36 free holiday listings for 2026 in 7 cities: tree lightings, visits with Santa, light displays and library holiday crafts. Pick your city, or browse the highlights below.
Nov 27 – Jan 1 · 12:00–10:00 pm daily, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Plaza de César Chávez · Market St between San Fernando St & San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113
Downtown San José's holiday park fills Plaza de César Chávez with decorated trees and displays, open every day through New Year's Day. Free admission.
Good to know: Donations welcome but optional.
Source: Christmas in the Park (nonprofit) · checked Oct 26
DirectionsNov 28 · 6:00–7:00 pm
Plaza de César Chávez · Market St between San Fernando St & San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113
Opening night of Christmas in the Park, when the community tree is lit and the season officially kicks off downtown.
Source: Christmas in the Park (nonprofit) · checked Oct 26
DirectionsNov 28 – Dec 24 · Every night; exact hours to be posted on the organizer's site
Santa's House, Plaza de César Chávez · Market St between San Fernando St & San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113
Kids can visit Santa at his house in the park every night until Christmas Eve, and the photos are free.
Source: Christmas in the Park (nonprofit) · checked Oct 26
DirectionsNov 18 · 4:00–6:00 pm
Three Embarcadero Center, Street Level · Three Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111
Watch the four Embarcadero Center towers light up in their holiday outlines, with a small holiday market before the switch-on.
Good to know: Organizer asks guests to RSVP on Eventbrite and lists no price. Market vendors sell goods.
Source: Embarcadero Center · checked Oct 26
DirectionsDec 3
PIER 39 Entrance Plaza · Beach St & The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
PIER 39 lights its 60-foot live Christmas tree with a swing band, ugly-sweater fun and a visit from the North Pole crew.
Good to know: No admission listed; the pier is open to the public. Shops, food and attractions cost extra.
Source: PIER 39 · checked Oct 26
Directions2026 dates not announced yet
McLaren Lodge & JFK Promenade, Golden Gate Park · 501 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117
SF Rec & Park's evening tree lighting in Golden Gate Park, with carnival rides, cookie decorating and live entertainment along JFK Promenade.
Good to know: Free to attend; food is for sale.
Last year: 2026 not announced yet. 2025: Thu Dec 4, 4–8 pm, with carnival rides, cookie decorating, rock wall and live performers.
Source: San Francisco Recreation & Parks · checked Oct 26
DirectionsNov 28 · 1:00–8:00 pm; performances 1:00–5:30 pm; tree lighting 5:45–8:00 pm
Jack London Square · Broadway & Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94607
Oakland's free holiday kickoff: a waterfront market with a Kids Zone and Mrs. Claus, live music, then Santa lights the tree followed by a laser show.
Good to know: Free, family event; market vendors and food cost money.
Source: Visit Oakland, City of Oakland & Oakland Chamber of Commerce · checked Oct 26
DirectionsDec 5
Oakland–Alameda Estuary (view from Jack London Square) · Jack London Square, Oakland, CA 94607
Boats decked out in holiday lights cruise the estuary after dark. Free to watch from the Jack London Square waterfront.
Source: Annual Lighted Yacht Parade · checked Oct 26
DirectionsDec 6 · 4:30 pm
Lake Merritt Amphitheater · Lake Merritt Blvd between 12th St & 1st Ave, Oakland, CA 94612
A 15-foot menorah is lit by the lake on the third night of Hanukkah, with fire performers, music, latkes, crafts and gelt for kids.
Source: Chabad Jewish Center of Oakland · checked Oct 26
DirectionsNov 29 · 6:00–8:00 pm
Pacific Commons Shopping Center (near Market Broiler) · Pacific Commons Shopping Center, Fremont, CA 94538
A tree-lighting countdown with Santa meet-and-greet photos, face painting, balloon art and holiday music at Pacific Commons.
Good to know: Organizer lists no cost; treat bags while supplies last.
Source: Pacific Commons Shopping Center · checked Oct 26
Directions2026 dates not announced yet
Niles District · Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536
Fremont's lighted evening parade through historic Niles, with giant balloons, floats and marching bands kicking off the holidays.
Last year: Organizer says the parade is always the Friday after Thanksgiving; 2026 details not posted yet. 2025 was the 25th annual.
Source: Niles Main Street Association · checked Oct 26
Directions2026 dates not announced yet
Downtown Event Center & Plaza · 3500 Capitol Ave, Fremont, CA 94538
The City of Fremont's downtown holiday night with a tree lighting, hot chocolate, a holiday market and a visit from the Grinch.
Good to know: Free event; the kids' gingerbread cookie workshop is ticketed, and food trucks and the market cost money.
Last year: 2026 not announced yet. 2025: Fri Dec 5, 5–9 pm, tree lighting at 6 pm.
Source: City of Fremont with Fremont Chamber of Commerce · checked Oct 26
DirectionsNov 20 · 5:30–6:30 pm
Civic Park · 1375 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Walnut Creek lights its Civic Park tree at sunset, with free hot cocoa, carolers and Frosty the Snowman greeting kids.
Source: City of Walnut Creek & Walnut Creek Downtown Association · checked Oct 26
DirectionsDec 3 · 6:00–8:00 pm
Broadway Plaza · 1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
A lighted parade rolls down Broadway Plaza's main street and ends with Santa switching on the center's big Christmas tree.
Good to know: Organizer lists no cost to watch.
Source: Broadway Plaza · checked Oct 26
Directions2026 dates not announced yet
Santa's workshop near True Food Kitchen, Broadway Plaza · 1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Kids can stop by Santa's workshop at Broadway Plaza through Christmas Eve. Saying hello is free; you only pay if you buy photos.
Good to know: Visiting Santa is free; photo packages are sold.
Last year: 2026 hours not confirmed; the posted schedule appears to be from an earlier season (mid-November through Dec 24).
Source: Broadway Plaza · checked Oct 26
DirectionsDec 5
San Mateo Caltrain Station · 385 First Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
Caltrain's decorated Holiday Train stops in San Mateo, with station performances and balloon artists for families who come to watch.
Good to know: Riding the Holiday Train needs a ticket; the station festivities are open to everyone.
Source: Caltrain · checked Oct 26
Directions2026 dates not announced yet
Central Recreation Center & Central Park · 50 E 5th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
The City of San Mateo's free winter evening with holiday music, crafts, cookie decorating and photo spots for the whole family.
Last year: 2026 not announced yet. 2025: Sat Dec 6, 5–7 pm.
Source: City of San Mateo · checked Oct 26
Directions2026 dates not announced yet
25th Avenue between Hacienda & Flores Streets · 25th Ave between Hacienda St & Flores St, San Mateo, CA 94403
A festive evening stroll on 25th Avenue with lights, music and family fun along the neighborhood's local shops.
Good to know: Free and open to the public; shopping is extra.
Last year: 2026 not announced yet. 2025: Fri Dec 5, 5–8 pm.
Source: San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce · checked Oct 26
DirectionsNov 28 – Jan 10
Shops on 4th Street between Lincoln Ave & H St · 4th St, Downtown San Rafael, CA 94901
Grab a map and hunt for elves hidden in downtown shops. Turn in a completed map for a chance to win a gift basket.
Good to know: No entry fee listed; prize baskets drawn in January.
Source: San Rafael Business Improvement District · checked Oct 26
DirectionsDec 5
Downtown San Rafael (4th Street) · 4th St, Downtown San Rafael, CA 94901
Downtown San Rafael's 45th annual holiday celebration and tree lighting, moved to the first Saturday in December this year.
Good to know: Organizer hasn't posted 2026 activity details or costs yet.
Source: San Rafael Business Improvement District · checked Oct 26
DirectionsDec 6 · 5:00–6:30 pm
Downtown San Rafael Plaza · 1000 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901
Music, dancing and a giant menorah lighting downtown, then the fire department drops chocolate gelt from its ladder truck.
Good to know: Bring a non-perishable food item for a free hot chocolate and latke.
Source: Chabad of Marin & City of San Rafael · checked Oct 26
Directions