Christmas Tree Lightings in the East Bay & San Francisco

This festive list of Christmas tree-lighting events was sponsored by Jack London Square in Oakland. Whether you visit for the amazing holiday lighting display or another time during the holiday season, stick around for dinner.

Holiday tree lighting in Oakland — Jack London Square aglow | Courtesy of Jack London Square

I love the idea of a public Christmas tree lighting ceremony. In my imagination, the children are bundled up all cozy and snug from a chilly evening staying up a bit past bedtime; we all count down to the ignition; and finally, we celebrate a glorious sight. Twinkling Christmas magic!

Spotlight on Jack London Square’s Holiday Tree Lighting

Saturday, Nov. 28 from 5:45-8 pm in the main plaza, Oakland’s Jack London Square celebrates the holiday season with a festive celebration including a beautiful Christmas tree lighting and laser light show accompanied by live music and entertainers. The two-hour celebration has performances by Oaktown Jazz Workshops’ Performance Ensemble and The Lyric Performing Arts Academy. Look for other special guests such as a giant Christmas teddy bear, Frosty, a Peppermint Princess, and Santa Claus himself.
Location: near 98 Broadway at Water Street, Oakland
Website >

Christmas Tree Lightings in the East Bay & San Francisco

These events are often crowded and my small children are too short to see anything. Choose a family-friendly Christmas tree lighting-up ceremony — or ceremonies — based on how easy it is for you to get there or the wonderful other activities, then be prepared with a backup plan for bored, hungry, confused kids who need the potty at the worst moments. Ice skating nearby? Perfect. Holiday cocoa? Yes! Some of these events offer extra Christmas magic like a carriage ride. How to choose?

I offer you these Christmas tree lighting ceremonies in chronological order. Tell me which ones you’ve visited before!

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

5:30 PM: Tree Lighting @ Richmond Memorial Auditorium, Richmond

Friday, November 20, 2026

5:00 PM: Main Street Tree Lighting @ Downtown Martinez, Martinez
6:00 PM: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony @ City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon

Saturday, November 21, 2026

4:30 PM: Light up the Night @ Downtown Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill

Friday, November 27, 2026

5:00 PM: Lighting of the Old Oak Tree @ Downtown Danville, Danville

Saturday, November 28, 2026

5:45 PM: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Jack London Square, Oakland
6:00 PM: "Magic of Christmas" Lighting Concert @ Temple Hill Auditorium, Oakland

Sunday, November 29, 2026

4:00 PM: Colusa Circle Tree Lighting @ Colusa Circle, Kensington
5:00 PM: Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting @ Pacific Commons, Fremont

Tuesday, December 1, 2026

5:30 PM: Indoor Tree Lighting @ Claremont Resort & Club, Berkeley
5:30 PM: Mt. Eden Mansion Lights Up Celebration @ Mt. Eden Mansion, Hayward

Wednesday, December 2, 2026

4:00 PM: Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting @ Civic Center Plaza (San Francisco), San Francisco
6:00 PM: Lights Up! @ Piedmont Community Hall, Piedmont

Thursday, December 3, 2026

6:00 PM: Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting @ Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek

Friday, December 4, 2026

4:00 PM: It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration @ Lafayette Plaza, Lafayette
4:30 PM: Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade @ Emeryville City Hall, Emeryville

laser light christmas tree show — On November 28, 2026, Jack London Square’s tree lighting will feature a laser light show among many special surprises! | Photo: Jack London Square

There are many wonderful events this time of year for families, and you can probably hit more than one, even with a three-year-old clutching your leg and begging for a cookie.

Find more to do this Holiday Season in our East Bay Holiday Events Guide >

This festive round-up of Christmas tree-lighting events was sponsored by Jack London Square.