The winter holidays are here, and Bay Area parks and outdoor venues are full of opportunities to enjoy twinkling lights and large scale-illuminated displays, tree lightings, hot cocoas or toddies, live music and caroling.
Check out The Chronicle’s guide to holiday light experiences, events and lit holiday-themed attractions available around the Bay Area this December.
Oakland Zoo Glowfari: A Wildly Illuminating Lantern Festival
Take an illuminated stroll and experience the decked-out zoo with larger-than-life glowing animal lanterns. Top off the evening visiting with Santa and a ride on the train through Winter Wonderland.
5-9 p.m. Nov. 18-23, 25-27 and 30; Dec. 1-23, and 26-31; Jan. 1-8, 11-15, 18-22 and 25-29. Through Jan. 29. $20-$24, reservationsrequired。Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. 510-632-9525.oaklandzoo.org
Glow: Discover the Art of Light
Luminous sculptures turn up the radiance as part of the Exploratorium’s seasonal expansion of its light-focused exhibition space. Explore the galleries for new light art byAnila Quayyum Agha,Craig NewswangerandSally Weber, along with returning favorites fromLuke Jerramand伯特利比亚问题。在Bechtel Gallery 3, splash in waves of light with “The Last Ocean,” Jen Lewin’s large-scale, luminescent landscape created from recycled ocean plastics.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; noon-5 pm. Sunday. Through Jan. 29. Included with museum admission; reservationsrequired。Exploratorium, Pier 15, S.F. 415-528-4444.exploratorium.edu
Holidays at Filoli: Let Inspiration Glow
The historic house and garden transforms into a festive environment with abundant holiday merriment. Lights are on during daytime and evening so visitors may experience the garden illuminated by twinkling lights and winter sun. As the sun sets, fire pits and holiday refreshments beckon. Santa Days are scheduled for select weekends.
Opens Saturday, Nov. 19. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Through Jan. 8. $33-$42, younger than 5 free; reservationsrequired。Filoli House and Garden, 6 Cañada Road, Woodside. 650-364-8300.filoli.org
Ruth Bancroft Garden of D’Lights
Using thousands of lights and lasers, the garden come alive at night as colorful displays are formed from hundreds of illuminated cacti, succulents and trees. Wander through meandering paths and experience the garden in a new way this holiday season.
Opens Nov. 25. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Through Jan. 8. $16-$28, under 5 free; reservationsrequired。Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. 925-515-1430.ruthbancroftgarden.org
Christmas Lights at Oakland’s Temple Hill
Enjoy a large-scale holiday lights installation with city views and scheduled theatrical, dance and live musical performances, including productions of “The Nutcracker,” a Handel’s “Messiah” sing-along and more.
Opens Nov. 25. 6-9 p.m. Monday; 9 a.m-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Through Dec. 31. Free. Temple Hill, 4770 Lincoln Ave., Oakland. 510-328-0044.templehill.org
Roaring Camp Holiday Lights Train
A seasonal tradition featuring a one-hour, round-trip ride adorned with thousands of colorful lights. Ride by festively lit homes in town and enjoy a holiday sing-along, live music, hot cider and a visit from Santa.
6:30 p.m. Nov. 25-26; 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m. Dec. 3-4, Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17-23. $30-$35. Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. 831-335-4484.roaringcamp.com
Annual Carousel Lighting Event and Ceremony
Join the Children’s Creativity Museum and the Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy for a holiday celebration with live, kid-friendly music, a performance by Kariktan Dance Company, light installations by SOMA Pilipinas, holiday crafts, cookies, free carousel rides and a sunset carousel-lighting ceremony.
4-6 p.m. Nov. 26. Free. Carousel Plaza, 221 Fourth St., S.F.creativity.org/special-events
Blinky’s Illuminated Holiday Magical Musical Drive-Thru
The synchronized light show, featuring over 100,000 lights, is set to favorite holiday tunes. A holiday fair food festival awaits visitors at the exit area.
Opens Nov. 26. 5-11 p.m. daily. Through Jan. 1. $30, per car; reservationsrequired。Lake Cunningham Park, 2305 S. White Road, San Jose. 888-212-3258.christmasinthepark.com
Ritz-Carlton San Francisco Holiday Tree Lighting
The public is invited to the hotel for its annual tree-lighting ceremony. Santa and a Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area child are scheduled to flip the switch for the 40-foot tree.
5:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Free. Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton St., S.F. 415-296-7465.ritzcarlton.com
Thrive City Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland will kick off with Thrive City’s annual tree lighting ceremony, featuring entertainment, seasonal treats, holiday photo ops, festive activities, branded giveaways and more. Live performances will include Journey member Neal Schon, singer-songwriter Teddy Swims, the San Francisco Philharmonic orchestra and more.
As part of the winter series, the Warriors will host a Holiday Spectacular Dec. 16-17, which will include snowfall, an artisan market, holiday treats, arts and crafts, live entertainment and holiday activities. On Dec. 18, celebrate the start of Hanukkah with the lighting an 11-foot-tall Menorah, a holiday sing-along, treats and more. In addition, on Dec. 31 attendees can celebrate the culture of Kwanzaa and close out the year with a Noon Year’s Eve Celebration featuring the music of Fela Kuti. Thrive City will ring in 2023 with live performances, a countdown at 11:59 p.m., holiday craft stations, treats and more.
Tree lighting 6 p.m. Nov. 30; Holiday Spectacular 4-6 p.m. Dec. 16 and 1-4 p.m. Dec. 17; Hanukkah event 4-6 p.m. Dec. 18; Kwanzaa celebration 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 31. Thrive City, 1 Warriors Way, S.F.chasecenter.com/thrivecity
Light Up the Holidays at Cornerstone Sonoma
On Nov. 30, the gardens will be lit up with white lights and Christmas magic as self-guided tours offer an opportunity to explore unique touches of seasonal cheer. Hot drinks and sweet treats will be available.
Tradition continues as Santa arrives onsite Dec. 3 to light Cornerstone’s “Snowman Tree.” Food trucks and Folktable Restaurant will offer custom menus. Sweet treats and cozy beverages including signature cocktails and wine will be available.
Garden lights 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 30; tree lighting 5-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Free, reservationsencouraged。Cornerstone Sonoma, 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. 707-933-3010.cornerstonesonoma.com
Sausalito Holiday by the Bay
Beginning Dec. 1 with a City Tree Lighting and ending with a community sing-along Dec. 23, the City of Sausalito’s massive holiday event series is back for its second year with more than 18 events, including Santa arriving by sea. The Lighted Boat Parade and fireworks at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 will feature a parade of brightly lit and decorated boats followed by a firework show over the Bay.
Dec. 1-23. Seewebsitefor schedule. Gabrielson Park, Anchor St. and Humboldt Ave., Sausalito.destinationsausalito.com
Jingle All the Way on JFK
The annual tree-lighting holiday event is set to include a snow play area, carnival rides, food trucks, live entertainment and a visit from Santa and his helpers. Enjoy public pianos, art installations and newly-installed activities along the car-free JFK promenade.
3-8 p.m. Dec. 1. Free. 501 Stanyan St., S.F. 415-831-2700.sfrecpark.org
‘Entwined’ in Golden Gate Park
Designed to celebrate the park’s 150th anniversary in 2020, San Francisco artist Charles Gadeken’s outdoor installation returns with twisting paths and shifting lights inspired by nature. Large, sculpted trees make illuminated canopies, surrounded by flowering LED light bushes to create an immersive environment.New to the installation’s 2022-23 season will be twice weekly live performances, new sculptural artworks and greater interactivity.
5-10 p.m. Dec. 1 and daily through March 12. Free. Peacock Meadow, Golden Gate Park, S.F. 415-621-3260.sanfranciscoparksalliance.org
Marin Country Mart Giving Tree Lighting
Help families in need withSide by Side Youthby taking a wish card to fulfill from the tree, and enjoy a festive lighting ceremony for the Mart’s annual Christmas tree.
5-7:30p.m。Dec. 1. Free. Marin Country Mart, 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle,Larkspur。marincountrymart.com
NorthernLights Art Walk
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts will transform its outdoor sculpture garden into a winter lights art walk. The opening reception will include live music, a visit from Clover Sonoma’s Clo the Cow, eggnog, hot chocolate, pretzels and coffee.
Opening reception, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 1; 5-9:30 p.m. daily. Through Jan. 1. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa.lutherburbankcenter.org
Walnut Creek Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting Celebration
The holiday season kick-off event will include live music, refreshments and a tree-lighting ceremony with Santa.
6-9 p.m. Dec. 1. 1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek.broadwayplaza.com
Let’s Glow SF 2022
A large-scale artistic video projection festival, sponsored byDowntownSF, is scheduled to return in 2022. It will feature10 nights of music and visual works from local and international artists, projected onto five Financial District buildings in celebration of the holiday season.
5-10 p.m. Dec. 2-11; lighting ceremony 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Free. 525 Market St., S.F. 415-634-2251.downtownsf.org
Holiday Lights:PresidioTraditional Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate the season with the lighting of a 55-foot-tall, living Norfolk Island pine. Enjoy a quiet moment with holiday lights, which will shine each night through December. Attendees are advised to bring a flashlight.
5p.m。Dec. 2.Free.PresidioMain Post, Lincoln Way andFunston Ave。,S.F。415-561-5300.presidio.gov
Fantasy of Lights Walk and Drive-Thru
A 1.5-mile walk or ride filled with holiday lights and large animated displays, featuring holiday music. With more than 50 themed installations and a 90-foot twinkling tree, the 24th annual event is bigger and responsibly bright, using environmentally friendly LED lighting.
Walk-through4-9 p.m. Dec. 3-4; drive-through 6-10 p.m. Dec. 6-30, closed Dec. 25. $10-$50, reservationsrequired。希尔Vasona郡公园,333年开花,洛杉矶Gatos. 408-355-2201.parks.sccgov.org
Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
The parade will feature marching bands, floats and more. After the parade there will be a tree-lighting ceremony with a visit from Santa and live entertainment.
5-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Main Street, downtown Pleasanton.hometownholiday。com
Jack London Square Holiday Tree Lighting and Laser Light Show
With live entertainment, including a tree-lighting and laser light show with snow, Santa and friends visits, performances by Tony Lindsay and the Oaktown Jazz Workshop and more.
5:45-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Free. Jack London Square, 472 Water St, Oakland.jacklondonsquare.com
Rockaway Beach Tree Lighting Festival
Free pony and cable car rides, “snow” flurries, vendors, holiday craft activities, live performances, a visit from Santa and more.
4-7 p.m. Dec. 4. Dondee Way, Pacifica.pacificachamber.com
It’s a Wonderful Life: Lafayette Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
This year’s family-friendly celebration includes a visit with Santa, train rides, holiday tree lighting, live music, craft activities, holiday treats, wreath sale, food and drinks for purchase and more. The official tree-lighting is planned for 5:30 p.m.
4:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Free. Lafayette Plaza Park, corner of Mount Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Road, Lafayette. 925-284-7404.lafayettechamber.org
Newark Annual Tree Lighting
With family activities, tree-lighting ceremony (7 p.m.), live entertainment, crafts, photo booth, hot cocoa and more.
5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 5. Free. Newark Civic Center, 37101 Newark Blvd., Newark. 510-578-4000.newark.org
Mountain View Tree Lighting Celebration
Celebrate the season with live entertainment, refreshments, a train ride, games and craft activities, community tree-lighting and an appearance from Santa.
5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 5. Free. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. 650-903-6300.mountainview.gov
Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting
Features live holiday entertainment, “snow” flurries, festive food and drinks fromAssembly Cafe & Beer Garden, a book giveaway from theSan Francisco Public Library,holiday craft activities withSF Etsy, plus a toy giveaway. Set across from an illuminated City Hall in Civic Center Plaza, the evening’s entertainmentlineup, led by Boxcar Theatre’s Artistic Director Nick A. Olivero, will include performances fromTap Dancing Christmas Treesand a capella groupBusiness Casual, with appearances by the Grinch and Santa。The lighting of the plaza’s 50-foot noble fir by Mayor London Breed will take place at 5:20 p.m.
4-7 p.m. Dec. 7. Free. Civic Center Plaza, S.F.civiccenterinitiative.org
San Rafael Sparkle and Cheer 2022
Vote for your favorite decorated holiday lights window display during the special holiday edition of the Second Friday Art Walk. Enjoy discounts, demos, live music, art, and free hot cocoa and apple cider.
5-8 p.m. Dec. 9. Free. Fourth St., San Rafael. 415-849-1874.downtownsanrafael.org
Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade
Illuminated boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards share the spotlight along the Petaluma River in a spectacle of twinkling, reflected lights.
5:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Free. Petaluma Marina, 11 English St., Petaluma. 707-765-9725.visitpetaluma.com
Bill Graham Union Square Menorah Lighting
From 2-6 p.m. on the first day of Hanukkah (Dec. 18), celebrate “Bill Graham Menorah Day” with kids craft activities and entertainment, live music from Shamati with Greg Anton and the lighting of the menorah. There will be live music, community activities and menorah lightings daily through Dec. 25.
Dec. 18-25. Free. Union Square, 333 Post St., S.F.billgrahammenorah.org
San Jose Christmas in the Park
A community favorite attraction since the 1950s, the holiday walk-through event is set to offer fresh light displays, a 60-foot tall Christmas tree and more. Food and drinks available for purchase. Nearby the downtownroller skating rinkandWinter Wonderlandoffer more family-friendly fun.
Noon-midnight daily. Through Jan. 2. Free. Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, 194 S. Market St., San Jose.christmasinthepark.com
IlluminOdyssey: A Dazzling Winter Light Experience
受光的美丽和科学,family-friendly exhibition offers works of interactive luminosity and glowing art. IlluminOdyssey offers the opportunity to observe and learn through hands-on activities about light, photoluminescence, color, additive light mixing, waves, fluorescence, fluid dynamics, subtractive color mixing and geometry.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 and Jan. 6. Through Jan. 16. CuriOdyssey, 1651 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo. 650-342-7755.curiodyssey.org