Santa is coming as many upcoming holiday themed Contra Costa events are right around the corner around the 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]
Christmas Tree Lights List — click here
Upcoming Events
Weekend Music & Show Briefs
Thursday, Nov. 30
- WiseGirl – Tommy, Dave & The Chandelliers (6:00 pm to 9:00 pm)
Friday, Dec 1
- CoCo Wine Co (Brentwood) – Friday Night Tunes
- Retro Junkie (Walnut Creek) – Corduroy (Pearl Jam Tribute) + Elysium (Nirvana Tribute) & at 7:00 pm
- California Theatre (Pittsburg) – Nathan Owens Tribute to the 3 Queens
Saturday, Dec 2
- CoCo Wine Co (Brentwood) – Saturday Night Tunes
- El Campanil (Antioch) – Pittsburg Performing Arts Acadmy Showcase (11am & 3pm)
- Retro Junkie (Walnut Creek) – Blink 180 True + Thomas Nicholas at 7:30 pm
- California Theatre (Pittsburg) – Pete Escovedo
Sunday, Dec 3
- Smith’s Landing (Antioch) – Frankie G at 2:00 pm
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 1-2: Walnut Creek: Once Upon a Christmas (Lesher Center for the Arts)
This holiday tradition has become a family favorite! A fully narrated ballet, based on a Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble story about a clumsy Elf named Roho. Come and see how the Dolls and Toys come to life to celebrate before saying goodbye as they set forth on their Christmas Eve journey. They have a lot to teach Roho about believing in ones self as well as having confidence. This story will become part of your favorite holiday traditions. Perfect for all ages. Join us! approx. 80 minutes, with no intermission
- Friday, December 1 – 4:00 pm to 5:20 pm
- Friday, December 1, 2023 7:30PM-8:50PM
- Saturday, December 2, 2023 2:00PM-3:20PM
- Saturday, December 2, 2023 7:00PM-8:20PM
For tickets and info, 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 2: Holiday’s in the Grove (Clayton)
Please join the CBCA for our annual tree lighting ceremony in The Grove park on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 5:30pm. This year’s event will feature the Mount Diablo Elementary School second graders singing Christmas carols, plus the Clayton Valley Charter Marching Band and Color Guard, and cider/donut holes served by the Clayton Community Church. Santa will make an appearance to light the Christmas tree and take photos with the kids. Another CBCA Event benefiting the Clayton community.
Dec 2: Merry Makers at The Veranda
Tis’ the season to shop and support small. For one month only, take an opportunity to shop local handmade businesses and meet the makers behind the brands. From handmade jewelry, artwork, sewn creations, styled looks, custom pieces and more, it’s the perfect place to shop for that special person or pet on your holiday gift list! Select dates enjoy photos with special guest holiday characters and enjoy live local musicians later in the day for our “Merry Magical” hours.
Fun begins Sat. Nov. 18th and will last until Sun. Nov. 19th from 11AM to 7PM (Sat/Sun Only)
Located outside across from the ice skating rink and in the lobby leading up to the Escape Room
Dec 2: Pete Escovedo at Pittsburg California Theatre
This extraordinary performer will be taking the California Theatre by storm with his Latin Jazz Band. He packs a full house every time. Tickets are on sale now! Get them while you can. Show begins at 9:00 pm and the California Theatre is located at 351 Railroad Ave, Pittsburg. For tickets, click here
Dec 2: Ironhouse Sanitary District Grease Event
The Ironhouse Sanitary District reminds City of Oakley and Bethel Island residents to don’t invite a FOG CLOG to Thanksgiving. Residents are encouraged to bring their kitchen Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) to Ironhouse for proper disposal. Save your kitchen grease in a container over the Thanksgiving holiday and bring it to Ironhouse’s FOG Recycling Event on Saturday, Dec 2, from 9 a.m. to noon. 450 Walnut Meadows Drive, Oakley (Cross Streets Rose Ave., Main Street, Districts Way). For more information on FOG, see ISD’s website at http://ironhousesanitarydistrict.com/237/Fats-Oils-and-Grease-FOG
Dec 2: Blackhawk Museum Hosts Santa Meet & Greet
Attention all parents! Bring your little ones to the Blackhawk Museum for an unforgettable Santa Meet and Greet! Join us on Saturdays, December 2nd and 23rd, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for a magical holiday event that the whole family will cherish. With museum admission, your family can enjoy a day filled with wonder, smiles, and a personal meeting with Santa amidst the vibrant backdrop of our exhibits. Create holiday memories that will last a lifetime!
Dec 2-3: Super Holiday Boutique (Pleasant Hill)
Holiday season’s largest shopping extravaganza in Contra Costa at 14th annual Super Holiday Boutique Dec. 2-3 in Pleasant Hill & Concord. The holiday season’s largest shopping extravaganza in Central Contra Costa is at the 14th annual Super Holiday Boutique, Dec. 2-3, in Pleasant Hill (Saturday) and Concord (Sunday) . Shoppers will find a potpourri of gift items in a warm, festive indoor setting. Admission and parking are free each day. The 2 FREE INDOOR holiday events allow shoppers to get those special one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for family, friends and colleagues from a variety of arts and crafts vendors, home-based businesses and commercial exhibitors. Shoppers have two opportunities to attend the free indoor Super Holiday Boutiques:
- Saturday, Dec. 2, the Boutique is from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Community Center , 320 Civic Dr. off Taylor Blvd. in Pleasant Hill.
- Sunday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Hilton Concord Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd. in Concord (2 blocks off Interstate 680 at Willow Pass Rd.).
- Visit www.superholidayboutique.com for more information.
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 3: Concord Toy-Anime-Comic Con
This is a kiddo friendly event! Kids 10 and under are FREE from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Concord Moose Lodge (1805 Broadway St, Concord CA). DRESS TO IMPRESS! The Cosplay (Costume) Contest is promptly at 2:30pm! Please see us at the admission table for the sign up sheet! All ages are welcome!!! Entrance is $6, but if you mention the flyer (cover photo of the event) we will take $1 off making it only $5!We do accept cash, debit, Apple Pay and credit! Cameras are ok! Yes!!! Free parking!!!
For more information, click here
Dec 8-17: El Campanil: Black Diamond Ballet’s Nutcracker
Black Diamond Ballet returns for their 11th Annual Nutcracker. Under the direction of Pittsburg native, Sharon Sobel Idul, the production features professional ballet dancers from all over the Bay Area and a student cast of over 40. New and exciting choreography, costumes, and cultural dances that will dazzle and captivate all of East County. Celebrate the holidays with this timeless classic. Sensory-friendly performance and school-day performances available too.
For tickets & information, click here
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: 47th 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
Dust off your Santa suits and ugly Christmas sweaters because it’s time to head to Martinez for some holiday cheer! Downtown Martinez & Co. hosts the annual Santa Beer Crawl on the streets of Martinez. Come join the jolliest bunch of Santas this side of the bay as they walk around the downtown corridor of Martinez, sampling craft breweries stationed participating small businesses along Main Street from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Dec 9 – Heer’s Sip n’ Shop Holiday Family Fun Day
Join us for a heartwarming celebration of the season at our Heer’s Sip n’ Shop Holiday Family Fun Day! This exciting event will be held at Brownstone Gardens on Brownstone Road, Oakley, CA. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as we bring together cherished traditions and exciting activities for the whole family. Bring your loved ones, grab your shopping bags, and let’s make unforgettable memories together! — more info
Dec 9 – Sweet Pea’s 10th Winter Wonderland (Vacaville)
Sweet Pea’s 10th Anniversary Winter Wonderland Market is being held Saturday, December 9th 10-2 at 891 Alamo Drive in Vacaville. This event will feature Christmas shipping, Santa and elves. It will also feature live music and 70+ vendors, activities and more. Sip on hot chocolate as you stroll through Winter Wonderland filled with holiday merchants Santa’s Helpers have been hard at work to create an old time shopping market, with carolers, elves, candy canes and Santa himself. Winter Wonderland opens Rain or Shine. Sweet Peas Winter Wonderland is Pet-Friendly. Free Entry & Parking. As a small family business we are committed to strengthen and grow our community
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 for the event 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
