Visit
Walnut Creek
This Holiday Season
They say there’s no place like home for the holidays, but there’s a not-so-secret place in the East Bay that might be almost as good. Nestled in the picturesque foothills of Mount Diablo, just outside San Francisco, Walnut Creek has long been prized by East Bay locals as a weekend retreat. Now, the rest of California is beginning to catch on, as more and more visitors opt to Go Calipolitan.
Walnut Creek's allure lies in its delightful paradoxes. It's a place full of outdoor adventures complemented by arts and shopping. It’s that blend—the easygoing charm of California with the dynamic energy of metropolitan life—that epitomizes the Calipolitan lifestyle.
As the festive season wraps its arms around Walnut Creek, old traditions and new experiences combine to create a winter wonderland with a Calipolitan flair. Here’s a quick guide that will help you explore Walnut Creek this sparkle season, and learn what a Calipolitan Christmas is all about:
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Visit Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek’s Holiday HQ
The dazzling Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting ceremony draw visitors and locals alike, while visits with Santa Claus make for cherished holiday moments. Extended shopping hours help gift-seekers beat the rush, allowing extra time to explore favorites like Alo Yoga, Free People, Marine Layer and Apple. This festive hub encapsulates the essence of holiday spirit, making it an unmissable destination during your stay in Walnut Creek.
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As the holiday spirit takes over, Walnut Creek unveils an experience for the merry and adventurous—the Cocktail Trail. The trail is a toast to the town’s vibrant craft cocktail scene, offering a DIY journey through twelve unique establishments. Try the award-winning Calipolitan Cocktail at Benvenuti, or opt for a smoked old-fashioned at Hops and Scotch. Even better, by downloading the mobile pass and checking in at each bar, participants gather points redeemable for enticing prizes. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, one sip at a time!
Embark on a Spirited Journey along Walnut Creek’s Cocktail Trail
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In the heart of downtown Walnut Creek is Contra Costa County’s premiere arts and performance destination. At the Lesher Center for the Arts, the array of holiday-themed performances makes up a highlight of the season. This year, Lesher proudly presents Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," a timeless holiday classic. The center's diverse holiday program also includes festive concerts, a craft fair, and of course, Charles Dickens’ perennial classic “A Christmas Carol.”
Catch the Seasonal Spectacles on Stage at the Lesher Center for the Arts
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Step back in time this holiday season with a festive tea service in a beautifully preserved Colonial Revival house. Guests celebrate with Shadelands Ranch elegant three-course luncheon, including sumptuous scones, homemade lemon curd, and their Secret Shadelands Tea Blend. Gather with your loved ones and enjoy the warmth and joy of the season with an authentic Victorian tea service in a historic setting. And nothing says Calipolitan like a Champagne Tea Service, available on select Saturdays.
Historical Holiday Charm: Teatime at Shadelands Ranch
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Walnut Creek is a special place to visit any time of year, but during the holidays, it’s pure magic. Here, the holiday season unfolds like pages from a storybook. The air is crisp and lively, infused with the scents of seasonal delights and the sounds of festive melodies. Around every corner is a unique way to celebrate the season. So, what are you waiting for? Check out VisitWalnutCreek.org to get started crafting a Calipolitan Christmastime getaway you’ll never forget!
Your Calipolitan Christmas Awaits!
Break out the skates and lace up for one of the largest pop-up ice rinks in the Bay Area. Families glide together and couples steal quiet moments, fortified by hot cocoa and festive tunes at this frosty attraction. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or stepping on to the ice for the first time, you can count on making a new holiday memory at this hub of laughter and music. Just be sure to wear your coziest sweater!
Whirl into the Holidays with Walnut Creek on Ice
Diablo Magazine’s Readers voted family-owned Wish the best gift shop in the East Bay in 2023, and it’s easy to see why. This enchanting shop has something for everyone—gifts for all the kings, queens, little tykes, and four-legged friends on your holiday shopping list. Besides finding the perfect gifts to capture the spirit of the season, holiday-themed events like their Perfectly Wrapped pop-ups make Wish a must-visit this season!
Yuletide Treasures and Festive Finds at Wish Walnut Creek
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Originating as an expansive fruit farm established in the 1880s, this horticultural haven was transformed by the passionate and visionary gardener, Ruth Bancroft. Her extensive collection of succulents, including aloes, agaves, yuccas, and echeverias, create a mesmerizing tapestry of textures and colors. As a special holiday treat, the Garden of D’Lights event returns to bedazzle this 3.5-acre sanctuary. Visitors meander through the twinkling lights and luminous displays intricately woven among the plants, as the garden morphs into a magical Christmas landscape. Lots of photo ops at this otherworldly winter spectacle!
An Enchanted Evening in the Garden of D’Lights
For 40 years, the Maker's Market Holiday Craft Faire has been an indispensable part of the seasonal festivities in Walnut Creek. For two weeks, the historic Shadelands Ranch house transforms into a vibrant marketplace, brimming with handcrafted treasures and unique gifts. Stroll through the elegantly appointed rooms, each corner unveiling a delightful assortment of items from talented vendors. Whether you're in search of bespoke jewelry, artisanal home decor, or one-of-a-kind crafts, the Faire is a treasure trove for those seeking thoughtful and original holiday gifts.
Elegant Artisans: Walnut Creek’s Annual Holiday
Craft Faire
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As dusk falls, visitors and residents of Walnut Creek gather to celebrate a moment of unity and light with the lighting of the menorah. This cherished tradition welcomes everyone, regardless of faith, to partake in a ceremony filled with live music, storytelling, and reflection. The glow of the menorah's candles casts a serene light, symbolizing hope and peace, while delicacies like latkes and sufganiyot are shared among friends and neighbors, fostering a sense of togetherness and warmth during chilly holiday evenings.
Kick Off the Festival of Lights at Broadway Plaza
There is no shortage of accommodations in Walnut Creek, where the hotels offer a Calipolitan blend of accessibility, scenic beauty, and comfort. Wherever you choose to spend your getaway, the diverse collection of hotels caters to every preference and budget, ranging from luxuriously well-appointed accommodations to cozy, affordable inns.
Calipolitan Style: Your Home Away from Home in Walnut Creek
Of course, that’s just a taste of what Walnut Creek has in store for a Calipolitan Christmas. And there’s more good news: getting to Walnut Creek is a breeze! It sits just 25 miles east of San Francisco, and just a few minutes’ drive from Berkeley through the Caldecott Tunnel. Walnut Creek is connected to the rest of the Bay Area by BART, and even Sacramento is only a short drive away.
See Broadway Plaza’s Holiday Events Guide for hours and booking details.
Visit Walnut Creek on Ice to find out more about operating hours, skate rentals, lessons, and private parties.
For more info on the Cocktail Trail, or to download the mobile pass, hit up VisitWalnutCreek.org.
See WishWalnutCreek for more store hours and event schedules.
Check the Lesher Center for the Arts Holiday Events page for performances, showtimes, and to book tickets.
November 24 – January 6 | Ticketed, timed entries | Visit Ruth Bancroft Garden for more info.
November 25 – December 10 | 11:00 am – 1:30 pm daily | Call 925-935-7871 for reservations.
November 25 – December 10 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily
Free Admission and Parking | Visit the Walnut Creek Historical Society website for more details.
December 10 | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
For a range of accommodations and booking details, check VisitWalnutCreek.org.
