Hayward’s Old Town Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Hayward’s Old Town kicks off the holiday season each year with a festive tree lighting ceremony. On the first Friday in December, the Old Town district comes alive with carolers, hot chocolate, visits from Santa, and more. This free, family-friendly event takes place at Centennial Plaza from 6-8 p.m. At 7 p.m. sharp, the switch is flipped to illuminate Old Town’s towering Christmas tree. Kids’ faces light up as the spectacular tree shines bright with colorful lights and decorations. After the countdown, get photos with Santa, listen to live entertainment, and stroll through Old Town to see the holiday window displays. Don’t forget to bundle up – it can get chilly after sunset! Centennial Plaza is located directly off of B Street, with plenty of metered street parking. But for hassle-free transportation that keeps your whole group together, book a party bus from Hayward Party Bus Company. We’ll get your crew to Old Town with time to spare so you can find a spot right near the plaza. After the lighting ceremony winds down, we’ll be waiting to take you to your next holiday adventure.
Address: Centennial Plaza, 22394 Foothill Blvd, Hayward, CA 94541
Phone: 510-881-6700
Christmas in the Park in San Jose
Just 25 minutes south of Hayward lies Christmas in the Park, one of the Bay Area’s most beloved holiday traditions. For over 40 years, Plaza de Cesar Chavez park in downtown San Jose has transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland. Christmas in the Park runs from Thanksgiving weekend through early January. The highlight is the display of hundreds of Christmas trees decorated by local schools, companies, and community groups. Visitors meander along paths lit up by colorful lights as they tae in the sights of the imaginative trees. Beyond the trees, you’ll find food trucks, a 60-foot Community Giving Tree, visits with Santa, and nightly live entertainment on multiple stages. With over 600,000 visitors each year, traffic and parking can get hairy around Christmas in the Park.
Address: Plaza De Cesar Chavez Park, 90 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 408-535-3570
Sunol Festival of Lights
Just 30 minutes east of Hayward, you’ll find a delightful holiday light display at Alameda County’s Sunol Regional Wilderness park. Each winter, Sunol Festival of Lights transforms Camp Ohlone into a twinkling winter wonderland. From the day after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, visitors drive through the park after sunset and take in elaborate light displays along a 2-mile route. Scenes include Santa’s workshop, snowmen, giant flowers, leaping dolphins, and much more, all illuminated with colorful lights. Get into the holiday spirit with free hot chocolate as you cruise through the mesmerizing light show. Sunol Festival of Lights takes place from 5:30-10 p.m. daily.
Address: Ohlone Regional Wilderness, 1895 Geary Rd, Sunol, CA 94586
Phone: 888-327-2757
Tuesday Night Union City Tree Lighting
Bring your whole family or friend group to Union City’s annual tree lighting ceremony on the first Tuesday evening in December. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. in front of City Hall with live entertainment,activities for kids, visits with Santa, holiday crafts, and food trucks. After spending an hour enjoying holiday tunes and fun, the 30-foot tree is lit up at 6 p.m. Stick around after the lighting for more live music, entertainment, and photos with Santa. You can also head over to the Mark Green Sports Center to ice skate under twinkling lights. With free admission and parking, this beloved community event draws big crowds.
Address: 34009 Alvarado-Niles Rd, Union City, CA 94587
Livermore’s Living Nativity
For a truly unique holiday experience, head to Livermore on a weekend in December for the Living Nativity. Held at Bethany Lutheran Ministries, this interactive event allows guests to journey through Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. The realistic outdoor reenactment features live actors and animals like donkeys, cows, sheep, and goats. As your family or group embarks on the pilgrimage, you’ll encounter Roman soldiers, shopkeepers, angels, shepherds, wise men, and of course Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. The 20-minute walking tour captures the true spirit of Christmas in a fun, family-friendly way. Living Nativity takes place over two weekends: the first weekend and the third weekend in December. Timed tickets are required. Avoid parking hassles and traffic delays by riding to this one-of-a-kind event in Hayward Party Bus Company’s comfortable charter buses.
Address: Bethany Lutheran Ministries, 46718 Frederick St, Livermore, CA 94550
Moraga’s Holiday Home Tour
For a fancier holiday affair, consider Moraga’s Holiday Home Tour. On the first Sunday in December from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this fundraiser allows you to tour exquisitely decorated homes in the Moraga area. The tour features four to five private residences decorated to the nines for the holidays, both inside and out. From classic Christmas motifs to creative, over-the-top designs, you’ll find inspiration galore. Visit each home at your own pace and soak up ideas you can incorporate into your own holiday decor. Consider gathering your fanciest friends and renting a party bus from Hayward Party Bus Company for a festive ride to Moraga’s most dazzling holiday homes.
Address: Varies year to year. Homes are located in Moraga, CA
Wild Lights at Oakland Zoo
From November through early January, experience the magic of Wild Lights at Oakland Zoo. Each evening, over a million twinkling lights transform the zoo into a colorful winter wonderland. In addition to imaginative light displays like a flamingo forest and tunnel of light, Wild Lights offers ice skating, holiday treats, visits with Santa, and festive entertainment. Ride the Outback Express Train for unique views of the illuminated zoo. Don’t miss the nightly tree lighting ceremony set to holiday tunes. Wild Lights takes place from 5:30-9 p.m. daily, with last entry at 8 p.m.
Address: 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605
Phone: 510-632-9525
Paramount Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular
For some good old-fashioned holiday entertainment, check out the Paramount Theatre’s annual Holiday Spectacular. This musical variety show brings together the Paramount’s talented ensemble cast to perform classic and contemporary holiday tunes. From festive pop hits and soulful gospel numbers to traditional Christmas carols, the show celebrates the sights and sounds of the season. Don’t miss the Paramount’s signature dance routines and the chance for kids to meet Santa after the show. The Holiday Spectacular runs on select dates from late November through late December. We’ll get your group to and from the Paramount Theatre stress-free.
Address: 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
Rent With Hayward Party Bus Company To Hit Every Attraction
This holiday season, simplify your group transportation needs with Hayward Party Bus Company. Our modern party buses and charter coaches offer comfortable, convenient transportation for holiday parties, nights out with friends, family gatherings, and so much more. Let us handle the driving and logistics so you can relax and enjoy everything this season has to offer. Call (209) 718-7418 or request an online quote to reserve your festive party bus rental today!