parking at the beach lots off Ocean Boulevard or arriving by transit, bike or rideshare because the crowds are large.

Parent tip: Claim a curb spot early and bring warm layers for the evening. Plan a parking or rideshare drop-off away from 2nd Street.

See dates and details from Belmont Shore Business Association (opens in a new tab)

Long Beach: Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting 2026

Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeVisit Long Beach · Long Beach

Host
Visit Long Beach (opens in a new tab)
Where
Terrace Theater Plaza, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
When
Monday, December 7, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
Cost
Free, tickets required
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Visit Long Beach hosts its 12th yearly tree lighting on Monday, Dec 7, 2026. The evening runs 5 to 8 pm, held at Terrace Theater Plaza. The 67 foot tree glows with over 500,000 lights, and snow drifts down as fireworks close out the night.

Children can watch live music and seasonal stage acts, among them Long Beach Ballet dancers from The Nutcracker, and can get pictures taken beside Santa and Mrs. Claus. Holiday sweets and food trucks are on hand, and oversized ornaments plus a snow globe you can step inside make cute backdrops for family photos. Entry costs nothing, yet you do need a ticket. Visit Long Beach hands them out in weekly rounds beginning Nov 9, and each person may take up to four. If you like, bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Long Beach Fire Department's Spark of Love Toy Drive. The decorations at the plaza remain up until after New Year's.

Parent tip: Keep an eye out for ticket drops each week from Nov 9 and grab yours early. Planning to donate? Pack a brand new toy for the firefighters' collection.

See dates and details from Visit Long Beach (opens in a new tab)

Long Beach: The Nutcracker, Long Beach Ballet

Holiday showLong Beach Ballet · Long Beach

Host
Long Beach Ballet (opens in a new tab)
Where
Long Beach Terrace Theater, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
When
Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026
Cost
Ticketed
Ages
Family show
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Long Beach Ballet's production of The Nutcracker at the Long Beach Terrace Theater is a longtime family holiday tradition in Southern California. Visit Long Beach describes a full orchestra, a cast of more than 200 performers, dazzling pyrotechnics and even a live horse, staged by Artistic Director David Wilcox.

The 2026 performances are on Dec 12 and 13 and Dec 19 and 20 at the Terrace Theater, 300 E Ocean Blvd, in downtown Long Beach. The listing does not give showtimes or prices, so check the Long Beach Ballet site before buying tickets. Dancers from the production also perform at the Visit Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec 7, which can give kids a preview of the show. A large theater production like this suits children who can enjoy a full evening or matinee of dance and music.

Parent tip: Confirm showtimes and ticket prices on the Long Beach Ballet site. Arrive early because downtown parking can be busy.

See dates and details from Long Beach Ballet (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Fontana

3 confirmed events for kids in Fontana, soonest first.

Fontana: Tree Lighting Ceremony

Tree lightingCity of Fontana · Fontana

Host
City of Fontana (opens in a new tab)
Where
Miller Park Amphitheater, Fontana, CA
When
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6 pm
Cost
Check the host's page
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The City of Fontana opens its holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony at the Miller Park Amphitheater on the evening of Thursday, December 3. The city describes it as a family event with live entertainment, light refreshments and activities, along with a visit from friends from the North Pole before the tree is lit.

The city page does not list a price, registration or an age range, and it does not give a street address for the amphitheater, so check the page or call before you go if you need those details. It is a short weeknight evening event, which can suit families with younger children who want a taste of the season without a full day out. Questions go to the city's Special Events Division at Events@FontanaCA.gov or (909) 349-6979.

Parent tip: The event starts at 6 pm on a Thursday; contact the Special Events Division at (909) 349-6979 for details the page does not list.

See dates and details from City of Fontana (opens in a new tab)

Fontana: Pictures with Santa

Santa visitFreeCity of Fontana Community Services Department · Fontana

Host
City of Fontana Community Services Department (opens in a new tab)
Where
Jessie Turner Center, Heritage Center and Don Day Center, Fontana, CA
When
Fri December 4 (5 to 7 pm) and Sat December 5 (10 am to noon), 2026
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages are welcome
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The City of Fontana hosts three free Pictures with Santa sessions at its community centers. The first is Friday, December 4, from 5 to 7 pm at the Jessie Turner Center. On Saturday, December 5, Santa appears from 10 am to noon at both the Heritage Center and the Don Day Center, so families can choose the location closest to home.

Each session includes a chance to meet Santa and take pictures, along with festive crafts, candy, music and a station for writing letters to Santa. The city says all ages are welcome, which makes this an easy, low-cost outing for toddlers through older kids. The page does not list street addresses for the centers or mention registration, so contact the center or the Community Services Department at (909) 349-6900 with questions before you go.

Parent tip: Saturday sessions run at two centers at the same time, so pick the closer one. Call (909) 349-6900 for center addresses and details.

See dates and details from City of Fontana Community Services Department (opens in a new tab)

Fontana: Festival of Winter

Santa visitFreeCity of Fontana · Fontana

Host
City of Fontana (opens in a new tab)
Where
Miller Park Amphitheater, Fontana, CA
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 am to 4 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Something for all ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Festival of Winter is the City of Fontana's free daytime holiday festival at the Miller Park Amphitheater on Saturday, December 12, from 11 am to 4 pm. The big draw is sledding on more than 40 tons of snow, and the day also includes rides and attractions, live entertainment, vendors, activity booths and photos with Santa.

A dedicated Tot Lot gives the youngest children their own space, and the city promises something for all ages. Admission is free. The Fontana Christmas Parade runs the same morning at 10 am along Sierra Avenue, so families can make a full day of it. The page does not list a street address for the amphitheater, parking details or registration, so check with the Special Events Division at Events@FontanaCA.gov or (909) 349-6979 if you need more information.

Parent tip: Dress kids for snow play if they plan to sled. The Fontana Christmas Parade runs the same morning at 10 am along Sierra Avenue.

See dates and details from City of Fontana (opens in a new tab)

Near a state line? Our guides to Christmas events for kids in Nevada, Christmas events for kids in Arizona and Christmas events for kids in Utah list more confirmed events, and the national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

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California Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in California in 2026?

We confirmed 289 Christmas events for kids in California for 2026 on each host’s own page: San Francisco on Ice in San Francisco (November 4), The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square in San Francisco (November 4), Glowfari in Oakland (November 6), Palm Lights, Musical Delights in Irvine (November 6), Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto (November 6), Winter Frolic in Pasadena (November 6), ZooLights in San Francisco (November 6), 21st Annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in San Diego (November 8), Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet in Stockton (November 8), IllumaNature: California Coastin' in Santa Barbara (November 11), San Jose Holiday Lights 2026 in San Jose (November 13), A Holiday Wonderland Special in Los Angeles (November 14), Holidays at Filoli in Woodside (November 14), Christmas Market OC in Huntington Beach (November 15), Lincoln Center Holiday Market in Stockton (November 15), 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove in Los Angeles (November 16), Santa Letters Express in Bakersfield (November 16), Nutcracker in a Nutshell in Tustin (November 17), Performance: Nutcracker Sweets Ballet with Mark Foehringer Dance Project in San Francisco (November 17), Tree Lighting Celebration at The Collection in Oxnard (November 18), Letters to Santa at The Collection in Oxnard (November 19), One Enchanted Evening in Clovis (November 19), ZooLights in Fresno (November 19), Bella Terra Tree Lighting in Huntington Beach (November 20), Enchant Christmas Los Angeles in Arcadia (November 20), Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Walnut Creek (November 20), Knott's Merry Farm in Buena Park (November 20), L.A. Zoo Lights in Los Angeles (November 20), Lightscape in Encinitas (November 20), Lightshow Spectacular in Coronado (November 20), Magic of Lights Coachella Valley in Indio (November 20), Nights of Coastal Lights at Fashion Island in Newport Beach (November 20), Photos with Santa at Fashion Island in Newport Beach (November 20), Photos with Santa at The Collection in Oxnard (November 20), 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony in Riverside (November 21), Autry Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration in Los Angeles (November 21), Festival of Lights in Riverside (November 21), Gingerbread House Lighting Ceremony in San Francisco (November 21), Holidays at LEGOLAND in Carlsbad (November 21), Light Up Main Street in Santa Clarita (November 21), Mission Inn Hotel and Spa Festival of Lights in Riverside (November 21), Santa's Arrival at Weberstown Mall in Stockton (November 21), The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Daly City (November 21), Winter Wonderlab in Sausalito (November 21), Breakfast with Santa in Riverside (November 22), Enchanted Forest of Light in La Cañada Flintridge (November 22), Letters to Santa in Riverside (November 23), Pasko Na! Author Storytime with Kym Bisnar in Long Beach (November 24), WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert (November 24), Holiday Crafternoon in Fountain Valley (November 25), Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker in Anaheim in Anaheim (November 27), Christmas in the Park: Downtown Park Experience in San Jose (November 27), Hikari: Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms in Irvine (November 27), Home Alone in Concert in Los Angeles (November 27), Hotel Petaluma Gingerbread House Showcase and Competition in Petaluma (November 27), Jingle Jets in San Diego (November 27), Santa Lights the Square in San Francisco (November 27), Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration in Santa Rosa (November 27), WinterFest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo (November 27), 2026 Holiday Tree Lighting in San Francisco (November 28), Dickens Street Faire in Elk Grove (November 28), Elf in Concert in Los Angeles (November 28), HolidayLights at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield (November 28), San Diego Made Holiday Market in San Diego (November 28), Santa Claus and Chug-a-Bug Train at Lincoln Center in Stockton (November 28), Santa at The Pines (HolidayLights) in Bakersfield (November 28), Santa's Riverboat Arrival in Petaluma (November 28), Surfin' Santa Arrival in San Diego (November 28), Hollywood Christmas Parade in Los Angeles (November 29), Santa's Arrival and Lighting Ceremony in Mission Viejo (November 29), Holiday Lighting Celebration at Huntington Park in San Francisco (November 30), Baby Steps with Santa at Pretend City in Irvine (December 1), City of Lights Driving Tour in Petaluma (December 1), Daily Snowfall on the Brickwalk in Stockton (December 1), Holiday Tree Lighting with Taste of San Gabriel in San Gabriel (December 1), All About the Christmas Tree in Maywood (December 2), Carolers & Crafts in Villa Park (December 2), Holiday Festival at Hotel del Coronado in Coronado (December 2), Santa Home Visits in Bakersfield (December 2), Santa Storytime and craft in San Jose (December 2), Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in La Crescenta (December 2), Winterfest in Sacramento (December 2), Activity: LEGOs and Holiday Ornaments in San Francisco (December 3), DIY Holiday Cards (Ages 6 to 12) in Camarillo (December 3), Downtown Holiday Celebration: Christmas Tree Lighting in Roseville (December 3), Downtown Oxnard Tree Lighting and Holiday Market in Oxnard (December 3), Handprint Holiday Trees in Waterford (December 3), PIER 39 Tree Lighting in San Francisco (December 3), Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest in Palm Springs (December 3), Sunset Holiday Gift Markets & Tree Lighting in Oceanside (December 3), Tree Lighting Ceremony in Fontana (December 3), Tree Lighting Ceremony in Brea (December 3), 34th Annual Festival of Trees in Lodi (December 4), A Christmas Carol (2026) in Long Beach (December 4), A Very Merry Fred Astaire Holiday Celebration in Petaluma (December 4), Balboa Park December Nights in San Diego (December 4), Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting in Buena Park (December 4), Christmas Tree Lighting in Old Town Tustin in Tustin (December 4), City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Palm Springs (December 4), Community Christmas Tree Lighting in Folsom (December 4), Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in Coronado (December 4), Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade in Santa Barbara (December 4), Holiday Wonderland in San Diego (December 4), Home for the Holidays in Bakersfield (December 4), Let's Glow SF in San Francisco (December 4), Little Explorers: Wonderful Winter! in Campbell (December 4), Nutcracker in San Francisco (December 4), Old Fashioned Christmas in Elk Grove (December 4), Photos with Santa at The Marketplace in Bakersfield (December 4), Pictures with Santa in Fontana (December 4), The Big Red Christmas Market in Murrieta (December 4), Tree Lighting Ceremony in Milpitas (December 4), 2026 Model Train Show in Turlock (December 5), 30th Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Market at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach (December 5), 45th Annual Lighted Boat Parade in Stockton (December 5), 62nd Annual Starlight Parade and Festival in Chula Vista (December 5), Annual Lighting Ceremony and Winterfest on Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena (December 5), Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pretend City in Irvine (December 5), Belmont Shore Christmas Parade in Long Beach (December 5), Breakfast With Santa in Roseville (December 5), Breakfast with Santa in Cupertino (December 5), Breakfast with Santa in Elk Grove (December 5), Breakfast with Santa in Rancho Cordova (December 5), Breakfast with Santa in Modesto (December 5), Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade in Calistoga (December 5), Carol of Lights Celebration in Campbell (December 5), Carols for Kids in Los Angeles (December 5), Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade in Modesto (December 5), Celebration: Holiday Crafting Party in San Francisco (December 5), Children's Electric Christmas Parade in Clovis (December 5), Christmas Parade in Napa (December 5), City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade in Palm Springs (December 5), Downtown Petaluma Holiday Shopping Stroll in Petaluma (December 5), Family Fun: Holiday Card Making in Stanton (December 5), Fratello Marionettes: The North Pole Review in Saratoga (December 5), Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Windsor Regional Library) in Windsor (December 5), Holiday Lamplight Tours in Bakersfield (December 5), Holiday Pops: Celebrate the Season in Stockton (December 5), Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting in Livermore (December 5), Holiday Tree Lighting in San Fernando (December 5), Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Moreno Valley (December 5), Holidays in the Village: A European Marketplace in Thousand Oaks (December 5), Holidayz at the Park Palm Court Light Display in Irvine (December 5), Hometown Holiday Celebration in Pleasanton (December 5), Illuminate Irvine in Irvine (December 5), Light Up the Square Tree Lighting Celebration in Petaluma (December 5), Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village in San Diego (December 5), Los Gatos Children's Christmas and Holidays Parade in Los Gatos (December 5), Makers Market 2026 in Los Angeles (December 5), Milk & Cookies With Santa in Roseville (December 5), Montrose Christmas Parade in Glendale (December 5), Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade in Goleta (December 5), Oxnard Tamale Festival in Oxnard (December 5), SWEA San Francisco's Christmas Fair in San Francisco (December 5), Santa Breakfast in Bakersfield (December 5), Santa Magic at The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert (December 5), Snow Day in Riverside (December 5), Sunset Holiday Mercantile in San Francisco (December 5), The Nutcracker (Goleta School of Ballet) in Santa Barbara (December 5), Winter Gift-Making Workshop: Clay Animals and Shadow Box Sculpture in Santa Barbara (December 5), Winter Wonderland in Sacramento (December 5), Winter in the Grove in Garden Grove (December 5), Anaheim Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Anaheim in Anaheim (December 6), Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit at Heritage Square in Oxnard (December 6), Caring Santa at The Collection in Oxnard (December 6), Deck the Hall Holiday Concert in San Francisco (December 6), Holiday Lights in Downtown El Cajon in El Cajon (December 6), La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival in San Diego (December 6), North Pole By The Sea in Del Mar (December 6), Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting in Anaheim (December 6), Sensory Santa at Weberstown Mall in Stockton (December 6), Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall in Clovis (December 7), Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House in Santa Monica (December 7), Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting 2026 in Long Beach (December 7), Pet Photos with Santa in Stockton (December 7), Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa in Altadena (December 7), Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train in Kingsburg (December 8), Neighborhood Santa in Roseville (December 8), Origami Ornaments in Hughson (December 8), Santa Storytime: Holiday Fun for Kids in Camarillo (December 8), Crafty Hands: Gumball Ornament in Villa Park (December 9), Family Gingerbread House Making in Lawndale (December 9), Oxnard Santa Float Tours in Oxnard (December 9), Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas in San Francisco (December 10), Mini Canvas Ornaments in Stanton (December 10), Montclair Village Holiday Stroll in Oakland (December 10), Riverdale: Santa Visit in Riverdale (December 10), Visit from Santa Claus! in San Jose (December 10), Central West Ballet: The Nutcracker in Modesto (December 11), Oak Farm Christmas Stroll, Family Nights in Lodi (December 11), Santa's Workshop in Roseville (December 11), The Nutcracker in Bakersfield (December 11), The Nutcracker: Symphony of Lights in Los Angeles (December 11), Winter Bash Family Party at MoChiMu in Modesto (December 11), Winter Festival and Santa Visit in San Jose (December 11), 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade in Oildale (December 12), 60th Annual Parade of Lights and Holiday Market in Oxnard (December 12), 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade in Fresno (December 12), All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of Trains in Santa Barbara (December 12), Breakfast with Santa in Riverside (December 12), Breakfast with Santa in Tustin in Tustin (December 12), Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace in Riverside (December 12), Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook Clubhouse in Riverside (December 12), Breakfast with Santa, Villegas Park in Riverside (December 12), Candy Caneland and Craft Fair in Buena Park (December 12), Cathedral City SnowFest in Cathedral City (December 12), Christmas Fair at the Russian Center in San Francisco (December 12), City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and Festival in Desert Hot Springs (December 12), Classic Holiday Movies on Ice in Goleta (December 12), Cookies with Mrs. Claus in Stockton (December 12), Fairy Winterland in Oakland (December 12), Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball Bash in Stanton (December 12), Festival of Christmas at Petaluma Valley Baptist Church in Petaluma (December 12), Festival of Winter in Fontana (December 12), Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Petaluma Regional Library) in Petaluma (December 12), Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta (December 12), Holiday Spectacular in San Jose (December 12), Holiday in the Village in La Mesa (December 12), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Live in Concert (Rady Shell) in San Diego (December 12), King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade in Redondo Beach (December 12), Magical Holiday at Magical Bridge Playground & Photos with Santa in Morgan Hill (December 12), Makers Arcade Holiday Fair 2026 in San Diego (December 12), Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade in Marina del Rey (December 12), Navidad En Mexico in La Mirada (December 12), Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade in Petaluma (December 12), Poway's Christmas in the Park in Poway (December 12), Reedley: Visit with Santa in Reedley (December 12), Sausalito 39th Annual Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks in Sausalito (December 12), Sensory with Santa at BFYIC in Riverside (December 12), Storytime with Mrs. Claus in Stockton (December 12), The Nutcracker, Long Beach Ballet in Long Beach (December 12), Visit with Santa (In-Person) in San Jose (December 12), WEE Explore the North Pole in San Jose (December 12), Christmas Open House in Riverside (December 13), Christmas Tree Lane in Oxnard (December 13), Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Sonoma Valley Regional Library) in Sonoma (December 13), Holiday Festival at The Muckenthaler in Fullerton (December 13), Merry Pixie Pages in Los Altos (December 13), San Diego Bay Parade of Lights in San Diego (December 13), Santa Barbara Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland in Santa Barbara (December 13), Santa Sunday at the Haggin Museum in Stockton (December 13), Bilingual Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids in Santa Rosa (December 15), Carolers & Crafts in Stanton (December 15), Family Movie Night: The Polar Express in Salida (December 15), Mini Snow Globes in Riverbank (December 15), Winter Ornament Decorating in Newman (December 15), Cookie Decorating in Santa Clarita (December 16), Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night in Fowler (December 16), Holiday Family Storytime in Bellflower (December 16), The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet in Palm Desert (December 16), Visit with Santa Claus in San Jose (December 16), Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread Man in Riverside (December 17), Cookie Decorating in Ceres (December 17), Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Central Santa Rosa Library) in Santa Rosa (December 17), Cookie Decorating at El Toro Library in Lake Forest (December 18), Elf in Concert in San Francisco (December 18), Gingerbread House Factory in Roseville (December 18), Jungle Bells in San Diego (December 18), Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker in Los Angeles (December 18), Merry Little Market in Temecula (December 18), Noel Noel (Rady Shell) in San Diego (December 18), Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs (December 18), T'was the Night Before... Cookies & Cocoa in Riverside (December 18), Activity: SF Ballet's Nutcracker Oral History and Chair Dance Class in San Francisco (December 19), Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker in Oakland (December 19), Holiday Sing-Along in Los Angeles (December 19), Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo in San Diego (December 19), Mike Della Penna: Winter Magic Show in Saratoga (December 19), Music Matinee: Opus Handbells in Stockton (December 19), Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Central Santa Rosa Library) in Santa Rosa (December 19), Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Northwest Santa Rosa Library) in Santa Rosa (December 19), Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit the Library! in San Jose (December 19), Snowed in at the Library in La Quinta (December 19), The Nutcracker Tutu Suite in Santa Barbara (December 19), Workshop: Parol Making in San Francisco (December 19), Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Petaluma Regional Library) in Petaluma (December 20), Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Roseland Regional Library) in Santa Rosa (December 20), Cozy Winter Party (Ages 0 to 6) in Camarillo (December 21), West Fresno Branch: Christmas Movie Marathon in Fresno (December 21), Activity: Nutcracker Storytime in San Francisco (December 22), Holiday Cookie Decorating in Fountain Valley (December 22), Holly Jolly Pops with the SF Symphony in San Francisco (December 23), Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon in Riverside (December 23), Winter Animal Crafts in Costa Mesa (December 23), Character Nights at HolidayLights in Bakersfield (December 26), World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker in San Diego (December 26), Decorating Places in Pasadena (December 28), Winter Stories in Kamishibai in Oakland (December 29) and Countdown in Wonderland in Oakland (December 31). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in San Francisco, California?

For families in and around San Francisco, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: San Francisco on Ice (Daily, Nov 4 to Jan 18, $19 or $23 per skater, skate rental included); The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square (Daily, Nov 4 to Jan 18, $22 general, $17 for kids 8 and under, skates included); Glowfari (in Oakland, Most evenings, Nov 6 to Jan 31, timed tickets, dynamic pricing); ZooLights (Wed to Sun evenings, Nov 6 to Jan 3, $30 adults, $21 children ages 2 to 11); Holidays at Filoli (in Woodside, Daily Nov 14 to Jan 10, daytime 10 am to 3:30 pm, lights 4 to 10 pm, daytime from $40, evening lights from $45); Performance: Nutcracker Sweets Ballet with Mark Foehringer Dance Project (Tue, Nov 17, 1:30 to 2:15 pm, free, drop-in); Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (in Walnut Creek, Fri, Nov 20, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, free); Gingerbread House Lighting Ceremony (Lighting Sat, Nov 21, 11 am; house on display through Dec 31, free to attend and view); The Great Dickens Christmas Fair (in Daly City, Weekends Nov 21 to Dec 20 plus Fri, Nov 27, 10 am to 6 pm, $50 adults, $30 ages 5 to 12, free under 5); Winter Wonderlab (in Sausalito, Weekends and select weekdays, Nov 21 to Jan 3, included with admission, $25 to $30; members and babies under 1 free); Santa Lights the Square (Tree lighting Fri, Nov 27, 4:45 pm; Santa visits Fridays Dec 4, 11, 18, 4 to 7 pm, see the host for cost); WinterFest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (in Vallejo, Select nights, Nov 27 to Jan 3, park admission required; food and some activities cost extra); 2026 Holiday Tree Lighting (Sat, Nov 28, 4 to 6 pm, free, rsvp appreciated); Holiday Lighting Celebration at Huntington Park (Mon, Nov 30, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, free); Activity: LEGOs and Holiday Ornaments (Thu, Dec 3, 4 to 4:45 pm, free, drop-in); PIER 39 Tree Lighting (Thu, Dec 3, free); Let's Glow SF (Nightly Dec 4 to 13, 5:30 to 10 pm, free); Nutcracker (Dec 4 to 27, most days at 2 or 7 pm; Dec 8 to 10 at 6 pm, ticketed); Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade (in Calistoga, Sat, Dec 5, 7 to 8 pm, free); Celebration: Holiday Crafting Party (Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 3 pm, free, drop-in); Christmas Parade (in Napa, Sat, Dec 5, 5 pm, free); Hometown Holiday Celebration (in Pleasanton, Sat, Dec 5, parade at 5 pm, tree lighting after, see the host for cost); SWEA San Francisco's Christmas Fair (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 3 pm, $10 adults, $5 children and seniors); Sunset Holiday Mercantile (Sat, Dec 5 and Sun, Dec 6, 11 am to 5 pm, free); Deck the Hall Holiday Concert (Sun, Dec 6, 3:30 pm, ticketed, kids' tickets half price); Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Thu, Dec 10 and Fri, Dec 11, 7:30 pm, ticketed, kids' tickets half price); Christmas Fair at the Russian Center (Sat, Dec 12, 1 to 4 pm, tickets sold online and at the event, see the host page); Sausalito 39th Annual Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks (in Sausalito, Sat, Dec 12, 6 to 7:15 pm, fireworks about 7:15, free, paid reserved seating available); Elf in Concert (Fri, Dec 18, 7:30 pm; Sat, Dec 19 and Sun, Dec 20, 2 pm, ticketed, kids' tickets half price); Activity: SF Ballet's Nutcracker Oral History and Chair Dance Class (Sat, Dec 19, 11 am to 12:30 pm, free, drop-in); Workshop: Parol Making (Sat, Dec 19, 1 to 3 pm, free, drop-in); Activity: Nutcracker Storytime (Tue, Dec 22, 10:15 to 11:15 am, free, drop-in); Holly Jolly Pops with the SF Symphony (Wed, Dec 23, 7:30 pm, ticketed, kids' tickets half price). Details and the host’s link for each are in the San Francisco section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Los Angeles, California?

For families in and around Los Angeles, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winter Frolic (in Pasadena, Daily during museum hours, Nov 6 to Jan 10, included with museum admission; sock skating $6 extra); A Holiday Wonderland Special (Nov 14 to Jan 17; Sat, Sun and Fri shows, weekdays from early Dec, $25; children 2 and under free); 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove (Mon, Nov 16 (evening), free; parking fees apply); Enchant Christmas Los Angeles (in Arcadia, Select dates, Nov 20 to Dec 27, tickets from $29; prices vary by date); L.A. Zoo Lights (Select evenings, Nov 20 to Jan 10; box office 5:45 to 8:45 pm, tickets from $19; member discounts); Autry Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration (Sat, Nov 21, 6 to 9 pm, ticketed; child tickets (ages 3 to 12) listed at $9, adult tickets up to $20); Light Up Main Street (in Santa Clarita, Sat, Nov 21, 4 to 8 pm, no admission price listed; parking and shuttle are free); Enchanted Forest of Light (in La Cañada Flintridge, Nightly, Nov 22 to Jan 9, 5:30 to 10 pm (closed Nov 26 and Dec 25), child (2 to 12) $19 to $37, adult $29 to $52; under 2 free); Home Alone in Concert (Fri, Nov 27, 8 pm, and Sat, Nov 28, 2 pm, ticketed; prices on the la phil site); Elf in Concert (Sat, Nov 28, 8 pm, and Sun, Nov 29, 2 pm, ticketed; prices on the la phil site); Hollywood Christmas Parade (Sun, Nov 29, free curbside viewing, reserved grandstand seats are sold); Holiday Tree Lighting with Taste of San Gabriel (in San Gabriel, Tue, Dec 1, 6 to 8:30 pm, tree lighting at 7 pm, no admission price listed; restaurants offer free samples); All About the Christmas Tree (in Maywood, Wed, Dec 2, 4 to 5 pm, free); Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (in La Crescenta, Wed, Dec 2, 5:30 to 7:15 pm (magic show from 4:30 pm), free); Annual Lighting Ceremony and Winterfest on Christmas Tree Lane (in Altadena, Sat, Dec 5, Winterfest 3 to 9 pm, lighting at 6 pm, free); Carols for Kids (Sat, Dec 5, 11 am (Santa photos from 10 am), ticketed; price not listed on the page); Holiday Tree Lighting (in San Fernando, Sat, Dec 5, 5 to 9 pm (Santa at 6 pm), free photos with santa); Makers Market 2026 (Sat and Sun, Dec 5 and 6, 11 am to 5 pm, saturday with $12 museum admission; sunday pay what you wish; workshop free); Montrose Christmas Parade (in Glendale, Sat, Dec 5, 6:10 pm, no admission price listed); Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House (in Santa Monica, Mon, Dec 7, 4 to 6:30 pm, free); Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa (in Altadena, Mon, Dec 7, 4 to 4:45 pm, free); Family Gingerbread House Making (in Lawndale, Wed, Dec 9, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free); The Nutcracker: Symphony of Lights (Fri, Dec 11, 7 pm, $49 to $79); King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade (in Redondo Beach, Sat, Dec 12, paddle craft 3:30 pm, boats 5:30 to 7 pm, no ticket price listed for shoreline viewing); Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (in Marina del Rey, Sat, Dec 12, park from 4 pm, parade 6 to 8 pm, no ticket price listed for shoreline viewing); Navidad En Mexico (in La Mirada, Sat, Dec 12, 2 pm and 7 pm, ticketed, prices at the box office); Cookie Decorating (in Santa Clarita, Wed, Dec 16, 4 to 5 pm, free, while supplies last); Holiday Family Storytime (in Bellflower, Wed, Dec 16, 4 to 5 pm, free); Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker (Dec 18 to 27 (matinees at 2 pm, evenings at 7:30 pm), ticketed, prices on the ballet site); Holiday Sing-Along (Sat, Dec 19, 11:30 am and 2:30 pm, ticketed; prices on the la phil site); Decorating Places (in Pasadena, Dec 28, 11 am to 4 pm; Dec 29, 9 am to 4 pm; Dec 30, 10 am to 5 pm, paid tickets, free for children 5 and under). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Los Angeles section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in San Diego, California?

For families in and around San Diego, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: 21st Annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Sun, Nov 8, 6 pm, free, reservations required); Lightscape (in Encinitas, Nov 20 to Jan 3, evenings, ticketed; see garden site); Lightshow Spectacular (in Coronado, Nightly, Nov 20 to Jan 3, 5 to 9 pm, free, no reservations needed); Holidays at LEGOLAND (in Carlsbad, Select dates, Nov 21 to Jan 3, included with park admission); Jingle Jets (Select nights, Nov 27 to Dec 30, ticketed; see museum site); San Diego Made Holiday Market (Sat, Nov 28, 10 am to 5 pm; Sun, Nov 29, 10 am to 4 pm, $5 presale, $6 at the door, kids under 10 free); Surfin' Santa Arrival (Sat, Nov 28, free); Holiday Festival at Hotel del Coronado (in Coronado, Wed, Dec 2, about 4 to 9 pm, open to all, ice skating is a separate activity); Sunset Holiday Gift Markets & Tree Lighting (in Oceanside, Thursdays, Dec 3, 10 and 17, 5 to 9 pm, free); Balboa Park December Nights (Fri, Dec 4, 4 to 10 pm; Sat, Dec 5, noon to 10 pm, free); Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting (in Coronado, Fri, Dec 4, evening, free); Holiday Wonderland (Select dates, Dec 4 to 23, from 4 pm, $18 kids, $25 adults (varies by date and time)); 62nd Annual Starlight Parade and Festival (in Chula Vista, Sat, Dec 5, see the host for cost); Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village (Sat, Dec 5, free); Holiday Lights in Downtown El Cajon (in El Cajon, Sun, Dec 6, 3 to 7 pm, free); La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival (Sun, Dec 6, parade 1 pm, festival 1 to 5 pm, free); North Pole By The Sea (in Del Mar, Sun, Dec 6, 1 to 5 pm, free to attend, food and drinks for sale); Holiday in the Village (in La Mesa, Sat, Dec 12, free); Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Live in Concert (Rady Shell) (Sat, Dec 12, 6 pm, ticketed, price on the symphony ticket page); Makers Arcade Holiday Fair 2026 (Sat and Sun, Dec 12 and 13, 10 am to 5 pm, $5 presale or $6 at the door, kids under 10 free); Poway's Christmas in the Park (in Poway, Sat, Dec 12, free admission); San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (Sundays, Dec 13 and 20, from 5:30 pm, free to watch); Jungle Bells (Dec 18 to Jan 3, zoo open until 8 pm, included with zoo admission); Noel Noel (Rady Shell) (Dec 18 at 7:30 pm, Dec 19 at 6 pm, Dec 20 at 4:30 pm, ticketed, price on the symphony ticket page); Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo (Dec 19 to Jan 3, zoo open until 8 pm (not Dec 24), included with zoo admission or membership); World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker (Sat, Dec 26, ticketed, see the company ticket page). Details and the host’s link for each are in the San Diego section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in San Jose, California?

For families in and around San Jose, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: San Jose Holiday Lights 2026 (Daily, Nov 13, 2026 to Jan 1, 2027, 4:30 to 10:30 pm, ticketed); Christmas in the Park: Downtown Park Experience (Daily, Nov 27 to Jan 1, noon to 10 pm, free (donations welcome)); Santa Storytime and craft (Wed, Dec 2, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, free); Little Explorers: Wonderful Winter! (in Campbell, Fri, Dec 4, 10:30 to 11:30 am, free, limited capacity); Tree Lighting Ceremony (in Milpitas, Fri, Dec 4, 7 to 9 pm, free); Breakfast with Santa (in Cupertino, Sat, Dec 5, seatings at 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 am, $18 residents, $23 non-residents; under 2 free); Carol of Lights Celebration (in Campbell, Sat, Dec 5, free); Fratello Marionettes: The North Pole Review (in Saratoga, Sat, Dec 5, 11 to 11:30 am, free); Los Gatos Children's Christmas and Holidays Parade (in Los Gatos, Sat, Dec 5, 11 am, rain or shine, free); Visit from Santa Claus! (Thu, Dec 10, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, free); Winter Festival and Santa Visit (Fri, Dec 11, 3:30 to 5:30 pm, free); Holiday Spectacular (Sat, Dec 12, 2:30 and 7:30 pm; Sun, Dec 13, 2:30 pm, ticketed); Magical Holiday at Magical Bridge Playground & Photos with Santa (in Morgan Hill, Sat, Dec 12, 3 to 5 pm, cost not listed); Visit with Santa (In-Person) (Sat, Dec 12, 1 to 2 pm, free); WEE Explore the North Pole (Sat, Dec 12, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, free); Merry Pixie Pages (in Los Altos, Sun, Dec 13, 11:30 am to noon, free); Visit with Santa Claus (Wed, Dec 16, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, free); Mike Della Penna: Winter Magic Show (in Saratoga, Sat, Dec 19, 11 to 11:45 am, free); Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit the Library! (Sat, Dec 19, 3 to 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the San Jose section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Riverside, California?

For families in and around Riverside, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony (Sat, Nov 21, 4:30 to 10 pm (switch-on at 5 pm), free); Festival of Lights (Daily, Nov 21 to Jan 3, see the mission inn for pricing of dining, tours and santa visits); Mission Inn Hotel and Spa Festival of Lights (Switch-on Nov 21, lights Nov 22 to Dec 31, lights and santa's house free; ice skating $20 per skater; candy land is ticketed); Breakfast with Santa (Saturdays and Sundays, Nov 22 to Dec 20, 8 to 11 am, adults $45, children 3 to 11 $20, under 3 free (plus gratuity and tax)); Letters to Santa (Nov 23 to Dec 11, 8 am to 6 pm, free); The Big Red Christmas Market (in Murrieta, Fri, Dec 4, 4 to 9 pm; Sat and Sun, Dec 5 and 6, 11 am to 4 pm, not stated on the event page); Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (in Moreno Valley, Sat, Dec 5, 5 to 8 pm, tree lighting at 5:45 pm, free); Snow Day (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 12 pm, cost varies; sledding sessions sold separately); Breakfast with Santa (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 11 am, free); Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace (Sat, Dec 12, 8 to 11 am, free, reservations required); Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook Clubhouse (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 11 am, $10 per adult; free for ages 15 and under with a paid adult (up to 5 children)); Breakfast with Santa, Villegas Park (Sat, Dec 12, 9 am to 12 pm, $5 per adult (18+); free for ages 17 and under); Sensory with Santa at BFYIC (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 11 am, free); Christmas Open House (Sun, Dec 13, 12 to 4 pm, free); Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread Man (Thu, Dec 17, 12 to 5 pm, free); Merry Little Market (in Temecula, Fri to Sun, Dec 18 to 20, free entry); T'was the Night Before... Cookies & Cocoa (Fri, Dec 18, 6 to 8 pm, $5 per person); Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon (Wed, Dec 23, 10 am to 6 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Riverside section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Santa Rosa, California?

For families in and around Santa Rosa, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Hotel Petaluma Gingerbread House Showcase and Competition (in Petaluma, Fri to Sun, Nov 27 to 29, 10 am to 8 pm, admission not listed); Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration (Fri, Nov 27 (time to be announced), free); Santa's Riverboat Arrival (in Petaluma, Sat, Nov 28, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, free); City of Lights Driving Tour (in Petaluma, Dec 1 to 31, self-guided, free); A Very Merry Fred Astaire Holiday Celebration (in Petaluma, Fri, Dec 4, 7:30 to 9 pm, $20 admission, ages 3 to 12 $10, under 3 free with a participating parent); Downtown Petaluma Holiday Shopping Stroll (in Petaluma, Sat, Dec 5, 11 am to 5 pm, free); Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Windsor Regional Library) (in Windsor, Sat, Dec 5, 10:15 to 11:15 am and 2 to 3 pm, free, registration required); Light Up the Square Tree Lighting Celebration (in Petaluma, Sat, Dec 5, 6 to 8 pm (tree lighting at 7 pm), free); Festival of Christmas at Petaluma Valley Baptist Church (in Petaluma, Sat and Sun, Dec 12 and 13, 4 to 8 pm, free); Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Petaluma Regional Library) (in Petaluma, Sat, Dec 12, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (timed entry), free, ticketed timed entry); Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade (in Petaluma, Sat, Dec 12, boats arrive about 6 pm, not stated); Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Sonoma Valley Regional Library) (in Sonoma, Sun, Dec 13, 2:30 to 3:30 pm and 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free, registration required); Bilingual Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Tue, Dec 15, 3:15 to 4 pm, free, registration required); Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Central Santa Rosa Library) (Thu, Dec 17, 4 to 4:30 pm and 4:30 to 5 pm, free, registration required); Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Central Santa Rosa Library) (Sat, Dec 19, 2:30 to 3 pm, free); Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Northwest Santa Rosa Library) (Sat, Dec 19, 4 to 4:30 pm, free); Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Petaluma Regional Library) (in Petaluma, Sun, Dec 20, 2:30 to 3 pm, free); Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Roseland Regional Library) (Sun, Dec 20, 4 to 4:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Santa Rosa section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Anaheim, California?

For families in and around Anaheim, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Knott's Merry Farm (in Buena Park, Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, on select dates, park tickets from $65); Holiday Crafternoon (in Fountain Valley, Wed, Nov 25, 11 am to 12 pm, free); Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker in Anaheim (Fri, Nov 27 at 7 pm; Sat, Nov 28 at 2 and 7 pm; Sun, Nov 29 at 2 and 7 pm, tickets required, price not shown on the calendar); Carolers & Crafts (in Villa Park, Wed, Dec 2, 5 to 6 pm, free); Tree Lighting Ceremony (in Brea, Thu, Dec 3, 6:30 to 9 pm, free); Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting (in Buena Park, Fri, Dec 4, 5 to 8 pm, tree lighting at 6 pm, not stated on the page); Family Fun: Holiday Card Making (in Stanton, Sat, Dec 5, 3 to 4 pm, free); Winter in the Grove (in Garden Grove, Sat, Dec 5, 3 to 7 pm, not stated on the page); Anaheim Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Anaheim (Sun, Dec 6, 6 pm tree lighting, with downtown activities earlier in the day, not stated on the page); Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting (Sun, Dec 6, Tuba Christmas 1 pm, Santa 3 to 5 pm, tree lighting 6 pm, no admission price listed); Crafty Hands: Gumball Ornament (in Villa Park, Wed, Dec 9, 4 to 5 pm, free); Mini Canvas Ornaments (in Stanton, Thu, Dec 10, 4 to 5 pm, free); Candy Caneland and Craft Fair (in Buena Park, Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to 4 pm, free); Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball Bash (in Stanton, Sat, Dec 12, 3 to 4 pm, free); Holiday Festival at The Muckenthaler (in Fullerton, Sun, Dec 13, 12 to 4 pm, free entry and free parking); Carolers & Crafts (in Stanton, Tue, Dec 15, 5 to 6 pm, free); Holiday Cookie Decorating (in Fountain Valley, Tue, Dec 22, 11 am to 12 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Anaheim section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Irvine, California?

For families in and around Irvine, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Palm Lights, Musical Delights (Nov 6 to Jan 3, shows every 30 minutes starting at 5:15 pm, not stated on the page); Christmas Market OC (in Huntington Beach, Santa on select weekends, 2 to 5 pm; market Nov 15 to Jan 3, no admission price listed); Nutcracker in a Nutshell (in Tustin, Tue, Nov 17, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, free, no registration); Bella Terra Tree Lighting (in Huntington Beach, Fri, Nov 20, 4 to 7 pm, tree lighting at 5 pm, no admission price listed); Nights of Coastal Lights at Fashion Island (in Newport Beach, Nightly, Nov 20 to Dec 27, shows from 5:30 to 8 pm, not stated on the page); Photos with Santa at Fashion Island (in Newport Beach, Nov 20 to Dec 24; weekdays 10 am to 7:30 pm, weekends and later dates vary, photo packages from $44.99); Hikari: Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms (Nov 27 to Dec 27, Wed to Sun, 5 to 9 pm (open Dec 21 to 23, closed Dec 24 and 25), kids 3 to 12 $18 to $23, adults $28 to $33); Santa's Arrival and Lighting Ceremony (in Mission Viejo, Sun, Nov 29, festival 3 to 5:45 pm, Santa arrives at 6 pm, not stated on the page); Baby Steps with Santa at Pretend City (Tue, Dec 1, 8 to 9:30 am, $12 per adult, babies 0 to 18 months free); Christmas Tree Lighting in Old Town Tustin (in Tustin, Fri, Dec 4, 6 to 8:30 pm, not stated on the page); 30th Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Market at Crystal Cove (in Newport Beach, Sat, Dec 5, market 10 am to 6 pm, Santa 3:30 to 5 pm, tree lighting 5 to 5:30 pm, listed as a free event); Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pretend City (Sat, Dec 5, 11 am tree lighting, cookies and hot cocoa with Santa 11:30 am to 1 pm, included with museum admission); Holidayz at the Park Palm Court Light Display (Daily, Dec 5 to Jan 3, from dusk to 9 pm, not stated on the 2026 page); Illuminate Irvine (Sat, Dec 5, 3 to 8 pm, not stated on the 2026 page); Breakfast with Santa in Tustin (in Tustin, Sat, Dec 12, 9 am to 12 pm, not stated on the page); Cookie Decorating at El Toro Library (in Lake Forest, Fri, Dec 18, 3 to 4 pm, free, no registration); Winter Animal Crafts (in Costa Mesa, Wed, Dec 23, 10:30 to 11:30 am, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Irvine section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Stockton, California?

For families in and around Stockton, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (Sun, Nov 8, 3 pm (doors 2 pm), tickets start at $35); Lincoln Center Holiday Market (Sun, Nov 15, 11 am to 4 pm, not stated on the page); Santa's Arrival at Weberstown Mall (Sat, Nov 21, 3 to 4 pm, not stated on the page); Santa Claus and Chug-a-Bug Train at Lincoln Center (Sat, Nov 28, 11 am to 2 pm; Sat, Dec 5, 11 am to 2 pm; Sun, Dec 6, 11 am to 2 pm; Sat, Dec 12, 11 am to 2 pm; Sun, Dec 13, 11 am to 2 pm, not stated on the page); Daily Snowfall on the Brickwalk (Nightly, Dec 1 to Dec 31, 5 to 9 pm, not stated on the page); 34th Annual Festival of Trees (in Lodi, Fri, Dec 4, 1 to 4 pm; Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 4 pm; Sun, Dec 6, 10 am to 4 pm, children 2 to 12 $5, ages 13 and up $15, friday preview $8); 45th Annual Lighted Boat Parade (Sat, Dec 5, parade starts at 5 pm, free); Holiday Pops: Celebrate the Season (Sat, Dec 5 at 6 pm; Sun, Dec 6 at 2:30 pm, tickets required, price not shown); Sensory Santa at Weberstown Mall (Sun, Dec 6, 9:30 to 10:30 am, not stated on the page); Pet Photos with Santa (Mon, Dec 7, 5 to 7 pm; Mon, Dec 14, 5 to 7 pm, photo packages available for purchase); Oak Farm Christmas Stroll, Family Nights (in Lodi, Fri, Dec 11, 5 to 8 pm; Sat, Dec 12, 5 to 8 pm, $25 general admission, $35 with ice skating); Cookies with Mrs. Claus (Sat, Dec 12, 1 to 2 pm, not stated on the page); Storytime with Mrs. Claus (Sat, Dec 12, 11 am to 12 pm, not stated on the page); Santa Sunday at the Haggin Museum (Sun, Dec 13, 12 to 3 pm, free for members and children 9 and under; youth 10 to 17 $5, seniors $7, adults $8); Music Matinee: Opus Handbells (Sat, Dec 19, 1:30 to 2:30 pm, included with regular museum admission). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Stockton section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Oxnard, California?

For families in and around Oxnard, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Tree Lighting Celebration at The Collection (Wed, Nov 18, 7 to 8 pm, no ticket listed); Letters to Santa at The Collection (Nov 19 to Dec 15 (mailbox open daily), free); Photos with Santa at The Collection (Daily, Nov 20 to Dec 24 (hours vary), reservations required; price not listed); DIY Holiday Cards (Ages 6 to 12) (in Camarillo, Thu, Dec 3, 3 to 4:30 pm, free); Downtown Oxnard Tree Lighting and Holiday Market (Thu, Dec 3, 5 to 9 pm, admission not listed); Holidays in the Village: A European Marketplace (in Thousand Oaks, Sat, Dec 5, 11 am to 8 pm, and Sun, Dec 6, 12 to 6 pm, free); Oxnard Tamale Festival (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 6 pm, admission not listed); Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit at Heritage Square (Dec 6 to Jan 10, select dates, 11 am to 2 pm, free exhibit; weekend house tours $5 per person); Caring Santa at The Collection (Sundays, Dec 6 and 13, 10 to 11:30 am, reservations available online; price not listed); Santa Storytime: Holiday Fun for Kids (in Camarillo, Tuesdays, Dec 8 and 15, 5:30 to 7 pm, free); Oxnard Santa Float Tours (Dec 9 to 18, evenings (route varies), not stated); 60th Annual Parade of Lights and Holiday Market (Sat, Dec 12, market noon to 7 pm, parade 7 to 9 pm, free pictures with santa; other costs not listed); Christmas Tree Lane (Dec 13 to 27, evenings, walk or drive through; price not listed); Cozy Winter Party (Ages 0 to 6) (in Camarillo, Mon, Dec 21, 10:30 to 11:30 am, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Oxnard section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Sacramento, California?

For families in and around Sacramento, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Dickens Street Faire (in Elk Grove, Sat, Nov 28, 10 am to 5 pm, tree lighting at 6 pm, free); Winterfest (Wed, Dec 2, 3:30 to 5 pm, free); Downtown Holiday Celebration: Christmas Tree Lighting (in Roseville, Thu, Dec 3, 6 to 8 pm; lighting about 6:10 pm, free); Community Christmas Tree Lighting (in Folsom, Fri, Dec 4, 6 to 9 pm, free; ice skating is a separate ticket); Old Fashioned Christmas (in Elk Grove, Dec 4, 5, 12, 13, 18 and 20, 3 to 7 pm, see the host for cost); Breakfast With Santa (in Roseville, Sat, Dec 5, seatings 8, 8:30 and 9:30 am, $20 per attendee); Breakfast with Santa (in Elk Grove, Sat, Dec 5, seatings 8, 9 and 10 am, $5 kids 2 to 12, $10 ages 13 and up, under 2 free; $50 per table of 8); Breakfast with Santa (in Rancho Cordova, Sat, Dec 5, 9 and 10 am, $5 per person ages 2 and up); Milk & Cookies With Santa (in Roseville, Sat, Dec 5, seatings 4:30 and 5:15 pm, $18 per attendee); Winter Wonderland (Sat and Sun, Dec 5-6 and 12-13, 1 to 7 pm, $15 advance, $18 day of; under 2 free); Neighborhood Santa (in Roseville, Tue to Thu evenings, Dec 8 to 10 and Dec 15 to 17, free); Santa's Workshop (in Roseville, Fri, Dec 11, 3:30 to 5:45 pm (timed slots), $18, includes one adult and one child); Gingerbread House Factory (in Roseville, Fri, Dec 18, 5 to 6:30 pm, ticketed per house (up to 5 guests); extra house $25). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Sacramento section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Modesto, California?

For families in and around Modesto, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall (Nov 6 to Dec 24; hours vary by date, a visit is free, photo packages cost extra); Handprint Holiday Trees (in Waterford, Thu, Dec 3, 3 pm, free); 2026 Model Train Show (in Turlock, Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 4 pm; Sun, Dec 6, 10 am to 3 pm, $10 daily admission, kids under 12 free with a paid adult); Breakfast with Santa (Sat, Dec 5, 8 to 11:30 am, $10 per person, children 2 and under free); Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade (Sat, Dec 5, parade starts at 5:30 pm, not stated on the page); Origami Ornaments (in Hughson, Tue, Dec 8, 4 pm, free); Central West Ballet: The Nutcracker (Fri, Dec 11, 7 pm; Sat, Dec 12, 2 pm; Sat, Dec 12, 7 pm; Sun, Dec 13, 2 pm; Sat, Dec 19, 2 pm; Sat, Dec 19, 7 pm; Sun, Dec 20, 2 pm, tickets required, price not shown); Winter Bash Family Party at MoChiMu (Fri, Dec 11, 6 to 8:30 pm, $5 per person for members, $20 for non-members); Family Movie Night: The Polar Express (in Salida, Tue, Dec 15, 5:30 pm, free); Mini Snow Globes (in Riverbank, Tue, Dec 15, 3:30 pm, free); Winter Ornament Decorating (in Newman, Tue, Dec 15, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free); Cookie Decorating (in Ceres, Thu, Dec 17, 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Modesto section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Palm Springs, California?

For families in and around Palm Springs, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Magic of Lights Coachella Valley (in Indio, Nightly, Nov 20 to Jan 2, from 5:30 pm, per vehicle: $26.99 for november visits, $29.99 santa saver, $89.99 season pass); WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (in Palm Desert, Select nights, Nov 24 to Dec 30, 6 to 9 pm, about $20 to $25 per ticket; santa photos free); Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest (Thursdays, Dec 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, free); City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Fri, Dec 4, tree lighting at 5:15 pm, free cookies and cocoa; admission not listed); City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade (Sat, Dec 5, 5:45 pm, free); Santa Magic at The Gardens on El Paseo (in Palm Desert, Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 2 pm, lawn festivities free; photo with santa $25); Cathedral City SnowFest (in Cathedral City, Sat, Dec 12, afternoon and evening, free); City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and Festival (in Desert Hot Springs, Sat, Dec 12 (times not listed), free); Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios (in La Quinta, Sat, Dec 12 and Sat, Dec 19, free); The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (in Palm Desert, Wed, Dec 16, tickets from $59); Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum (Fri to Mon, Dec 18 to 21, 6 to 9 pm, ticketed; kids 5 and under free; train ride, s'mores and food sold separately); Snowed in at the Library (in La Quinta, Sat, Dec 19, 10:30 am to 1 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Palm Springs section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Bakersfield, California?

For families in and around Bakersfield, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Santa Letters Express (Nov 16 to Dec 9, drop off any day, free); HolidayLights at CALM Zoo (Nightly, Nov 28 to Jan 2 (closed Dec 25), from 5:30 pm, adults 13+ $19, youth 3 to 12 $16, ages 2 and under free); Santa at The Pines (HolidayLights) (Nightly, Nov 28 to Dec 24, Sun to Thu 5:45 to 8:45 pm, Fri and Sat 5:45 to 9:45 pm, included with holidaylights admission ($16 to $19)); Santa Home Visits (Wed to Fri evenings, Dec 2 to 4, 9 to 11 and 16 to 18, 5:30 to 9 pm, free, reservation required); Home for the Holidays (Fri, Dec 4, doors 5:30 pm, concert 6:30 pm, $41.20 to $66.95; children 12 and under $25.75 in select tiers); Photos with Santa at The Marketplace (Fri to Sun, Dec 4 to 20 (three weekends), 12 to 4 pm, free to visit; free 5x7 photo with $35 marketplace purchase); Holiday Lamplight Tours (Sat, Dec 5, 5:30 to 9 pm, $10, ages 3 and up); Santa Breakfast (Sat, Dec 5, 8:30 to 10 am, $10; ages 2 and under free); The Nutcracker (Dec 11 to 13: Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 1 and 7:30 pm, Sun 1 pm, ticketed, prices on axs); 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade (in Oildale, Sat, Dec 12, 10 am, free); Character Nights at HolidayLights (Dec 26 to 30, evenings from 5:30 pm, included with holidaylights admission ($16 to $19)). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Bakersfield section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Fresno, California?

For families in and around Fresno, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: One Enchanted Evening (in Clovis, Thu, Nov 19, 5 to 8 pm, free; carriage rides free); ZooLights (Select nights, Nov 19 to Jan 3, 5 to 9 pm, $19 adults, $14 children 2 to 11, 1 and under free); Children's Electric Christmas Parade (in Clovis, Sat, Dec 5, 6:30 pm, free); Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall (in Clovis, Mon, Dec 7, 6:30 pm, free); Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train (in Kingsburg, Tue, Dec 8 and Tue, Dec 15, 6 to 7 pm, free, in-person sign-up required); Riverdale: Santa Visit (in Riverdale, Thu, Dec 10, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free); 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade (Sat, Dec 12, 5:30 pm, free to watch along the route; vip tent tickets sold separately); Reedley: Visit with Santa (in Reedley, Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to noon, free); Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night (in Fowler, Wed, Dec 16, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, free); West Fresno Branch: Christmas Movie Marathon (Mon, Dec 21, 11 am to 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Fresno section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Santa Barbara, California?

For families in and around Santa Barbara, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: IllumaNature: California Coastin' (Nightly, Nov 11 to Jan 10, 5 to 9 pm, children 2 to 12 $29.95, adults $39.95; ride add-on $35.95 and $46.95; parking $11); Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade (Fri, Dec 4, 6:30 pm, not stated on the event page); Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade (in Goleta, Sat, Dec 5, 6 to 9 pm, free); The Nutcracker (Goleta School of Ballet) (Sat and Sun, Dec 5 and 6, 3 pm, general admission; price not listed); Winter Gift-Making Workshop: Clay Animals and Shadow Box Sculpture (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 3 pm, $140 members, $160 non-members); All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of Trains (Sat and Sun, Dec 12 and 13, 10 am to 5 pm, free admission for visitors who mention "trains" at the front kiosk); Classic Holiday Movies on Ice (in Goleta, Sat, Dec 12, shows at 12, 2:30 and 5 pm, $20 upstairs seating, $30 on-ice seating (per local listing)); Santa Barbara Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland (Sun, Dec 13, 2 to 7:30 pm (Winter Wonderland 3 to 5 pm), not stated on the city listing); The Nutcracker Tutu Suite (Sat, Dec 19, 1:30 pm, general admission; price not listed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Santa Barbara section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Oakland, California?

For families in and around Oakland, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting (in Livermore, Sat, Dec 5, 6 pm, rain or shine, free); Montclair Village Holiday Stroll (Thu, Dec 10, 4 to 8 pm, free admission; santa photos $35); Fairy Winterland (Sat and Sun, Dec 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27, noon to 7 pm, $21 children, $23 adults, $20 seniors; members $10.50 children, $11.50 adults); Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker (Sat and Sun, Dec 19 and 20, 1 pm, ticketed; optional sweet dreams party add-on); Winter Stories in Kamishibai (Tue, Dec 29, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, free); Countdown in Wonderland (Thu, Dec 31, 10 am to 4 pm, included with general admission; members free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Oakland section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Long Beach, California?

For families in and around Long Beach, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Pasko Na! Author Storytime with Kym Bisnar (Tue, Nov 24, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, free); A Christmas Carol (2026) (Dec 4 to 20; Thu to Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm, ticketed (see playhouse box office)); Belmont Shore Christmas Parade (Sat, Dec 5, 6 to 9 pm, free); Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting 2026 (Mon, Dec 7, 5 to 8 pm, free, tickets required); The Nutcracker, Long Beach Ballet (Dec 12, 13, 19 and 20 (see Long Beach Ballet for showtimes), ticketed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Long Beach section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Fontana, California?

For families in and around Fontana, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Tree Lighting Ceremony (Thu, Dec 3, 6 pm, see the host for cost); Pictures with Santa (Fri, Dec 4, 5 to 7 pm; Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to noon, free); Festival of Winter (Sat, Dec 12, 11 am to 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Fontana section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in California?

Yes. 142 of the 289 events here are free: 21st Annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in San Diego, 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove in Los Angeles, Santa Letters Express in Bakersfield, Nutcracker in a Nutshell in Tustin, Performance: Nutcracker Sweets Ballet with Mark Foehringer Dance Project in San Francisco, Letters to Santa at The Collection in Oxnard, One Enchanted Evening in Clovis, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Walnut Creek, Lightshow Spectacular in Coronado, 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony in Riverside, Gingerbread House Lighting Ceremony in San Francisco, Letters to Santa in Riverside, Pasko Na! Author Storytime with Kym Bisnar in Long Beach, Holiday Crafternoon in Fountain Valley, Christmas in the Park: Downtown Park Experience in San Jose, Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration in Santa Rosa, 2026 Holiday Tree Lighting in San Francisco, Dickens Street Faire in Elk Grove, Santa's Riverboat Arrival in Petaluma, Surfin' Santa Arrival in San Diego, Hollywood Christmas Parade in Los Angeles, Holiday Lighting Celebration at Huntington Park in San Francisco, City of Lights Driving Tour in Petaluma, All About the Christmas Tree in Maywood, Carolers & Crafts in Villa Park, Santa Home Visits in Bakersfield, Santa Storytime and craft in San Jose, Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in La Crescenta, Winterfest in Sacramento, Activity: LEGOs and Holiday Ornaments in San Francisco, DIY Holiday Cards (Ages 6 to 12) in Camarillo, Downtown Holiday Celebration: Christmas Tree Lighting in Roseville, Handprint Holiday Trees in Waterford, PIER 39 Tree Lighting in San Francisco, Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest in Palm Springs, Sunset Holiday Gift Markets & Tree Lighting in Oceanside, Tree Lighting Ceremony in Brea, Balboa Park December Nights in San Diego, Community Christmas Tree Lighting in Folsom, Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in Coronado, Let's Glow SF in San Francisco, Little Explorers: Wonderful Winter! in Campbell, Photos with Santa at The Marketplace in Bakersfield, Pictures with Santa in Fontana, Tree Lighting Ceremony in Milpitas, 30th Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Market at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach, 45th Annual Lighted Boat Parade in Stockton, Annual Lighting Ceremony and Winterfest on Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena, Belmont Shore Christmas Parade in Long Beach, Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade in Calistoga, Carol of Lights Celebration in Campbell, Celebration: Holiday Crafting Party in San Francisco, Children's Electric Christmas Parade in Clovis, Christmas Parade in Napa, City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade in Palm Springs, Downtown Petaluma Holiday Shopping Stroll in Petaluma, Family Fun: Holiday Card Making in Stanton, Fratello Marionettes: The North Pole Review in Saratoga, Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Windsor Regional Library) in Windsor, Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting in Livermore, Holiday Tree Lighting in San Fernando, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Moreno Valley, Holidays in the Village: A European Marketplace in Thousand Oaks, Light Up the Square Tree Lighting Celebration in Petaluma, Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village in San Diego, Los Gatos Children's Christmas and Holidays Parade in Los Gatos, Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade in Goleta, Sunset Holiday Mercantile in San Francisco, Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit at Heritage Square in Oxnard, Holiday Lights in Downtown El Cajon in El Cajon, La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival in San Diego, North Pole By The Sea in Del Mar, Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall in Clovis, Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House in Santa Monica, Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting 2026 in Long Beach, Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa in Altadena, Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train in Kingsburg, Neighborhood Santa in Roseville, Origami Ornaments in Hughson, Santa Storytime: Holiday Fun for Kids in Camarillo, Crafty Hands: Gumball Ornament in Villa Park, Family Gingerbread House Making in Lawndale, Mini Canvas Ornaments in Stanton, Montclair Village Holiday Stroll in Oakland, Riverdale: Santa Visit in Riverdale, Visit from Santa Claus! in San Jose, Winter Festival and Santa Visit in San Jose, 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade in Oildale, 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade in Fresno, All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of Trains in Santa Barbara, Breakfast with Santa in Riverside, Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace in Riverside, Candy Caneland and Craft Fair in Buena Park, Cathedral City SnowFest in Cathedral City, City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and Festival in Desert Hot Springs, Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball Bash in Stanton, Festival of Christmas at Petaluma Valley Baptist Church in Petaluma, Festival of Winter in Fontana, Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Petaluma Regional Library) in Petaluma, Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta, Holiday in the Village in La Mesa, Poway's Christmas in the Park in Poway, Reedley: Visit with Santa in Reedley, Sausalito 39th Annual Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks in Sausalito, Sensory with Santa at BFYIC in Riverside, Visit with Santa (In-Person) in San Jose, WEE Explore the North Pole in San Jose, Christmas Open House in Riverside, Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Sonoma Valley Regional Library) in Sonoma, Holiday Festival at The Muckenthaler in Fullerton, Merry Pixie Pages in Los Altos, San Diego Bay Parade of Lights in San Diego, Bilingual Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids in Santa Rosa, Carolers & Crafts in Stanton, Family Movie Night: The Polar Express in Salida, Mini Snow Globes in Riverbank, Winter Ornament Decorating in Newman, Cookie Decorating in Santa Clarita, Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night in Fowler, Holiday Family Storytime in Bellflower, Visit with Santa Claus in San Jose, Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread Man in Riverside, Cookie Decorating in Ceres, Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Central Santa Rosa Library) in Santa Rosa, Cookie Decorating at El Toro Library in Lake Forest, Merry Little Market in Temecula, Activity: SF Ballet's Nutcracker Oral History and Chair Dance Class in San Francisco, Mike Della Penna: Winter Magic Show in Saratoga, Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Central Santa Rosa Library) in Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Northwest Santa Rosa Library) in Santa Rosa, Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit the Library! in San Jose, Snowed in at the Library in La Quinta, Workshop: Parol Making in San Francisco, Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Petaluma Regional Library) in Petaluma, Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Roseland Regional Library) in Santa Rosa, Cozy Winter Party (Ages 0 to 6) in Camarillo, West Fresno Branch: Christmas Movie Marathon in Fresno, Activity: Nutcracker Storytime in San Francisco, Holiday Cookie Decorating in Fountain Valley, Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon in Riverside, Winter Animal Crafts in Costa Mesa and Winter Stories in Kamishibai in Oakland. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in California this December?

Santa appears at Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto (November 6), Christmas Market OC in Huntington Beach (November 15), Lincoln Center Holiday Market in Stockton (November 15), 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove in Los Angeles (November 16), Santa Letters Express in Bakersfield (November 16), Tree Lighting Celebration at The Collection in Oxnard (November 18), Letters to Santa at The Collection in Oxnard (November 19), One Enchanted Evening in Clovis (November 19), ZooLights in Fresno (November 19), Bella Terra Tree Lighting in Huntington Beach (November 20), Enchant Christmas Los Angeles in Arcadia (November 20), Knott's Merry Farm in Buena Park (November 20), L.A. Zoo Lights in Los Angeles (November 20), Magic of Lights Coachella Valley in Indio (November 20), Photos with Santa at Fashion Island in Newport Beach (November 20), Photos with Santa at The Collection in Oxnard (November 20), 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony in Riverside (November 21), Festival of Lights in Riverside (November 21), Holidays at LEGOLAND in Carlsbad (November 21), Light Up Main Street in Santa Clarita (November 21), Mission Inn Hotel and Spa Festival of Lights in Riverside (November 21), Santa's Arrival at Weberstown Mall in Stockton (November 21), Breakfast with Santa in Riverside (November 22), Letters to Santa in Riverside (November 23), WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert (November 24), Christmas in the Park: Downtown Park Experience in San Jose (November 27), Hikari: Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms in Irvine (November 27), Jingle Jets in San Diego (November 27), Santa Lights the Square in San Francisco (November 27), Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration in Santa Rosa (November 27), WinterFest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo (November 27), Dickens Street Faire in Elk Grove (November 28), HolidayLights at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield (November 28), Santa Claus and Chug-a-Bug Train at Lincoln Center in Stockton (November 28), Santa at The Pines (HolidayLights) in Bakersfield (November 28), Santa's Riverboat Arrival in Petaluma (November 28), Surfin' Santa Arrival in San Diego (November 28), Santa's Arrival and Lighting Ceremony in Mission Viejo (November 29), Baby Steps with Santa at Pretend City in Irvine (December 1), Holiday Tree Lighting with Taste of San Gabriel in San Gabriel (December 1), Holiday Festival at Hotel del Coronado in Coronado (December 2), Santa Home Visits in Bakersfield (December 2), Santa Storytime and craft in San Jose (December 2), Downtown Holiday Celebration: Christmas Tree Lighting in Roseville (December 3), Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest in Palm Springs (December 3), Tree Lighting Ceremony in Brea (December 3), Balboa Park December Nights in San Diego (December 4), Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting in Buena Park (December 4), City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Palm Springs (December 4), Community Christmas Tree Lighting in Folsom (December 4), Holiday Wonderland in San Diego (December 4), Old Fashioned Christmas in Elk Grove (December 4), Photos with Santa at The Marketplace in Bakersfield (December 4), Pictures with Santa in Fontana (December 4), The Big Red Christmas Market in Murrieta (December 4), Tree Lighting Ceremony in Milpitas (December 4), 30th Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Market at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach (December 5), Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pretend City in Irvine (December 5), Belmont Shore Christmas Parade in Long Beach (December 5), Breakfast With Santa in Roseville (December 5), Breakfast with Santa in Cupertino (December 5), Breakfast with Santa in Elk Grove (December 5), Breakfast with Santa in Rancho Cordova (December 5), Breakfast with Santa in Modesto (December 5), Carol of Lights Celebration in Campbell (December 5), Carols for Kids in Los Angeles (December 5), Christmas Parade in Napa (December 5), City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade in Palm Springs (December 5), Downtown Petaluma Holiday Shopping Stroll in Petaluma (December 5), Holiday Lamplight Tours in Bakersfield (December 5), Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting in Livermore (December 5), Holiday Tree Lighting in San Fernando (December 5), Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Moreno Valley (December 5), Holidays in the Village: A European Marketplace in Thousand Oaks (December 5), Hometown Holiday Celebration in Pleasanton (December 5), Light Up the Square Tree Lighting Celebration in Petaluma (December 5), Milk & Cookies With Santa in Roseville (December 5), SWEA San Francisco's Christmas Fair in San Francisco (December 5), Santa Breakfast in Bakersfield (December 5), Santa Magic at The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert (December 5), Winter Wonderland in Sacramento (December 5), Winter in the Grove in Garden Grove (December 5), Anaheim Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Anaheim in Anaheim (December 6), Caring Santa at The Collection in Oxnard (December 6), Deck the Hall Holiday Concert in San Francisco (December 6), Holiday Lights in Downtown El Cajon in El Cajon (December 6), Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting in Anaheim (December 6), Sensory Santa at Weberstown Mall in Stockton (December 6), Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall in Clovis (December 7), Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting 2026 in Long Beach (December 7), Pet Photos with Santa in Stockton (December 7), Neighborhood Santa in Roseville (December 8), Santa Storytime: Holiday Fun for Kids in Camarillo (December 8), Oxnard Santa Float Tours in Oxnard (December 9), Montclair Village Holiday Stroll in Oakland (December 10), Riverdale: Santa Visit in Riverdale (December 10), Visit from Santa Claus! in San Jose (December 10), Oak Farm Christmas Stroll, Family Nights in Lodi (December 11), Santa's Workshop in Roseville (December 11), Winter Festival and Santa Visit in San Jose (December 11), 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade in Oildale (December 12), 60th Annual Parade of Lights and Holiday Market in Oxnard (December 12), 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade in Fresno (December 12), Breakfast with Santa in Riverside (December 12), Breakfast with Santa in Tustin in Tustin (December 12), Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace in Riverside (December 12), Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook Clubhouse in Riverside (December 12), Breakfast with Santa, Villegas Park in Riverside (December 12), Candy Caneland and Craft Fair in Buena Park (December 12), Cathedral City SnowFest in Cathedral City (December 12), Fairy Winterland in Oakland (December 12), Festival of Winter in Fontana (December 12), Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta (December 12), Magical Holiday at Magical Bridge Playground & Photos with Santa in Morgan Hill (December 12), Poway's Christmas in the Park in Poway (December 12), Reedley: Visit with Santa in Reedley (December 12), Sensory with Santa at BFYIC in Riverside (December 12), Visit with Santa (In-Person) in San Jose (December 12), WEE Explore the North Pole in San Jose (December 12), Christmas Open House in Riverside (December 13), Santa Barbara Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland in Santa Barbara (December 13), Santa Sunday at the Haggin Museum in Stockton (December 13), Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night in Fowler (December 16), Visit with Santa Claus in San Jose (December 16), Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs (December 18), Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo in San Diego (December 19), Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit the Library! in San Jose (December 19), Snowed in at the Library in La Quinta (December 19) and Holly Jolly Pops with the SF Symphony in San Francisco (December 23). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in California?

Holiday story times on this page: Pasko Na! Author Storytime with Kym Bisnar in Long Beach, Dickens Street Faire in Elk Grove, Baby Steps with Santa at Pretend City in Irvine, All About the Christmas Tree in Maywood, Santa Storytime and craft in San Jose, Winterfest in Sacramento, Breakfast with Santa in Modesto, Sunset Holiday Mercantile in San Francisco, Winter Wonderland in Sacramento, Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa in Altadena, Santa Storytime: Holiday Fun for Kids in Camarillo, Montclair Village Holiday Stroll in Oakland, Storytime with Mrs. Claus in Stockton, WEE Explore the North Pole in San Jose, Merry Pixie Pages in Los Altos, Holiday Family Storytime in Bellflower, T'was the Night Before... Cookies & Cocoa in Riverside, Cozy Winter Party (Ages 0 to 6) in Camarillo, Activity: Nutcracker Storytime in San Francisco and Winter Stories in Kamishibai in Oakland. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in California?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Festival of Lights in Riverside (Daily, Nov 21 to Jan 3), Breakfast with Santa in Riverside (Saturdays and Sundays, Nov 22 to Dec 20, 8 to 11 am), Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pretend City in Irvine (Sat, Dec 5, 11 am tree lighting, cookies and hot cocoa with Santa 11:30 am to 1 pm), Breakfast With Santa in Roseville (Sat, Dec 5, seatings 8, 8:30 and 9:30 am), Breakfast with Santa in Cupertino (Sat, Dec 5, seatings at 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 am), Breakfast with Santa in Elk Grove (Sat, Dec 5, seatings 8, 9 and 10 am), Breakfast with Santa in Rancho Cordova (Sat, Dec 5, 9 and 10 am), Breakfast with Santa in Modesto (Sat, Dec 5, 8 to 11:30 am), Milk & Cookies With Santa in Roseville (Sat, Dec 5, seatings 4:30 and 5:15 pm), Santa Breakfast in Bakersfield (Sat, Dec 5, 8:30 to 10 am), Breakfast with Santa in Tustin in Tustin (Sat, Dec 12, 9 am to 12 pm), Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace in Riverside (Sat, Dec 12, 8 to 11 am), Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook Clubhouse in Riverside (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 11 am) and Breakfast with Santa, Villegas Park in Riverside (Sat, Dec 12, 9 am to 12 pm). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Which California Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Daly City (Under 5 free; youth ages 5 to 12), Pasko Na! Author Storytime with Kym Bisnar in Long Beach (Toddlers (1 to 3 years), families welcome), Baby Steps with Santa at Pretend City in Irvine (18 months and younger), Santa Storytime and craft in San Jose (Young children ages 0 to 5; geared for children of all ages), Little Explorers: Wonderful Winter! in Campbell (Toddlers and preschoolers with families), Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House in Santa Monica (Ages 0 to 17), Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa in Altadena (Ages 0 to 5 and 6 to 11), Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train in Kingsburg (Preschool, elementary and families), Visit from Santa Claus! in San Jose (Young children ages 0 to 5 and kids ages 5 to 10), Reedley: Visit with Santa in Reedley (Preschool, elementary and families), Storytime with Mrs. Claus in Stockton (Little ones), Visit with Santa (In-Person) in San Jose (Young children ages 0 to 5 through teens ages 12 to 18), WEE Explore the North Pole in San Jose (Recommended for ages 0 to 5; families of all ages welcome), Merry Pixie Pages in Los Altos (Children 0 to 5 and their families), Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night in Fowler (Families, preschool and elementary), Visit with Santa Claus in San Jose (Young children ages 0 to 5, kids 5 to 10 and preteens 10 to 12), Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs (All ages; toddler area for ages 5 and under), Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit the Library! in San Jose (Young children ages 0 to 5 and kids ages 5 to 10; all welcome), Cozy Winter Party (Ages 0 to 6) in Camarillo (Ages 0 to 6) and Activity: Nutcracker Storytime in San Francisco (Ages 5 and younger with caregivers).

Are there kids' Christmas events in California on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: San Francisco on Ice in San Francisco (through January 18), The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square in San Francisco (through January 18), Glowfari in Oakland (through January 31), Palm Lights, Musical Delights in Irvine (through January 3), Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto (through December 24), Winter Frolic in Pasadena (through January 10), ZooLights in San Francisco (through January 3), IllumaNature: California Coastin' in Santa Barbara (through January 10), San Jose Holiday Lights 2026 in San Jose (through January 1), A Holiday Wonderland Special in Los Angeles (through January 17), Holidays at Filoli in Woodside (through January 10), ZooLights in Fresno (through January 3), Enchant Christmas Los Angeles in Arcadia (through December 27), Knott's Merry Farm in Buena Park (through January 3), L.A. Zoo Lights in Los Angeles (through January 10), Lightscape in Encinitas (through January 3), Lightshow Spectacular in Coronado (through January 3), Magic of Lights Coachella Valley in Indio (through January 2), Nights of Coastal Lights at Fashion Island in Newport Beach (through December 27), Photos with Santa at Fashion Island in Newport Beach (through December 24), Photos with Santa at The Collection in Oxnard (through December 24), Festival of Lights in Riverside (through January 3), Gingerbread House Lighting Ceremony in San Francisco (through December 31), Holidays at LEGOLAND in Carlsbad (through January 3), Mission Inn Hotel and Spa Festival of Lights in Riverside (through December 31), Winter Wonderlab in Sausalito (through January 3), Enchanted Forest of Light in La Cañada Flintridge (through January 9), WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert (through December 30), Christmas in the Park: Downtown Park Experience in San Jose (through January 1), Hikari: Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms in Irvine (through December 27), Jingle Jets in San Diego (through December 30), WinterFest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo (through January 3), HolidayLights at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield (through January 2), Santa at The Pines (HolidayLights) in Bakersfield (through December 24), City of Lights Driving Tour in Petaluma (through December 31), Daily Snowfall on the Brickwalk in Stockton (through December 31), Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest in Palm Springs (through December 31), Nutcracker in San Francisco (through December 27), Holidayz at the Park Palm Court Light Display in Irvine (through January 3), Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit at Heritage Square in Oxnard (through January 10), Fairy Winterland in Oakland (through December 27), Christmas Tree Lane in Oxnard (through December 27), Jungle Bells in San Diego (through January 3), Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker in Los Angeles (through December 27), Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo in San Diego (through January 3), Character Nights at HolidayLights in Bakersfield (through December 30), World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker in San Diego (through December 26), Decorating Places in Pasadena (through December 30), Winter Stories in Kamishibai in Oakland (through December 29) and Countdown in Wonderland in Oakland (through December 31).

How much is San Francisco on Ice in San Francisco?

$19 or $23 per skater, skate rental included. San Francisco on Ice is on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 to Monday, January 18, 2027 (daily skating sessions) at San Francisco on Ice at Fisherman's Wharf. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square in San Francisco?

$22 general, $17 for kids 8 and under, skates included. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square is on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 to Monday, January 18, 2027 (open daily) at Union Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Glowfari in Oakland?

Timed tickets, dynamic pricing. Glowfari is on Friday, November 6, 2026 to Sunday, January 31, 2027 (nightly except Nov 9, 10, 16, 17, 26, Dec 24, 25 and select January Mondays and Tuesdays) at Oakland Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Palm Lights, Musical Delights in Irvine?

Not stated on the page. Palm Lights, Musical Delights is on Friday, November 6, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (show every 30 minutes starting at 5:15 pm), 5:15 pm at Irvine Spectrum Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto?

A visit is free, photo packages cost extra. Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall is on Friday, November 6, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (hours vary by date, see page) at Vintage Faire Mall, JCPenney wing. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Frolic in Pasadena?

Included with museum admission; sock skating $6 extra. Winter Frolic is on Friday, November 6, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (during museum hours; museum closed Nov 26 and Dec 25) at Kidspace Children's Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is ZooLights in San Francisco?

$30 adults, $21 children ages 2 to 11. ZooLights is on Friday, November 6, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (Wednesday to Sunday; Fri and Sat until 10 pm), 5:30 to 9 pm at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 21st Annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in San Diego?

Free, reservations required. 21st Annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Sunday, November 8, 2026, 6 pm at The Old Globe, Copley Plaza. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet in Stockton?

Tickets start at $35. Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet is on Sunday, November 8, 2026, 3 pm at Bob Hope Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is IllumaNature: California Coastin' in Santa Barbara?

Children 2 to 12 $29.95, adults $39.95; ride add-on $35.95 and $46.95; parking $11. IllumaNature: California Coastin' is on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (nightly, closed Nov 26, Dec 24 and Dec 25), 5 to 9 pm at Santa Barbara Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is San Jose Holiday Lights 2026 in San Jose?

Ticketed. San Jose Holiday Lights 2026 is on Friday, November 13, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027 (daily), 4:30 to 10:30 pm at San Jose Holiday Lights. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Holiday Wonderland Special in Los Angeles?

$25; children 2 and under free. A Holiday Wonderland Special is on Sat November 14 and Sat December 19 (10:30 am), 2026 at Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holidays at Filoli in Woodside?

Daytime from $40, evening lights from $45. Holidays at Filoli is on Sat November 14 (10 am to 3:30 pm) and Sat November 14 (4 to 10 pm), 2026 at Filoli Historic House and Garden. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Market OC in Huntington Beach?

No admission price listed. Christmas Market OC is on Sun November 15, Sat November 28, Sun November 29, Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 2 to 5 pm at Old World Village. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Lincoln Center Holiday Market in Stockton?

Not stated on the page. Lincoln Center Holiday Market is on Sunday, November 15, 2026, 11 am to 4 pm at Lincoln Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove in Los Angeles?

Free; parking fees apply. 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove is on Monday, November 16, 2026 at The Grove. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Letters Express in Bakersfield?

Free. Santa Letters Express is on Monday, November 16, 2026 to Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (daily at RiverLakes; weekdays 8 am to 5 pm at Greenacres, Riverview and Rasmussen) at RiverLakes Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Nutcracker in a Nutshell in Tustin?

Free, no registration. Nutcracker in a Nutshell is on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Tustin Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Performance: Nutcracker Sweets Ballet with Mark Foehringer Dance Project in San Francisco?

Free, drop-in. Performance: Nutcracker Sweets Ballet with Mark Foehringer Dance Project is on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 1:30 to 2:15 pm at Main Library, Children's Creative Center (2nd Floor). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Tree Lighting Celebration at The Collection in Oxnard?

No ticket listed. Tree Lighting Celebration at The Collection is on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 7 to 8 pm at The Collection at RiverPark. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Letters to Santa at The Collection in Oxnard?

Free. Letters to Santa at The Collection is on Thursday, November 19, 2026 to Tuesday, December 15, 2026 (mailbox open daily; replies for letters with a return address received by Dec 15) at The Collection at RiverPark. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is One Enchanted Evening in Clovis?

Free; carriage rides free. One Enchanted Evening is on Thursday, November 19, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Old Town Clovis. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is ZooLights in Fresno?

$19 adults, $14 children 2 to 11, 1 and under free. ZooLights is on Thu November 19, Fri November 27, Thu December 3, Fri December 11, Wed December 16, Sat December 26 and Fri January 1, 2026, 5 to 9 pm at Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Bella Terra Tree Lighting in Huntington Beach?

No admission price listed. Bella Terra Tree Lighting is on Friday, November 20, 2026, 4 to 7 pm at Bella Terra, The Park near Solita. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Enchant Christmas Los Angeles in Arcadia?

Tickets from $29; prices vary by date. Enchant Christmas Los Angeles is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, December 27, 2026 (select dates) at Santa Anita Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Walnut Creek?

Free. Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Friday, November 20, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Civic Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Knott's Merry Farm in Buena Park?

Park tickets from $65. Knott's Merry Farm is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select dates, see park calendar) at Knott's Berry Farm. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is L.A. Zoo Lights in Los Angeles?

Tickets from $19; member discounts. L.A. Zoo Lights is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (select evenings; closed Nov 26, 30, Dec 1, 7, 14, 15, 16, 24, 25, 31 and Jan 4 to 7) at Los Angeles Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Lightscape in Encinitas?

Ticketed; see garden site. Lightscape is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select nights) at San Diego Botanic Garden. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Lightshow Spectacular in Coronado?

Free, no reservations needed. Lightshow Spectacular is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly, show every 30 minutes), 5 to 9 pm at Hotel del Coronado, Founders Lawn. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Magic of Lights Coachella Valley in Indio?

Per vehicle: $26.99 for November visits, $29.99 Santa Saver, $89.99 season pass. Magic of Lights Coachella Valley is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (nightly; Sun to Thu until 9 pm, Fri and Sat until 10 pm), 5:30 to 9 pm at Empire Polo Club. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Nights of Coastal Lights at Fashion Island in Newport Beach?

Not stated on the page. Nights of Coastal Lights at Fashion Island is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, December 27, 2026 (nightly shows at 5:30, 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 pm), 5:30 to 8 pm at Fashion Island Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale's Courtyard. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Photos with Santa at Fashion Island in Newport Beach?

Photo packages from $44.99. Photos with Santa at Fashion Island is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (daily hours vary, see page) at Fashion Island Atrium Lawn. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Photos with Santa at The Collection in Oxnard?

Reservations required; price not listed. Photos with Santa at The Collection is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (daily; closed Thanksgiving; Dec 24 walk-ins only 9 am to 4:45 pm) at The Collection at RiverPark. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony in Riverside?

Free. 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 4:30 to 10 pm at Downtown Riverside, Mission Inn Ave. and Orange St.. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Autry Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration in Los Angeles?

Ticketed; child tickets (ages 3 to 12) listed at $9, adult tickets up to $20. Autry Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 6 to 9 pm at Autry Museum of the American West. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Festival of Lights in Riverside?

See the Mission Inn for pricing of dining, tours and Santa visits. Festival of Lights is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily) at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread House Lighting Ceremony in San Francisco?

Free to attend and view. Gingerbread House Lighting Ceremony is on Sat November 21 and Sat November 21 (11 am), 2026 at Fairmont San Francisco Lobby. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holidays at LEGOLAND in Carlsbad?

Included with park admission. Holidays at LEGOLAND is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select dates) at LEGOLAND California. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Light Up Main Street in Santa Clarita?

No admission price listed; parking and shuttle are free. Light Up Main Street is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 4 to 8 pm at Main Street, Old Town Newhall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Mission Inn Hotel and Spa Festival of Lights in Riverside?

Lights and Santa's House free; ice skating $20 per skater; Candy Land is ticketed. Mission Inn Hotel and Spa Festival of Lights is on Sat November 21 and Sun November 22, 2026 at Downtown Riverside, Mission Inn. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa's Arrival at Weberstown Mall in Stockton?

Not stated on the page. Santa's Arrival at Weberstown Mall is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Mershops Weberstown Mall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Daly City?

$50 adults, $30 ages 5 to 12, free under 5. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is on Sat November 21, Sun November 22, Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Sun November 29, Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 10 am to 6 pm at Cow Palace Exhibition Halls. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Wonderlab in Sausalito?

Included with admission, $25 to $30; members and babies under 1 free. Winter Wonderlab is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (weekends, Nov 25 and 27, Dec 21 to 23 and 28 to 31; closed Nov 26, Dec 24 to 25, Jan 1) at Bay Area Discovery Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Riverside?

Adults $45, children 3 to 11 $20, under 3 free (plus gratuity and tax). Breakfast with Santa is on Sunday, November 22, 2026 to Sunday, December 20, 2026 (Saturdays and Sundays), 8 to 11 am at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Enchanted Forest of Light in La Cañada Flintridge?

Child (2 to 12) $19 to $37, adult $29 to $52; under 2 free. Enchanted Forest of Light is on Sunday, November 22, 2026 to Saturday, January 9, 2027 (nightly; closed Nov 26 and Dec 25), 5:30 to 10 pm at Descanso Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Letters to Santa in Riverside?

Free. Letters to Santa is on Monday, November 23, 2026 to Friday, December 11, 2026 (drop off letters at participating community centers), 8 am to 6 pm at Riverside community centers (Orange Terrace, Bordwell Park/Stratton, Hunt Park/Renck, Nichols Park/Joyce Jackson, La Sierra). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Pasko Na! Author Storytime with Kym Bisnar in Long Beach?

Free. Pasko Na! Author Storytime with Kym Bisnar is on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at Harte Neighborhood Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert?

About $20 to $25 per ticket; Santa photos free. WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is on Tue November 24, Wed November 25, Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Thu December 10, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Thu December 17, Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22, Wed December 23, Thu December 24, Sat December 26, Sun December 27, Mon December 28, Tue December 29 and Wed December 30, 2026, 6 to 9 pm at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Crafternoon in Fountain Valley?

Free. Holiday Crafternoon is on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, 11 am to noon at Fountain Valley Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker in Anaheim in Anaheim?

Tickets required, price not shown on the calendar. Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker in Anaheim is on Fri November 27 (7 to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (2 to 7 pm) and Sun November 29 (2 to 7 pm), 2026 at Grove of Anaheim. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas in the Park: Downtown Park Experience in San Jose?

Free (donations welcome). Christmas in the Park: Downtown Park Experience is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027 (daily, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), noon to 10 pm at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Hikari: Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms in Irvine?

Kids 3 to 12 $18 to $23, adults $28 to $33. Hikari: Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, December 27, 2026 (Wednesday to Sunday, plus Dec 21 to 23; closed Dec 24 and 25), 5 to 9 pm at Tanaka Farms. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Home Alone in Concert in Los Angeles?

Ticketed; prices on the LA Phil site. Home Alone in Concert is on Fri November 27 (8 pm) and Sat November 28 (2 pm), 2026 at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Hotel Petaluma Gingerbread House Showcase and Competition in Petaluma?

Admission not listed. Hotel Petaluma Gingerbread House Showcase and Competition is on Fri November 27, Sat November 28 and Sun November 29, 2026, 10 am to 8 pm at Hotel Petaluma. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Jingle Jets in San Diego?

Ticketed; see museum site. Jingle Jets is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (select nights) at USS Midway Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

When is Santa Lights the Square in San Francisco in 2026?

Fri November 27 (4:45 pm), Fri December 4 (4 to 7 pm), Fri December 11 (4 to 7 pm) and Fri December 18 (4 to 7 pm), 2026, at Ghirardelli Square. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.

How much is Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration in Santa Rosa?

Free. Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration is on Friday, November 27, 2026 at Old Courthouse Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is WinterFest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo?

Park admission required; food and some activities cost extra. WinterFest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select nights, check the park calendar) at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 2026 Holiday Tree Lighting in San Francisco?

Free, RSVP appreciated. 2026 Holiday Tree Lighting is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 4 to 6 pm at Yerba Buena Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Dickens Street Faire in Elk Grove?

Free. Dickens Street Faire is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm at Old Town Elk Grove. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Elf in Concert in Los Angeles?

Ticketed; prices on the LA Phil site. Elf in Concert is on Sat November 28 (8 pm) and Sun November 29 (2 pm), 2026 at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is HolidayLights at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield?

Adults 13+ $19, youth 3 to 12 $16, ages 2 and under free. HolidayLights at CALM Zoo is on Saturday, November 28, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (nightly, closed Dec 25), 5:30 pm at CALM Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is San Diego Made Holiday Market in San Diego?

$5 presale, $6 at the door, kids under 10 free. San Diego Made Holiday Market is on Sat November 28 (10 am to 5 pm) and Sun November 29 (10 am to 4 pm), 2026 at NTC Park at Liberty Station. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Claus and Chug-a-Bug Train at Lincoln Center in Stockton?

Not stated on the page. Santa Claus and Chug-a-Bug Train at Lincoln Center is on Sat November 28, Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 11 am to 2 pm at Lincoln Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa at The Pines (HolidayLights) in Bakersfield?

Included with HolidayLights admission ($16 to $19). Santa at The Pines (HolidayLights) is on Saturday, November 28, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (nightly; Sun to Thu 5:45 to 8:45 pm, Fri and Sat 5:45 to 9:45 pm), 5:45 pm at CALM Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa's Riverboat Arrival in Petaluma?

Free. Santa's Riverboat Arrival is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at River Plaza Shopping Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Surfin' Santa Arrival in San Diego?

Free. Surfin' Santa Arrival is on Saturday, November 28, 2026 at Seaport Village. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Hollywood Christmas Parade in Los Angeles?

Free curbside viewing, reserved grandstand seats are sold. Hollywood Christmas Parade is on Sunday, November 29, 2026 at Hollywood Boulevard parade route. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa's Arrival and Lighting Ceremony in Mission Viejo?

Not stated on the page. Santa's Arrival and Lighting Ceremony is on Sunday, November 29, 2026, 3 to 6 pm at Civic Center Plaza. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Lighting Celebration at Huntington Park in San Francisco?

Free. Holiday Lighting Celebration at Huntington Park is on Monday, November 30, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Huntington Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Baby Steps with Santa at Pretend City in Irvine?

$12 per adult, babies 0 to 18 months free. Baby Steps with Santa at Pretend City is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 8 to 9:30 am at Pretend City Children's Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is City of Lights Driving Tour in Petaluma?

Free. City of Lights Driving Tour is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (map available Dec 1; houses decorated until Jan 1, 2027) at Self-guided tour of Petaluma neighborhoods. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Daily Snowfall on the Brickwalk in Stockton?

Not stated on the page. Daily Snowfall on the Brickwalk is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (nightly), 5 to 9 pm at Lincoln Center Brickwalk. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Tree Lighting with Taste of San Gabriel in San Gabriel?

No admission price listed; restaurants offer free samples. Holiday Tree Lighting with Taste of San Gabriel is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6 to 8:30 pm at Plaza Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is All About the Christmas Tree in Maywood?

Free. All About the Christmas Tree is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Maywood Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Carolers & Crafts in Villa Park?

Free. Carolers & Crafts is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 5 to 6 pm at Villa Park Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Festival at Hotel del Coronado in Coronado?

Open to all, ice skating is a separate activity. Holiday Festival at Hotel del Coronado is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 4 to 9 pm at Hotel del Coronado. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Home Visits in Bakersfield?

Free, reservation required. Santa Home Visits is on Wed December 2, Thu December 3, Fri December 4, Wed December 9, Thu December 10, Fri December 11, Wed December 16, Thu December 17 and Fri December 18, 2026, 5:30 to 9 pm at North of the River Recreation and Park District (in-home visits). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Storytime and craft in San Jose?

Free. Santa Storytime and craft is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Almaden Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in La Crescenta?

Free. Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 5:30 to 7:15 pm at La Crescenta Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winterfest in Sacramento?

Free. Winterfest is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 3:30 to 5 pm at Arden-Dimick Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Activity: LEGOs and Holiday Ornaments in San Francisco?

Free, drop-in. Activity: LEGOs and Holiday Ornaments is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 4 to 4:45 pm at North Beach Branch Library, Community Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is DIY Holiday Cards (Ages 6 to 12) in Camarillo?

Free. DIY Holiday Cards (Ages 6 to 12) is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 3 to 4:30 pm at Camarillo Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Downtown Holiday Celebration: Christmas Tree Lighting in Roseville?

Free. Downtown Holiday Celebration: Christmas Tree Lighting is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6 to 8 pm at Vernon Street Town Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Downtown Oxnard Tree Lighting and Holiday Market in Oxnard?

Admission not listed. Downtown Oxnard Tree Lighting and Holiday Market is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 9 pm at Plaza Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Handprint Holiday Trees in Waterford?

Free. Handprint Holiday Trees is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 3 pm at Waterford Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is PIER 39 Tree Lighting in San Francisco?

Free. PIER 39 Tree Lighting is on Thursday, December 3, 2026 at PIER 39 Entrance Plaza. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest in Palm Springs?

Free. Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest is on Thu December 3, Thu December 10, Thu December 17, Thu December 24 and Thu December 31, 2026 at Palm Springs VillageFest. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Sunset Holiday Gift Markets & Tree Lighting in Oceanside?

Free. Sunset Holiday Gift Markets & Tree Lighting is on Thu December 3, Thu December 10 and Thu December 17, 2026, 5 to 9 pm at Sunset Market, Pier View Way and Coast Highway. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

When is Tree Lighting Ceremony in Fontana in 2026?

Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6 pm, at Miller Park Amphitheater. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.

How much is Tree Lighting Ceremony in Brea?

Free. Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6:30 to 9 pm at Brea Civic & Cultural Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 34th Annual Festival of Trees in Lodi?

Children 2 to 12 $5, ages 13 and up $15, Friday preview $8. 34th Annual Festival of Trees is on Fri December 4 (1 to 4 pm), Sat December 5 (10 am to 4 pm) and Sun December 6 (10 am to 4 pm), 2026 at San Joaquin County Historical Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Christmas Carol (2026) in Long Beach?

Ticketed (see Playhouse box office). A Christmas Carol (2026) is on Fri December 4 (8 pm), Sat December 5 (8 pm), Sun December 6 (2 pm), Thu December 10 (8 pm), Fri December 11 (8 pm), Sat December 12 (8 pm), Sun December 13 (2 pm), Thu December 17 (8 pm), Fri December 18 (8 pm), Sat December 19 (8 pm) and Sun December 20 (2 pm), 2026 at Long Beach Playhouse Mainstage. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Very Merry Fred Astaire Holiday Celebration in Petaluma?

$20 admission, ages 3 to 12 $10, under 3 free with a participating parent. A Very Merry Fred Astaire Holiday Celebration is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 7:30 to 9 pm at Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Balboa Park December Nights in San Diego?

Free. Balboa Park December Nights is on Fri December 4 (4 to 10 pm) and Sat December 5 (noon to 10 pm), 2026 at Balboa Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting in Buena Park?

Not stated on the page. Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Buena Park City Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Tree Lighting in Old Town Tustin in Tustin?

Not stated on the page. Christmas Tree Lighting in Old Town Tustin is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 6 to 8:30 pm at Old Town Tustin. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Palm Springs?

Free cookies and cocoa; admission not listed. City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 5:15 pm at Frances Stevens Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Community Christmas Tree Lighting in Folsom?

Free; ice skating is a separate ticket. Community Christmas Tree Lighting is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 6 to 9 pm at Historic Folsom Ice Rink Plaza and Sutter Street. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in Coronado?

Free. Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting is on Friday, December 4, 2026 at Orange Avenue to Rotary Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade in Santa Barbara?

Not stated on the event page. Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 6:30 pm at State Street (Arlington Theatre to Ortega Street). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Wonderland in San Diego?

$18 kids, $25 adults (varies by date and time). Holiday Wonderland is on Friday, December 4, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (select dates), 4 pm at Petco Park, Gallagher Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Home for the Holidays in Bakersfield?

$41.20 to $66.95; children 12 and under $25.75 in select tiers. Home for the Holidays is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 5:30 pm at Dignity Health Theater. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Let's Glow SF in San Francisco?

Free. Let's Glow SF is on Friday, December 4, 2026 to Sunday, December 13, 2026 (nightly, opening night 7 to 10 pm), 5:30 to 10 pm at Downtown San Francisco (Ferry Building and other buildings). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Little Explorers: Wonderful Winter! in Campbell?

Free, limited capacity. Little Explorers: Wonderful Winter! is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Campbell Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Nutcracker in San Francisco?

Ticketed. Nutcracker is on Fri December 4 (7 pm), Sat December 5 (2 to 7 pm), Sun December 6 (2 to 7 pm), Tue December 8 (6 pm), Wed December 9 (6 pm), Thu December 10 (6 pm), Fri December 11 (2 to 7 pm), Sat December 12 (2 to 7 pm), Sun December 13 (2 to 7 pm), Tue December 15 (7 pm), Wed December 16 (2 to 7 pm), Thu December 17 (2 to 7 pm), Fri December 18 (2 to 7 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 7 pm), Sun December 20 (2 to 7 pm), Tue December 22 (2 to 7 pm), Wed December 23 (2 to 7 pm), Thu December 24 (11 am to 4 pm), Sat December 26 (2 to 7 pm) and Sun December 27 (11 am to 4 pm), 2026 at War Memorial Opera House. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

When is Old Fashioned Christmas in Elk Grove in 2026?

Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Fri December 18 and Sun December 20, 2026, 3 to 7 pm, at Elk Grove Historical Society museum and grounds. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.

How much is Photos with Santa at The Marketplace in Bakersfield?

Free to visit; free 5x7 photo with $35 Marketplace purchase. Photos with Santa at The Marketplace is on Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Fri December 18, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, noon to 4 pm at The Marketplace. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Pictures with Santa in Fontana?

Free. Pictures with Santa is on Fri December 4 (5 to 7 pm) and Sat December 5 (10 am to noon), 2026 at Jessie Turner Center, Heritage Center and Don Day Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Big Red Christmas Market in Murrieta?

Not stated on the event page. The Big Red Christmas Market is on Fri December 4 (4 to 9 pm), Sat December 5 (11 am to 4 pm) and Sun December 6 (11 am to 4 pm), 2026 at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Tree Lighting Ceremony in Milpitas?

Free. Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 7 to 9 pm at Milpitas Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 2026 Model Train Show in Turlock?

$10 daily admission, kids under 12 free with a paid adult. 2026 Model Train Show is on Sat December 5 (10 am to 4 pm) and Sun December 6 (10 am to 3 pm), 2026 at Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 30th Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Market at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach?

Listed as a free event. 30th Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Market at Crystal Cove is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 6 pm at Crystal Cove State Park Historic District. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 45th Annual Lighted Boat Parade in Stockton?

Free. 45th Annual Lighted Boat Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 pm at Weber Point Events Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

When is 62nd Annual Starlight Parade and Festival in Chula Vista in 2026?

Saturday, December 5, 2026, at Memorial Park. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.

How much is Annual Lighting Ceremony and Winterfest on Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena?

Free. Annual Lighting Ceremony and Winterfest on Christmas Tree Lane is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 9 pm at Christmas Tree Lane. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pretend City in Irvine?

Included with museum admission. Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pretend City is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am to 1 pm at Pretend City Children's Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Belmont Shore Christmas Parade in Long Beach?

Free. Belmont Shore Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6 to 9 pm at 2nd Street, Belmont Shore. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast With Santa in Roseville?

$20 per attendee. Breakfast With Santa is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8 am at Mahany Fitness Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Cupertino?

$18 residents, $23 non-residents; under 2 free. Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8:30 to 11:15 am at Quinlan Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Elk Grove?

$5 kids 2 to 12, $10 ages 13 and up, under 2 free; $50 per table of 8. Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8 to 10:45 am at Gil Albiani Recreation Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Rancho Cordova?

$5 per person ages 2 and up. Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 to 10 am at Neil Orchard Senior Activities Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Modesto?

$10 per person, children 2 and under free. Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8 to 11:30 am at Modesto Senior Citizens Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade in Calistoga?

Free. Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 7 to 8 pm at Lincoln Avenue, Downtown Calistoga. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Carol of Lights Celebration in Campbell?

Free. Carol of Lights Celebration is on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at Downtown Campbell. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Carols for Kids in Los Angeles?

Ticketed; price not listed on the page. Carols for Kids is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am to noon at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade in Modesto?

Not stated on the page. Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:30 pm at Downtown Modesto, 14th and I Street. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Celebration: Holiday Crafting Party in San Francisco?

Free, drop-in. Celebration: Holiday Crafting Party is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm at North Beach Branch Library, Community Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Children's Electric Christmas Parade in Clovis?

Free. Children's Electric Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6:30 pm at Old Town Clovis. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Parade in Napa?

Free. Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Downtown Napa (Second, Brown and Third streets). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade in Palm Springs?

Free. City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:45 pm at Palm Canyon Drive (from Ramon Road). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Downtown Petaluma Holiday Shopping Stroll in Petaluma?

Free. Downtown Petaluma Holiday Shopping Stroll is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am to 5 pm at Downtown Petaluma. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Family Fun: Holiday Card Making in Stanton?

Free. Family Fun: Holiday Card Making is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Stanton Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Fratello Marionettes: The North Pole Review in Saratoga?

Free. Fratello Marionettes: The North Pole Review is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 to 11:30 am at Saratoga Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Windsor Regional Library) in Windsor?

Free, registration required. Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Windsor Regional Library) is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10:15 am to 3 pm at Windsor Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Lamplight Tours in Bakersfield?

$10, ages 3 and up. Holiday Lamplight Tours is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:30 to 9 pm at Kern County Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Pops: Celebrate the Season in Stockton?

Tickets required, price not shown. Holiday Pops: Celebrate the Season is on Sat December 5 (6 pm) and Sun December 6 (2:30 pm), 2026 at Atherton Auditorium. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting in Livermore?

Free. Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6 pm at First Street, Downtown Livermore. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Tree Lighting in San Fernando?

Free photos with Santa. Holiday Tree Lighting is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 9 pm at Downtown San Fernando. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Moreno Valley?

Free. Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Moreno Valley City Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holidays in the Village: A European Marketplace in Thousand Oaks?

Free. Holidays in the Village: A European Marketplace is on Sat December 5 (11 am to 8 pm) and Sun December 6 (noon to 6 pm), 2026 at The Oaks. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holidayz at the Park Palm Court Light Display in Irvine?

Not stated on the 2026 page. Holidayz at the Park Palm Court Light Display is on Saturday, December 5, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily from dusk to 9 pm) at Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

When is Hometown Holiday Celebration in Pleasanton in 2026?

Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 pm, at Main Street, Downtown Pleasanton (Museum on Main). The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.

How much is Illuminate Irvine in Irvine?

Not stated on the 2026 page. Illuminate Irvine is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 8 pm at Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Light Up the Square Tree Lighting Celebration in Petaluma?

Free. Light Up the Square Tree Lighting Celebration is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6 to 8 pm at Theatre Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village in San Diego?

Free. Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village is on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at Piazza della Famiglia. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Los Gatos Children's Christmas and Holidays Parade in Los Gatos?

Free. Los Gatos Children's Christmas and Holidays Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am at Downtown Los Gatos. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Makers Market 2026 in Los Angeles?

Saturday with $12 museum admission; Sunday pay what you wish; workshop free. Makers Market 2026 is on Sat December 5 and Sun December 6, 2026, 11 am to 5 pm at Craft Contemporary. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Milk & Cookies With Santa in Roseville?

$18 per attendee. Milk & Cookies With Santa is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4:30 pm at Mahany Fitness Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Montrose Christmas Parade in Glendale?

No admission price listed. Montrose Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6:10 pm at Honolulu Avenue, Montrose. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade in Goleta?

Free. Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6 to 9 pm at Hollister Avenue, Old Town Goleta. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Oxnard Tamale Festival in Oxnard?

Admission not listed. Oxnard Tamale Festival is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 6 pm at Plaza Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is SWEA San Francisco's Christmas Fair in San Francisco?

$10 adults, $5 children and seniors. SWEA San Francisco's Christmas Fair is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 3 pm at Saint Mary's Cathedral. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Breakfast in Bakersfield?

$10; ages 2 and under free. Santa Breakfast is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8:30 to 10 am at Rasmussen Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Magic at The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert?

Lawn festivities free; photo with Santa $25. Santa Magic at The Gardens on El Paseo is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 2 pm at The Gardens on El Paseo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Snow Day in Riverside?

Cost varies; sledding sessions sold separately. Snow Day is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to noon at Bordwell Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Sunset Holiday Mercantile in San Francisco?

Free. Sunset Holiday Mercantile is on Sat December 5 and Sun December 6, 2026, 11 am to 5 pm at San Francisco County Fair Building. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker (Goleta School of Ballet) in Santa Barbara?

General admission; price not listed. The Nutcracker (Goleta School of Ballet) is on Sat December 5 and Sun December 6, 2026, 3 pm at Marjorie Luke Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Gift-Making Workshop: Clay Animals and Shadow Box Sculpture in Santa Barbara?

$140 members, $160 non-members. Winter Gift-Making Workshop: Clay Animals and Shadow Box Sculpture is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 3 pm at SBMA Art Studio at The Downtown Club. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Wonderland in Sacramento?

$15 advance, $18 day of; under 2 free. Winter Wonderland is on Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 1 to 7 pm at Fairytale Town. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter in the Grove in Garden Grove?

Not stated on the page. Winter in the Grove is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 7 pm at Village Green Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Anaheim Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Anaheim in Anaheim?

Not stated on the page. Anaheim Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Anaheim is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 6 to 6:30 pm at Anaheim City Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit at Heritage Square in Oxnard?

Free exhibit; weekend house tours $5 per person. Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit at Heritage Square is on Sunday, December 6, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (select dates or by appointment; chapel through Dec 17, then Centennial Plaza), 11 am to 2 pm at Heritage Square Hall and Centennial Plaza. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Caring Santa at The Collection in Oxnard?

Reservations available online; price not listed. Caring Santa at The Collection is on Sun December 6 and Sun December 13, 2026, 10 to 11:30 am at The Collection at RiverPark. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Deck the Hall Holiday Concert in San Francisco?

Ticketed, kids' tickets half price. Deck the Hall Holiday Concert is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3:30 pm at Davies Symphony Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Lights in Downtown El Cajon in El Cajon?

Free. Holiday Lights in Downtown El Cajon is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 to 7 pm at Prescott Promenade, Downtown El Cajon. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival in San Diego?

Free. La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1 to 5 pm at La Jolla Recreation Center and Girard Avenue. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is North Pole By The Sea in Del Mar?

Free to attend, food and drinks for sale. North Pole By The Sea is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1 to 5 pm at Del Mar Village. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting in Anaheim?

No admission price listed. Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1 to 6 pm at Center Street Promenade and Anaheim City Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Sensory Santa at Weberstown Mall in Stockton?

Not stated on the page. Sensory Santa at Weberstown Mall is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 9:30 to 10:30 am at Mershops Weberstown Mall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall in Clovis?

Free. Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 6:30 pm at Clovis Civic Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House in Santa Monica?

Free. Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 4 to 6:30 pm at Fairview Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting 2026 in Long Beach?

Free, tickets required. Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting 2026 is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Terrace Theater Plaza. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Pet Photos with Santa in Stockton?

Photo packages available for purchase. Pet Photos with Santa is on Mon December 7 and Mon December 14, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Mershops Weberstown Mall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa in Altadena?

Free. Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 4 to 4:45 pm at Bob Lucas Memorial Library & Literacy Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train in Kingsburg?

Free, in-person sign-up required. Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train is on Tue December 8 and Tue December 15, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Kingsburg Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Neighborhood Santa in Roseville?

Free. Neighborhood Santa is on Tue December 8, Wed December 9, Thu December 10, Tue December 15, Wed December 16 and Thu December 17, 2026 at Roseville neighborhoods (see route maps). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Origami Ornaments in Hughson?

Free. Origami Ornaments is on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 4 pm at Hughson Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Storytime: Holiday Fun for Kids in Camarillo?

Free. Santa Storytime: Holiday Fun for Kids is on Tue December 8 and Tue December 15, 2026, 5:30 to 7 pm at Camarillo Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Crafty Hands: Gumball Ornament in Villa Park?

Free. Crafty Hands: Gumball Ornament is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Villa Park Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Family Gingerbread House Making in Lawndale?

Free. Family Gingerbread House Making is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Lawndale Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Oxnard Santa Float Tours in Oxnard?

Not stated. Oxnard Santa Float Tours is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026 to Friday, December 18, 2026 (evenings; route changes each night) at Oxnard neighborhoods (route varies nightly). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas in San Francisco?

Ticketed, kids' tickets half price. Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas is on Thu December 10 and Fri December 11, 2026, 7:30 pm at Davies Symphony Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Mini Canvas Ornaments in Stanton?

Free. Mini Canvas Ornaments is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Stanton Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Montclair Village Holiday Stroll in Oakland?

Free admission; Santa photos $35. Montclair Village Holiday Stroll is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 4 to 8 pm at Montclair Village. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Riverdale: Santa Visit in Riverdale?

Free. Riverdale: Santa Visit is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Riverdale Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Visit from Santa Claus! in San Jose?

Free. Visit from Santa Claus! is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Vineland Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Central West Ballet: The Nutcracker in Modesto?

Tickets required, price not shown. Central West Ballet: The Nutcracker is on Fri December 11 (7 pm), Sat December 12 (2 to 7 pm), Sun December 13 (2 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 7 pm) and Sun December 20 (2 pm), 2026 at Gallo Center for the Arts. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Oak Farm Christmas Stroll, Family Nights in Lodi?

$25 general admission, $35 with ice skating. Oak Farm Christmas Stroll, Family Nights is on Fri December 11 and Sat December 12, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Oak Farm Vineyards. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa's Workshop in Roseville?

$18, includes one adult and one child. Santa's Workshop is on Friday, December 11, 2026, 3:30 to 5:45 pm at Maidu Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker in Bakersfield?

Ticketed, prices on AXS. The Nutcracker is on Fri December 11 (7:30 pm), Sat December 12 (1 to 7:30 pm) and Sun December 13 (1 pm), 2026 at Dignity Health Theater. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker: Symphony of Lights in Los Angeles?

$49 to $79. The Nutcracker: Symphony of Lights is on Friday, December 11, 2026, 7 pm at Wilshire Ebell Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Bash Family Party at MoChiMu in Modesto?

$5 per person for members, $20 for non-members. Winter Bash Family Party at MoChiMu is on Friday, December 11, 2026, 6 to 8:30 pm at Modesto Children's Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Festival and Santa Visit in San Jose?

Free. Winter Festival and Santa Visit is on Friday, December 11, 2026, 3:30 to 5:30 pm at Tully Community Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade in Oildale?

Free. 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am at North Chester Avenue parade route. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 60th Annual Parade of Lights and Holiday Market in Oxnard?

Free pictures with Santa; other costs not listed. 60th Annual Parade of Lights and Holiday Market is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, noon to 9 pm at Channel Islands Harbor (Harbor View Park). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade in Fresno?

Free to watch along the route; VIP tent tickets sold separately. 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 5:30 pm at Fulton Street, Downtown Fresno. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of Trains in Santa Barbara?

Free admission for visitors who mention "Trains" at the front kiosk. All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of Trains is on Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm at Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Riverside?

Free. Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am at Hunt Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Tustin in Tustin?

Not stated on the page. Breakfast with Santa in Tustin is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 am to noon at Community Center at The Market Place. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace in Riverside?

Free, reservations required. Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 8 to 11 am at Orange Terrace Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook Clubhouse in Riverside?

$10 per adult; free for ages 15 and under with a paid adult (up to 5 children). Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook Clubhouse is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am at Springbrook Clubhouse. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa, Villegas Park in Riverside?

$5 per adult (18+); free for ages 17 and under. Breakfast with Santa, Villegas Park is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 am to noon at Villegas Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Candy Caneland and Craft Fair in Buena Park?

Free. Candy Caneland and Craft Fair is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm at Ehlers Event Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cathedral City SnowFest in Cathedral City?

Free. Cathedral City SnowFest is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Downtown Cathedral City. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Fair at the Russian Center in San Francisco?

Tickets sold online and at the event, see the host page. Christmas Fair at the Russian Center is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1 to 4 pm at Russian Center of San Francisco. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and Festival in Desert Hot Springs?

Free. City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and Festival is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at City of Desert Hot Springs. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Classic Holiday Movies on Ice in Goleta?

$20 upstairs seating, $30 on-ice seating (per local listing). Classic Holiday Movies on Ice is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, noon to 6 pm at Ice in Paradise. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cookies with Mrs. Claus in Stockton?

Not stated on the page. Cookies with Mrs. Claus is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1 to 2 pm at Mershops Weberstown Mall, JCPenney Court. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Fairy Winterland in Oakland?

$21 children, $23 adults, $20 seniors; members $10.50 children, $11.50 adults. Fairy Winterland is on Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19, Sun December 20, Sat December 26 and Sun December 27, 2026, noon to 7 pm at Children's Fairyland. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball Bash in Stanton?

Free. Family Fun: Hot Cocoa & Snowball Bash is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Stanton Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Festival of Christmas at Petaluma Valley Baptist Church in Petaluma?

Free. Festival of Christmas at Petaluma Valley Baptist Church is on Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 4 to 8 pm at Petaluma Valley Baptist Church. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Festival of Winter in Fontana?

Free. Festival of Winter is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 am to 4 pm at Miller Park Amphitheater. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Petaluma Regional Library) in Petaluma?

Free, ticketed timed entry. Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Petaluma Regional Library) is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Petaluma Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta?

Free. Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios is on Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026 at Old Town Artisan Studios. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Spectacular in San Jose?

Ticketed. Holiday Spectacular is on Sat December 12 (2:30 to 7:30 pm) and Sun December 13 (2:30 pm), 2026 at California Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday in the Village in La Mesa?

Free. Holiday in the Village is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at La Mesa Village. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Live in Concert (Rady Shell) in San Diego?

Ticketed, price on the symphony ticket page. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Live in Concert (Rady Shell) is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 6 pm at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade in Redondo Beach?

No ticket price listed for shoreline viewing. King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 3:30 to 7 pm at King Harbor. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Magical Holiday at Magical Bridge Playground & Photos with Santa in Morgan Hill?

Cost not listed. Magical Holiday at Magical Bridge Playground & Photos with Santa is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 3 to 5 pm at Magical Bridge Playground. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Makers Arcade Holiday Fair 2026 in San Diego?

$5 presale or $6 at the door, kids under 10 free. Makers Arcade Holiday Fair 2026 is on Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm at Broadway Pier. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade in Marina del Rey?

No ticket price listed for shoreline viewing. Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 4 to 8 pm at Burton Chace Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Navidad En Mexico in La Mirada?

Ticketed, prices at the box office. Navidad En Mexico is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2 to 7 pm at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade in Petaluma?

Not stated. Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 5:30 pm at Petaluma Turning Basin. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Poway's Christmas in the Park in Poway?

Free admission. Poway's Christmas in the Park is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Old Poway Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Reedley: Visit with Santa in Reedley?

Free. Reedley: Visit with Santa is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to noon at Reedley Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Sausalito 39th Annual Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks in Sausalito?

Free, paid reserved seating available. Sausalito 39th Annual Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 6 to 7:15 pm at Gabrielson Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Sensory with Santa at BFYIC in Riverside?

Free. Sensory with Santa at BFYIC is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am at Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Storytime with Mrs. Claus in Stockton?

Not stated on the page. Storytime with Mrs. Claus is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 am to noon at Mershops Weberstown Mall, Tiny Library near LensCrafters. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker, Long Beach Ballet in Long Beach?

Ticketed. The Nutcracker, Long Beach Ballet is on Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026 at Long Beach Terrace Theater. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Visit with Santa (In-Person) in San Jose?

Free. Visit with Santa (In-Person) is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1 to 2 pm at Alum Rock Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is WEE Explore the North Pole in San Jose?

Free. WEE Explore the North Pole is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Educational Park Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Open House in Riverside?

Free. Christmas Open House is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, noon to 4 pm at Heritage House. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Tree Lane in Oxnard?

Walk or drive through; price not listed. Christmas Tree Lane is on Sunday, December 13, 2026 to Sunday, December 27, 2026 (nightly) at Christmas Tree Lane, Henry T. Oxnard Historic District. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Sonoma Valley Regional Library) in Sonoma?

Free, registration required. Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Sonoma Valley Regional Library) is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 2:30 to 4:30 pm at Sonoma Valley Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Festival at The Muckenthaler in Fullerton?

Free entry and free parking. Holiday Festival at The Muckenthaler is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, noon to 4 pm at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Merry Pixie Pages in Los Altos?

Free. Merry Pixie Pages is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 11:30 am to noon at Woodland Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is San Diego Bay Parade of Lights in San Diego?

Free to watch. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is on Sun December 13 and Sun December 20, 2026, 5:30 pm at San Diego Bayfront, Embarcadero. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Barbara Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland in Santa Barbara?

Not stated on the city listing. Santa Barbara Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 2 to 7:30 pm at Santa Barbara Harbor and City Pier. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Sunday at the Haggin Museum in Stockton?

Free for members and children 9 and under; youth 10 to 17 $5, seniors $7, adults $8. Santa Sunday at the Haggin Museum is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, noon to 3 pm at Haggin Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Bilingual Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids in Santa Rosa?

Free, registration required. Bilingual Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 3:15 to 4 pm at Roseland Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Carolers & Crafts in Stanton?

Free. Carolers & Crafts is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 5 to 6 pm at Stanton Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Family Movie Night: The Polar Express in Salida?

Free. Family Movie Night: The Polar Express is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 5:30 pm at Salida Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Mini Snow Globes in Riverbank?

Free. Mini Snow Globes is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 3:30 pm at Riverbank Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Ornament Decorating in Newman?

Free. Winter Ornament Decorating is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Newman Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cookie Decorating in Santa Clarita?

Free, while supplies last. Cookie Decorating is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Valencia Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night in Fowler?

Free. Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Fowler Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Family Storytime in Bellflower?

Free. Holiday Family Storytime is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Clifton M. Brakensiek Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet in Palm Desert?

Tickets from $59. The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026 at McCallum Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Visit with Santa Claus in San Jose?

Free. Visit with Santa Claus is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Santa Teresa Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread Man in Riverside?

Free. Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread Man is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, noon to 5 pm at Arlanza Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cookie Decorating in Ceres?

Free. Cookie Decorating is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 4 pm at Ceres Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Central Santa Rosa Library) in Santa Rosa?

Free, registration required. Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids (Central Santa Rosa Library) is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Central Santa Rosa Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cookie Decorating at El Toro Library in Lake Forest?

Free, no registration. Cookie Decorating at El Toro Library is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at El Toro Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Elf in Concert in San Francisco?

Ticketed, kids' tickets half price. Elf in Concert is on Fri December 18 (7:30 pm), Sat December 19 (2 pm) and Sun December 20 (2 pm), 2026 at Davies Symphony Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread House Factory in Roseville?

Ticketed per house (up to 5 guests); extra house $25. Gingerbread House Factory is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 5 to 6:30 pm at Mahany Fitness Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Jungle Bells in San Diego?

Included with zoo admission. Jungle Bells is on Friday, December 18, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily; zoo open until 8 pm) at San Diego Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker in Los Angeles?

Ticketed, prices on the ballet site. Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker is on Fri December 18 (7:30 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 7:30 pm), Sun December 20 (2 to 7:30 pm), Tue December 22 (2 to 7:30 pm), Wed December 23 (2 to 7:30 pm), Thu December 24 (2 pm), Sat December 26 (2 to 7:30 pm) and Sun December 27 (2 pm), 2026 at Dolby Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Merry Little Market in Temecula?

Free entry. Merry Little Market is on Friday, December 18, 2026 to Sunday, December 20, 2026 (Fri Dec 18 from 10 am through Sun Dec 20 until 7 pm), 10 am to 7 pm at Promenade Temecula. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Noel Noel (Rady Shell) in San Diego?

Ticketed, price on the symphony ticket page. Noel Noel (Rady Shell) is on Fri December 18 (7:30 pm), Sat December 19 (6 pm) and Sun December 20 (4:30 pm), 2026 at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs?

Ticketed; kids 5 and under free; train ride, s'mores and food sold separately. Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum is on Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20 and Mon December 21, 2026, 6 to 9 pm at Palm Springs Air Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is T'was the Night Before... Cookies & Cocoa in Riverside?

$5 per person. T'was the Night Before... Cookies & Cocoa is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 6 to 8 pm at La Sierra Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Activity: SF Ballet's Nutcracker Oral History and Chair Dance Class in San Francisco?

Free, drop-in. Activity: SF Ballet's Nutcracker Oral History and Chair Dance Class is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11 am to 12:30 pm at Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Community Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker in Oakland?

Ticketed; optional Sweet Dreams Party add-on. Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker is on Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 1 pm at Paramount Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Sing-Along in Los Angeles?

Ticketed; prices on the LA Phil site. Holiday Sing-Along is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo in San Diego?

Included with zoo admission or membership. Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo is on Saturday, December 19, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily except Dec 24; member preview Dec 18; Santa's Factory opens Nov 28) at San Diego Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Mike Della Penna: Winter Magic Show in Saratoga?

Free. Mike Della Penna: Winter Magic Show is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11 to 11:45 am at Saratoga Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Music Matinee: Opus Handbells in Stockton?

Included with regular museum admission. Music Matinee: Opus Handbells is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1:30 to 2:30 pm at Haggin Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Central Santa Rosa Library) in Santa Rosa?

Free. Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Central Santa Rosa Library) is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2:30 to 3 pm at Central Santa Rosa Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Northwest Santa Rosa Library) in Santa Rosa?

Free. Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Northwest Santa Rosa Library) is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 4 to 4:30 pm at Northwest Santa Rosa Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit the Library! in San Jose?

Free. Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit the Library! is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at West Valley Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Snowed in at the Library in La Quinta?

Free. Snowed in at the Library is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10:30 am to 1 pm at La Quinta Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker Tutu Suite in Santa Barbara?

General admission; price not listed. The Nutcracker Tutu Suite is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1:30 pm at Marjorie Luke Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Workshop: Parol Making in San Francisco?

Free, drop-in. Workshop: Parol Making is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1 to 3 pm at Richmond/Senator Milton Marks Branch Library, Meeting Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Petaluma Regional Library) in Petaluma?

Free. Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Petaluma Regional Library) is on Sunday, December 20, 2026, 2:30 to 3 pm at Petaluma Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Roseland Regional Library) in Santa Rosa?

Free. Santa Rosa Symphony: Caroling with the Symphony (Roseland Regional Library) is on Sunday, December 20, 2026, 4 to 4:30 pm at Roseland Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cozy Winter Party (Ages 0 to 6) in Camarillo?

Free. Cozy Winter Party (Ages 0 to 6) is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Camarillo Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is West Fresno Branch: Christmas Movie Marathon in Fresno?

Free. West Fresno Branch: Christmas Movie Marathon is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 11 am to 4 pm at West Fresno Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Activity: Nutcracker Storytime in San Francisco?

Free, drop-in. Activity: Nutcracker Storytime is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 10:15 to 11:15 am at Merced Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Cookie Decorating in Fountain Valley?

Free. Holiday Cookie Decorating is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 11 am to noon at Fountain Valley Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holly Jolly Pops with the SF Symphony in San Francisco?

Ticketed, kids' tickets half price. Holly Jolly Pops with the SF Symphony is on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 7:30 pm at Davies Symphony Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon in Riverside?

Free. Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon is on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 10 am to 6 pm at Orange Terrace Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Animal Crafts in Costa Mesa?

Free. Winter Animal Crafts is on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Character Nights at HolidayLights in Bakersfield?

Included with HolidayLights admission ($16 to $19). Character Nights at HolidayLights is on Sat December 26, Sun December 27, Mon December 28, Tue December 29 and Wed December 30, 2026, 5:30 pm at CALM Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker in San Diego?

Ticketed, see the company ticket page. World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker is on Saturday, December 26, 2026 at Balboa Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Decorating Places in Pasadena?

Paid tickets, free for children 5 and under. Decorating Places is on Mon December 28 (11 am to 4 pm), Tue December 29 (9 am to 4 pm) and Wed December 30 (10 am to 5 pm), 2026 at Rosemont Pavilion. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Stories in Kamishibai in Oakland?

Free. Winter Stories in Kamishibai is on Tuesday, December 29, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Rockridge Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Countdown in Wonderland in Oakland?

Included with general admission; members free. Countdown in Wonderland is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm at Children's Fairyland. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in California?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our California Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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