San Jose Christmas in the Park
In the San Francisco Bay Area, Thanksgiving weekend heralds the starts of the holiday light displays. Here are my suggestions for not-to-be-missed light shows, events and neighborhood celebrations:
South Bay
In the South Bay, starting Friday, November 28 and running through December 31st, Vasona Park Fantasy of Lights in Los Gatos, part of the Santa Clara County Park system, transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and animated displays. Christmas in the Park, an annual celebration in Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San Jose, showcases trees decorated by non-profits from the South Bay, along with holiday events through December, including the San Jose Holiday Parade on December 7th.
Peninsula
Los Altos Parade
On the Peninsula, The Festival of Lights Parade in Los Altos starts off the holiday season the Sunday after Thanksgiving. In Palo Alto, residents like to drive down Christmas Tree Lane, on Fulton Avenue off of Embarcadero. Redwood City boasts a great neighborhood display on Dewey Street, better known as Candy Cane Lane, while San Carlos welcomes visitors to Eucalyptus Street, off of Brittan, for a great display of holiday glitter.
San Francisco
In San Francisco, Union Square gets all dolled up for the holidays with a huge California White Fir tree. The day after Thanksgiving, at 6:00 p.m., is the Macy’s Tree Lighting Ceremony to benefit UCSF Children’s Hospital. And the shops around the square decorate for the season and are worth a look. Embarcadero Center also puts on a fabulous light display, using almost 17,000 lights!
Union Square Tree, San Francisco
East Bay
In the East Bay, don’t miss Thompson Ave between High and Fernside in Alameda. This community-oriented street is decorated to the hilt, and you can even bring your letter to Santa to drop in the mailbox. I have heard that he might even respond! The Oakland Yacht Club will host the 33nd annual Lighted Yacht Parade on December 6, with viewing locations at Wind River Park in Alameda and Jack London Square in Oakland.
Marin and North Bay
In the North Bay, the water comes alive with lighted boat parades. Our favorite is the Sausalito Lighted Yacht Parade on December 13, 2008 starting at 6:00 p.m. Just an hour long, it is enough to keep the kids entertained and justify copious amounts of hot chocolate. Grab a seat inside the Spinnaker restaurant, or view the show from the dock just north.
Petaluma hosts the Petaluma Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on December 6, 2008, starting at 5:30 p.m. from the harbor. Even if you miss the grand entrance of the boats, never fear – they remain in the harbor for the evening, allowing visitors to view the sparkling lights while dining at one of the many restaurants in the downtown area.
Boat Parade
The Yountville Festival of Lights kicks off a month long holiday celebration on Friday, November 28th, starting at 2:00 p.m. The festival features a visit from Santa Claus, holiday carolers and even expert ice carvings. Lights go on at dusk and you can then take a tour of the lighted streets in a horse drawn carriage. A great experience for adults and kids.
Don’t see something that is close to you? Check out Lights of the Valley, which lists homes in the Bay Area with light displays. Started by a mom in Livermore in 1999, the site takes nominations from members of the community and includes lots of photos.
Photos courtesy of Los Altos Parade, San Jose Christmas in the Park, Kevin Cole (Boat Parade) and G-Hat (Union Square Tree).
- If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
- Share
- Prev/Next
8 Responses
[...] part 2, looking for holiday lights this season? Be sure to check out my most recent post at Uptake, Holiday Lights and Events in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is so exciting, December is right around the [...]
Beautiful post. Are there any mid-december happenings?
Hi, wonderful post! We are proud of producing Holiday Lighting for the beauty of the scene.Any need, just contact me. I am Ruby. ^ 0 ^
[...] you are eating out for Thanksgiving then make your reservation soon! Have a happy holiday…gobble [...]
[...] 10 Hotels for Holiday Shopping in USA Holiday Lights and Events in the San Francisco Bay Area New Delhi Indian Restaurant, San Francisco, [...]
Don’t forget Crippsmas Place in the East Bay!
Cripps Place
Fremont, California 94536
http://www.CrippsmasPlace.org
Description An annual wonderland of bright character cut-outs, inflatable decorations and holiday lights, spread over homes around the street and court. Current and classic cartoon characters share space with the traditional cast of Santa and friends. The displays can be found at Cripps Place, Wellington Place and Nicolet Avenue, off Fremont Boulevard.
[...] Holiday Lights and Events in San Francisco Bay Area The Holidays and San Francisco = A Perfect Evening Popular Holiday Events for Families in San Francisco AKPC_IDS += "7515,"; [...]
Begin your New Year with a festive tea and a tour of the historical Cohen-Bray House. Built and furnished in 1884, this Oakland home is a unique example of the best of Victorian Aesthetic interiors, lovingly maintained by the original family.
We will share family stories as we lead you through lovely rooms full of the original furnishings, wallpapers and carpets, beautifully decorated in the family tradition with holly, mistletoe, and redwood garlands. For this festive season, candles and firelight bring out the richness of the original interiors. A candle bedecked tree can be enjoyed in the Craftsman style rooms which were updated post 1906.
Tea is served in the formal dining room, generous tea sandwiches and sweets are served on the family silver and china by family and friends.
Warm clothes are highly recommended. Guests are welcome to wear period clothing. Family collections of clothes, hats, lace, linens will be on display.
One truly steps back in time for this unforgettable experience.
Date : Jan 2nd 2011
Seating 12:30, 2;00 and 3:30.
Reservations are a must cost $25.00 contact Barbara Donald at 510 524-5780