Festive lights, music and great food kick off the holiday season
CONCORD, CLAYTON and PLEASANT HILL, CA (Nov. 17, 2024) — The whole community is brimming with holiday cheer this season, with three local events bringing festive spirit to families and friends of all ages.
Mark your calendars for a weekend filled with lights, music, and seasonal treats as the cities of Pleasant Hill, Concord, and Clayton each host their annual celebrations.
Pleasant Hill’s Light Up the Night Festival
Sat., Nov. 23, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Kicking off the holiday fun, Pleasant Hill’s cherished “Light Up the Night” event will take over Downtown Pleasant Hill.
This festival promises a magical evening for the whole family. As Crescent Drive fills with music, dance, and laughter, guests can hop on the Holiday Express Train or enjoy performances on two stages. Free hot chocolate, crafts, and goodie bags round out this festive start to the
Concord’s Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along
Fri., Dec. 6, 5:30-8 p.m.
Todos Santos Plaza will come alive as Concord’s Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along rings in the holiday spirit. This free event, a favorite for many families, features a spectacular tree-lighting ceremony, live holiday music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and even real reindeer.
The entertainment lineup includes Concord High School Jazz Band and Orchestra, The Honeytones Barbershop Group, Queen of All Saints Children’s Choir, Westwood Elementary Children’s Choir, D’ann’s Academy of Dance, and The 925 Band.
Shop at Santa’s Village, sip on hot chocolate, and get photos with Santa himself. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on Concord’s cable and YouTube channels, with the tree lighting set for 7:30 p.m.
Clayton’s Holidays in the Grove –
Sat., Dec. 7, 5 p.m.
Rounding out the weekend is Clayton’s “Holidays in the Grove” in Downtown Clayton. This cozy community event starts with a special performance by the CVCHS Marching Band and Color Guard, followed by a selection of holiday songs performed by Mt. Diablo Elementary’s 2nd graders.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their grand entrance at the main gazebo, counting down the annual tree lighting with excited children and families. Afterward, the Clayton Community Church will treat guests to hot cider and donut holes, while Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos.
The Clayton Business and Community Association, alongside the Clayton Police Department and Toys for Tots, will be collecting new, unwrapped toys, giving everyone a chance to spread holiday kindness.
This festive trio of events offers something for everyone, so bring your loved ones, grab a cup of cocoa, and join in the holiday joy.