| Livermore History Center | Highway Garage Open |
| Museum on Main St | |
| Pleasanton Farmer's Market | Ravenswood Docent Tours |
| Niles Canyon Railway | Livermore Amateur Radio Klub Meeting |
At the Fairgrounds
Thurs-Sun
Join us for a spectacular evening of dazzling lights, colors, shapes, and themes. The Lantern Light festival is a six week celebration of Chinese culture featuring massive lanterns, inspiring performances, and incredible cuisine. A tradition that started over 2,000 years ago, the lantern festival is China’s most important celebration, marking the return of spring, with the lighting of Chinese lanterns being symbolic of illuminating the future and the reunion of family.
While many people picture lanterns being released into the night sky, these enormous lanterns stay firmly on the ground. Each Chinese lantern is custom-built by Chinese artisans and typically takes four weeks and a team of seven to complete. The lanterns appear to be three-dimensional stained glass, and are handmade from hundreds of pieces of silky cloth. Some are over 30 feet high and others are up to 300 feet long.
If you enjoy an evening full of festive lights and amazing sights, bring
your family to the Lantern Light Festival, a rare opportunity to witness the
majestic skill of the world’s best lantern-makers.
Sponsor: Lantern Light Festival
Location:
Alameda County
Fairgrounds, Pleasanton
Times: Thurs & Sunday: 5:00pm to 10:00pm. Friday &
Saturday: 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Admission: Adult: $23; Seniors 65+ & Active
Military: $20; Group: $18, Children 3-12: $18; Under 3: Free, VIP:
$49; Children's Activity Package: $29. Parking $10.00
More info: www.lanternlightfestival.com or
Fairgrounds web site
click for more photos
Dates at the right
Experience the magic of our brightly decorated holiday train, covered with thousands of lights, as it winds through the darkness of Niles Canyon on a 75-minute round-trip ride from Niles to Sunol and back, and the later train from Sunol to Niles and back.
This annual fundraising event is presented by the Pacific Locomotive Association to benefit Niles Canyon Railway projects throughout the year. We are sincerely grateful for all of our supporters who help our non-profit, tax-exempt, living history museum continue to operate and grow.
Trains run both from Sunol to Niles and back, and from Niles to Sunol and back.
Location: Downtown Sunol
Times: Departures from 4:30pm from Niles, 7:30 from Sunol
Admission: Coach: $30 ages 3 and up. See the Niles Canyon Railroad.
First Class Dome: $50
First Class Parlor: $50
Private Caboose: $600
eLivermore Photos.
More info: Niles Canyon Railroad. Info should be on the Niles Canyon site mid to late September. Ticket purchases around the 2nd week of October.
2018 Dates - From Sunol
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Nov 23 7:30 | Nov 24 7:30 | |||||
| Nov 25 7:30 | Nov 28 7:30 | Nov 30 7:30 | Dec 1 7:30 | |||
| Dec 2 7:30 | Dec 5 7:30 | Dec 7 7:30 | Dec 8 7:30 | |||
| Dec 9 7:30 | Dec 12 7:30 | Dec 14 7:30 | Dec 15 7:30 | |||
| Dec 16 7:30 | Dec 19 7:30 | Dec 21 7:30 | Dec 22 7:30 | |||
| Dec 23 7:30 | Dec 26 7:30 | Dec 28 7:30 | Dec 19 7:30 | |||
| Dec 30 7:30 |
2018 Dates - From Niles
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Nov 23 4:30 | Nov 24 4:30 | |||||
| Nov 25 4:30 | Nov 28 4:30 | Nov 30 4:30 | Dec 1 4:30 | |||
| Dec 2 4:30 | Dec 5 4:30 | Dec 7 4:30 | Dec 8 4:30 | |||
| Dec 9 4:30 | Dec 12 4:30 | Dec 14 4:30 | Dec 15 4:30 | |||
| Dec 16 4:30 | Dec 19 4:30 | Dec 21 4:30 | Dec 22 4:30 | |||
| Dec 23 4:30 | Dec 26 4:30 | Dec 28 4:30 | Dec 19 4:30 | |||
| Dec 30 4:30 |
Sat-Sun
Join us for a Livermore Valley Wine Country holiday tradition!
Wineries showcase their decorated tasting rooms with special wines, arts, crafts, holiday music, activities and more. Admission is free, however, tasting fees may apply and vary by winery.
Participating Wineries:
Bent Creek Winery, Caddis Winery, Cedar Mountain Winery & Port Works,
Charles R Vineyards, Cuda Ridge Wines, Dante Robere Vineyards, Eagle Ridge
Vineyard, Garre Vineyard & Winery, Las Positas Vineyards, McGrail Vineyard &
Winery, McKahn Family Cellars, Murrieta's Well, Nella Terra Cellars, Page
Mill Winery, Retzlaff Vineyards, The Steven Kent Winery, Wente Vineyards,
Winemaker's Studio, and Wood Familiy Vineyards.
Sponsor:
Livermore Valley Winegrowers
Association
Location: Participating Valley Wineries
Times: Noon to 4:30pm
Admission: Free. Tasting Fees may apply and vary by winery.
More info:
Livermore Valley Winegrowers
Association or (925) 447-9463
Click above for photos
Saturday
A Celebration of the Traditions of the Holidays. Lizzie fountain will be transformed into a winter fun zone for children 5th Grade and under. Holiday Entertainment will inspire you to stroll through the Downtown enjoying the beginning of the Holiday Season.
Join us for shopping and grabbing a holiday treat to eat, all while celebrating our Holiday Traditions in a beautiful hometown setting!
Experience Livermore's Own Official Christmas Carol with "Christmastime
in Livermore" by Kim Luty, Choral teacher of ABC Music Source and performed
by, Livermore's own, Joe Michell School Choir!
Sponsor: Livermore Downtown Association
Location: Downtown Livermore
Times: 11am to 4:00pm
Admission: Free
More info:
Livermore Downtown
Association,
(925) 373-1795
Saturday
Over 50 floats, including our local businesses, clubs, marching bands, associations and much, much more! The Parade ends with that Special Guest, Santa himself, leading our community in the Official Tree Lighting!
Parade Route: First Street - between M Street and McLeod Street
Note: Float entries ONLY. No walking entries will be accepted. All
entries must be lighted or have holiday music incorporated into the design.
Sponsor: Livermore Downtown Association
Location: Downtown Livermore
Times: Parade from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Tree lighting following the
parade
Admission: Free
More info:
Livermore Downtown
Association or
(925) 373-1795
2008 Parade
2014 Parade
2014
Parade, downloadable
Christmas in Livermore
Saturday
The City of Pleasanton will once again salute the season by hosting the Annual Hometown Holiday Celebration to be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:15 p.m. along Main Street in downtown Pleasanton.
This free, family-friendly event features a festive community-based parade followed by the lighting of a holiday tree in front of the Museum on Main.
Kicking off the parade will be one of Pleasanton’s award-winning high school marching bands from either Amador Valley High School or Foothill High School. The band is followed by a wide array of holiday inspired entries including Pleasanton’s own Balloon Platoon, the Pleasanton City Council, hundreds of Cub Scouts and Brownies, local car clubs, performing arts groups, and much more.
Main Street will close to vehicular traffic at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7. Parade viewers are encouraged to shop and dine in historic Downtown Pleasanton after staking out their viewing turf.
The Hometown Holiday program relies on the support of the community to make the event a success and volunteers are still needed! Those interested in volunteering for the event are encouraged to visit www.hometownholiday.com.
In the event of rain, a parade cancellation telephone hotline will be
implemented and updated each hour after 2:30 p.m. on parade day, December 7.
The Cancellation Information Phone Line is (925) 931-5352.
Sponsors: Downtown Association & City of Pleasanton Parks and Community
Services
Location: Main Street, Pleasanton
Times: 5:00pm to 7:15pm
3:30-7:30pm Main Street closed.
5:00pm Holiday Parade
6:45 to 7:15pm Tree Lighting Ceremony
More info: Pleasanton
Events,
Pleasanton Downtown Association.
At the Bankhead Theater
Sat
Join Livermore-Amador Symphony as we open our concert season with music full of love in all its many moods. We begin with Bernstein’s joyful Candide Overture, brimming with bright, energetic exuberance. The music of French composer Gabriel Faure captures the tragic love story of Pelleas et Melisande. Finally, Brahms sunny second symphony surrounds us with music full of passionate expression and unrestrained joy.
Sponsor: Livermore Amador Symphony
Location: Bankhead Theater - LVPAC web site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Time: Prelude talk from 7 to 7:30pm. Symphony concerts begin at 8:00pm
Admission: $36 / $31 / $26.
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info - LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info: Livermore-Amador Symphony (925) 373-6824, or Bankhead Theater
Firehouse Arts Center
Sat
A Classic Rock Christmas
December People injects those time-stamped, precious musical memories from the songs you grew up with into the holiday classics we all know and love. It’s the Christmas season rendered as the classic rock masters, such as Van Halen, The Who, Tom Petty, Huey Lewis, Santana, Journey, The Eagles and other classic rockers might perform them. A Firehouse Holiday favorite!
Sponsor: City of Pleasanton
Location: Firehouse Arts Center - 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton
Times: 8:00pm
Admission:
More info: www.firehousearts.org
Dec 14-16
Sat-Sun
Fri-Sun
Valley Dance Theatre brings full-length and repertory classical ballet and contemporary dance productions to the San Francisco East Bay. Every December, the Company presents several full-length performances of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Last year, the production attracted an audience of more than five thousand. A second major production is staged each season in late Spring. As the resident ballet company, all performances are held at the Bankhead Theater and are accompanied by the Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra. Costumes are created by professional, award-winning designers. Founded in Livermore, in 1980, Valley Dance Theatre is a licensed, nonprofit Ballet Company which also operates an affiliated school of dance, offering ballet classes for ages 3 years through adult and boys’ classes.
Sponsor: Valley Dance Theater
Location: Bankhead Theater - LVPAC web site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: Friday: 7:00pm; Saturday: 2:00pm & 7:00pm; Sunday 2:00pm (also 7:00pm on Dec 16)
Admission: $42/$33
More info: Valley Dance Theater or Bankhead Theater
Sat-Sun
The program includes Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" and "For Unto Us" from Messiah
Berlioz: The Shepherds' Farewell
Holst: Christmas Day
Bach's "Glory to the Lord" from Christmas Oratorio.
Sponsor: Valley Concert Chorale
Location: Saturday: First Presbyterian Church, 2020 Fifth St (4th & L), Livermore
Sunday: Trinity Lutheran Church 1225 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton
Times: Sat: 7:30pm; Sun 3:00pm
Admission: $25.00. Students with ID: $10.00 Tickets at Valley Concert Chorale website.
More info: Valley Concert Chorale
Dec 8
Sat
Cantabella Children's Chorus - Jubilate!
Sponsor: Cantabella
Children's Chorus
Location:
Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Ave, Livermore
Times:
1:00pm
(training choirs & selected pieces by the performing choirs)
4:00pm (performing choirs)
Admission:
Adults: $19 in advance, $24 after December 2, or at the door; children under
18 FREE when accompanied by an adult.
Ticket required.
More info:
Cantabella Children's Chorus
Dec 9
Sun
The Bothwell Arts Center welcomes back the Annual Celtic Christmas Concert and Gathering on December 9, 2018. A spirited community celebration filled with music, food and laughter, the event is a fundraiser for the Bothwell Arts Center and has been held there since 2009. Originally conceived and produced each year by Gabriel “Gabe” Duffin, a folksinger who hails from Belfast, Ireland, the event features Duffin’s band, “Pog Mo Thoin”, joined by talented musicians from around the Bay Area. Acclaimed for their rich Irish ballads and lively Irish folk tunes, the band has also been known to throw in an unexpected rock song, while serving up beloved Christmas melodies with a Celtic flair.
The family-friendly celebration and potluck dinner has become a local
tradition, an opportunity to meet and mingle with friends both old and new
at the start of the holiday season. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish
to share at the gathering. Cider and tea is offered for free, and wine, beer
and Irish whiskey are available for purchase.
The Celtic Christmas Concert and Gathering supports the work of the Bothwell Arts Center, an arts incubator offering artists affordable space to learn, teach and create, as well as providing local arts organizations with rehearsal, event, and small performance space. Located at 2466 Eighth Street, between G and H Streets in downtown Livermore.
Sponsor: Bothwell Arts Center
Location: Bothwell Arts Center,
2466 8th St. Livermore.
Times: 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Admission: $18 in advance. $23 at the door.
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Dec 21-23
Fri-Sun
Based on one of the most popular Disney movies of all time and the Broadway musical that played for over 2,500 performances, receiving multiple Olivier and Tony Awards nominations, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect Broadway Junior musical! An enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers, even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises “Anything can happen if you let it.”
Sponsor: Civic Arts Stage Company
Location: Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton
Times: Fri: 7:30pm; Sat: 2:00pm & 7:30pm; Sun: 2:00pm
Admission: $7 - $18
More info: www.firehousearts.org
Firehouse Arts Center
Sun
With a special Holiday version of their show, “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year” Branden & James perform classical covers of pop songs ranging from Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Mary Did You Know, I’ll Be Home for Christmas and their rousing mashup of Silent Night/Ave Maria and O Holy Night. Added to the evening will be some of the music they are best known for: The Beatles and The Eagles, Simon & Garfunkel, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Phantom of The Opera, as well as familiar contemporary songs (Sam Smith, Adele, the musical Frozen, etc) from their most recent album they’ve recorded with their producer Patrick Hamilton who made Katherine Jenkins an international star. They tell comedic stories about their lives – Branden’s time on America’s Got Talent, James tales of growing up down under and their musical upbringings (Branden’s grandfather toured with Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley for years and years). They are both pianists and feature all of their talents in the show. It’s a show the whole family will enjoy and will treasure as a genuine holiday treat.
Sponsor: City of Pleasanton
Location: Firehouse Arts Center - 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton
Times: 2:00pm
Admission: $18 - $28
More info: www.firehousearts.org
Thurs
Doo Wop Project Christmas
Stars of Broadway’s smash hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical, return
with their take on the doo wop sound, from classic street corner harmonies
to reimagined melodies of the era and doo-wop inspired contemporary songs.
With their irresistible sound and onstage charisma stage presence, they
bring a special touch to the holiday season.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 7:30pm
Admission: $70/$60/$40
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - eLivermore.com theater page
Fri
Irish Christmas in America
World-class singers, dancers and musicians unite for an intimate, engaging
performance rich in history, humor, and boundless energy. Pensive ballads,
lively instrumentals and Irish dance, plus evocative photographic images
create an enchanting start to the holiday season.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 8:00pm
Admission: $50/$40/$30
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - eLivermore.com theater page
Firehouse Arts Center
Sat
Pleasanton’s own trumpeter Jeff Bordes returns to the Firehouse for his annual holiday show! This year Jeff will be taking it to the next level, presenting a “Jazzy New Orleans Christmas”. They’ll perform their holiday original The Santa Claus Second Line along with other original tunes and holiday favorites. You’ll be dancing like it’s Mardi Gras in December!
Sponsor: City of Pleasanton
Location: Firehouse Arts Center - 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton
Times: 8:00pm
Admission: $18 - $28
More info: www.firehousearts.org
Sun
Reduced Shakespeare Company
When the Reduced Shakespeare Company comes to the rescue of the Annual
Holiday Variety Show at St. Everybody’s Non-Denominational Universalist
Church, you’ll learn the hilariously shocking history of our best-loved
holiday traditions plus wacky new lyrics to favorite carols.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 5:00pm
Admission: $70/$60/$40
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - eLivermore.com theater page
Firehouse Arts Center
Thurs
Starring Will Durst & Friends
The 26th Annual Big Fat Year-End Kiss-Off Comedy Show is proud to present
an evening of pure yuks at the expense of the year 2018 (talk about plenty
of material). Stand-up, improvisation and loosely written sketches
guaranteed to mock, scoff and taunt with taste.
Sponsor: City of Pleasanton
Location: Firehouse Arts Center -
4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton
Times: 8:00pm
Admission:
More info:
www.firehousearts.org
Sun
Dlux Puppets - "Alice in Wonderland"
With remarkable puppetry and clever digital scenery, the classic tale of
Alice’s journey through the marvelous world of the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire
Cat and the Queen of Hearts becomes a fun musical adaptation for all ages.
In this visually engaging production by the nationally-recognized DLUX Puppet Company, all of the characters who encounter Alice are intricately engineered life-size puppets, hand-built and voiced by founder Derek Lux. Derek is a multi-talented performer who originally began building the puppets while he was still starring in “Beach Blanket Babylon” in San Francisco. His wife, second grade teacher Lauren Lux, is DLUX’ education director and has developed a performance activity kit for students who attend the show. “Alice in Wonderland” returns to the Bankhead Theater by popular demand after a sold out show last February.
While the production is designed to also teach children how to use the power of their words, thoughts and feelings in a positive way, above all else, DLUX Puppet’s “Alice in Wonderland” is a feast for the eyes and an afternoon of genuine family fun.
Note: The performance on Sunday, Dec 30 at 11am is Sensory Friendly for
children and families with Autism, special needs, and/or sensory
sensitivities.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 11:00am and 2:00pm
Admission: $20
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - eLivermore.com theater page
Mon
New Year's Eve Celebration at the Banhead.
Join in a festive annual celebration sure to dazzle and entertain! Enjoy a
great show in the theater followed by complimentary champagne, wine and
coffee, paired with a delicious dessert buffet in the lobby before heading
out to ring in the new year.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 8:00pm
Admission: $40
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - eLivermore.com theater page
descrip
Sponsor:
Location:
Times:
Admission:
More info:
