Holiday Tree Lightings & Events 2019: Foster City & Peninsula

SF PENINSULA, CA — The 2019 holiday season nears in the Bay Area region, including on the Peninsula, with such annual festivities as pop-up, ice-skating rinks, holiday boutiques, Nutcracker ballets, Santa breakfasts, Christmas parades, concerts and tree-lightings, Chanukah events and more.

Peruse the annual Patch holiday event guide, find events near you, and make your plans, as many activities require advance registration.

And Happy Holidays, from Patch!

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ATHERTON:

DEC. 4-6: Annual Holiday Boutique 2019: Sacred Heart Schools. Find gifts galore!

• Sacred Heart Schools,150 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton, CA 94027

DEC. 13-15, 21-22: Menlowe Ballet's 'It’s A Wonderful Nutcracker' - "Inspired by Frank Capra’s classic film 'It’s a Wonderful Life.'"

• Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton, C

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BELMONT:

NOV. 23: Annual Holiday Craft Faire 2019: Twin Pines Park. An annual tradition with fun for all, entertainment, food trucks and great shopping.

• Twin Pines Park, 1 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, CA

DEC. 12: Santa at the Firehouse, Toy Drive & Snow. "Meet your local firefighters, have some refreshments and play in the snow!"

• Fire Station, 14911 Granada St., Belmont, California 94002

DEC. 15: Traditional Folksongs of the Winter Holidays. "The program features well-known and not-so-well-known folksongs and carols for New Year’s, Hanukkah, Christmas and the Winter Solstice."

• Belmont Library, 1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, California 94002

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BRISBANE:

DEC. 8: Festival of Lights. Features, Santa, caroling & tree lighting.

• Brisbane Community Park, Brisbane, CA

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BURLINGAME:

DEC. 4: Christmas at Kohl Holiday Boutique. Festive decorations and great holiday shopping.

• Kohl Mansion, 2750 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA, 94010

DEC. 6: Holiday Parade, Tree Lighting & Santa. With kiddie rides, live entertainment and visit from Santa Claus.

• Downtown Burlingame, CA

DEC. 7: Caltrain's Annual Holiday Train & Toy Drive. A family favorite in its 17th year.

• Caltrain Station

DEC. 14: Peninsula Humane Society Santa “Paws” Photos. Humans can get in the photos, too!

• 1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame, CA

DEC. 15: Ragazzi Boys Chorus Presents "Celebrations of the Season" - Concert concludes with traditional carols and audience sing-along.

• Burlingame United Methodist Church, 1443 Howard Avenue, Burlingame, CA

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CUPERTINO:

DEC. 6: Tree Lighting, Holiday Movie & Santa. Bundle up! Many of events are outdoors.

• Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA 95014

DEC. 7: Breakfast with Santa. Due to the popularity of this event we recommend registering early."

• Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA 95014

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DALY CITY:

NOV. 23-DEC. 22: Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday. A fabulous stroll through history with music, pubs, dancing, shops & costumed characters.

• Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City, CA 94014

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EAST PALO ALTO:

DEC. 8: Perfect House - Gingerbread Creation. An enchanting family event!

• Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto, 2050 University Ave., East Palo Alto, CA, 94303

Through JAN. 5: Holiday 'Winter Pop-Up' 2019: Four Seasons. Book your chalet and enjoy snowfall, movies & more.

• Four Season, 2050 University Ave., East Palo Alto, California 94303

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EL GRANADA:

NOV. 23-24: CoCA 10th Annual Open Art Studios. Start your holiday shopping!

• From Montara to Half Moon Bay, CA

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FOSTER CITY:

DEC. 4: Annual Holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony & Santa. With music, refreshments & countdown to tree-lighting.

• Recreation Center, 650 Shell Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404

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HALF MOON BAY:

NOV. 23-24: CoCA 10th Annual Open Art Studios. Start your holiday shopping!

• From Montara to Half Moon Bay, CA

DEC. 7: Saturday with Santa. Spend a fun morning the jolly Ol' St. Nick.

• Half Moon Bay Library, 620 Correas St., Half Moon Bay, CA

DEC. 12: Coastside Women's Club Holiday Luncheon. Funds raised go to scholarships and charities fund.

• Pasta Moon Restaurant, 845 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA

DEC. 13: Night of Lights & Holiday Parade. A free, annual, old-fashioned holiday event with snow!

• Downtown Half Moon Bay, CA

JAN. 2-3: Winter Camp at Elkus Ranch. The kids will love it!

• UC Elkus Ranch, 1500 Purisima Creek Road, Half Moon Bay, CA, 94019

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HILLSBOROUGH:

DEC. 5: Holiday 'Light Up the Town' - Sponsored by Hillsborough Beautification Foundation.

• Town Hall Complex, 1600 Floribunda Ave., Hillsborough, CA 94010

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LOS ALTOS:

NOV. 20: Catch the Spirit of the Holidays. With live music, home-baked treats and gift boutiques.

• Los Altos History Museum, 51 South San Antonio Road, Los Altos, CA, 94022

DEC. 6: Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa. Festivities include music & cable-car rides.

• Downtown Los Altos, CA

JAN. 1: New Year's Day Fun Run. "Start your New Year out on the right foot."

• State & Main streets, Los Altos, CA

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MENLO PARK:

DEC. 6: Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa. Evening includes story reading from Santa.

• Fremont Park, Santa Cruz Avenue at University Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025

DEC. 7: Breakfast with Santa. Four seatings, and registration required.

• Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma St., Menlo Park, CA 94025

DEC. 7: Taste of the Mountains Wine Walk. Event benefits Menlo Park Atherton Education Foundation.

• Downtown Menlo Park, CA

DEC. 8: Caltrain's Annual Holiday Train & Toy Drive. A family favorite in its 17th year.

• Caltrain Station

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MILLBRAE:

NOV. 24: Holiday Boutique & Pancake Breakfast with Santa. A full day with breakfast, entertainment, raffles, great shopping and complimentary wine & cheese!

• St. Dunstan Parish Center 1133 Broadway Millbrae, CA

DEC. 7: Holiday Tree-Lighting Celebration. Includes hot chocolate & cookies for all, plus toy drive will be underway.

• Constitution Square, City Hall, Millbrae, CA

DEC. 8: Caltrain's Annual Holiday Train & Toy Drive. A family favorite in its 17th year.

• Caltrain Station

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MOUNTAIN VIEW:

NOV. 22-24: Pacific Ballet Academy's Annual Nutcracker. With options for young children and sensory-friendly.

• Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View, California 94041

NOV. 23: Holiday Bazaar. A handmade craft show with raffles, entertainment & food trucks.

• Mountain View Senior Center, 266 Escuela Ave., Mountain View, CA, 94040

NOV. 29-DEC. 1: Smuin Contemporary Ballet presents "The Christmas Ballet"- An annual tradition.

• Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View, CA

DEC. 6-8: Western Ballet's The Nutcracker. A family tradition for all ages.

• Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View, California 94041

DEC. 7: Breakfast with Santa. Save your seats!

• City of Mountain View Recreation Division, 201 S. Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View, California 94040

DEC. 7: Caltrain's Annual Holiday Train & Toy Drive. A family favorite in its 17th year.

• Caltrain Station

DEC. 9: Community Tree-Lighting Celebration & Santa. Photos with Santa!

• Civic Center Plaza, 500 Castro St., Mountain View, CA

DEC. 12: Victorian Holiday Open House 2019: Rengstorff House. "Family-friendly holiday festivities with a fun historic twist."

• The Rengstorff House, 3070 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View , CA 94043

DEC. 14: German Holiday Market. A town tradition hosted by German International School of Silicon Valley.

• 500 Castro St., Mountain View, CA 94041-2010

DEC. 14: 'Jingle Ball' For Families. Evening with dancing, crafts, refreshments and Santa & Mrs. Claus.

• City of Mountain View Recreation Division, 201 S. Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View, California 94040

DEC. 14-15: Bayer Ballet’s “The Snow Queen” -"The Snow Queen that will warm your hearts and add magic to this holiday season!"

• Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View, CA

DEC. 16: Schola Cantorum's 53rd Annual Messiah Sing. "You, the audience, raise your voices in Handel's timeless masterpiece."

• Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View, California 94041

DEC. 20: Annual South Bay Holiday Gospel Concert. A rousing performance with Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir.

• MVCPA MainStage, 500 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041

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PACIFICA:

DEC. 8: Rockaway Holiday Tree-Lighting Festival. Be there when Santa arrives on a fire truck!

• Dondee Way, Pacifica, CA 94044

DEC. 15: Holiday Tea & Tour 2019: Sam's Castle. An annual event, and tickets go fast.

• Sam's Castle, 900 Mirador Terrace, Pacifica, CA 94044

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PALO ALTO:

Through April 11: Outdoor Ice Skating 2019: Winter Lodge. "A Family Tradition Since 1956."

• Winter Lodge, 3009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306

NOV. 22: Annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony 2019: Lytton Plaza. Sock drive planned, too.

• Lytton Plaza, 200 University Ave, Palo Alto, California 94301

DEC. 5-22: Children Theatre's 'The Nutcracker' - Perfect for even the littlest audience members.

• Children's Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA

DEC. 6-JAN. 4: TheatreWorks Silicon Valley presents "Pride and Prejudice" - A musical to ring in the holidays!

• Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA

DEC. 6-JAN. 5: Annual BayLUG Holiday Show. "Browse through the imaginative holiday creations, which include holiday trains, miniature cities and more."

• Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto, Ca

DEC. 7: Holiday Wreath Making. Register soon!

• Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto, CA, 94301

DEC. 7: Palo Alto Art Center Annual Ceramics and Jewelry Studio Holiday Sale. "Stunning and innovative handmade jewelry and ceramics created by local artists."

• Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94303

DEC. 7: Ragazzi Boys Chorus Presents "Celebrations of the Season" - Concert concludes with carols & sing-along.

• First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, CA, 94301

DEC. 14: PWC Holiday Concert: Reinventing Love. Promises to be a spectacular show.

• St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto, CA, 94306

DEC. 21: The Choral Project's WINTER'S GIFTS : : SPIRIT. With award-winning, Silicon Valley-based choir & San Jose Chamber Orchestra.

• First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301

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REDWOOD CITY:

DEC. 7: Holiday Boutique. The perfect spot to shop for holiday gifts!

• Highlands Community Club, 1665 Fernside St., Redwood City, CA, 94061

DEC. 7: Hometown Holidays, Parade & Snow Fest. The festivities roll on with Santa & carnival rides. Don't miss this!

• Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway St, Redwood City, California 94063

DEC. 7: Caltrain's Annual Holiday Train & Toy Drive. A family favorite in its 17th year.

• Caltrain Station

DEC. 21-23: Bethlehem A.D. Walk through town of Bethlehem with costumed villagers, animals and Magi.

• 1305 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA, 94063

DEC. 31: Roaring 20s New Year's Eve Party. With dancing, circus performances & more.

• Dragon Theatre Company, 2120 Broadway, Redwood City, CA, 94063

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SAN BRUNO:

NOV. 30: 28th Annual Holiday Boutique. Get your holiday shopping done early!

• San Bruno Senior Center, 1555 Crystal Springs Road, San Bruno, CA

DEC. 5: Holiday Tree Lighting. With cookies and hot chocolate, Santa and arts and crafts.

• Veterans Memorial Recreation Center, 251 City Park Way, San Bruno, California 94066

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SAN CARLOS:

DEC. 6: 'Night of Holiday Lights' - Santa, Rides & Snow. A free event with carolers, hot chocolate, carnival rides & more.

• Downtown Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA

DEC. 7: Breakfast With Santa. "A special event with holiday arts, crafts, holiday movies, and face painting."

• Community Center, 601 Chestnut St., San Carlos, CA

DEC. 7: Santa Helicopter Arrival 2019: Hiller Aviation Museum. "This event is FREE for Santa's arrival!"

• Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos, California 94070

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SAN FRANCISCO:

Through JAN. 20: Ice Skating Rink At Union Square. Outdoor extravaganza!

• Union Square Park, 333 Post St., San Francisco, CA

NOV. 22- JAN. 5: Winter Park & Ice Rink 2019: Civic Center. With track that weaves through lighted tree forest.

• 355 McAlister St., San Francisco, California

NOV. 22 - JAN. 5: 'Night Bloom' 2019: Conservatory of Flowers. Brighter and more dazzling than ever.

• Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park, 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118

NOV. 29: Macy’s Holiday Tree-Lighting 2019: Union Square. Event includes star-studded entertainment.

• Union Square Park, 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108

NOV. 30-DEC. 1: SF Etsy Indie Holiday Emporium. With activities for all.

• Pier 27 Event Venue, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, 94111

NOV. 30-DEC. 1: Christmas in San Francisco Crystal Fair. "A magical mix of crystals, minerals, beads, jewelry, and the healing arts."

• San Francisco County Fair Building, 1199 9th Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94122

DEC. 4-22: 42nd Street Moon's 'Scrooge In Love' -"The perfect holiday show for the whole family."

• Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson St., San Francisco, CA 94111

DEC. 5-7 & 13-14: The Marsh Presents "The Jewelry Box" - "Hilariously heartwarming story."

• The Marsh, 1062 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA

DEC. 6: Guide Dogs for the Blind's Holiday Luncheon. "Everyone is sure to leave feeling merry and bright as the luncheon culminates with an interactive puppy parade."

• The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square, 335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102

DEC. 6: 'Christmas in the Mission /Navidad en la Misión' Concert. "The vocal music, all in Spanish, covers 400 years."

• Mission Dolores Basilica, 3321 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114

DEC. 6-7: Holigays Are Here: Ring Them Bells 2019: Gay Men’s Chorus. "This concert is SFGMC’s signature romp through holiday favorites new and old."

• Sydney Goldstein Theater, 275 Hayes St., San Francisco, CA 94117

DEC. 6-22: Presidio Theatre: 'Cinderella The Panto!' for the Holidays.

• Presidio Theatre on the Main Post, 99 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94129

DEC. 7: Baltic Christmas Fair. "Enjoy a taste of Baltic holiday traditions with a warm, neighborhood vibe."

• Latvian Lutheran Church of Northern California, 425 Hoffman Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94114

DEC. 7-8: Caltrain's Annual Holiday Train & Toy Drive. A family favorite in its 17th year.

• Caltrain Station

DEC. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22: Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets. "Specifically designed for families with young children."

• Cowell Theater, Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, CA

DEC. 8: Beyond The Land Of Sweets. "Lively spin-off of the cherished Nutcracker."

• Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94102

DEC. 10: Holiday Heroes Extravaganza for Kids and Families. Tickets on sale, with family packages available.

• Oracle Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA, 94107

DEC. 11: SF Etsy Holiday Pop-Up 2019: Marker Hotel. "Celebrate San Francisco’s vibrant artistic communities."

• The Bellevue & Belvedere Ballrooms off The Marker Hotel Lobby, 501 Geary St.,San Francisco, CA 94102

DEC. 12-23: Smuin Contemporary Ballet presents "The Christmas Ballet" - "Classical ballet and festive contemporary numbers."

• Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St., San Francisco, CA

DEC. 14: Singles Holiday Party. With fun mixer games!

• BEI Hotel, 50 Eighth St., San Francisco, CA

DEC. 14: Cafe Alma Holiday Soiree and Pop Up Shop. "Enjoy complimentary cider and hot chocolate, music, sweet treats and craft stations."

• Cafe Alma 888 Innes Avenue San Francisco, CA 94124

DEC. 22: Glowing Hanukkah Party at Ghirardelli Square. Activities include games, crafts, donuts & more.

• 900 North Point St., San Francisco, CA, 94109

DEC. 31: MOANY San Francisco New Year’s Eve 2020. Ring in the new year in roaring '20s Gatsby- style.

• Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94109

DEC. 31: Speakeasy New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise. "Special event aboard the Fume Blanc."

• Pier 40, 89 King St., San Francisco, CA, 94107

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SAN JOSE:

Through JAN. 12: 'Downtown Ice' Outdoor Skating Rink. "Skate under the stars and 32 palm trees on an iconic concentrically-circled ice rink."

• 120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA 95113

NOV. 19: Santana Row Annual Tree- Lighting Ceremony. Highlight: Elf Scavenger Hunt!

• Santana Row, 377 Santana Row, San Jose, California 95128

NOV. 29: Hammer Theatre: Mariachi Sol de Mexico "A Merry-Achi Christmas" - Featuring first mariachi ensemble to be nominated for Grammy.

• Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose, CA

DEC. 8: Breakfast with Santa 2019: Fairmont San Jose. This year's ticket includes ice skating and rides.

• Fairmont San Jose, 170 S Market St, San Jose, California 95113

DEC. 8: Menorahs & Miracles 2019: Children's Discovery Museum. "Part of the museum’s cultural celebration series."

• Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose, California 95110

DEC. 15: Holiday Pops Concert: A Frozen Festival. Dress in "Frozen" costume & admission is free!

• 345 South 1st St., San Jose, CA, 95113

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SAN MATEO:

Through JAN. 5: Dazzling Winter Light Experience 2019: CuriOdyssey. "Carry a colorful lantern with you as you explore a world of luminescent wonder."

• CuriOdyssey, 1651 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, California 94401

Through JAN. 12: Outdoor, Holiday Ice-Skating Rink. New this year: bumper cars on ice!

• Central Park, 50 East, Fifth Ave., San Mateo, CA 94401

NOV. 22, 29 & DEC. 6: Nights of Lights Holiday Spectacular. "Different line up each week of dazzling entertainment and activities for the entire family."

• Hillsdale Shopping Center, 60 31st Ave., San Mateo, CA, 94403

NOV. 24-DEC. 11: Santa Pet Nights at Hillsdale Shopping Center. On Wednesdays, plus two nights of media-sensation dogs.

• Hillsdale Shopping Center, 60 31st Ave., San Mateo, CA, 94403

NOV. 29-DEC. 1 & DEC. 7-8: Giving Tree Program. "Give back during the holiday season."

• Hillsdale Shopping Center, 60 31st Ave., San Mateo, CA, 94403

DEC. 6-8: Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting. With snow, carriage rides & Santa!

• Central Park, 50 East, Fifth Ave., San Mateo, CA 94401

DEC. 8: Caltrain's Annual Holiday Train & Toy Drive. A family favorite in its 17th year.

• Caltrain Station

DEC. 8-23: Toys for Tots. "The San Mateo Firefighters’ Toys for Tots is back."

• Hillsdale Shopping Center, 60 31st Ave., San Mateo, CA, 94403

DEC. 14-15: Annual Holiday Festival of Dance. Very popular & seating is limited!

• San Mateo High School Gym, 506 N Delaware St., San Mateo, CA 94401

DEC. 15: Candelight Holiday Concert & Market. Festive music, plus carol sing-along.

• Congregational Church of San Mateo, 225 Tilton Ave., San Mateo, CA

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SANTA CLARA:

DEC. 7: Caltrain's Annual Holiday Train & Toy Drive. A family favorite in its 17th year.

• Caltrain Station

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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO:

DEC. 7: Santa Comes to Town 2019: City Hall. A jam-packed, family-friendly, free extravaganza.

• City Hall, 400 Grand Ave., South San Francisco, CA

DEC. 20-21: SSF Civic Ballet's Nutcracker. Three performances!

• South San Francisco High School Theater, 400 B St., South San Francisco, CA 94080

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SUNNYVALE:

DEC. 8: Caltrain's Annual Holiday Train & Toy Drive. A family favorite in its 17th year.

• Caltrain Station

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WOODSIDE:

NOV. 23-24, 29-DEC. 1: Artisan Market. "Explore a variety of locally-made products perfect for gift-giving!"

• Filoli, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, California 94062

NOV. 26, DEC. 3, 8, 10, 15 & 17: Holiday Teas. Tickets on sale: Don't miss out!

• Filoli, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, California 94062

DEC. 5, 12 & 19: 'Decadence Nights' Chocolate & Wine. New event this year at Filoli.

• Filoli, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, California 94062

DEC. 7, 14 & 21: Santa Saturdays 2019: Filoli. Features crafts, songs & stories with Mrs. Claus.

• Filoli, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, California 94062

DEC. 18: Winter Solstice 2019: Filoli. "Magical night on the shortest day of the year."

• Filoli, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, California 94062

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FOR FULL AREA GUIDE: Holiday Tree Lightings, Parades & More 2019: SF Bay Area

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If we missed your town or organization's holiday event, email details and an online link to susan.schena@patch.com