Your Complete Guide to East Bay & Tri-Valley Holiday Events 2025

The holiday season is officially here, and the East Bay transforms into a winter wonderland filled with magic, music, lights, and laughter. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, there's no shortage of festive events to enjoy throughout Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and the greater Tri-Valley.

At McDowell Homes Group, we love celebrating what makes our community special—and the holidays are when the Tri-Valley truly shines. From dazzling light displays and cultural performances to Santa visits, boutique shopping, and seasonal wine tours, this guide highlights over 40 events happening this November and December.

The Tri-Valley is famous for its spectacular seasonal light displays. These outdoor experiences bring joy to families, couples, and friends looking to celebrate the season.

Winter Glow Experience – Pleasanton | Nov 21 – Jan 4

One of the most anticipated holiday events, the Winter Glow Experience at the Alameda County Fairgrounds features a mile-long drive-through spectacular. Visitors are immersed in glowing tunnels, larger-than-life light sculptures, and synchronized music broadcast directly to your car. Complete with warm drinks and light bites, admission starts at $33.
📍 Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton

Garden of D'Lights – Ruth Bancroft Garden, Concord | Nov 21 – Jan 11
For a quieter but equally enchanting experience, Garden of D'Lights offers a botanical wonderland with thousands of lights, art installations, and lasers woven throughout desert landscapes. Perfect for evening strolls, date nights, and photography enthusiasts.
📍 Ruth Bancroft Garden, Concord

Lighted Yacht Parade – Oakland/Alameda Estuary | Dec 6
Celebrating its 49th year, the Lighted Yacht Parade features dozens of boats adorned in holiday lights gliding across the water. Arrive early with blankets and cocoa for this mesmerizing waterfront spectacle.

📍 Oakland/Alameda Estuary

Support local businesses and find unique gifts at these beloved Tri-Valley shopping events.

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees – Pleasanton | Nov 24 – Dec 19
The Alameda County Fairgrounds tree lot is a classic Tri-Valley tradition. Choose from pine, fir, and spruce trees of all sizes, along with handcrafted wreaths and seasonal decor. Free parking and admission.
📍 Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton

Small Business Saturday – Downtown Pleasanton | Nov 29
Shop unique gifts and support local makers on Small Business Saturday. Downtown Pleasanton comes alive with seasonal treats, artisan goods, and festive storefronts. Participating shops offer complimentary "Support Local" totes.
📍 Downtown Pleasanton

Holiday Village in the Park – Downtown Livermore | Dec 5
Carnegie Park transforms into a festive village with local vendors, live music, Santa visits, and seasonal beverages. Shop local artisans, sip mulled wine, and soak in the holiday spirit.
📍 Carnegie Park, Livermore

Holiday Window Decorating Contest – Pleasanton | Dec 5 – 31
Downtown Pleasanton becomes a sparkling canvas as shops compete for the most festive window displays. Vote for your favorites and enjoy this heartwarming community tradition.
📍 Downtown Pleasanton

Santa Events & Family Traditions

 Create lasting memories with these family-friendly holiday events throughout the Tri-Valley.

Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Celebration | Dec 6
The annual parade kicks off at 5 PM with marching bands, community floats, and live performances. Afterward, the Tree Lighting Ceremony brings Santa and the community together for a magical evening.
📍 Downtown Pleasanton

Meet & Greet with Santa – Blackhawk Museum | Dec 6 & Dec 20
Combine history and holiday cheer with Santa visits at the Blackhawk Museum. Kids can meet Santa, take photos, and explore cultural exhibits and classic cars. Museum admission required.
📍 Blackhawk Museum, Danville

Breakfast with Santa – Dublin | Dec 6
Enjoy pancakes, live music, and Santa photos at the Shannon Community Center. A sensory-friendly session ensures all families can participate comfortably.
📍 Shannon Community Center, Dublin

Letters to Santa – Dublin City Hall | Nov 24 – Dec 12
Children can drop letters in Santa's mailbox at Dublin City Hall and receive personal replies—a simple, cherished community tradition.
📍 Dublin City Hall

Finding Frosty Scavenger Hunt – Downtown Pleasanton | Dec 5 – 19
Kids and families hunt for hidden Frosty figures throughout local shops. Complete the scavenger map to enter a prize drawing while exploring downtown Pleasanton.
📍 Downtown Pleasanton

Performances, Concerts & Cultural Events

The Tri-Valley is home to world-class theaters and cultural institutions offering unforgettable holiday performances.

Valley Dance Theatre – The Nutcracker | Dec 13 – 21
This Tri-Valley classic has enchanted audiences for over 40 years with professional dancers, full orchestras, and stunning costumes. Widely considered one of the best regional Nutcracker productions in Northern California.
📍 Bankhead Theater, Livermore

Livermore-Amador Symphony Family Holiday Concert | Dec 6
A free, interactive concert inviting children and families to enjoy classic holiday music—a perfect introduction to the arts for the whole community.
📍 Bankhead Theater, Livermore

Irish Christmas in America | Dec 8
Celebrate Irish holiday traditions through music, storytelling, and dance in this cozy cultural performance.
📍 Bankhead Theater, Livermore

Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico | Dec 22
Experience vibrant Mexican holiday traditions with Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar.
📍 Bankhead Theater, Livermore

Stella Cole Holiday Concert | Dec 18
Jazz singer Stella Cole brings warmth and nostalgia to the season, accompanied by a string ensemble—perfect for music lovers seeking a festive evening.
📍 Bankhead Theater, Livermore

Holiday Wine Experiences & Adult Activities

For adults seeking seasonal cheer, the Tri-Valley offers holiday-themed wine tours and festive nightlife.

Lights of Livermore Wine Tour | Dec 5 – 23
Start with wine tasting at historic Concannon Vineyard, then board a festive trolley for a tour of Livermore's best light displays. Sing carols, snap photos, and enjoy the perfect combination of wine and holiday cheer.
📍 Concannon Vineyard, Livermore

Tri-Valley Holiday Bars to Visit

• Beer Baron (Pleasanton) – Cozy décor, seasonal cocktails
• The Fat Pigeon Bar (Livermore) – Neighborhood favorite with festive cheer
• Cellar Door (Livermore) – Craft wine and warm, seasonal vibes
• Murrieta's Well – Wine club charm with holiday spirit
• Sauced BBQ & Spirits – Bold drinks, spirited décor
• Da Boccery – Games and seasonal beverages

Livermore Santa Con | Dec 20
Over 1,200 participants join for costume contests, DJs, and festive fun—perfect for friends or coworkers looking to celebrate in style.
📍 Downtown Livermore

New Year's Eve at Cellar Door | Dec 31
Ring in 2026 with music, cocktails, and a festive countdown at this Tri-Valley celebration.
📍 Cellar Door, Livermore

Active Holiday Fun

Stay active during the holidays with ice skating, bowling, and outdoor adventures.

Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink | Nov 7 – Jan 4
This expanded rink in San Ramon is perfect for all skill levels. Fire pits, seasonal music, and family-friendly fun make it a holiday centerpiece.
📍 City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon

Candy Cane Lane Bowling Tournament | Dec 3
Hosted by the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce, this festive bowling event is great for families, coworkers, and friends.
📍 Livermore

Community Events & Giveback Opportunities

Give back and celebrate the season with generosity and heart.

Warm Coat Drive | Dec 6
Hosted by McDowell Homes Group in partnership with One Warm Coat, we're collecting new and gently used coats to support local families in need. Your generosity helps keep our community warm this winter.
📍 McDowell Homes Group Office, Pleasanton

Dublin Tree Lane | Nov 3 – Dec 24
Organizations, schools, and families decorate trees for public display at Dublin's Civic Center—a growing tradition highlighting community creativity.
📍 Dublin Civic Center

Deck the Homes Holiday Decorating Contest | Dec 8 – 12
A citywide contest turns neighborhoods into dazzling holiday displays. Maps allow visitors to tour the most festive homes throughout Dublin.
📍 Dublin

Why the Tri-Valley is the Heart of Holiday Celebrations

While the entire East Bay celebrates the holidays, the Tri-Valley stands out for its sense of community, scenic charm, and family-friendly atmosphere. Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and Danville offer parades, tree lightings, boutique shopping, live performances, and cultural shows that capture the season's magic.

Whether you're exploring walkable downtowns, sipping local wines, or attending community gatherings, the Tri-Valley embodies the warmth, creativity, and joy of the holiday season.

Make This Season Unforgettable

At McDowell Homes Group, we're proud to call the Tri-Valley home. The holidays remind us why we love this community—and why so many families choose to put down roots here. From all of us, we wish you a season filled with joy, wonder, and lasting memories.

Thinking about making the Tri-Valley your home? We'd love to help you find your perfect place in this vibrant, welcoming community.