Best Holiday Events in the Tri-Valley 2026

November 7, 2026

Best Holiday Events in the Tri-Valley 2026

The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year in the Tri-Valley! From festive Christmas markets and photos with Santa to Thanksgiving traditions, sparkling tree-lighting ceremonies, and holiday parades, there's something special happening around every corner.

Whether you live in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, Danville, or the surrounding East Bay communities, the holidays are the perfect opportunity to make memories, support local businesses, and celebrate with friends and family.

At Elation Real Estate, we're especially excited to welcome our neighbors to some of our favorite annual celebrations. Here's your guide to the best upcoming holiday events in the Tri-Valley for 2026!

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Holiday Events in the Tri-Valley in 2026?

Some of the most anticipated holiday events in the Tri-Valley include the Tri-Valley Turkey Burn on November 26, Elation Real Estate's Christmas Market on December 3, Photos with Santa at Elation on December 5, and Pleasanton's Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on December 5.

Families can also enjoy holiday celebrations in Downtown Livermore, Dublin, and Danville, making the Tri-Valley a wonderful place to experience the holiday season.

1. Tri-Valley Turkey Burn: Start Thanksgiving with a Community Tradition

Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM (10K), 9:10 AM (5K)

Location: Ken Mercer Sports Park, Pleasanton, CA

What better way to kick off Thanksgiving than by coming together for a great cause?

The annual Tri-Valley Turkey Burn, organized by Pleasanton North Rotary, brings families, friends, runners, and walkers together for a morning of exercise, gratitude, and community spirit.

Participants can choose between a 5K and 10K, making it a welcoming tradition for different ages and fitness levels. The event also features a pre-race warm-up, refreshments, and a festive atmosphere.

Even better, proceeds help support local youth programs, including scholarships, leadership development, and youth exchange opportunities.

Elation Real Estate is proud to support the Turkey Burn, helping bring our community together while giving back to the next generation.

Why attend? It's a wonderful way to start Thanksgiving with movement, gratitude, and a meaningful local cause.

2. Elation Real Estate Christmas Market: Shop Local and Celebrate the Season

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Elation Real Estate, 127 Spring Street, Suite 230, Pleasanton, CA

Looking for a festive way to kick off your holiday shopping? Join us at Elation Real Estate's Christmas Market in Downtown Pleasanton!

We're bringing together a wonderful selection of local vendors, unique gifts, and holiday cheer for an evening dedicated to celebrating the small businesses that make our community special.

This year's participating vendors include:

  • Gypsy Boutique: Discover stylish finds and gift ideas.
  • Forge Cuts: Explore offerings from a local favorite.
  • Debbie Doodle's: Shop creative, personalized finds.
  • Alejandrinas Creations Charm Bar: Create something special at the charm bar.
  • Bee Stay Boutique Hat Bar: Explore a fun, personalized shopping experience.
  • Salt Water Gifts & Books: Find thoughtful gifts and books for the season.

Whether you're shopping for someone special, looking for unique holiday gifts, or simply enjoying an evening out, our Christmas Market is a great opportunity to support local entrepreneurs.

Why attend? Enjoy a festive shopping experience while discovering small businesses and connecting with your Pleasanton neighbors.

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

3. Dublin Holiday Tree Lighting: A Festive Evening for the Whole Family

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Dublin Civic Center, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA

Dublin's annual Holiday Tree Lighting is a favorite seasonal tradition for families throughout the Tri-Valley.

The celebration features performances by local school choirs and bands, creating a festive soundtrack as the community gathers for the lighting of the city's 30-foot holiday tree.

Families can also enjoy arts and crafts, letters to Santa, hot chocolate, cookies, and the Clover Express.

4. Downtown Pleasanton's Magical Holiday Evening

Date: Friday, December 4, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Lions Wayside Park, Pleasanton, CA

Downtown Pleasanton knows how to make the holidays feel special!

The annual Magical Holiday Evening invites families to enjoy a festive celebration filled with seasonal entertainment and activities.

Visitors can look forward to photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, holiday music, a hot chocolate bar, ornament decorating, face painting, and a Christmas market featuring local vendors.

It's also a wonderful excuse to spend time exploring Downtown Pleasanton's shops and restaurants during the holiday season.

Why attend? Enjoy an evening of family-friendly activities while supporting the local businesses that give Downtown Pleasanton its charm.

5. Photos with Santa at Elation Real Estate: Capture a Special Holiday Memory

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Elation Real Estate, 127 Spring Street, Suite 230, Pleasanton, CA

Santa Claus is coming to Elation Real Estate!

We're excited to welcome families to our office for Photos with Santa, one of our favorite ways to celebrate the season with the Pleasanton community.

Bring your little ones, share your holiday wishes with Santa, and capture a special memory to treasure for years to come.

Whether you're creating a new family tradition or continuing one you've enjoyed for years, it's a lovely way to celebrate the magic of Christmas.

Photo options:

  • Printed photo: $15
  • Digital photo: $10

Please note that this is a pet-free event.

Why attend? Capture a memorable holiday moment with Santa while celebrating with your Elation Real Estate family.

We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones!

6. Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026

Time: Parade begins at 5:00 PM; tree lighting follows

Location: Main Street, Downtown Pleasanton, CA

Few events capture the holiday spirit of Pleasanton quite like the annual Hometown Holiday Celebration.

Every December, Downtown Pleasanton comes alive with festive floats, marching bands, local organizations, and families gathering along Main Street.

The evening begins with the Hometown Holiday Parade, followed by a tree-lighting ceremony in front of the Museum on Main. Visitors can enjoy live music and a special appearance by Santa.

It's a wonderful opportunity to experience Pleasanton's small-town charm and the strong sense of community that makes this city so special.

Why attend? Celebrate one of Pleasanton's most beloved holiday traditions with family, friends, and neighbors.

7. Livermore Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade and Tree Lighting

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026

Time: Parade begins at 6:00 PM; tree lighting follows

Location: First Street, Downtown Livermore, CA

Downtown Livermore is another wonderful destination for holiday festivities in the Tri-Valley.

The annual Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade features festive floats, performances, local organizations, and plenty of seasonal cheer.

Before the evening parade, visitors can explore Downtown Livermore's restaurants and shops, with participating businesses offering holiday activities and seasonal specials.

The celebration concludes with a tree-lighting ceremony, bringing the community together for a memorable evening.

Why attend? Enjoy holiday entertainment, discover local businesses, and experience Downtown Livermore at its most festive.

Why the Holidays Are So Special in the Tri-Valley

One of the things we love most about the Tri-Valley is how our communities come together throughout the year, especially during the holidays.

From Pleasanton's charming downtown streets to Livermore's festive celebrations, Dublin's family-friendly traditions, and Danville's welcoming atmosphere, each city offers its own special way to celebrate.

These events are about much more than decorations, shopping, or holiday entertainment. They're about creating memories, supporting small businesses, giving back, and strengthening the connections that make a neighborhood feel like home.

At Elation Real Estate, we believe a strong community doesn't happen by accident. It grows through the people, organizations, and local traditions that bring us together.

That's why we're proud to support events like the Tri-Valley Turkey Burn and host our own Christmas Market and Photos with Santa.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tri-Valley Holiday Events in 2026

What are the best Christmas events in Pleasanton in 2026?

Some of the best Christmas events in Pleasanton include Elation Real Estate's Christmas Market on December 3, Magical Holiday Evening on December 4, Photos with Santa at Elation on December 5, and the Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on December 5.

Where can families take photos with Santa in Pleasanton?

Families can visit Elation Real Estate at 127 Spring Street, Suite 230, on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Printed photos are $15, and digital photos are $10.

When is the Tri-Valley Turkey Burn in 2026?

The Tri-Valley Turkey Burn takes place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2026, at Ken Mercer Sports Park in Pleasanton. The event includes 5K and 10K options and supports local youth programs.

Are there free holiday events in the Tri-Valley?

Yes! Several local holiday celebrations offer free public activities, including Pleasanton's Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, Dublin's Holiday Tree Lighting, and Downtown Pleasanton's Magical Holiday Evening. Some vendors, food, or additional experiences may involve purchases.

What holiday events are happening in Livermore in December 2026?

Downtown Livermore's Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade and Tree Lighting takes place on December 5, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM. Visitors can also explore local shops, restaurants, and seasonal activities throughout the day.

Celebrate the Holidays with Elation Real Estate!

The holiday season reminds us why we love calling the Tri-Valley home. It's the local traditions, familiar faces, welcoming neighborhoods, and community connections that make this area such a wonderful place to live.

Whether you're joining us for our Christmas Market, bringing your family for Photos with Santa, or participating in the Tri-Valley Turkey Burn, we hope to see you celebrating throughout the season!

And if you're thinking about making Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, Danville, or the surrounding Tri-Valley communities your home, our team would love to help you discover everything this incredible area has to offer.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Elation Real Estate!

 

 

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