Weekend Events Include Santa, Music, Parades & Tree Lighting’s

Santa is coming as many upcoming holiday themed events are right around the corner. Here is a list events in Contra Costa County. A ton of holiday themed vendor fairs, parades, tree lighting and more.

This is a “live” list and more events will be added throughout the month as they are made know. Also accepting events in November and December — please email [email protected]

November Events

Weekend Music & Show Briefs

A quick rundown of music and entertainment at local venues

Upcoming Music

Friday, Nov 24

• CoCo Wine Co (Brentwood) – Jake & Natalie at 7:00 pm
• Retro Junkie (Walnut Creek) – Reptilia (Strokes Tribute) & at 7:00 pm
• Smiths Landing (Antioch) – Project 4 Band at 8:00 pm

Saturday, Nov 25

• CoCo Wine Co (Brentwood) – Blues Healers) at 8:00 pm
• El Campanil (Antioch) – James Garners Tribute to Johnny Cash at 7:00 pm
• Retro Junkie (Walnut Creek) – George Michael Reborn at 7:30 pm
• Wise Girl (Pleasant Hill) – Satchmo’s Ghost

Sunday, Nov 26

• Smiths Landing (Antioch) – Michelle Lambert at 2:00 pm

Nov 24-26: Lesher Center (Walnut Creek) Contra Costa Ballets The Nutcracker

Celebrating 34 years of The Nutcracker! For one weekend only, join Clara and her beloved nutcracker-turned-prince on a magical journey among giant mice and toy soldiers into the deliciously-delightful Candy Kingdom. Contra Costa Ballet brings The Nutcracker to life in this festive production filled with colorful costumes, whimsical sets and an array of talented, young dancers. This one-hour performance is an elegant introduction to the holiday classic. approx. 60 minutes, with no intermission – tickets & info, click here

Nov 25 – Brentwood Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Join Downtown Brentwood for a Holiday parade and tree lighting with the event beginning at 5:00 pm with a lighted parade.  Afterwards, come To The Tree Lighting at City Park After The Parade. For more information, visit the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce — click here

Nov 25 – Martinez Holiday Sparkle Sip & Shop & Tree Lighting

Participants will stroll downtown Martinez from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm tasting wine while shopping at our unique one of a kind downtown shops and businesses. Small businesses will offer specials, discounts, giveaways and more. Tickets are $45 Nov 1-24 and $50 the day of the event–only online. For tickets, click here

Join the City of Martinez for its Christmas Tree Lighting at the Main Street Plaza and presented by the Martinez Refining Company. The activities begin at 4:00 pm and run through 5:30 pm.

• Snow Globe Photo Booth
• Character appearances & photos with the Grinch and Cindy Lu Who
• ACA-World Holiday Music 5-5:35PM

Nov 25 – Holiday Sip & Shop at Campos Family Vineyards

For the 8th year in a row… join Campos Family Vineyards for its Holiday Sip and Shop on Nov 25 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  The Saturday after Thanksgiving, leave the leftovers at home, grab your family or your favorite shopping buddy and spend the day at Campos!  They will have a DJ! Food Trucks!, tons of local vendors! Also, the Sisters on the Fly will be returning this year with their vintage travel trailers!!!  This is an event you do not want to miss! – more information

Nov 25 – Cookies & Cocoa Sessions With Santa (Oasis Family Ranch Knightsen)

Enjoy a special cookies and cocoa Santa holiday experience. From crafting to decorating a Christmas tree, crafting ornaments, photos with multiple decorated backdrops, feeding farm animals and singing along to holiday hits, it’s a special holiday event not to be missed! Pre-registration required, no tickets sold at the door. Each guest receives one sugar cookie by Stacy’s Cakes and a special gift from Santa’s Workshop! Come with your friends or book a family session with us. This 3-hour holiday photography experience starts at 2PM! Limited reservations available!!! We have an indoor space on standby in case it rains. We can accept holiday craft makers interested in setting up products to sell within Santa’s Gift Shop. Contact us for shelf space reservations and pricing packages. RSVP — click HERE

Nov 25 – James Garners Cash Tribute at El Campanil (Antioch)

For the past 16 years, Garner and his band have faithfully recreated Cash’s biggest hits with stunning accuracy in this not-to-be-missed musical event. This world-class tribute to the ‘Man in Black’ has been featured live in concert on PBS stations, and has even performed at Folsom and San Quentin Prisons where Johnny Cash recorded his biggest albums. The show is a fun, toe-tapping trip down memory lane honoring Cash’s life and music, all set to his signature boom-chicka-boom sound. Enjoy all the hits from – “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” and more! –- Info & tickets 

Nov 26 – Lite Up The Streets

Join the Streets of Brentwood on Sunday, November 26! Celebrate the start of the holiday season from 4-7 p.m. with:

• Santa’s Arrival (set to arrive around 6 p.m.) 
• A Night Of Community Entertainment 
• Special Guests 
• Tree Lighting 
• PLUS Hundreds of *FREE Glow Items

Save your The Streets of Brentwood Receipts!*Select glow items available with $10 receipt from any The Streets of Brentwood retailers dated November 26. While supplies last. One item per receipt. Redeem receipts during event.

Nov 25 – Christmas On The Farm (Vacaville)

Join us Saturday November 25 9am-3pm and Sunday November 27, 9am-1pm.
The Holiday Season is fast approaching and what better way to find that unique and one of a kind gift than at the 8th annual Christmas On The Farm, Solano Counties Premier vintage, antiques and holiday show. Come spend the day shopping with our collection of select sellers who bring out only the best finds. First rate holiday shopping and kick off the season with some Christmas cheer. Free Admission, Free off street parking, public restrooms. Complimentary hot apple cider and coffee (7478 N Meridian Rd, Vacvaille) — More Info

Nov 30 – Oakley Christmas Tree Lighting

The City of Oakley is hosting its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, November 30th, starting at 5pm. Join us at Civic Center Plaza, 3231 Main Street as we kick off the holiday season with this family-friendly event. Admission and parking are FREE and the event will take place rain or shine.

Civic Center Plaza will be adorned with lights and Christmas decorations. There will be free cookies and cocoa, arts & crafts for the children, live entertainment and more. Santa Claus will also be making a special visit!

Entertainment for the night will include performances by local organizations. We will gather around the live Christmas tree near the Veteran’s Memorial to watch the lights turn on at approximately 6:45pm.

For more information, call Alicia at (925) 625-7041 or email: [email protected]

Dec 30 – Walnut Creek Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting

Join Walnut Creek at Broadway Plaza on  November 30 from 5:30 – 8:30PM. Experience the excitement of an evening parade that ushers in the Holiday Season with a festive gathering of fun and entertainment.  The “Parade of Lights” is the highlight of Broadway Plaza’s holiday season kick-off and includes music, entertainment, and a special Tree Lighting Ceremony initiated by Santa Claus himself

Nov 30 – Lodi Parade of Lights

The Lodi Parade of Lights is back again! Have a fun family night out watching the bright lights of the Christmas parade float by and enjoying some yummy treats making this the official Christmas kickoff event of Lodi! This is an all volunteer event run by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Lodi- and a Lodi tradition!  — more info

December Events

Dec 1:  Concord’s Annual Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along

Concord’s Annual Tree Lighting and Mayor’s Sing-Along is back! The City will host this free family-favorite event on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Todos Santos Plaza

Families can take pictures with Santa, and kids will have a chance to feed Santa’s reindeer! Children are also welcome to write and mail letters to Santa, which will all receive a response from the jolly good fellow. For those who want to create a festive decoration, the Concord Art Association will be hosting a free, make-your-own holiday craft booth

People looking to pick up the perfect holiday gift can do some shopping at “Santa’s Village,” which will include handmade artisan goods, thanks to The Makers Boulevard

The event will also feature live performances by the Concord High Jazz Band and Orchestra, The HoneyTones Barbershop Group, Queen of All Saints children’s choir and cheerleaders, Westwood Elementary children’s choir, D’Ann’s Dance Academy, and a concert by Music & Market favorite, The 925 Band! Following the performances, Concord Mayor Laura Hoffmeister will lead the crowd in a sing-along and light the tree at 7:30 p.m

In addition, the Todos Santos Business Association will be sponsoring carriage rides for $5 a person, and hosting a Sip ‘n’ Stroll for $20! Local restaurants will provide tasty bites and drinks for people to enjoy as they explore the Plaza and soak up the holiday spirit. A list of participating businesses and a link to purchase Sip ‘n’ Stroll tickets is now available.

Dec 1: Bishop Ranch Tree Lighting (San Ramon)

A highlight of the holiday season is always the dramatic lighting of the City Center tree. This year’s holiday launch event comes at 6pm on December 1, with holiday music from the Monte Vista High School Band, SideNote a cappella singers, the story of The Nutcracker by Diablo Ballet, and Santa’s arrival in his red convertible T-Bird. After the performances, enjoy visits with Santa and roaming entertainers like jugglers and stilt walkers

Dec 1: Oakley Friday Night Bites

Food Trucks are back in Oakley!! The Foodie Crew is back with the Friday Night Bites gourmet food truck market every First Friday of the month starting January 6th 2023. This FREE to attend event will take place in the Main Street downtown area at Civic Center Park – 3231 Main Street – Oakley, CA There will be LIVE Music planned, courtesy of the City of Oakley, at the May, June, August, September and October events only. This is a Family-Friendly community event with a variety of yummy food and dessert trucks to choose from. Bring your friends, family, neighbors and/or your friendly dog on a leash and come on down to enjoy the food, and the festivities. • BRING A BLANKET OR LAWN CHAIR

Dec 1 – Nathan Ownes Tribute to the 3 Queens

What a spectacular show this will be! Stacy Carter as Diana Ross, Lea Sweets as Tina Turner, and Samantha Alexis as Aretha Franklin! Don’t miss this unforgettable night. The event is being held at the California Theatre in downtown Pittsburg at 9:00 pm. Tickets, click here

Dec 1: Campos Community Christmas Tree Lighting

UPDATE: This event is now SOLD OUT!

Join us for the Campos Community Christmas Tree Lighting event! Get into the festive spirit as we come together to celebrate the holiday season. The event will take place on Friday, December 01, 2023 at 6:00p at 3501 Byer Road, Byron, CA. Come and witness the magic as we illuminate the stunning Christmas tree. Bring your family and friends along for an evening of joy, laughter, and holiday cheer. There will be live music by Steve Hanson and Friends, delicious food trucks, and fun activities for all ages.

Dec 2: Holiday Market at Brentwood City Park

Market in the Park returns 12/2/23 at the Brentwood City Park As always, free admission and open to the public! Join us for our first ever holiday market downtown Brentwood! Shop from 30+ local artisans

• Free story corner and crafts with Brentwood Liberian
• Sing with Princess Elsa
• Face Painting
• Enjoy holiday music with DJ Jack Grinch
• Hang out with Liyah Lou Who

Mark those calendars! December 2nd from 9-1pm, we’ll be bringing holiday cheer, gift magic, and more!

Dec 2: Holiday Delites Sip & Shop Artisan Fair

Join the Celebrate Antioch Foundation on Dec 2nd from 1pm – 5pm for its Annual Sip & Shop Artisan Faire! This event will be held at the Riverfront in Downtown Antioch on G Street Antioch, CA. This Family Friendly Event Includes Music, Wine & Beer, Food and Over 30 Artisan Vendors! Great Way to Knock Out That Christmas Shopping List While Supporting Local and Handmade Artisans!

The City of Antioch Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony to Follow 4pm -7pm So You Can Stick Around and Enjoy All the Holiday Festivities! Great Family Fun with Free Entry & Free Parking.

Dec 2 – Knightsen Hometown Holiday

The Knightsen Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting being held on December 2 in downtown Knightsen. The festivities will also include a holiday gift market, food trucks, and a visit from Santa Clause. The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 2nd at 2:30pm, with the parade beginning at 4pm, in downtown Knightsen, on Knightsen Avenue. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together with local organizations, and surrounding communities, to highlight the importance of Knightsen’s 125 years of agricultural heritage.  For more information, click here

Dec 2 – Santa Coming to Buchanan Field Airport in Concord

Concord, CA – Contra Costa County Public Works’ Buchanan Field Airport will have a special visitor on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

From his arrival at 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Santa will give children an opportunity to get their picture taken with him at the atrium inside the Concord Plaza Hotel, located at 45 John Glenn Drive. There will be no charge for the photos, but Santa and his helpers will be accepting monetary donations for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to help those in need in our community.

For more information, please visit the Buchanan Field Airport website at: www.contracosta.ca.gov/9944/Santas-Jolly-Landing-at-Buchanan-Field

Dec 2 – Pleasant Hill Light Up the Night

Downtown Pleasant Hill will shine bright on December 2, 2023, as the City celebrates the annual Light Up the Night event.

This fun family event commemorates the start of the holiday season with several fun activities, including music, dancing, crafts, train rides, Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa, hot chocolate, and more.  Light Up the Night will occur from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on December 2 on Crescent Drive in downtown Pleasant Hill.

Dec 3: Lafayette Holiday Celebration

A popular Lafayette holiday tradition, 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 is designed as a time to share holiday cheer as we celebrate this wonderful community we live in. Presented by the Lafayette Chamber, and sponsored by the Dana Green Team and Branagh Development, we invite everyone to enjoy the environmentally-friendly downtown Lafayette twinkle lights along Mt. Diablo Blvd. this holiday season and to join us for the 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 3, 2023 4:30𝐩𝐦-6:30𝐩𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞’𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤. Santa arrives at approximately 5:00pm. Tree lighting at 6:00pm. Live performances, photos ops and food for purchase.

Free to attend, learn more at https://lafayettechamber.org/holiday.

Dec 3: McCauley Estate Vineyards Wine & Dine

Wine & Dine at our beautiful estate on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon! We will be serving our wines by the bottle and glass, & flight on Sunday, December 3rd from 12pm-3pm. We will have Hella Street Tacos on-site for purchase and live music with Steve Hanson. For our Vino Olivo Club Members, our 4th quarter wine club pick up will be held during this time. Don’t worry, if you miss the pick up our olive store, McCauley Olive, is open 7 days a week and is prepared for your pick up. Indoor and outdoor seating will be available.  Located at 2525 Sunset Rd, Brentwood CA

Dec 9: Pittsburg Holiday Parade

The 2023 Pittsburg Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 11:00 am in Old Town Pittsburg. The annual Holiday Parade will once again feature Peppermint Playland, various dignitaries and elected officials from the City of Pittsburg and our local community. For more information, click here

Dec 9: 47^th Annual Holiday Run for Health

We are very excited to bring back the Kiwanis Holiday run at Contra Loma Regional Park (1200 Fredrickson Lane, Antioch). This year will be the 47th running of this event. We have partnered with Rotary Club of the Delta to make sure we bring a high-quality event. We have worked to provide a better course, and lots of medals. We also hope our school’s challenge will be bigger than ever. There will be a medal to the top five runners in every age category, as well as cash prizes and trophies to our top three High school, middle school, and elementary schools.

Many people have put a lot of work together to make this event happen, none more important than former race director Paul Schorr. This summer, Paul passed away but not before teaching all of us about every task needed for a great event.

We hope you join us for the 47th Annual – Kiwanis/ Rotary – Paul Schorr Memorial Holiday Run and walk for health. Do it for the Health of It! Sign Up: click here

Dec 9: Walnut Creek on Ice

Walnut Creek on Ice is the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Bay Area! Open Dec. 9 – Jan. 16th.

Dec 9: Merry Makers Winter Faire (Concord)

Join us for the Merry Makers Winter Faire at Todos Santos Plaza in Downtown Concord, CA! Shop unique holiday handcrafted and custom made gifts, holiday gift sets, meet and greet with characters and jam to the holiday beats brought to you by “The Grinch Who DJ’d Xmas”

Interested vendors may inquire to pop-up with us at www.thebombshellgroupinc.com

Dec 9 – Santa Beer Crawl

the team of Jim Larosa and Bob Young

Dec 10 — Hook, Line & Sinker Bass Fishing Tournament

Hook, Line & Sinker has announced their 2023-204 Tournament schedule which includes 6 dates plus a Tournament of Champions. All events will be held at Russo’s Marina on Bethel Island and begin at first light. Hook, Line & Sinker is located at 3100 Main Street, Ste 260 in Oakley CA. (925) 625-2441.

For more information or updated information, visit them on Facebook.

Dec 10 – Chanukah Community Festival & Grand Menorah Lighting

Join Chabad of the Delta on Dec 10 at 4:30 pm at the Brentwood Community Center for the biggest Menorah & Chanukah Festival in East Contra Costa! All are welcome and this is a free event.

• Epic Magic Entertainment with Nathaniel
• Giant Menorah Lighting with Dignitaries
• Live Chanukah Music
• Chanukah Donuts
• Latkes
• Chocolate Gelt
• Chanukah Craft
• Festival Indoors, Lighting Outdoors
• Win Chanukah Gifts
• Security Presence
• Free Fidget Dreidel for the first 50 Children

Chanukah this year starts at nightfall on Dec 7, 2023. All donations are appreciated! More info, click here

Dec 14 – Brentwood Santa Crawl

They say you should dress for the job you WANT. Whelp, as far as we are concerned Santa may have the dream job. Join us for a festive evening in Downtown Brentwood at Santa Crawl, presented by Erickson Realty Group and Dress in your Holiday Best!

The Downtown Brentwood Coalition is a nonprofit made up for small businesses, nonprofit partners and service organizations. We love bringing the community together in downtown and we’d love your support for this fun night out!

VIP Passes are on sale now on Eventbrite! Details can be found on our website. Find the link in our Instagram bio, on the Facebook event page or here: https://www.brentwooddowntown.com/santacrawl

Stay tuned for a list of items we are collecting at this event on behalf of a couple amazing local efforts from two nonprofits: the Brentwood Regional Community Chest and Hijas del Campo! Pass Proceeds will support vibrancy, vitality and preservation efforts and programs in Historic Downtown Brentwood.

Add an Event

If you would like an event to be considered for this list, email [email protected]. Or, visit our events calendar. You may also add an event directly by clicking here