It's the holiday season here in Oakland, California! Plan a visit to The Town and you will find plenty of ways to get in the holiday spirit! Here’s a list for holiday shopping, and more to get you started! Get your calendar out, select the holiday events that look the most fun for you and your family, and create ever-lasting memories!

Seasons greetings from Oakland!

  1. KOLA: An Afro Diasporic Remix of the Nutcracker | December 15-18
  2. Fairy Winterland at Children's Fairyland | December 16-30
  3. Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker | December 17-18
  4. Orchestra Nostalgico returns to Duende | December 22
  5. Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo | Through January 2023
  6. More Holiday Events

KOLA: An Afro Diasporic Remix of the Nutcracker | December 15-18
 

KOLA An Afro Diasporic Remix of the Nutcracker Flyer

This inspiring, joy-filled, and moving professional production has received rave reviews and is being hailed as “the new holiday classic.” Kola: An Afro Diasporic Remix of The Nutcracker is a re-envisioned version of The Nutcracker through the lens of African and Afro-Latinx music, dance, theater, and culture reflecting the lives of Black and Brown children socially, politically, and spiritually, set in modern-day Oakland. Get tickets now!
 

Fairy Winterland at Children's Fairyland | December 16-30
 

Fairy Winterland at Children's Fairyland

Evenings in late December sparkle with the return of Fairy Winterland at Children’s Fairyland in Oakland. This magical multicultural event brings families together to share in the season’s festivities and explore decked out halls gleaming with thousands of twinkly lights.

This year, flying in from the North Pole, Black Santa is coming to the Town and visitors have the magical chance to visit him before his big night or say “thank you” the days following Christmas. After sharing holiday wishes and snapping photos, children receive a special treat and can join him at the Festival of Lights Parade. Get your tickets now!
 

Oakland Ballet Presents: Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker | December 17-18
 

Oakland Symphony presents the Nutcracker in Oakland Ca

The spirit of the holidays is brought to life with beautiful dancing, magnificent scenery and imaginative costumes. Cheer on Marie and her soldiers as she rescues the Nutcracker Prince from the evil Rat King and then soar with our dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets where luscious treats await. The Oakland Symphony along with the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir bring Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score to life. Graham Lustig’s The Nutcracker will be the highlight of your holiday season! Get tickets now!
 

Orchestra Nostalgico returns to Duende | December 22
 

Orchestra Nostalgico returns to Duende

On Thursday, December 22 Duende will host Orchestra Nostalgico once again for a night of fantastic music and warm holiday vibes!    Orchestra Nostalgico is the Bay Area's star-studded movie music revival orchestra, bringing back the soundtracks from the golden age of 1950's and 1960's films. Join our musical family for this night of fun and good cheer at Duende. Advance tickets are required, and these shows often sell out so don't delay!
 

Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo | Through January 2023
 

Frog at Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo

Glowfari is a wildly illuminating lantern festival at the Oakland Zoo. This year's experience features new displays including a walkabout through the land down under with kangaroos and koalas, icons of the California coastline including whales, otters, and jellies, exotic animals of the tropical rainforest, and a trip to the past with a towering t-rex and a megalodon shark tunnel!

Finish your experience with a ride on the train through a fantasy wonderland full of fabled creatures like fairies, unicorns, and more mythical beasts. You may also visit Santa in the Rides Area Fridays - Sundays in November and every night December 1-23 from 6:00pm to 9:30pm. Get your tickets now!
 

Other Fun Holiday Events in Oakland:
 

  • Holiday Tea at the Claremont Club & Spa | December 3-17
  • Winterland for Grown Ups at Children's Fairyland | December 15
  • Happy Holidays at Rockridge District | Weekends in November & December
  • Free Selfies with Santa | December 2022
  • Five Palms Ice at the Claremont Club & Spa | Through February 2023

Looking for more options? Explore our full calendar of events!

Have an Oakland holiday event you want to add to our Oakland event calendar? Submit your event today.

 

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