Holiday Season Edition - Lights, Trees & Festive Nights

The first week of December marks the true start of the holidays in the Tri‐Valley. Neighborhoods glow with twinkling lights, downtowns buzz with special events, and local businesses pull out all the stops. Here’s everything worth doing from December 1 – 7, curated with the warmth, charm and sophistication that make the Tri‐Valley unique.

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Tri-Valley Insider
December 02, 2025

LOCAL STORIES & SPOTLIGHTS – Holiday Makers of the Tri‑Valley

🎄Alden Lane Nursery — Livermore

Alden Lane Nursery turns into a Christmas wonderland every November and December: glittering ornaments, fresh winter greens, handmade wreaths, festive workshops and beautifully styled rooms. Locals love it for the classic, cozy, California‑chic holiday look and for the friendly, family‑run atmosphere.

🍫Danville Chocolates — Danville

At Danville Chocolates, the holidays taste as sweet as they look. Handmade peppermint bark, truffles, chocolate‑dipped apples and cocoa spoons are packaged like little gifts in themselves. Stop in for stocking stuffers or a warm treat after a holiday event — the shop feels like a hug in chocolate form.

FAMILY & LIFESTYLE – Moments that make the valley feel like home

🎄Dublin Holiday Tree Lighting

Dec 4 • 6–8 PM • Dublin Civic Center

This free event is pure holiday energy: local school choirs and bands perform while families sip hot cocoa, write letters to Santa and ride the Clover Express. At the end, a 30‑foot tree lights up, followed by crafts and cookies .

🎉Magical Holiday Evening – Downtown Pleasanton

Dec 5 • 4–7 PM

Pleasanton’s Division Street becomes a charming holiday scene with free photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, family activities, live music, shopping specials and delicious dining . Stroll the historic district, listen to Christmas tunes and soak in the festive spirit.

🏡Holiday Village at Carnegie Park – Livermore

Dec 5 • 4–8 PM • Carnegie Park

Carnegie Park transforms into a Hallmark‑style holiday village with twinkling booths, local vendors, and kids’ activities . Snap an “S’Elfie” with Santa in a professional photo area , meet characters like the Gingerbread Girl and Candy Girl , sip mulled wine or local beer , and enjoy music from DJ Oh‑Mar and the Arete Singers .

🚋Lights of Livermore – Wine Trolley Tour

Dec 5–23 • Tours nightly at 5:30 PM & 7 PM

Begin with a wine‑tasting flight at Concannon Vineyard and then board a trolley wrapped in holiday sparkle . The two‑hour experience includes stops at Livermore’s biggest light displays, holiday music, carols and a visit to the “snow house” . Tickets include wine tasting; guests must be 21+ .

🎅Breakfast with Santa – Dublin

Dec 6 • 8:30 AM – 12 PM • Shannon Community Center

Enjoy a hot pancake breakfast with sausage, fruit, coffee and juice, then meet Santa for holiday photos. The event supports Dublin High’s music program and includes live music .

🧑‍🎄Santa Meet & Greet – Blackhawk Museum

Dec 6 & 20 • 11 AM – 2 PM • Blackhawk Museum

Santa makes two special appearances at the Blackhawk Museum — on Dec 6 and Dec 20. Kids can share wish lists and take free photos with Santa; museum admission includes the meet‑and‑greet . Afterward, explore world‑class galleries ranging from classic cars to cultural treasures .

🎅Christmas at the Livery – Danville

Dec 6 • 12 PM – 3 PM • Danville Livery

Kick off the season with a holly‑jolly celebration: free visits with Santa, a kids’ snow zone, magic show, hot cocoa bar, balloon artists and holiday tunes. Although details vary each year, the Livery’s website hints that Santa returns every weekend in December for photos and gifts.

👉 No official webpage available — check the Livery’s onsite postings.

🎠Hometown Holiday Celebration – Pleasanton

Dec 6 • Parade at 5 PM • Tree Lighting at 6:45 PM

Pleasanton’s beloved celebration draws thousands downtown. The parade features floats, marching bands and community groups; then the mayor and city council light the tree, accompanied by music and a Santa appearance .

🎉Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting – Livermore

Dec 6 • 6 PM • Downtown Livermore

A cherished tradition: floats, performances by local businesses, bands and schools, and a countdown to the tree lighting . Santa arrives with the Livermore‑Pleasanton fire department, and a children’s choir leads a sing‑along before the tree lights up .

🍷Holidays in the Vineyards – Livermore Valley

Dec 6–7 • 12–4:30 PM

Wineries across Livermore Valley transform their tasting rooms into festive wonderlands. Taste seasonal wines, shop local artisan crafts and enjoy holiday music and activities . Admission is free; tasting fees vary by winery .

NEW OPENINGS & MUST‑TRY FESTIVE SPOTS

🎅Miracle at The Fat Pigeon – Livermore

The over‑the‑top holiday pop‑up bar continues through New Year’s Eve. Expect shimmering décor, themed rooms, seasonal craft cocktails and collectible mugs. It’s festive, playful and perfect for a night out.

🎄Sippin’ Santa at Beer Baron – Pleasanton

A tropical Christmas escape with tiki mugs, neon lights and spiced rum cocktails. A bright, cheerful, instantly festive pop‑up running through Dec 22.

✨SideTrack Bar + Grill – Winter Cocktail Menu

Warm lights, spiced cocktails and a cozy lounge vibe. Perfect for a December date night or a relaxed holiday hangout.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS – What’s Happening This Week

  • Lights of Livermore Wine Trolley Tour – Dec 5–23, nightly at 5:30 PM & 7 PM .

  • Dublin Holiday Tree Lighting – Dec 4, 6–8 PM .

  • Magical Holiday Evening – Dec 5, 4–7 PM .

  • Holiday Village at Carnegie Park – Dec 5, 4–8 PM .

  • Hometown Holiday Celebration (Pleasanton) – Dec 6, Parade 5 PM; Tree Lighting 6:45 PM .

  • Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting – Dec 6, 6 PM .

  • Breakfast with Santa (Dublin) – Dec 6, 8:30 AM – 12 PM .

  • Santa Meet & Greet (Blackhawk Museum) – Dec 6 & 20, 11 AM – 2 PM .

  • Holidays in the Vineyards – Dec 6–7, 12 PM – 4:30 PM .

  • Christmas at the Livery – Dec 6, 12 PM – 3 PM (free Santa visits, kids’ zone, magic show and more).

WHERE LIFESTYLE MEETS LOCATION

Why the Tri‑Valley is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays

The Tri‑Valley isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling. Safe neighborhoods glitter with lights, downtown streets buzz with live music and artisan markets, and community traditions invite everyone to join. Tree‑lighting ceremonies bring families together under classic white lights; neighborhoods transform into glowing winter scenes; downtowns line up concerts, carols and cozy cafés; and pop‑up bars make each night feel like a celebration.

The result? A perfect blend of small‑town warmth and Bay‑Area sophistication — the kind of setting where holiday memories are made effortlessly.

Tri-Valley Insider

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