The holidays
Tree lightings, light displays, visits with Santa, holiday markets, Nutcracker and carol performances, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations in Palo Alto, updated every day.
Annual events, checked against each organizer's own page. Confirm details there before you go.
Thursday, December 3 · Opening Night Party 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm; marketplace Dec 4-5, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Three-day winter festival with decorated trees, a holiday marketplace, holiday tea, a plant sale and an evening with Santa photos.
Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley Street, Palo Alto
Gamble Garden →Friday, December 4 · 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Free city tree lighting downtown with live music, winter treats and performances by local groups including the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra.
Lytton Plaza, 200 University Ave (at Emerson St), Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto events →Saturday, December 5 · 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Free holiday sale of jewelry, ceramics, paintings and prints made by artists who work in the Art Center's studios.
Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Street, Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto events →4 holiday events for 2026 on Palo Alto’s local calendars. Updated every day.
Light displays, drive-throughs and tree-lighting ceremonies.
Photos with Santa, breakfasts and letters to the North Pole.
Shop local makers for the holidays.
Ballet, choirs, concerts and holiday theater.
Menorah lightings and celebrations across traditions.
Crafts, story times and holiday fun for kids.
Everything else on local calendars this season.
Add your event to the Palo Alto calendar. Staff review every submission before publication.
Christmas Day is Friday, December 25, 2026.
This page lists upcoming holiday events in Palo Alto from local calendars, including libraries, the city, venues and organizers. It updates every day as calendars post new dates.
The “Holiday lights and tree lightings” section lists public light displays and tree-lighting events on local calendars, with dates and links to each organizer.
Use the "Share an event" form. Include the date, time, place and the organizer’s link; a person reviews it before it appears.