Looking for the best holiday activities in Los Gatos, California this year? From the iconic Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Lake County Park to the Los Gatos Holiday Parade and Magical Memories downtown, this 2025 seasonal guide highlights top festive attractions in Los Gatos and the surrounding South Bay. Whether you're a local resident, browsing Los Gatos homes for sale, or planning a holiday day trip, you’ll find family-friendly events, shopping, Santa sightings, and dazzling light displays across town.
Top 15 Holiday Activities in and around Los Gatos (2025)
Photo via Instagram: @losgatoschamber
Los Gatos Chamber’s Magical Memories — Free Downtown Holiday Events
Los Gatos’ newest tradition brought to life by the Chamber of Commerce, brings downtown Los Gatos to life all December long! While you’re in the area for Magical Memories, be sure to visit some of the amazing shops and restaurants downtown, check out some of our favorite dinner spots.
🚋 Holiday Trolley
Climb aboard the emerald green, cable car style trolley for a scenic hop on/hop off loop through downtown Los Gatos. No reservations or tickets are required. Along the way, enjoy twinkling lights, charming storefronts, and sweet surprises like mini cookies from Icing on the Cake (while supplies last).
Location: Hop on/hop off at four stops marked by trolley icons in Downtown Los Gatos
Date & Time: December 6th-7th and December 12th-14th | Select Times
Tips: Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
🍬 Magical Memories Sweet Surprises Tent
Stop by the tent outside Automobuild before or after your Trolley ride or Santa visit. Sponsors will provide sweets, swag, and community cheer from 3pm to 5pm or while supplies last.
Location: Breezeway outside of Automobuild
Date & Time: December 6th-7th and December 12th-14th | 3pm-5pm
☕ Gourmet Hot Chocolate Cart
Taste a cup of gourmet hot chocolate made with love by First Born Los Gatos. Grab this cozy treat to warm up as you stroll through downtown.
Location: First Born - 160 W Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Date & Time: Friday, December 12th | 5pm-7pm & Saturday, December 13th-14th | 2pm-4pm
🎅 Visits with Santa
Santa is back in Old Town Los Gatos for festive photo ops, live entertainment, holiday characters, and complimentary goodie bags (while supplies last). Hop off the trolley at this beloved stop so the Los Gatos Rotary elves can help take photos on your phones.
Location: Old Town Los Gatos - 50 University Ave Los Gatos, CA 95030
Date & Time: Friday, December 12th | 4pm-7pm, Saturday, December 13th | 1pm-6pm & Sunday, December 14th | 12pm-5pm
Tips: Get there early! To help Santa get back to the North Pole on time, the workshop may close the queue up to 30 minutes before the posted closing time if the wait reaches 30 minutes.
Local Favorites & Community Traditions
A few Bay Area holiday events for this season, many are free, family-friendly, and full of festive cheer.
✨ Los Gatos in Lights Annual Winter Celebration
Downtown Los Gatos kicks off the season with live music from local schools, festive carols, a winter light show, balloon artists, and visits from beloved holiday characters. Enjoy a magical winter wonderland with seasonal activities, and don’t miss the timeless tree lighting ceremony at 6pm. Keep an eye out for a special appearance by Santa Claus himself!
Location: Los Gatos Town Plaza Park, Montebello Way
Date & Time: Friday, December 5th | 5pm-7pm (tree lighting at 6pm)
🎅 Los Gatos Children’s Christmas & Holiday Parade
A beloved Los Gatos tradition! The parade stretches from Highway 9 to Los Gatos High School, and features captivating performances from Los Gatos High School, Fischer Middle School, Dartmouth Middle School, and many more! It is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
Location: Downtown Los Gatos
Date & Time: Saturday, December 6th | 11am (rain or shine!)
Tips: Plan ahead for road closures, parking, and/or to secure the best viewing spot!
🛍️ Los Gatos Holiday Market
This two-day market, hosted by the Los Gatos Kiwanis Club, brings 100+ local artisans to downtown Los Gatos, offering everything from art and home goods to gourmet treats. Perfect for last-minute gift shopping or holiday browsing, the market supports local youth programs and the Live Oak Senior Nutrition Center. Enjoy a European-style experience with fine wine, hot beverages, Candy Cane Lane for kids, live music by local favorites Phil & Rob, and delicious food from gourmet trucks.
Location: 110 East Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030
Date & Time: Saturday, December 13th & Sunday, December 14th | 10am to 5pm
🕎 Hanukkah on Main
Join Jewish Silicon Valley for their annual menorah lighting and festive community celebration in downtown Los Gatos. Enjoy an evening of music, holiday cheer, and togetherness as the menorah is lit, bringing friends, families, and neighbors together to celebrate the season.
Location: Los Gatos Town Plaza Park, Montebello Way
Date & Time: Sunday, December 14 | 5:30 PM
🌟 Fantasy of Lights
One of the season’s (and our team’s) most beloved traditions, Fantasy of Lights is back for its 27th year! Cruise past over 50 animated displays, including Santa shooting hoops, playful penguins, blazing pirate cannons, and a “volcano” in the Dinosaur Den. Don’t miss the 90-foot twinkling tree lighting up the park, it’s guaranteed to bring out the holiday “oohs and aahs!”
Location: Vasona Lake County Park
Drive Through Date & Time: December 9th-30th | 6pm-10pm (closed December 25th)
Tickets: Prepaid tickets are required, you can purchase tickets online.
🚂 Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad Holiday Train
All aboard for a magical holiday ride! Experience a section of the Fantasy of Lights aboard the Holiday Train at Oak Meadow Park. Stop by the snack shack for treats and hot drinks. This beloved tradition supports the operations of the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, making it a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the season.
Location: Oak Meadow Park
Date & Time: Thursdays through Sundays from December 11th-28th | 6pm-9pm
Tickets: All tickets may be purchased at the railroad ticket booth during the holiday hours of operation. Regular day time tickets are not valid for the special night event.
🎄 Christmas in the Park in Downtown San Jose
A Bay Area favorite for more than 40 years, Christmas in the Park transforms Plaza de Cesar Chavez in Downtown San Jose into an enchanted holiday wonderland. Stroll through a glowing forest of decorated trees, snap free photos with Santa, and marvel at 40+ animated displays — including the iconic Lima Train and 50-foot illuminated Christmas tree. Enjoy nightly entertainment, festive treats, and San Jose’s must-try hot chocolate.
Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez - 1 Paseo de San Antonio San Jose, CA 95113
Date & Time: November 28th - January 1st | Open daily; entertainment runs from 6:00pm - 11:00pm
🩰 Nutcracker Ballet
Experience the magic of a holiday tradition with The Nutcracker! This timeless ballet combines graceful dance, enchanting music, and festive storytelling to bring the season to life. Families can choose from kid-friendly adaptations or classic performances offered by multiple companies across the Bay Area, making it easy to find the perfect show for your holiday plans.
One of our Favorites: A family favorite continues to be the production by San Jose Dance Theatre. They offer both a full-length version and a shorter children’s performance, making it a wonderful option for families with little ones. Their 2025 showings run throughout December (check their site for exact dates), giving you plenty of chances to experience this festive tradition.
🎁 Holidays at the Winchester Mystery House
Holiday Open House – Enjoy a self-guided stroll through one of California’s most historic mansions. Explore the beautifully decorated rooms at your own pace and soak in the festive holiday atmosphere. Plus each week a new special event for guests to enjoy (purchase may be necessary) including a holiday concert, Victorian Christmas tea party, pictures with Santa and more!
Location: Winchester Mystery House - 525 S Winchester Blvd San Jose, CA 95128
Date & Time: Every Saturday, November 29th - December 27th | 6pm-8pm
Tickets: $15 (includes mansion walkthrough, cocoa + Menagerie Market access)
Yuletide Oddities Market – The Winchester Mystery House is hosting the 7th Annual Menagerie Yuletide Oddities & Curiosities Market, with rotating vendors featuring unique holiday gifts. Grab unique and special gifts for everyone on your list this year!
Location: Winchester Mystery House - 525 S Winchester Blvd San Jose, CA 95128
Date & Time: Every Saturday, November 20th - December 27th | 10am-8pm
Admission: $5 or free with any tour/special event ticket
🌟 Laser Holiday Magic at The Tech Interactive
Enjoy a curated selection of your favorite holiday tunes brought to life with stunning laser choreography in the IMAX Dome Theater. Vibrant animations and mesmerizing abstracts dance above you. Cozy up under the dome, bring your loved ones, and share this one-of-a-kind, immersive holiday adventure. While you’re there check out the Polar Play Days at the Tech Interactive featuring fun STEAM activities the whole family will love!
Location: The Tech Interactive - 201 S Market St San Jose, CA 95113
Date & Time: December 6th - January 3rd | 4pm
Ready to Celebrate the Holidays in Los Gatos?
From sparkling light shows at Vasona Lake County Park to Magical Memories downtown and the beloved Los Gatos Holiday Parade, this season brings countless ways to enjoy festive fun across town. If you’re dreaming of making Los Gatos your home for many holidays to come, we’d love to help you explore the beautiful neighborhoods and homes that make this community so special. Contact the Amy McCafferty Team today to learn more about living in Los Gatos and start planning your next move. Happy Holidays!
Please refer to the official event pages linked in this blog for any changes or updates before attending as event information is subject to change.
