Joy to The Town! is back for 2025!

Join us December 5-7  for a free, festive, Oakland-style winter wonderland.

Joy to The Town! is set to light up Oakland this year with a full weekend of festive activities during the first weekend of December. The celebration begins Friday evening with a lively Restaurant and Bar Holiday Hop, where local spots across downtown Oakland will offer festive promotions, tap dancing Christmas trees, and street performances. On Saturday, the excitement continues with a special Vendor Holiday Market at Jack London Square and the weekend culminates on Sunday with the Oakland African American Chamber’s 8th Annual Black Sunday Holiday Shopping Experience.

Check out the full Joy to The Town! itinerary below:
 

Restaurant & Bar Holiday Hop in Downtow/Uptown Oakland

Friday, December 5 | 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Let the festivities begin! Restaurant & Bar Holiday Hop at dozens of spots in Downtown/Uptown Oakland. To kick off the second annual Joy to The Town! weekend, Friday night you’ll find special promotions, holiday treats, and street performances to spark your holiday joy!

Joy to the Town! Holiday Market at Jack London Square

Saturday, December 6 | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Celebrate the holiday season in Oakland at Joy to the Town! Holiday Market, taking place Saturday, December 6, from 12 PM to 5 PM at Jack London Square. This free, family-friendly event brings the community together for a day filled with shopping, skating, music, and holiday cheer.

Event Highlights:

• 40+ artisans and local retailers offering unique, handcrafted holiday gifts
• Roller skating rink and DJ hosted by the Black Cultural Zone
• Photos with Santa Claus
• Holiday photo booth for festive memories
• Hot chocolate and seasonal treats
• Holiday card-making activity with MOCHA (Museum of Children’s Arts)
• Kids Zone with fun activities for all ages
• Live entertainment throughout the day

8th Annual Black Sunday Holiday Shopping Experience

Sunday, December 7 | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Finish the Joy to The Town! weekend at the 8th Annual Black Sunday Holiday Shopping Experience. Enjoy an afternoon filled with shopping from local makers and artisans, delicious food and desserts, live music, exciting raffles, kids’ activities, a festive holiday photo booth, fireside chats, arts and culture experiences, and more. Bring your friends and family for a day of fun, community, and holiday cheer—there’s something for everyone!