With the clocks turning back, the Bay Area has much less evening light. Luckily, events coming up for November and December celebrate lighting things up! (But not actually setting things on fire. Not in this dry fall.)
Locals driving up Mission Boulevard in the evening might see Niles Canyon Railway’s Train of Lights cross the railroad overpass. The cars are decorated for the holidays inside and out. Tickets sell out as soon as they go on sale in October. Learn more at www.ncry.org.
Oakland Zoo has implemented a plan-ahead pricing and block ticketing system for its animal-themed lantern festival Glowfari. Currently, tickets are available for dates through Nov. 27, and prices change depending on the dates and times. After the zoo closes, animatronic animal lanterns light up the paths of the zoo in elaborate scenes. This year’s themes are the Nile, barnyard animals, mountain animals and dinosaurs. www.oaklandzoo.org
The East Bay has two light parades through downtown streets: Castro Valley’s on Nov. 9 (www.edenareachamber.com), and Niles’ on Nov. 29 (www.niles.org). Both involve floats and marchers from local schools and community organizations. Niles will also have a tree lighting ceremony.
The historical homes of Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) are showing off for the season too. Tour the lighted and decorated Mt. Eden Mansion on Dec. 3, McConaghy House on Dec. 4 and Meek Mansion on Dec. 5. www.haywardrec.org
Local cities are having their annual downtown tree lightings in early December. Fremont will hold their Holidays at the Plaza on Dec. 6 (www.fremont.gov) and Hayward’s Light Up the Season will take place Dec. 7 (www.hayward-ca.gov).
Over in Union City, ordinary residents are encouraged to take center stage for holiday lighting. Through Nov. 29, they can register for the “Best Home for the Holidays” contest. Individual homes or clusters of homes can compete for the brightest or most unique exterior decorations. Judging will take place the second week of December, and the winner will receive a sign to display for the rest of the month. www.unioncity.org/reg (search “Best Home”)
In Fremont, Crippsmas Place with its lights and unique characters will return from Dec. 7 to 28. The local display encourages donations to local charities. www.crippsmasplace.org
