There is no lack of winter events in and near Stanislaus County, from tree lightings to festivals. The spirit of the season is in full swing. And one of the great things about living in the valley is our central proximity to larger cities offering even more ways to experience holiday joy and fun. From the Bay Area to Sacramento and even the mountains, our guide will highlight Northern California’s best events, all within about a two-hour drive.
Light experiences and shows:
Bay Area
Lightscape at the San Francisco Botanical Garden
A gorgeous wonderland of plants by day transforms into an illuminated walkthrough at night with over 1 million lights. Visitors can sip hot cocoa while walking the one-mile trail filled with sculptures, water features and vibrant lights and music. www.gggp.org/lightscape
Where: Golden Gate Park, 1199 Ninth Ave, San Francisco
When: Nightly through Jan. 4 from 5-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $20-$48
Garden of D’Lights at Ruth Bancroft Garden
Stroll through this enchanting East Bay treasure to see twinkling displays of succulents and foliage. Using thousands of lights and lasers, the path is illuminated with silhouettes of plants and art installations. www.ruthbancroftgarden.org
Where: Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek
When: Open most Wednesdays to Sundays through Jan. 11.
Cost: $16-$29
Filoli
Explore tunnels and trails of light and sound over 16 acres at this historic Bay Area garden and house. Enjoy seasonal treats and drinks as you walk or sit by the firepits. Two additional experiences are also available: Gilded, which offers a tour of the historic house decorated in seasonal decor, and Thistlewyck, a whimsical holiday village. https://filoli.org/
Where: Filoli House and Garden, 6 Cañada Road, Woodside
When: Daily from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. through Jan. 11
Cost: $29-$55
Fantasy of Lights
By foot or car, enjoy a mile and a half of large animated displays and lights. This event is now in its 27th year and features over 50 visual attractions, including an erupting volcano and a 90-foot Christmas tree. https://parks.santaclaracounty.gov/FantasyofLights
Where: Vasona County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos
When: Walk through on Dec. 6-7 only, from 4-9 p.m., and drive through Dec. 9-30 from 6-10 p.m.
Cost: $8-$100
Blinky’s Drive Thru
The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds shine with over 200,000 lights and holiday displays. Cars drive through dazzling tunnels as music plays. This event is part of San Jose’s downtown celebration, Christmas in the Park, now in its 45th year. https://christmasinthepark.com/blinky-drive-thru/
Where: Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 250 Umbarger Road, San Jose
When: Daily from 5-10 p.m. through Dec. 31
Cost: $25-$40
Sacramento
Imaginarium at Cal Expo
The sprawling grounds of Cal Expo come alive with over 15 million lights and LED displays during Northern California’s largest holiday light festival. Come for the lights and enjoy additional attractions like the ice-skating rink, carnival rides and performances. Santa Claus also makes a nightly appearance. The theme this year is Utopia: A Perfect World of Light, Joy and Imagination. https://imaginarium360.com/sacramento-ca/
Where: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento
When: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5-10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 5-11 p.m., and Sundays from 5-10 p.m. through Jan. 4.
Cost: $15-$36 for admission and additional cost for ice rink and amusement rides.
Holiday Trains:
Holiday Lights Train
Hop aboard a train and cruise through Santa Cruz as you sip warm drinks and enjoy holiday music and lights. From the comfort of a vintage train car, see decorated homes and storefronts along the route. The excursion includes a visit from Santa Claus. https://roaringcamp.com/holiday-lights
Where: Santa Cruz Boardwalk, departs in front of Neptune’s Kingdom, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz
When: Dec. 6-7 and 13-23. Departure times start at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $38-$74.15
Passengers ride in the coach cabin during The Polar Express train experience in Sacramento in November 2023.
The Polar Express at Old Town Sacramento
Experience the story of the Polar Express through costumed characters and performances on a train that departs from historic Old Town Sacramento. Guests are served treats and hot chocolate as Santa visits and may just leave passengers with a gift of Christmas. www.californiarailroad.museum
Where: Central Pacific Passenger Station, 930 Front St. Old Town Sacramento
When: Wednesdays to Mondays, with departures starting at 3:30 p.m. through Dec. 21
Cost: Packages start at $80-$110
Polar Express at Railtown
An hourlong excursion through the foothills, this ride sends passengers to the North Pole as they hear the story of the Polar Express. Featuring performances from costumed characters and a visit from Santa. Tickets include hot chocolate and cookies, and a special souvenir. https://www.railtown1897.org/events/polar
Where: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, 10501 Reservoir Road, Jamestown
When: Fridays to Sundays, through Dec. 21
Cost: $85
Holiday Magic Train at Sugar Pine
All aboard for a charming ride among the Yosemite trees on a steam train. This one-hour ride offers merry sounds, music and scenic views of sparkling lights. Dress warm and stay warm with a cup of hot cocoa. The ride is animal-friendly; pets must be on a leash. https://ymsprr.com/holiday-magic-train/
Where: 56001 California 41, Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, Fish Camp
When: Trains depart daily at 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m. through Jan. 4; check the calendar for blackout dates.
Cost: $29-$159
Zoos
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo Stroll through a festive zoo decorated with lights and filled with music. Enjoy hot cocoa while riding on the train or gondola and see the zoo transform for the holidays. www.oaklandzoo.org
Where: Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road
When: Daily from 4:30-9 p.m. through Jan. 25.
Cost: $31.25-$44.75
IllumiNature at Fresno Chaffee Zoo Animal light displays shine bright and big, featuring Christmas and New Year themes. Seasonal foods and drinks can be enjoyed while visitors watch live entertainment and get photos with Santa. https://fcz.org/
Where: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 W. Belmont Ave.
When 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 4-7, 11-23, 26-30 and Jan. 2-10, 17-18, 23-24, 30-31.
Cost: $17-$25