TRI-VALLEY INSIDER - November 17–23

A Week of Lights, Events and Holiday Magic

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Tri-Valley Insider
November 18, 2025

Holiday Makers of the Tri-Valley

Local businesses bringing the season to life.

Alden Lane Nursery — Livermore

Alden Lane turns into a full Christmas wonderland every November — curated ornaments, fresh winter greens, handmade wreaths, festive workshops, and beautifully styled holiday rooms.

Locals come here for the signature Tri-Valley holiday look: classic, cozy, and full of California charm.

Danville Chocolates — Danville

The sweetest stop of the season: handmade peppermint bark, winter truffles, gourmet chocolate-dipped apples, cocoa spoons, and perfectly wrapped stocking-stuffer boxes.

A warm local shop that makes holiday gifting feel personal and delicious.

Moments that make the valley feel like home.

Disney’s Moana — Live-to-Film Concert

Nov 19 • 7 PM • Bankhead Theater

The movie plays on the big screen while a live orchestra performs every note — from Polynesian drums to soaring vocals.

A magical family night to start the season.

Holiday Tree Lighting — San Ramon

Nov 21 • 6–7 PM • City Green

The moment the tree lights up, the whole plaza begins to glow.

Live orchestra, choir, families with cocoa, Santa’s arrival — a beautiful Tri-Valley tradition.

Dublin Night Market — Holiday Edition

Nov 21 • 5–9 PM • St. Pat’s Row

Twinkle lights, local makers, street food, jazz bands, and festive treats — warm, vibrant, and perfect for a cozy evening stroll.

Train of Lights — Niles Canyon Railway

Begins Nov 21

A vintage train wrapped in lights gliding through a glowing canyon.

Warm drinks, holiday music, and nostalgic charm.

Tickets are sold out — join next year’s list early.

Pajama Party — Free Family Concert

Nov 22 • 10:30 AM • Bankhead Theater

A cozy morning show where Michael McNevin brings stories to life with acoustic music.

Kids in pajamas, holiday energy, and a warm community vibe.

Earlier Than the Bird — Downtown Livermore

Nov 22 • 7–10 AM

Pajama shopping, early-bird surprises, warm treats, and holiday-lit storefronts.

A playful, charming way to kick off festive shopping.

Holiday cocktails, cozy lights & magical evenings.

Miracle at The Fat Pigeon — Holiday Pop-Up Bar

Livermore • Nov 17 – New Year’s Eve

A Christmas cocktail experience with shimmering décor, themed rooms, warm winter flavors, and collectible mugs.

Festive, playful, and the perfect holiday night out.

Sippin’ Santa at Beer Baron — Pleasanton

Nov 19 – Dec 22

A tropical Christmas escape: tiki mugs, neon lights, rum cocktails with warm spice, and cheerful holiday décor.

Fun, bright, and instantly festive.

SideTrack Bar + Grill — Winter Cocktail Menu

A cozy bar glowing with warm lights and winter cocktails infused with cinnamon, clove, citrus, and vanilla.

Perfect for a December night with friends or a holiday date.

Why the Tri-Valley is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays.

The Tri-Valley isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling.

A blend of sparkling homes, safe neighborhoods, walkable downtowns, and traditions that make the holidays feel warm, personal, and beautifully local.

Here, the season unfolds naturally:

Tree-lighting ceremonies where families gather under classic white lights.

  • Neighborhoods that transform into glowing winter scenes.

  • Twinkle-lit downtown streets filled with music, makers, and cozy cafés.

  • Family concerts that add culture and sweetness to the season.

  • Holiday pop-ups and cocktail bars that turn every night into a celebration.

It’s the warmth of a small town with the sophistication of the Bay Area —

the kind of place where holiday memories are made effortlessly.

Editor’s Note

As the holiday lights begin to glow and the valley settles into its soft November rhythm, this week feels like the moment the season truly begins.

There’s a quiet shift in the air — a little more warmth, a little more intention, a little more community everywhere you look.

It’s the time of year when the small things take center stage:

the sparkle of a neighborhood street, the first festive cocktails of the season, the familiar comfort of local shops filling with holiday energy.

This edition is a reminder of what makes the Tri-Valley special in November — not just the events and openings, but the feeling.

The way families gather under tree-lighting ceremonies.

The way local makers bring their holiday magic to life.

The way a simple evening out can turn into a moment you remember.

The valley becomes softer, brighter, and more connected — and we get to experience it together.

Here’s to a week of lights, warmth, and discovering the season as it unfolds.

— The Tri-Valley Insider Team

Tri-Valley Insider

The stylish local newsletter for the East Bay & SF.

Your weekly guide to restaurants, events, openings, and the stories shaping life across the valley.

Where lifestyle meets location.

Follow: @trivalley.inside