East Bay Local Events – December 2025
As the East Bay shifts into full holiday glow, December brings festive markets, lantern-lit nights, cozy concerts and community traditions across Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, Piedmont and El Cerrito. Whether you're searching for last-minute gifts, planning family outings, or soaking up winter magic, the second half of December is filled with ways to celebrate. Here’s your curated guide to the best East Bay events happening December 2025.
Featured Festivals & Holiday Celebrations
Glowfari Lantern Festival – Oakland Zoo
Dec 13–31 | Nightly | Oakland
Towering glowing animals, immersive lantern worlds and a sparkling holiday trail make this one of the East Bay’s most beloved seasonal traditions. Perfect for families, date nights or group outings.
Dec 13–31 | Nightly | Oakland
Towering glowing animals, immersive lantern worlds and a sparkling holiday trail make this one of the East Bay’s most beloved seasonal traditions. Perfect for families, date nights or group outings.
Aurora Winter Festival – Downtown Berkeley
Dec 14–31 | Evening Hours
A holiday village experience with artisan vendors, an illuminated walkway, festive treats, and nightly performances. A cozy seasonal escape just steps from Berkeley BART.
El Cerrito Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
Sunday, Dec 15 | Community Center
Local makers, handcrafted gifts, ceramics, jewelry, and seasonal treats. A great stop for last-minute holiday shopping.
Sunday, Dec 15 | Community Center
Local makers, handcrafted gifts, ceramics, jewelry, and seasonal treats. A great stop for last-minute holiday shopping.
Music, Culture & Nightlife
The Christmas Revels – Scottish Rite Theater, Oakland
Dec 13–22 | Multiple Shows
A cherished Bay Area tradition filled with song, storytelling, seasonal folklore and dance. High-spirited, heartwarming and family-friendly.
A cherished Bay Area tradition filled with song, storytelling, seasonal folklore and dance. High-spirited, heartwarming and family-friendly.
Holiday Jazz at The UC Theatre – Berkeley
Dec 20 | 7 PM
A winter jazz showcase featuring regional musicians performing holiday classics and modern arrangements. A cozy December evening in one of Berkeley’s favorite music venues.
New Year’s Eve at Lake Chalet – Oakland
Dec 31 | 9 PM–12:30 AM
Ring in 2026 with waterfront views, live music, dancing, champagne, and Oakland’s most scenic lakeside countdown.
Dec 31 | 9 PM–12:30 AM
Ring in 2026 with waterfront views, live music, dancing, champagne, and Oakland’s most scenic lakeside countdown.
Family-Friendly & Free Events
Kensington Winter Lights Walk
Dec 21 | Kensington Park
A neighborhood tradition: twinkling lights, warm drinks, family strolls, and a beautifully lit trail through Kensington’s park space.
Dec 21 | Kensington Park
A neighborhood tradition: twinkling lights, warm drinks, family strolls, and a beautifully lit trail through Kensington’s park space.
Albany Community Caroling Night – Solano Avenue
Dec 22 | 6 PM
Local choirs, families, and shop owners gather for an evening of caroling and cocoa along Solano Avenue. A festive community moment.
Dec 22 | 6 PM
Local choirs, families, and shop owners gather for an evening of caroling and cocoa along Solano Avenue. A festive community moment.
Piedmont Winter Storytime & Cocoa Night
Dec 18 | 5:30 PM | Piedmont Community Hall
Holiday stories, warm drinks, crafts and a gentle seasonal evening ideal for kids and families.
Dec 18 | 5:30 PM | Piedmont Community Hall
Holiday stories, warm drinks, crafts and a gentle seasonal evening ideal for kids and families.
El Cerrito Trail Trek – Winter Edition
Dec 28 | 10 AM | Hillside Natural Area
A guided community hike exploring winter scenery, native plants and panoramic East Bay views — a perfect post-holiday reset.
Dec 28 | 10 AM | Hillside Natural Area
A guided community hike exploring winter scenery, native plants and panoramic East Bay views — a perfect post-holiday reset.
From lantern-lit zoo nights to caroling along Solano Avenue, festive concerts in Oakland and Berkeley, and cozy community gatherings across Kensington, Piedmont and El Cerrito, the East Bay offers endless ways to end the year with warmth and light. Whether you're celebrating with family or exploring the season on your own, December invites you to slow down, connect and savor the magic around you.
– Alex
