Top Holiday Events in Northern California

Major Holiday Events in California and Nevada

Top Seasonal & Holiday Events in Northern California

Please note that this page lists some of the top seasonal events in California and Nevada. For a complete list of events found in a particular area, please select a specific city location by clicking on the "City Search" menu button above.

Featured Hotels & Resorts

Napa Valley Hotels - The Ritz Carlton The Ritz-Carlton Napa Valley ─ Click to book online

One Miramontes Point Rd., Napa Valley, CA

Set atop an ocean bluff, overlooking 50 miles of coastline, The Ritz-Carlton, is an easily accessible destination that feels a world away. This Five Diamond resort is designed to resemble the grand seaside lodges of the 19th century.

Nature Calls

Whale Watching – Mid January and Mid March

Ideal times for watching Gray Whales along the central coast are usually mid January and mid March. During this time, 20,000 whales migrate to or from the artic waters. More >>

Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Reserve – December through March

During the breeding season, December through March, the males battle for mates on the beaches. The females give birth to their young on the dunes. By early March most of the adult seals are gone, leaving behind the weaned pups who remain through April. The elephant seals return to Año Nuevo's beaches during the spring and summer months to molt and can be observed during this time through a permit system.

During the breeding season, December 15 through March 31, daily access to the Reserve is available only via guided walks. Advance reservations are recommended for walks. More >>

Birding in Half Moon Bay – December through March

The best bird watching times are late fall and early spring. More >>

Chinese New Years

San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade – February 7, 2009

Over 100 units will participate in the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade. A San Francisco tradition since just after the Gold Rush, the parade continues to delight and entertain the many hundreds of thousands of people that come to watch it on the street or tune in to watch it on television. More >>

St. Patrick's Day

San Francisco's St. Patrick's Day Parade – March 14, 2009

San Francisco, CA For more than 157 years, this has been an annual event to demonstrate Irish culture

Fourth of July

South Lake Tahoe – A truly awe-inspiring display. There are several locations to get a front row seat.

San Francisco – Fisherman's Wharf is San Francisco's premier spot to celebrate America's Independence Day holiday. Pier 39

Port of Redwood City –

San Jose's American Festival –

Top Christmas Celebrations

Top Tree Farm Locations

Getting Your Family's Christmas Tree Can Become a Cherished Family Memory and the Beginning of a New Family Tradition!

•• Santa Cruz Mountain Tree Farms

• Half Moon Bay Tree Farms

Top Decorated Neighborhoods

• San Francisco –

• South San Francisco – On 280, exit West Bourough and travel East toward the hills. When you cross over El Camino, West Bourough becomes Chestnut Street. Continue driving to Woodside Court. Please note that Woodside Court is not a through street, so it is recommended that you park outside the court and walk in.

• Palo Alto – Palo Alto's "Christmas Tree Lane" is located on Fulton Street between Embarcadero Road and Seale.

• Redwood City – Redwood City's "Candy Cane Lane" is located on Dewey Avenue between Carson Street and Roosevelt Avenue.

• Half Moon Bay –

• San Mateo –

• Santa Cruz –

• Napa Valley –

• Monterey –

• South Lake Tahoe –

• Reno –

• Las Vegas –

Halloween Festivals

Top Parades and Festivals – Going to a real pumpkin patch and selecting the perfect pumpkin create wonderful family memories and marks the beginning of the Fall festivities

• Half Moon Bay Pumpkin and Art Festival –

• San Francisco Halloween Parade –

Top Pumpkin Patches – Going to a real pumpkin patch and selecting the perfect pumpkin create wonderful family memories and marks the beginning of the Fall festivities

• • Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Patches –

• Santa Cruz Pumpkin Patches –

• San Joaquin Valley Pumpkin Patches –

Do you know a great neighborhood or event that should be featured in this section? Please let us know by clicking here >>

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