Usually, we discourage lighting trees up around the East Bay. Fire season is real, and can reach into late November, although the rain this year will help with managing dry grass. However, when it comes to safe electric bulbs and Christmas trees, the story is different. Downtown areas and shopping centers are scheduling their own tree-lighting events, combined with festivals and parties.
Niles will have their traditional Festival of Lights Parade the Friday after Thanksgiving, with a festival starting that afternoon and the parade kicking off at 6:30pm. This year, 60 unique floats will join.
Festival of Lights Parade
Friday, Nov. 28
6pm; Tree lighting ceremony
Along Niles Blvd., Fremont
nilesfestivaloflightsparade.org
Pacific Commons will have a holiday celebration and tree lighting the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Kids can enjoy photos with Santa, face painting and train rides.
Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting
Saturday, Nov. 29
5 – 8pm
6pm; Tree-lighting ceremony
Next to Market Broiler
pacificcommons.com
San Leandro will hold It’s a Wonderful Night on the first Friday of December. In addition to the tree lighting, the event will include a holiday vendor market, holiday train, kids crafts, photos with Santa and live entertainment on the main stage.
It’s a Wonderful Night
Friday, Dec. 5
5 – 9pm
5:30pm; Tree lighting ceremony
Estudillo Plaza
Estudillo Ave. @ E. 14th St., San Leandro
downtownsanleandro.com/special-events
Fremont will hold their second Holidays at the Plaza the same day—it’s a busy weekend for tree lightings. Food trucks, cookie decorating and a holiday market will come to the downtown event center plaza. Santa won’t be there, but the Grinch will!
Holidays at the Plaza
Friday, Dec. 5
5 – 9pm
Downtown Event Center plaza
3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont
fremont.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/3640
Milpitas in Santa Clara County will hold their tree lighting at Civic Center Plaza. Kids can enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores, crafts and photos with Santa. Milpitas Community Concert Band will play!
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, Dec. 5
7 – 9pm
Civic Center Plaza
457 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
milpitas.gov/1163/Tree-Lighting-Ceremony
Hayward’s Light up the Season comes to downtown that Saturday, with singing and dance performances from student groups, a holiday market with food vendors and a ferris wheel.
Hayward Light up the Season
Saturday, Dec. 6
4 – 8pm
5pm; Tree lighting ceremony
City Hall Plaza
777 B St., Hayward
