Silicon Valley Holiday Guide
Yvette Stout M.S. November 11, 2024
As the holiday season draws near, Silicon Valley lights up with festive events and countless ways to give back. Whether you’re looking to celebrate locally with friends and family or support impactful causes near and far, this guide has you covered. From holiday markets and tree lightings to inspiring charities that make a difference beyond our neighborhood, there’s something for everyone. Let’s make this season bright with joy, community, and generosity!
Step into the magic of Victorian London at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair—a truly unique, immersive holiday experience! Set in over 140,000 square feet of festively-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and shops, the Fair brings Christmas Eve to life with hundreds of costumed characters interacting with guests and bringing Dickens’ world to vibrant reality. Wander cobblestone lanes filled with lively figures from both history and literature, savor the aroma of roasted chestnuts and hearty fare, and browse lamplit shops brimming with handcrafted gifts. A beloved Bay Area tradition since 1970, this year’s Fair offers new immersive delights, including a live steam train greeting visitors at the Victoria Station lobby. Celebrate the season with this unforgettable holiday journey!
When: Five weekends from 11/23 - 12/22 (including the Friday after Thanksgiving) from 10am - 6pm
Where: The Historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, California
Since 1977, the Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade has kicked off the holiday season in Downtown Los Altos with a magical celebration!
The theme, “A Child’s Holiday Fantasy,” lights up the night with vibrant floats, marching bands from local high schools, and beloved costumed characters—all glowing with thousands of twinkling lights. And, of course, Santa and his reindeer make a grand appearance!
This enchanting event is brought to life by the Los Altos Festival of Lights Association, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization supported by community grants and generous contributions from spectators.
When: 12/1 at 6pm
Where: The intersection of 1st Street & State Street, Los Altos
Starting at 4pm, join me and The Agency Los Altos for a festive gathering at the Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade! Enjoy hot chocolate, refreshments, a coffee cart with adult options, and a balloon artist for added fun—all while taking in the perfect view of the lights. Please note, parking is limited; we encourage guests to park across the street at our other office at 161 S. San Antonio Road.
No RSVP needed. Can't wait to see you there!
When: Tuesday, 12/10 through Thursday, 1/5 from 6pm - 10pm
Where: Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos
As the holiday season approaches, Eucalyptus Avenue in San Carlos transforms into a winter wonderland, bringing joy and festive spirit to all who visit. Known affectionately as "Christmas Tree Lane" or "Candy Cane Lane," Eucalyptus Avenue has become famous for its spectacular Christmas light displays that adorn every home along the charming street. What began with a few holiday decorations has blossomed into a beloved tradition, drawing families and visitors from near and far to enjoy the dazzling beauty of the season.
Each year, inspired by the warmth and community of the holidays, residents deck out their homes with festive lights, creating a breathtaking display that’s earned widespread admiration. Over time, this tradition has grown into one of the most celebrated holiday displays in the region, drawing such large crowds that the San Carlos City Council has even considered measures to manage the increase in traffic, parking, and sanitation around Eucalyptus Avenue.
When: Lights typically go up after Thanksgiving
Where: Eucalyptus Ave, San Carlos
Christmas in the Park is a community-centered nonprofit devoted to celebrating the holiday season with a free, family-friendly event. Held annually in the heart of Downtown San José at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, this cherished tradition has, for over 44 years, brought together visitors from across the Bay Area for a festive holiday experience.
Each year, the two-acre park transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with over 40 musical and animated displays, twinkling lights, and the towering 50-foot Community Giving Tree. Guests can wander through a magical winter landscape featuring classic displays like the Lima Train with its melting snowman, caroling mice, and busy elf woodcrafters. Trees decorated by local schools, community groups, and businesses create an enchanted forest of holiday cheer.
Supported by generous community donations, Christmas in the Park offers free admission to the public. Children can snap a photo with Santa, enjoy nightly entertainment, and savor holiday-themed treats—all in the spirit of the season and at no cost.
When: Drive Thru Opens 11/21, Downtown Opens 11/29
Where: Downtown San José at Plaza de Cesar Chavez
'Tis the season to make cherished memories, soak in festive surroundings, and enjoy time together. Step into the magic of the House adorned with holiday cheer and explore the winter Garden, where inspiration shines bright.
By day, revel in the winter sunlight illuminating the stunning decor and enchanting garden displays, setting the perfect backdrop for a family photo. Warm up with a cozy drink by the firepit or enjoy a hearty lunch at the Quail Café.
As evening falls, step into a dazzling world of holiday magic, where immersive displays and natural beauty bring life to beloved traditions and fresh experiences alike.
When: 11/16 - 1/12
Where: 86 Cañada Road, Woodside
Springline’s Winter Wonderland is back, bringing festive cheer to the holiday season! Guests are invited to enjoy live music in The Plaza, delicious food, beer, wine, hot chocolate, and a REAL snow playground—perfect for building a snowman, with even more snow this year!
Visitors can also take a complimentary photo with Santa, craft their own ornaments, and more.
Movie Screenings
The screenings will be held in a temperature-controlled tent, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for a cozy movie experience.
When: 12/7 from 4pm-9pm
Where: Springline Menlo Park
Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Thrive City's Winter Wonderland Hanukkah Celebration, presented by Kaiser Permanente! Enjoy an unforgettable evening with the menorah lighting to kick off the holiday, followed by live entertainment from Jerry’s Kosher Deli All Star Band, ice skating, festive treats, and arts & crafts.
When: 12/29 starting at 5pm
Where: Thrive City
All ages are invited to a festive and creative Hanukkah Craft Party, designed to bring families into the holiday spirit as Hanukkah approaches. Guests can make their own menorahs, decorate personalized dreidels, and craft unique decorations to brighten their homes for the eight nights of Hanukkah. Don’t forget to take home sufganiyot to enjoy after finishing your masterpieces!
For those seeking extra holiday cheer, stay for the Six13 a cappella vocal band! Known for their unique style and energy, Six13 brings Jewish music to life with the pure power of the human voice, making it the perfect way to get ready for the holiday.
When: 12/15 starting at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Where: Oshman Family JCC | Einstein Meeting Room
The Clubhouse at 3Below Theaters presents A Mini MeshugaNutcracker!—a Chanukah celebration for all to enjoy. This lively event takes the audience on a delightful journey through the Festival of Lights with songs and stories from the beloved musical The MeshugaNutcracker! Following the performance, guests can savor jelly doughnuts and hot apple cider while creating Chanukah decorations and enjoying holiday activities.
When: 12/22
Where: 3Below Theaters
The holiday season is a perfect time to give back and support those in need. As we gather with loved ones and celebrate, donating to charities allows us to spread warmth and hope to others, creating a ripple of kindness in our communities and beyond. Whether through local food drives, supporting shelters, or contributing to causes that resonate with us, each act of generosity helps make a meaningful difference. This season, let’s embrace the spirit of giving by lending a hand to those who need it most.
Pivotal works with foster youth as they navigate the critical years from middle school to college and into the workforce. Paired with their own Pivotal coach, foster youth get one-on-one support to set their educational and career goals and then develop a plan to achieve them. Pivotal sets young people up for success through professional development workshops, college scholarships, and paid summer internships.
As a proud Ukrainian, this organization is near and dear to my heart. Nova Ukraine's mission is to provide essential aid such as medical supplies, infrastructure repair, and humanitarian aid, helping the communities of Ukraine recover and rebuild.
One Warm Coat’s mission is to provide free coats to children and adults in need while promoting volunteerism and environmental sustainability.
Baby2Baby is a nonprofit that provides children living in poverty across the country with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves.
Hope’s Corner meets the needs of our community by providing free nutritious meals and warm showers to anyone in need. They believe in one inclusive community that cares for all of its people. They couldn’t serve the community without their dedicated volunteers and generous donors.
Every kid needs three meals a day to grow up healthy, happy and strong. But today in America, too many children are missing those meals. No Kid Hungry works to end childhood hunger in the United States.
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