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.

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

Spotlight on Jack London Square’s Holiday Tree Lighting

Saturday, Dec. 2 from 5:45 pm-8 pm in the main plaza near Plank, 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!

Thursday, November 30, 2023

5:30 PM: Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting @ Pacific Commons, Fremont
5:30 PM: Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting @ Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
6:30 PM: Holiday Tree Lighting @ Moraga Commons Park, Moraga

Friday, December 1, 2023

5:30 PM: It's a Wonderful Night @ Downtown San Leandro, San Leandro
5:30 PM: Tree Lighting & Car-Free Holiday Parade @ Emeryville City Hall, Emeryville
5:30 PM: Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Todos Santos Plaza, Concord
6:00 PM: Holiday Light Up the Night @ Fremont Hub, Fremont

Saturday, December 2, 2023

3:00 PM: Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa @ Fernandez Park, Pinole
3:30 PM: Light Up the Season @ Hayward City Hall Plaza, Hayward
4:30 PM: Light up the Night @ Downtown Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill
5:00 PM: Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting @ Downtown Pleasanton, Pleasanton
5:45 PM: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Jack London Square, Oakland

Sunday, December 3, 2023

3:30 PM: Holiday Tree Lighting @ Hercules Community Swim Center, Hercules
4:30 PM: It’s a Wonderful Life Holiday Celebration @ Downtown Lafayette, Lafayette

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

4:00 PM: San Francisco Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting @ Civic Center Plaza (San Francisco), San Francisco
7:00 PM: Lights Up! @ Piedmont Community Hall, Piedmont

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.

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