2022 Dog Friendly Bay Area Holiday Guide
We are so lucky to be in the Bay Area where there is a wealth of festive events and twinkling lights during the holidays. Dog friendly holiday fun this year range from lighted boat parades to outdoor holiday festivals to tree lightings and neighborhood lights. Best of all, these activities are all FREE unless noted otherwise.
Events are subject to change without notice. Links are available below to all venues for your convenience. Please confirm information with the website.
East Bay
November 25, 2022 to January 8, 2023
Walnut Creek
5:30 PM – 7 PM
Ruth Bancroft Garden (map)
Meander through 2.5 acres of cacti, succulents and trees that are transformed into colorful botanical sculptures by thousands of lights and lasers. Anticipate spending 1-1.5 hours walking through the gardens. Purchase tickets online – $20-28 for adults and $12-16 for kids.
December 2, 2022
Livermore
Friday, 4 PM – 8 PM
Livermore Downtown (map)
Twinkling booths will be set up where you can enjoy holiday treats, gifts, food faire, live music, and fun kids activities. There will be special visits from The Gingerbread Girl, The Candy Girl, and Santa. Don’t forget to stop by the Beer & Wine tent for mulled wine from Wood Family Vineyards.
December 2, 2022
San Leandro
Friday, 5:30 PM – 9 PM
San Leandro Downtown (map)
Annual tree lighting, holiday performances, photos with Santa, outdoor cinema, crafts for kids, a holiday light show, and a holiday market. Tree lighting and a brass quintet will be at 5:30pm in Estudillo Plaza. Followed by music, entertainment and outdoor cinema at 6pm on West Juana Ave. The holiday market will be in Pelton Plaza with over 30 vendors.
December 2, 2022
Walnut Creek
Friday, 6 PM – 9 PM
Broadway Plaza (map)
Kick off the holiday season with music, refreshments, and a special Tree Lighting Ceremony initiated by Santa Claus himself!
December 3, 2022
Oakland / Alameda
Saturday, 5:30 PM
Jack London Square (map)
Lighted boats parade down Oakland Alameda Estuary from the Grand Marina to Jack London Square. Recommend watching from Jack London Square.
December 3, 2022
Oakland
Saturday, 5:45 PM – 8 PM
Jack London Square (map)
Tree lighting will take place near Plank. Live entertainment includes: laser shows with snow; photos with Santa, Frosty & Christmas teddy bear; illuminated LED ballerina; special musical and dance performances (including 11-time Grammy winner Tony Lindsay)
December 3, 2022
Livermore
Saturday, 6 PM
Livermore Downtown (map)
The parade will travel east on First Street. Enjoy floats and performances by local businesses, bands, schools, clubs, and more. Followed by the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 7:15pm at Lizzie Fountain Park.
December 3-26, 2022
Pleasanton
December 3-31, 2022
Alameda
5:30 PM – 10 PM
3200 block of Thompson Ave. (map)
53+ houses on the 3200 block of Thompson Ave.
December 4, 2022
Berkeley
Sunday, 11 AM – 4 PM
Fourth Street Maker’s Row (map)
Handcrafted goods from Bay Area Makers, live music, and kids activities.
December 4, 2022
Lafayette
Sunday, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Lafayette Plaza Park (map)
This year’s celebration includes a visit from Santa, free train rides on the Lafayette Express, live music, kid’s crafts, holiday treats, holiday tree lighting ceremony at 6pm, and more.
December 4, 2022
Newark
Monday, 5:30 PM – 7 PM
Newark Civic Center (map)
Photo booth, crafts, games, and hot cocoa bar starts at 5:30pm. Tree lighting at 7pm.
December 10-11, 17-18, 23-24, 2022
Berkeley
Saturday, 11 AM – 6 PM
Telegraph Ave (map)
Holiday shoppers can enjoy fine food and unique crafts from 200+ local artisans. Colorful lights and decorations complete the experience. Between Dwight and Bancroft Way, next to the UC Berkeley campus. The fair will take place on December 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 23rd and 24th.
December 10-31, 2022
Fremont
5:30 PM – 10 PM
Wellington Pl (map)
70+ homes on Cripps Pl, Asquith Pl, Nicolet Ct, Wellington Pl, and stretch of Nicolet Ave (between Gibraltar Dr & Perkins St)
December 11, 2022
Berkeley
Sunday, 10 AM – 11 AM
Almanac Beer Co. (map)
One hour yoga class followed by a pint of beer included in your $20 ticket. Held on select Sundays of every month in the beer garden outside, weather permitting (moved inside if needed). A food truck will be on the premises after yoga ends.
December 11, 2022
Pleasanton
Sunday, 3 PM – 7 PM
Dog Bar at Stoneridge Shopping Center (map)
Dog Bar’s first big pop-up event to shop local makers and vendors, march through the mall in a Pawliday costume parade at 5pm, make doggie Pawliday cards, ornaments & stockings, donate to local rescues, and play with doggie friends!
North Bay
November 25, 2022
Santa Rosa
Sunday, 4 PM – 7 PM
Santa Rosa Downtown (map)
Featuring live entertainment, holiday drinks and treats, photos with Santa, official lighting of the Courthouse, a drought-conscious ice rink, and Snoopy!
November 26, 2022
San Rafael
Monday, 1 PM – 5:30 PM
San Rafael Downtown (map)
Two-block event with live music, food trucks, a makers marketplace, a human snow globe photo booth, an ornament craft table, costumed characters, and a toy drive. Lighted classic car parade cruising down 4th Street between H Street and Lincoln Ave. at 5:30pm. The 1st Annual Elf Hunt also kicks off at this event and will run until 12/21 — find Elves hidden inside 23 local businesses and you’ll be entered to win a gift basket worth $100-300!
December 3, 2022
Tiburon
Saturday, 2 PM – 5 PM
Main Street Tiburon (map)
Shop along Main Street while enjoying specialty cocktails. Enjoy tree lighting, a visit by Santa, and choir performances.
December 3, 2022
Vallejo
Saturday, 2 PM – 7:30 PM
Vallejo Downtown (map)
California’s most whimsical Alice in Wonderland holiday experience. The festival takes place in front of JFK Library where there will be carolers, marching bands, train rides, holiday markets, an international food court, and animated Wonderland characters. The holiday parade starts at 4:30pm and goes down Georgia St. from Sonoma Blvd to Santa Clara St. Tree lighting ceremony at 6pm behind JFK Library. Followed by a lighted boat parade on the waterfront starting at 6:30pm.
December 3, 2022
Sonoma
Saturday, 5 PM – 8 PM
Cornerstone Sonoma (map)
Watch Santa himself light up the famous Cornerstone Snowman Tree. While shopping, there will be food trucks, sweet treats, cozy beverages, and signature cocktails or wine at the Cornerstone Garden Barn. The dog-friendly Folktable Restaurant will also offer special menu options during this event.
December 3, 2022
Calistoga
Saturday, 7 PM – 8 PM
Calistoga Downtown (map)
Watch over 50 decorated tractors, floats, and farm equipment parade through downtown Calistoga.
December 3-24, 2022
Napa
Saturday, All Day
Napa Downtown (map)
Participating businesses in downtown Napa deck the halls with special holiday trees in front of their place of business. Shoppers can vote online for the best decorated tree and have the chance to win $300 in downtown Napa gift cards. Refer to the map above for all locations.
December 4, 2022
Mill Valley
Sunday, 12 PM – 5 PM
Mill Valley Downtown (map)
Live music and dance performances on stage from 12-5pm. Tree lighting at 4:45pm. Holiday games and activities.
December 9, 2022
San Rafael
Friday, 5 PM – 8 PM
San Rafael Downtown (map)
Vote for your favorite sparkly holiday window display and win prizes during the special holiday edition of the Second Friday Art walk. Enjoy discounts, deals, demos, and free hot cocoa or apple cider while shopping at the downtown businesses.
December 10, 2022
Benicia
Saturday, 10 PM – 3 PM
Benicia Downtown (map)
The parade features local marching bands, dancers, and Santa Claus. Starts at First & D Street and ends at H Street. The Holiday Market features arts & crafts, gourmet items, and foods.
December 10, 2022
Napa
Christmas Parade – CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Saturday, 5 PM – 8 PM
Napa Downtown (map)
Celebrate 175 years of Christmas in Napa! Floats decorated over-the-top with lights. Meet Santa afterwards.
December 10, 2022
Sausalito
Saturday, 6 PM – 7:15 PM
Sausalito Waterfront at Gabrielson Park (map)
Free, but reserved seating can be purchased. Fireworks start at 7:15pm.
December 10, 2022
Petaluma
Saturday, 6 PM – 7 PM
Petaluma Turning Basin (map)
Brightly decorated boats, kayaks, yachts and stand-up paddleboards parade down Petaluma River from Petaluma Marina (5:30pm) to Turning Basin (6pm). Click here for even more holiday events in Petaluma throughout the month.
December 12-25, 2022
Santa Rosa
Saturday, 5:30 PM – 10 PM
4461 Drury Lane (map)
Grand prize winner on the 2021 Season 9, Episode 3 of the ABC TV show “Great Christmas Light Fight.” 2022 will be the final year of this display.
December 17, 2022
San Rafael
Saturday, 6 PM
San Rafael Canal (map)
Boats will parade down San Rafael Canal from Pickleweed Park to Montecito Plaza Shopping Center. Can also watch from along Point San Pedro Rd, Third St, and Yacht Club Dr.
Peninsula
December 2, 2022
Burlingame
Friday, 5 PM – 8 PM
Burlingame City Hall & Burlingame Ave. (map)
Enjoy the tree lighting in front of City Hall at 5pm, followed by Winterfest on Burlingame Ave between Lorton and Primrose from 6-8pm. Winterfest activities include musical performances, carnival games, craft tables, train rides, face painting, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
December 2, 2022
Half Moon Bay
Friday, 6:15 PM
Half Moon Bay Downtown (map)
The Annual Lighted Parade with Santa Claus starts around 6:15 — come early to stake out your spot! Santa will be in Mac Dutra Park after the parade. The Kid’s Zone will take place next to the park on Kelly with fun activities for kids of all ages.
December 3, 2022
Millbrae
December 4, 2022
Pacifica
Sunday, 11 AM – 4 PM
Eureka Square Shopping Center (map)
A new, daytime holiday festival filled with live music, holiday cocktails, food trucks, arts & crafts holiday market, kids funzone, and a photo booth.
December 4, 2022
Pacifica
Sunday, 3PM – 7 PM
Palmetto Ave & Dondee Way (map)
The parade starts at Ingrid B Lacy School at 3pm down Palmetto Ave and joins the Tree Lighting Festival along Dondee Way in Rockaway Beach at 4pm. The festival includes food trucks, kids activities, snow flurries, live music and performances. Free shuttle rides from Pacifica Community Center to Rockaway Beach.
December 5-25, 2022
San Carlos
December 5-31, 2022
Redwood City
December 10, 2022
Redwood City
Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM
Courthouse Square (map)
Guests can enjoy a parade starting at 4:30pm, live holiday entertainment, carnival rides, photos with Santa, food vendors, crafts, games, food vendors, and craft vendors.
December 14, 2022
Foster City
Wednesday, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Foster City Recreation Center (map)
There will be holiday music, take-home crafts and light refreshments. Followed by a countdown to the tree lighting ceremony that will begin at 6pm. Santa will be there too!
December 18, 2022
Redwood City
Sunday, 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM
Courthouse Square (map)
Chaban Midpen invites you to enjoy moon bounces, latkes, donuts, music, Chanukah crafts, and local dignitaries. Plus, watch the “first ever” graffiti menorah in Northern California.
San Francisco
November 18, 2022
San Francisco
Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
Ghirardelli Square (map)
Make Hanukkah crafts, play dreidel, eat fresh donuts, light candles, enjoy an LED piano concert with Luminescent Grand, and explore the shops at Ghirardelli Square. Hosted by the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco.
November 18, 2022
San Francisco
Friday, 4 PM – 7 PM
Embarcadero Center (map)
This family fun carnival features a variety of activities like carnival games, face painting, a special appearance from Santa & his elves, Frozen the Musical themed photo opportunities, and a light show spectacular. 17,000 lights that outline Embarcadero Center will illuminate the San Francisco skyline.
November 25, 2022 to January 31, 2023
San Francisco
Throughout San Francisco (map)
While Illuminate SF is a year-round initiative that showcases the city’s public light art installations, there are additional temporary artworks that make up the Festival of Light during the winter months.
November 29, 2022
San Francisco
Friday, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Ritz-Carlton San Francisco (map)
Watch Santa and a Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area child flip the switch to light the 40-foot tree.
November 30, 2022
San Francisco
Wednesday, 6 PM – 8 PM
Thrive City (map)
Annual lighting ceremony featuring the Bay Area’s largest tree standing at 90-feet tall. Features live music from Neal Schon of Journey, Teddy Swims, and SF Philharmonic. RSVP while supplies last.
December 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022
San Francisco
Presidio Community YMCA (map)
Visit the 55-foot tall Norfolk Island pine in the Presidio that has glowed with lights every day in December since 1991.
December 2, 2022 to December 11, 2022
San Francisco
5 PM – 10PM
Various locations (map)
December 7, 2022
San Francisco
Wednesday, 4 PM – 7 PM
Civic Center Plaza (map)
Featuring festive holiday performances, food, music, a toy giveaway for children, “snow” flurries, appearances by the Grinch and Santa, SF Etsy in the Makers Village, and DIY holiday-themed arts and crafts. Mayor London Breed will light the plaza’s 50-foot tall noble fir at 5:30pm.
December 16, 2022
San Francisco
Friday, 3 PM – 6 PM
Thrive City (map)
Enjoy the snowfall, snap photos with Santa, take part in festive arts and crafts, and indulge in seasonal treats. RSVP while supplies last.
December 17, 2022
San Francisco
Saturday, 1 PM – 4 PM
Thrive City (map)
Enjoy the snowfall, snap photos with Santa, take part in festive arts and crafts, and indulge in seasonal treats. RSVP while supplies last.
December 18, 2022
San Francisco
Sunday, 1 PM – 6 PM
Thrive City (map)
Enjoy the snowfall, snap photos with Santa, take part in festive arts and crafts, and indulge in seasonal treats. The Hanukkah celebration is from 4:30-6pm, which includes menorah lighting, rabbi reading, and delicious Hanukkah treats. RSVP while supplies last.
December 18, 2022
San Francisco
Sunday, 2 PM – 6 PM
Union Square (map)
Celebrate the first day of Hanukkah with live music from Shamati with Greg Anton, kids craft activities and entertainment, and menorah lighting. Daily menorah lightings with live music through December 25.
December 31, 2022
San Francisco
Saturday, 1 PM – 6 PM
Thrive City (map)
Celebrate the culture of Kwanzaa and ring in 2023 with Noon Year’s Eve featuring the Music of Fela Kuti from The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a countdown drop at 11:59 a.m., arts & craft stations, treats, and more at Winter Wonderland presented by Fanatics. RSVP while supplies last.
South Bay
November 25, 2022
Saratoga
Friday, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Saratoga Village (map)
The tree lighting will take place in Blaney Plaza and is free. For an additional $55-65, you can participate in the Wine Stroll event, which sells out yearly.
November 25, 2022 to December 25, 2022
Watsonville
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds (map)
$20/car. A ¾ mile ride through the fairgrounds with tractors, trees, lawns and buildings decorated with millions of twinkling lights. Stop by the holiday food stands to pick up your favorite fair food treats.
November 26, 2022 to January 1, 2023
San Jose
5 PM – 10 PM
Lake Cunningham Park (map)
$30/car. Enjoy a fantastic light show programmed to music by Pentatonix, Michael Bublé, Luis Miguel, and more!
December 1, 2022
Los Altos
Thursday, 6 PM – 8 PM
Los Altos Downtown (map)
Musical selections by local school choral groups. Santa will arrive 6:30pm
December 1, 2022
Milpitas
December 1-31, 2022
Sunnyvale
5:30 PM – 11 PM
959 Bluebonnet Dr. (map)
Four houses with lights synchronized to music at 959 Bluebonnet Dr.
December 2, 2022
Los Gatos
Friday, 5 PM – 7PM
Los Gatos Town Plaza Park (map)
Tree lighting at 6pm, followed by free photos with Santa.
December 2, 2022
Cupertino
Friday, 6 PM – 7PM
Quinlan Community Center (map)
This year’s event features our special guest, Santa! After the tree lighting, participants are able to visit with Santa and take festive photos. Fun for the whole family!
December 3, 2022
Los Gatos
Saturday, 11 AM – 1PM
Los Gatos Downtown (map)
Rain or shine! The parade travels down Santa Cruz Ave, starting from Almendra Ave. and ending near Los Gatos High School. There are 174 entries this year.
December 3, 2022
Gilroy
Saturday, 3 PM – 7 PM
Gilroy Downtown (map)
This beloved tradition includes vendor booths and live performances starting at 3pm, the holiday parade at 5pm, tree lighting ceremony at 6:30pm, and photos with Santa.
December 3, 10 & 17, 2022
San Jose
Saturday, 3 PM – 9 PM
Oak Grove High School (map)
A celebration of culture, arts, and the Christmas spirit. There will be 40+ vendors, 6+ food trucks, activities for kids, a dining food area, live entertainment, and a toy drive.
December 3, 2022
Sunnyvale
Saturday, 5 PM – 7 PM
Sunnyvale Downtown (map)
Located on Historic Murphy Avenue. Performances from local dance studios and choirs from Sunnyvale School District
December 3, 2022
Santa Cruz
Saturday, 5:30 PM
Santa Cruz Harbor (map)
This year’s theme is “Deck the Hulls.” The parade takes place in the South Harbor between Murray Street bridge and the gas dock.
December 4, 2022
Monterey
Sunday, 5:15 PM – 7 PM
Old Fisherman’s Wharf (map)
Enjoy the beautiful lights on the boats that pass by Old Fisherman’s Wharf at 5:30 pm and return to pass by around 6:15 pm.
December 5, 2022
Mountain View
Monday, 5:30 PM – 8 PM
Civic Center Plaza, Mountain View Downtown (map)
Enjoy local performances, free refreshments (hot cocoa, apple cider, cookies), games and crafts, inflatables, photos with Santa, and train rides.
December 6-30, 2022
Los Gatos
6 PM – 10 PM
Vasona Lake County Park (map)
$20/car. Tickets sell out fast! Drive through 1.5 miles of 50+ large animated displays including the Dinosaur Den, Santa shooting hoops, playful penguins, blazing pirate cannons, tunnels of moving lights, and a 90-foot twinkling tree. Note that dogs are NOT allowed in the walk-thru events during the first weekend in December, but can attend the drive-thru events.
December 10-31, 2022
San Jose
5:30 PM – 10 PM
Willow Glen (map)
5+ blocks of festively lit houses, each street with its own theme.
December 10-31, 2022
Palo Alto
