Holiday Lights & Local Traditions: Silicon Valley & Beyond | 2026
Your local guide to holiday lights, tree lightings, Christmas fairs, festive markets, ice skating, family outings, and seasonal traditions across Santa Clara County and beyond.
There's something special about the holidays in Silicon Valley. Downtown streets glow with twinkling lights, families gather for community tree lightings, and familiar places take on a little extra magic.
Sometimes the best holiday memories come from the simplest traditions: bundling up for an evening stroll, watching a parade with the kids, finding a special gift at a local market, or sharing hot chocolate beneath the lights.
Whether you're continuing a favorite family tradition, welcoming visitors, or looking for something new to enjoy, I've gathered a collection of holiday happenings throughout Santa Clara County, along with a few wonderful destinations worth the short drive.
You'll find free community celebrations, ticketed experiences, seasonal performances, and plenty of ways to enjoy the holidays close to home.
Updated November 13, 2026. Event schedules, ticket prices, availability, and parking arrangements may change. Please check the linked official event websites before heading out.
Holiday Dates at a Glance
Planning around a particular weekend? Here are some highlights.
| Date | Holiday happenings |
|---|---|
| Nov. 13 | Downtown Los Altos Holiday Stroll |
| Nov. 14–15 | Santana Row Makers Market; Filoli Holiday Lights opens |
| Nov. 21 | Triton Holiday Art Fair; Mountain View Holiday Bazaar; Dickens Fair begins |
| Nov. 24 | The Nightmare Before Christmas with the SF Symphony |
| Nov. 27 | Saratoga Village Tree Lighting; Christmas in the Park opening; SJMADE Holiday Fair |
| Nov. 28–29 | Holiday markets, Santa Cruz Boardwalk festivities, Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade |
| Dec. 1, 8 & 15 | Spirit of The Row at Santana Row |
| Dec. 3–6 | Gamble Garden Winter Festival; Smuin's The Christmas Ballet |
| Dec. 4 | Tree lightings in Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Palo Alto, and Santa Clara |
| Dec. 5 | Cupertino Breakfast with Santa; Campbell Carol of Lights; Los Gatos, Gilroy, and Morgan Hill celebrations |
| Dec. 5–6 & 12–13 | Fantasy of Lights at Vasona |
| Dec. 7 | Mountain View Community Tree Lighting |
| Dec. 10 & 17 | Downtown Los Altos Holiday Market |
| Dec. 12–13 | SJMADE Winter Wonder Market; Symphony San Jose Holiday Spectacular |
| Dec. 14–23 & 26–27 | Billy Jones Holiday Night Train & Carousel |
| Through early January | Christmas in the Park, Filoli, holiday skating, and other seasonal light displays |
Featured Holiday Experiences
Christmas in the Park | Downtown San Jose
A longtime San Jose tradition, Christmas in the Park transforms Plaza de César Chávez into a holiday wonderland filled with decorated trees, animated displays, entertainment, and seasonal treats.
It's one of those outings that generations of local families have enjoyed together.
Where: Plaza de César Chávez, Downtown San Jose
When: November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027, daily noon–10 p.m.
Admission: Free; food, rides, and other purchases are extra.
Special dates:
-
November 27: Opening Night Ceremony, 6–7 p.m.
-
December 6 and 19: Pet-friendly programming, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
-
December 13 and 27: Sensory-friendly hours, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Plan your visit: Christmas in the Park
Holiday Lights at Filoli | Woodside
If you enjoy historic homes and beautiful gardens, Filoli is a wonderful holiday destination.
The historic estate and gardens are decorated for the season, with illuminated pathways, festive displays, and hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights.
Where: Filoli Historic House & Garden, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside
When: November 14, 2026–January 10, 2027
Two ways to visit:
-
Holiday Daytime: 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with the decorated historic house, gardens, and seasonal family attractions. Tickets start at $39.
-
Holiday Lights: 4–10 p.m., with illuminated gardens, a light tunnel, and the decorated estate. Tickets start at $45.
Daytime and evening visits require separate tickets. Some holiday closures apply.
Plan your visit: Holidays at Filoli
Holiday Lights & Spirit of The Row | Santana Row, San Jose
Santana Row is especially beautiful during the holiday season, when the trees and walkways are illuminated and the shopping district takes on a festive atmosphere.
It's an easy outing to combine with dinner, a little holiday shopping, or a relaxed evening stroll.
Where: Santana Row, San Jose
Holiday happenings include:
-
Spirit of The Row: December 1, 8, and 15, 6–8 p.m., featuring community performances, snow showers, and Santa photo opportunities.
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Snow Showers: Tuesdays and Saturdays in December, 6–8 p.m., at Park Valencia.
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Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt: December 1–23, with participating Santana Row businesses.
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Santa Paws: December 12, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., a pet-photo fundraiser benefiting Humane Society Silicon Valley.
A separate 2026 tree-lighting ceremony has not been confirmed.
Plan your visit: Santana Row Holiday Events
Fantasy of Lights | Los Gatos
Vasona Lake County Park becomes an illuminated holiday landscape with colorful displays and festive scenes.
Where: Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos
When: December 5, 6, 12, and 13, 2026, 4–9 p.m.
Good to know: The 2026 event is walk-through only. There are no drive-through nights. Advance tickets are required, including free tickets for children ages 3 and under. Check the county's shuttle, parking, and accessibility information.
Plan your visit: Fantasy of Lights
Free Holiday Fun Around Silicon Valley
Not every memorable holiday outing requires purchasing tickets.
Some wonderful community options include:
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Christmas in the Park in Downtown San Jose
-
Saratoga Village Holiday Tree Lighting
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Cupertino Community Tree Lighting
-
Campbell Carol of Lights
-
Los Gatos in Lights
-
Mountain View Community Tree Lighting
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Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade
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Santa Clara Central Park Tree Lighting
-
SJMADE Holiday Fair and Winter Wonder Market
-
Gilroy Holiday Festival & Parade
-
Morgan Hill Holiday Lights Parade
-
Santana Row's Spirit of The Row
Most are free to attend, although food, shopping, optional activities, or parking may cost extra.
Santa Clara County Holiday Events
Campbell
Downtown Campbell Carol of Lights
Enjoy an old-fashioned community celebration with Santa, carolers, local performances, crafts, and children's activities.
When: Saturday, December 5, 4–7 p.m.
Where: Downtown Campbell, near East Campbell Avenue and North First Street
Admission: Free.
Holidays at the Ainsley House
Step inside a historic Campbell home decorated for the holidays. Visitors can explore the house, browse a holiday boutique, or reserve a seasonal tea and tour.
When: November 12–December 20, Thursday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Holiday Tea & Tour dates are December 4–6 and 11–13.
Where: 300 Grant Street, Campbell
Good to know: Tea reservations and general admission are separate purchases.
Cupertino
Community Tree Lighting
Celebrate the season with holiday music, choir performances, a visit with Santa, and the lighting of Cupertino's community tree.
When: Friday, December 4, 6–8 p.m.
Where: Quinlan Community Center, 10185 North Stelling Road
Admission: Free.
Breakfast with Santa
Families can enjoy a festive pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, and a holiday workshop with crafts and activities for children.
When: Saturday, December 5
Where: Quinlan Community Center
Good to know: Advance registration is required. Check available seating times and current prices.
Signing Santa
A welcoming holiday experience for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families, featuring a Santa who communicates using sign language. An interpreter is available for other visitors.
When: Saturday, December 12
Where: Quinlan Community Center
Gilroy
North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens
Enjoy holiday lights, seasonal entertainment, a musical light tunnel, festive characters, and ice skating at Gilroy Gardens.
When: Select evenings November 21–December 31
Where: Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Good to know: Park admission or an eligible membership is required. Check the calendar for operating dates and optional activity charges.
Downtown Gilroy Holiday Festival & Parade
A festive afternoon and evening with entertainment, treats, Santa's Village, a holiday parade, and a community tree lighting.
When: Saturday, December 5, beginning at 3 p.m.
Where: Downtown Gilroy
Admission: Free; vendor purchases extra.
Los Altos
Downtown Holiday Stroll
Kick off the season with an evening of holiday shopping, downtown lights, and strolling carolers.
When: Friday, November 13, 5–9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Los Altos
Festival of Lights Parade
One of the Peninsula's favorite holiday traditions, featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, and festive characters.
When: Sunday, November 29, 6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Los Altos
Good to know: Review the parade route and road closures before arriving.
Holiday Tree Celebration
A community gathering to celebrate the lighting of the holiday tree in downtown Los Altos.
When: Friday, December 4, 6–8 p.m.
Where: Veterans Community Plaza, Main and State streets
Downtown Holiday Market
Shop local vendors, enjoy live music, and explore seasonal activities in a festive downtown setting.
When: Thursdays, December 10 and 17, 4–8 p.m.
Where: State Street, Downtown Los Altos
Los Gatos
Los Gatos in Lights
Enjoy the town's holiday celebration and traditional community tree lighting.
When: Friday, December 4, 5–7 p.m.
Where: Town Plaza Park, Downtown Los Gatos
Children's Christmas/Holidays Parade
Community groups, marching bands, and festive floats travel through downtown Los Gatos.
When: Saturday, December 5, 11 a.m., rain or shine
Where: Downtown Los Gatos
Billy Jones Holiday Night Train & Carousel
Ride a decorated miniature train through Oak Meadow Park and add a carousel ride for an old-fashioned holiday outing.
When: December 14–23 and 26–27, 6–9 p.m., weather permitting
Where: Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, Oak Meadow Park
Good to know: Tickets are sold at the booth. The railroad notes that the county's Fantasy of Lights displays will not be visible during these rides.
Morgan Hill
Merry Market Holiday Bazaar
Browse local vendors and enjoy a holiday shopping outing with a visit from Santa.
When: Saturday, November 28, noon–4 p.m.
Where: Community & Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road
Holiday Lights Parade & Community Tree Lighting
Downtown Morgan Hill celebrates with illuminated parade entries and a community tree lighting.
When: Saturday, December 5. Parade at 5:30 p.m.; tree lighting expected around 6:30 p.m.
Where: Monterey Road, Downtown Morgan Hill
Family Holiday Lights Cable Car Tours
Take a festive ride through Morgan Hill neighborhoods decorated for the season.
When: December 11–23; departures vary
Where: Downtown Morgan Hill Train Depot
Good to know: Ticketed tours last approximately 45–50 minutes. Bring a warm jacket or blanket.
Mountain View
Holiday Bazaar
An early-season opportunity to browse gifts and seasonal items.
When: Saturday, November 21, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Mountain View Senior Center
Community Tree Lighting Celebration
Celebrate with music, crafts, treats, and the lighting of Mountain View's community tree.
When: Monday, December 7, 5:30–8 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Plaza, 500 Castro Street
Admission: Free.
German Holiday Market
The German International School of Silicon Valley hosts a traditional outdoor holiday market featuring gifts, food, music, and family activities.
When: Saturday, December 12, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Where: City Hall Plaza, 500 Castro Street
Admission: Free; food and purchases extra.
Smuin's The Christmas Ballet
Enjoy a holiday dance performance combining classical and contemporary choreography.
When: December 3–6; performance times vary
Where: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
Good to know: Tickets required.
Palo Alto
Holiday Tree Lighting at Lytton Plaza
Enjoy live music, winter treats, and the lighting of Palo Alto's downtown holiday tree.
When: Friday, December 4, 5:30–7 p.m.
Where: Lytton Plaza, 200 University Avenue
Admission: Free.
Gamble Garden Winter Festival
Celebrate the holidays with seasonal shopping, a plant sale, special teas, and garden experiences.
When: December 3–5; Holiday Marketplace December 4–5, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Gamble Garden, Palo Alto
Good to know: Some experiences require separate admission or reservations.
Winter Lodge Public Skating
Enjoy outdoor skating at a Palo Alto tradition that extends well beyond the holidays.
When: Public skating season October 16, 2026–April 11, 2027
Where: 3009 Middlefield Road
Good to know: Admission $20; skate rental $8. Gloves required. Holiday closures apply.
San Jose
San Jose Holiday Lights
Explore a ticketed walk-through light festival with illuminated displays and photo opportunities.
When: November 13, 2026–January 1, 2027; entry times vary
Where: Discovery Meadow, 330 West San Carlos Street
Good to know: This is a separate attraction from the free Christmas in the Park event.
Santana Row Makers Market
Browse handmade gifts, artisan goods, and local small businesses.
When: November 14–15, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Santana Row
Admission: Free.
SJMADE Winter Wonder Market
An indoor holiday market featuring local artists, designers, bakers, makers, and creative businesses.
When: December 12–13, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: South Hall, 435 South Market Street
Admission: Free.
Holiday Spectacular with Symphony San Jose
Celebrate the season with orchestral music, choral performances, dance, and holiday sing-alongs.
When: December 12 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; December 13 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: California Theatre, Downtown San Jose
Good to know: Tickets required.
Santa Clara
Triton Museum Holiday Art Fair
Browse art and handmade gifts in a festive indoor setting with baked goods and seasonal music.
When: Saturday, November 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Triton Museum of Art, 1505 Warburton Avenue
Admission: Free, including parking.
SJMADE Holiday Fair
Shop a large indoor gathering of local makers, artists, designers, and small businesses.
When: November 27–28, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway
Admission: Free; parking information available from the organizer.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Central Park
Celebrate with music, local performers, children's activities, Santa, and the lighting of Santa Clara's community tree.
When: Friday, December 4, 5:30–8 p.m.
Where: Central Park, 909 Kiely Boulevard
Saratoga
Village Holiday Tree Lighting & Candy Cane Village
Historic Saratoga Village is a beautiful place to celebrate the season, especially when the downtown shops and streets are decorated for the holidays.
Gather with neighbors and friends for the annual tree lighting and Candy Cane Village festivities.
When: Friday, November 27
Where: Historic Saratoga Village, with the tree lighting at Blaney Plaza
Good to know: Check the city's event calendar for individual activity times. A separate Holiday Wine Stroll is also listed for the evening.
Sunnyvale
Cityline Winter Ice Rink
Enjoy outdoor skating in downtown Sunnyvale, with nearby restaurants and shops to complete the outing.
When: November 24, 2026–January 3, 2027
Where: Redwood Square, 273 South Murphy Street
Good to know: General admission is listed at $25, including skate rental, for a 60-minute session. Check available skating times.
Willow Glen
Holiday Trolley Rides
Enjoy a festive trolley ride through Willow Glen neighborhoods known for their holiday lights and decorated homes.
When: December 6–17; departure times vary
Where: Board near 1245 Lincoln Avenue, Downtown Willow Glen
Good to know: Tickets required. Rides last about 30 minutes; dress warmly.
Holiday Outings Beyond Silicon Valley
Some holiday traditions are worth a short drive. These destinations offer opportunities to turn a simple outing into a memorable day or evening.
Peninsula & East Bay
Après Village at Four Seasons | East Palo Alto
Enjoy an alpine-inspired holiday dining experience with decorated chalets, festive lighting, and fire pits.
When: November 21, 2026–January 4, 2027, 4:30–9:30 p.m.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley
Good to know: Paid dining experience; reservations and additional charges may apply.
Santa Arrives by Helicopter | San Carlos
A memorable outing for children who love airplanes, featuring Santa's arrival at the Hiller Aviation Museum.
When: Saturday, December 5, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Where: Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair | Daly City
Step into a Victorian-inspired holiday celebration with costumed characters, entertainment, shops, and seasonal food.
When: Weekends November 21–December 20, plus November 27
Where: Cow Palace, Daly City
Good to know: Tickets required; parking may be extra.
Niles Festival of Lights Parade | Fremont
Enjoy an illuminated parade and holiday celebration in historic Niles.
When: Friday, November 27, approximately 6–8:30 p.m.
Where: Niles Town Plaza and Niles Boulevard
The separate Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights has been listed as sold out for 2026. Check the railway's website for any updates.
Santa Cruz & the Coast
Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade
Decorated sailboats and powerboats illuminate the harbor in one of the coast's most charming holiday traditions.
I attended last year, and it's an outing that has a special place on my holiday list.
When: Saturday, December 5, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Harbor
Good to know: Review the harbor's spectator information and any construction-related access changes before arriving.
Santa Cruz Harbor event details
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
Enjoy holiday lights, seasonal decorations, seaside rides, Santa photos, and festive treats.
When: Select dates November 26, 2026–January 3, 2027
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Admission: Free; rides, games, and other experiences cost extra.
Special event: The November 28 opening celebration lists a tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. and drone show at 6 p.m.
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
Ride illuminated excursion cars with holiday music, cider, and a visit from Santa.
When: November 27–28; December 5–6 and 12–23
Where: Departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Good to know: Advance tickets recommended.
Santa Cruz Chanukah Train
Celebrate with menorah lighting, stories, dreidel, and kosher refreshments aboard a holiday train.
When: December 10
Where: Departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz New Year's Train
Continue the holiday fun after Christmas with decorated train cars and seasonal entertainment.
When: December 26–31
Where: Departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Roaring Camp Holiday Tree Walk | Felton
Take a steam-train outing into the redwoods and enjoy seasonal activities, Santa visits, and hot cider.
When: November 27–29; December 5–6, 12–13, and 19–23
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton
Good to know: This train departs from Felton, not the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
San Francisco Holiday Favorites
Union Square Holiday Ice Rink
Enjoy outdoor skating in the heart of San Francisco, surrounded by the holiday atmosphere of Union Square.
When: November 4, 2026–January 18, 2027
Where: Union Square
Good to know: General admission $22; children 8 and under $17. Skate rental included.
San Francisco on Ice | Fisherman's Wharf
Another festive outdoor skating option for a day in San Francisco.
When: November 4, 2026–January 18, 2027
Where: Fisherman's Wharf
ZooLights | San Francisco Zoo
Explore illuminated installations and seasonal displays during an after-dark zoo experience.
When: Select evenings November 6, 2026–January 3, 2027
Where: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
Good to know: Separate tickets required.
Lightscape | San Francisco Botanical Garden
Walk through an illuminated garden trail filled with light installations and music.
When: Select evenings November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027
Where: San Francisco Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park
Good to know: Timed tickets required.
Fairmont Gingerbread House
Visit the Fairmont's beautifully decorated lobby and its life-sized gingerbread house, a classic San Francisco holiday attraction.
When: Lighting ceremony November 21 at 11 a.m.; display continues through the holiday season
Where: Fairmont San Francisco, Nob Hill
Let's Glow SF
See Downtown San Francisco buildings transformed with animated holiday light projections.
When: December 4–13
Where: Multiple Downtown San Francisco locations
Admission: Free.
San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker
Enjoy the classic holiday ballet at the War Memorial Opera House.
When: December 4–27
Where: War Memorial Opera House
Good to know: Tickets required. A sensory-friendly performance is listed for December 27 at 11 a.m.
The Nightmare Before Christmas with the SF Symphony
Watch the beloved film accompanied by a live orchestral performance of its score.
When: Tuesday, November 24, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
A few simple preparations can make your holiday outing more enjoyable.
Check event websites for current dates and hours, reserve tickets for popular attractions, and allow extra time for parking and holiday traffic. For evening outings, comfortable shoes and warm layers are always a good idea.
Some events fill quickly, while others are perfect for a spontaneous afternoon or evening.
And remember, you don't have to fill every weekend. Sometimes one favorite tradition, shared with the people you love, is more than enough.
Celebrating the Communities We Call Home
One of the things I've always appreciated about living in Silicon Valley is how each community has its own character and traditions.
From Saratoga Village to Downtown Campbell, from the lights at Santana Row to the celebrations in San Jose, these gatherings are part of what makes our communities feel like home.
I hope this guide helps you discover something new, revisit an old favorite, or simply enjoy a little more time together this holiday season.
Have a favorite local holiday tradition I missed? I'd love to hear about it. I'm always discovering new places and events worth sharing.
For more community resources, explore Life in Silicon Valley and our Santa Clara County Farmers Market Guide.
April Tavares
Guiding people through life's transitions, one home at a time.
Keller Williams Thrive | CA DRE 01742179
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