Holiday event season is in full swing in the South Bay, so we’ve rounded up a list of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
A Winter Wonderland
December 16 through 17, 7-8:30 p.m. or 3:30-5 p.m.
Campbell Heritage Theatre, 1 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
Celebrate the joys of winter with the Peppermint Princess, the Winter Fairy, Jack frost, and their magical friends at the Academy of Classical Ballet’s a Winter Wonderland. The Friday show will run approximately 75 minutes, the Saturday show will run 90 minutes and include a 20-minute intermission. Purchase your tickets here.
Snow Queen Ballet
December 16 through 18, times vary
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View
Snow Queen presented by Bayer Ballet Company is inspired by one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved fairytales, “Snow Queen” and is a magical family tradition for the holiday season! Friday’s show is free on a first come first serve basis. Tickets for all other performances can be purchased here.
The Choral Project’s “Winter’s Gifts”
December 16, 8 p.m.
Mission Santa Clara de Asis, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara
The Choral Project & San José Chamber Orchestra is putting on their 18th annual Holiday Concert. Winter’s Gifts will feature music by classical and contemporary composers including Joan Szymko and William Susman, among others. Tickets can be purchased here.
Chanukah Celebration
December 18 at 4:30 p.m.
Civic Center Plaza, 500 Castro St, Mountain View
Celebrate Chanukah in Mountain View at Civic Center Plaza this weekend. The event is free and features a giant menorah, games crafts, and more! No pre-registration is required.
Harpers Hall Christmas Concert
December 18, 7-8 p.m.
Bethel Lutheran Church, 10181 Finch Ave, Cupertino
Harpers Hall Ensemble is putting on a Christmas concert at Bethel Lutheran church. The concert will feature a harp ensemble and if you stick around after the concert you may have the chance to learn how to play the harp yourself! Admission is free but donations are welcomed.
Hannukkah Menorah Lighting
December 18, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Corner of Main & State, Los Altos
Head over to the Corner of Main and State for the annual Hannukkah Menorah Lighting! In addition to the lighting, the event will feature latkes, donuts, crafts, and more. Advanced registration is requested. RSVP here.
The Original San Jose Nutcracker
Now through December 18, times vary
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose
The Original San Jose Nutcracker is back and promises to transport you to a magical world of brave toy soldiers and dancing snowflakes. Join the San Jose Theatre company for its 57th year creating countless family memories and holiday traditions. This year will feature their professional company and youth ensemble, in addition to a live orchestra. Find tickets here.
Chanukah at Santa Row
December 18, 4 p.m.
Santana Row Stage Area, 3055 Olin Ave, San Jose
Grab your tickets for the annual Chanukah at Santana Row. Celebrate Jewish pride with live music, a grand Menorah lighting, crafts, a children’s choir, and more. Tickets are free with the option to donate an amount of your choice towards the event.
A Christmas Carol
December 17 and 20, times vary
History Park, 1650 Senter Rd, San Jose
The Silicon Valley Shakespeare’s inaugural performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is happening at History Park San Jose. The show will take place rain or shine. In the event of rain, the show will be seated indoors at the park. Grab your tickets here.
Willow Glen Christmas Lights
Willow Glen Funeral Home Parking Lot, 1039 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
Now through December 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Eco City Cycles is offering Willow Glen Christmas Lights open-air pedicab tour rides. Reservations include a 30-minute tour of some of the Bay Area’s greatest holiday displays. Tickets can be purchased here. Children 5 and under ride for free.
Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru
Now through December 30, between 6-9:30 pm
Vasona County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos
Enjoy a magical evening as you drive through 1.5 miles of illuminated displays during this year’s Fantasy of Lights 2022 – Drive-thru. Time slots are 30 minutes long. Vehicles are invited to tune into 92.9 for a special holiday soundtrack during their tour. Find tickets here.
14th Annual South Bay Holiday Concert
December 22, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View
Head over to the Mountain View Center for the Performing arts for the 14th annual South Bay Holiday Concert to watch an award-winning, multicultural, interfaith choir, united through Black gospel and spiritual music. Note that masks will be required. Purchase your tickets here.
WinterFest
Select nights now through January 1
California’s Great America, 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara
Step into a world of holiday magic at the WinterFest & Ice Rink at California’s Great America. The holiday event features more than 60 rides and holiday attractions, including sending a letter to the North Pole, baking cookies in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, and one of the Bay Area’s tallest Christmas trees. Tickets can be purchased here.