Your 2025 Holiday Events Guide

The holiday season is one of the most magical times of year across Silicon Valley, and this year’s calendar is filled with parades, concerts, sparkling light shows, artisan markets, and joyful community traditions. From the twinkling Fantasy of Lights in Los Gatos and the festive celebrations in Saratoga Village to the world-class symphonic holiday offerings in San Francisco and the neighborhood charm of Willow Glen and downtown San Jose, the entire region comes alive with seasonal spirit.  Whether you're looking for holiday caroling (don't miss the one in Old Town Los Gatos where St Luke's Choir and Rector, pictured with Santa, sing all your holiday favorites), uplifting choral performances, a nostalgic trolley ride, a family outing to meet Santa, or a lively holiday market, this guide brings together the best local events happening throughout December.

Many people also enjoy venturing outside Silicon Valley during the holidays, so I’ve included beloved seasonal highlights from nearby destinations like Carmel — known for its stunning coastal setting and beautiful holiday performances. Organized by date, time, and location, this guide makes it easy to map out your festive plans, discover new traditions, and enjoy the magic of the season from the South Bay to the coast. Let the celebrations begin!

🎄 Holiday Events Master Guide

November 2025

Fri–Sun, Nov 21–23 — Saratoga
Yuletide Boutique, Montalvo Arts Center
10 AM–3 PM — Free boutique with artisan vendors, crafts, décor, gourmet treats, and vintage treasures.

Mon, Nov 24 — Saratoga
Yuletide Vintage Treasures ½-Off Sale, Montalvo Arts Center
11 AM–3 PM — Clearance sale on vintage holiday items.

Sat, Nov 29 — Saratoga
Holiday Celebrations in Saratoga Village
Candy Cane Village (3–5:30 PM), Holiday Tree Lighting (5:30–6:30 PM), Holiday Book Sale (6–8 PM), Holiday Wine Stroll (6–9 PM).

Sun, Nov 30 — Pacific Grove / Asilomar
Messiah Sing-Along – I Cantori di Carmel
3 PM — Merrill Hall at Asilomar. Community Messiah Sing-Along + food-drive for the Food Bank for Monterey County.

Sun, Nov 30 — San Francisco
A Merry-Achi Christmas (SF Symphony Presents)
Mariachi Sol de México® holiday performance at Davies Symphony Hall.

December 2025

Wed, Dec 3 — San Francisco
Christmas with the Count Basie Orchestra
Davies Symphony Hall — Jazz holiday program with Symphony strings.

Fri, Dec 5 — Los Gatos
Los Gatos in Lights – Winter Celebration & Tree Lighting
Town Plaza Park — Free tree lighting and seasonal festivities.

Fri–Sat, Dec 5–6 — San Francisco
Handel’s Messiah, San Francisco Symphony
Davies Symphony Hall — Conducted by Jane Glover.

Sat, Dec 6 — Los Gatos
Children’s Christmas/Holidays Parade
11 AM — Downtown Los Gatos.

Sat–Sun, Dec 6–7 — Los Gatos
Fantasy of Lights Walk-Through
4–9 PM — Vasona Lake County Park.

Sat–Sun, Dec 6–7 — San Jose
Holiday Spectacular – Symphony San Jose
Sat, Dec 6 at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM; Sun, Dec 7 at 2:30 PM - California Theatre

Sat, Dec 6 — Los Gatos
Magical Memories Trolley
4–8 PM — Downtown Los Gatos.

Sat, Dec 6 — San Jose (Willow Glen)
Willow Glen Holiday Bubbly Walk
2–5 PM — Sip & shop in downtown Willow Glen.

Sun, Dec 7 — Los Gatos
Magical Memories Trolley
1–5 PM — Downtown loop.

Sun, Dec 7 — San Francisco
Deck the Hall – SF Symphony
11 AM & 3 PM — Davies Symphony Hall — Family holiday concert.

Mon–Tue, Dec 9–30 — Los Gatos
Fantasy of Lights Drive-Through
6 PM–10 PM — Vasona Lake County Park — Ticketed drive-through lights experience.

Wed–Thu, Dec 10–11 — San Francisco
The Holiday – Film with Live Orchestra
7:30 PM — Davies Symphony Hall — Hans Zimmer’s score performed live.

Fri, Dec 12 — Los Gatos
Visits with Santa (Old Town) — 4–7 PM
Magical Memories Trolley — 5–8 PM

Fri, Dec 12 — Santa Clara
Let There Be Light – San José Symphonic Choir Holiday Concert
8 PM — Mission Santa Clara

Sat, Dec 13 — Carmel
Handel’s Messiah, Carmel Mission Basilica
8 PM — Historic, atmospheric Messiah performance.

Sat, Dec 13 — Los Gatos
Visits with Santa — 1–6 PM
Magical Memories Trolley — 1–5 PM
Los Gatos Holiday Market (Day 1) — 10 AM–5 PM at Civic Center Lawn.

Sat, Dec 13 — San Francisco
Frozen in Concert – SF Symphony
2 PM — Davies Symphony Hall — Live-to-film; kids’ tickets half off.

Sun, Dec 14 — Carmel
Handel’s Messiah, Carmel Mission Basilica
8 PM — Second performance.

Sun, Dec 14 — Saratoga
A Christmas Carol – Accessibility Performance
2 PM — Montalvo Arts Center (seated version).

Sun, Dec 14 — Los Gatos
Visits with Santa (12–5 PM), St. Luke’s Choir Singing Carols (12–1:30 PM),
Los Gatos Holiday Market Day 2 (10 AM–5 PM),
Magical Memories Trolley (1–5 PM).

Sun, Dec 14 — San Francisco
Peter & the Wolf – SF Symphony
2 PM — Davies Symphony Hall — Narrated by Joshua Dela Cruz.

Dec 13–14 & 20–21 — San Jose (Willow Glen)
Selfies with Santa
12–1 PM — Free Santa photos downtown.

Mon, Dec 15 — San Jose
Season of Hope – FREE Holiday Concert
7:30 PM — Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph with the San José Symphonic Choir.

Tue, Dec 16 — San Francisco
Peabo Bryson & Friends: Home for the Holidays
7:30 PM — Davies Symphony Hall — Featuring Sheena Easton, Ruben Studdard & more.

Wed, Dec 17 — San Francisco
Holiday Gaiety – SF Symphony
7:30 PM — Davies Symphony Hall — Adult holiday cabaret hosted by Peaches Christ.

Fri–Sat, Dec 19–20 — San Francisco
Home Alone – Film with Live Orchestra
Fri, Dec 19 at 7:30 PM; Sat, Dec 20 at 2 PM — Davies Symphony Hall — John Williams’ score performed live.

Fri, Dec 19 — Santa Cruz
Messiah Sing-Along – I Cantori di Carmel
7:30 PM — Holy Cross Catholic Church.

Sat, Dec 20 — San Francisco
Holiday Brass – SF Symphony
7:30 PM — Davies Symphony Hall — Festive brass showcase.

Sun–Mon, Dec 21–22 — San Francisco
A Charlie Brown Christmas – LIVE!
2:00 PM & 7:30 PM — Davies Symphony Hall — The Peanuts classic brought to life.

Daily, Nov–Jan — San Jose
Christmas in the Park
Plaza de Cesar Chavez — Lights, displays, rides, food & entertainment.