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 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

The festivities begin on Friday, December 5 with the Joy to The Town Restaurant & Bar Hop from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This is the perfect time to savor Oakland’s diverse culinary culture in the #1 Best Food City in the U.S. with delicious meals and cocktails created by talented chefs and mixologists. Kick off the second annual Joy to The Town! weekend, with special promotions, holiday treats, and street performances to spark your holiday joy!

Check out the participating restaurants.

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

Live Performances at Joy to The Town! Include:

Broadway Stage (located behind Plank)

12:15 -12:30 Welcome by Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
12:45 - 1:30 MJ Santos Ensemble
1:45- 2:30 Santa Solas and the Jingle Funk All Stars!
2:30 - 2:45 Special Remarks
3:00 - 3:15 Merrie Olde Christmas Carolers
3:16 - 3:30 Tap-Dancing Christmas Trees
4:00 - 5:15 Ray Obiedo Latin Jazz Ensemble featuring Pete Escovedo

Marina Stage (Water Street @ Franklin)

12:30- 12:45 Daisy Claus
1:00 - 1:45 Oakland Public Conservatory of Music Alumni Band led by Jayla Hernandez
2:00 - 4:00 West Coast Blues Society

8th Annual Black Sunday Holiday Shopping Experience

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