What’s On in San Carlos
San Carlos is buzzing with holiday cheer this December, offering a range of events perfect for celebrating the season. The annual Night of Holiday Lights kicks of the holiday season this Friday, December 6, starting 5:30 PM. Santa makes grand entrances at the Hiller Aviation Museum by Helicopter on December 7 and Molly O’s by Fire Truck on December 15. Local markets like the Small Business Market at the Alexandria on December 5 and the Jolly Holiday Market at Devil’s Canyon on December 6 invite visitors to shop for unique gifts. Cultural highlights include a Christmas Concert at First Baptist Church on December 8 and the Holiday Art Market at Art Bias the same day.
Families can enjoy special events like Holiday Pajama Storytime at the Reading Bug on December 12 or skate into the season at the Winter Wonderland Roller Rink on December 28 at Domenico Winery. With so many festive opportunities, San Carlos is the ultimate destination for holiday magic this month!
See the events in more detail below:
Night of Holiday Lights 2024 – The Magic at Laurel Street
Time: December 6 @ 5:00 pm – December 6 @ 8:30 pm
Place: Downtown Laurel Street
And the countdown begins - the Night of Holiday Lights marks the official start of the Holiday Season! Festivities will take place on Laurel Street, from San Carlos Avenue to Cherry Street, with the main stage located on Cherry Street. Kids’ rides like swings, carousels, and choo-choo trains will be set up in the area. All kinds of groups in San Carlos will be manning the booths, selling hot chocolate, candies, and other novelty items. These will also be organizing all kinds of arts and crafts activities for children. Carolers and musicians in Christmas costumes will be making music, and at about 6:30 PM when the sun sets, the Christmas lights in Laurel Street will be lit up and snow will be released as a special Christmas Program kicks off with Santa and other bands taking on the stage.
Eucalyptus Avenue: The Famous Christmas Tree Lane in San Carlos
Each December, Eucalyptus Avenue in San Carlos transforms into a holiday spectacle, attracting visitors from across the Bay Area. Known for its elaborate light displays and creative decorations, this residential neighborhood offers a free holiday experience unlike any other in San Carlos. Lights are on daily from December 1 to 25, 5 PM to 10 PM, and weekdays offer a less crowded experience. For those arriving closer to December 25, expect bustling sidewalks and more photo opportunities.
One-way traffic will be implemented starting December 6 (Friday) and will be reverted back either December 23 or 26 depending on the city’s schedule. The portable bathrooms will in place on December 9 (Monday) and will be there until December 23 (Monday).
Santa Arrives in San Carlos
Santa Arrives by Helicopter at Hiller Aviation
Time: December 7 @ 9:30 am – December 7 @ 12:00 pm
Place: Hiller Aviation Museum
Move over Rudolph - Santa arrives by Helicopter at the Hiller Aviation Museum! Santa is making a grand entrance like never before! This holiday season, the Hiller Aviation Museum is hosting a one-of-a-kind event as Santa Claus arrives in style aboard his personal helicopter. Gather the whole family for a morning full of festive fun and holiday magic.
The Amazing Holiday Toy Drive: Santa Arrives by Fire Truck at Molly O’s
Time: December 15 @ 12:00 pm – December 15 @ 2:00 pm
Place: Molly Os
This holiday season, join Molly O’s in making a difference for local families in need while celebrating the spirit of giving. The Holiday Toy Drive is your chance to give back to the community and enjoy festive fun with friends and family. A special guest - Santa, arriving by fire truck!
Visit Santa at the Magical Filoli Gardens
Time: December 7 @ 10:00 am – December 7 @ 2:00 pm
Place: Filoli
Visit Santa at Filoli: A magical holiday tradition! Looking for a festive and memorable way to celebrate the holiday season with your family? Santa is visiting Filoli’s hidden workshop this December! Create cherished memories and enjoy the beauty of the holiday season at this enchanting experience.
Holiday Markets
Delightful Small Business Market at the Alexandria San Carlos
Time: December 5 @ 11:00 am – December 5 @ 2:00 pm
Place: The Alexandria
Looking for a unique way to kick off the holiday season? Join us on December 5 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at The Alexandria in San Carlos for a vibrant Small Business Market, where you can explore, taste, and support amazing local vendors from across the Bay Area!
Thursday Night Lights: Unwrap the Magic in San Carlos!
Time: December 5 @ 5:00 pm – December 5 @ 8:30 pm
Place: Downtown Laurel Street
Get ready to experience the warmth and wonder of the holiday season with Thursday Night Lights, a multi-Thursday event series designed to bring the San Carlos community together and support local businesses.
5th Annual Jolly Holiday Market at Devils Canyon
Time: December 6 @ 4:00 pm – December 6 @ 8:00 pm
Place: Devil’s Canyon Brewery
Join us at Devil's Canyon Brewing Company for a festive frenzy at our 5th annual Holiday Market!
The Wonderful Holiday Art Market 2024 + Open Studios at Art Bias
Time: December 8 @ 11:00 am – December 8 @ 5:00 pm
Place: Art Bias
Get ready to celebrate the season with a day of creativity, community, and festive fun at the Holiday Art Market + Open Studios! On Sunday, December 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Art Bias in San Carlos (1700 Industrial Road) will host this free, family-friendly event filled with art, music, and the holiday spirit.
Parties, Concerts, and Other Events
Magical Christmas Concert at FBC San Carlos with Kokua
Time: December 8 @ 6:30 pm – December 8 @ 8:30 pm
Place: First Baptist Church of San Carlos
As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a heartwarming night of music, joy, and festive cheer. On December 8, 2024, the First Baptist Church of San Carlos (FBC) invites you to a special Magical Christmas Concert with Kokua, featuring an unforgettable performance that blends music, community, and the holiday spirit.
San Carlos City Council Reorganization Ceremony 2024
Time: December 9 @ 7:00 pm – December 9 @ 9:00 pm
Place: City Hall
The City of San Carlos is thrilled to announce its upcoming Reorganization Ceremony, a significant and heartwarming event that celebrates leadership transitions and honors civic contributions. Mark your calendars for December 9, 2024, at 7:00 PM as the city gathers to acknowledge the efforts of its public servants and welcome new beginnings.
Exciting Holiday Pajama Storytime with Joanna Ho at The Reading Bug!
Time: December 12 @ 6:30 pm – December 12 @ 8:00 pm
Place: The Reading Bug
Holiday Pajama Storytime with Joanna Ho and The Reading Bug: A Festive Family Event! This special event features Joanna Ho, the New York Times best-selling author of beloved books like City Full of Santas. Here’s your chance to meet Joanna in person, hear her enchanting stories, and even take home an author-signed copy of her latest festive tale.
Delicious Holly Jolly Luncheon 2024 at the ACC
Time: December 13 @ 12:00 pm – December 13 @ 1:30 pm
Place: San Carlos Adult Community Center
Each Special Event Monthly Luncheon - this time the Holly Jolly Luncheon - features a delicious meal (Entrée: Short Ribs, Mashed Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts) including dessert, a glass of wine or cider, and live entertainment.
The Awesome Holiday Hootenanny 2024 at Devil’s Canyon
Time: December 13 @ 4:00 pm – December 13 @ 10:00 pm
Place: Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company
It’s that time of year—ugly sweaters, good vibes, and nonstop holiday cheer! Mark your calendar for Friday, December 13th, because the 19th Annual Holiday Hootenanny at DCBC is going to be an unforgettable night. This cherished tradition has been bringing people together for nearly two decades, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever!
Holiday Movie Night, Featuring Elf
Time: December 14 @ 6:00 pm – December 14 @ 8:45 pm
Place: San Carlos Adult Community Center
The magic of the holiday season is coming to San Carlos in the form of a cozy and fun-filled Holiday Movie Night! Mark your calendars for Thursday, December 14th, at 6:00 PM, and head to the Adult Community Center for an unforgettable evening featuring the beloved holiday classic, ELF.
The Reading Bug’s Annual Holiday Party: A Day of Festive Fun for All!
Time: December 15 @ 10:00 am – December 15 @ 5:00 pm
Place: The Reading Bug
Get ready to celebrate the magic of the season at The Reading Bug’s Annual Holiday Party on Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This beloved tradition is packed with joyful activities and festive cheer for the whole family, making it a must-attend event for the holidays!
The Fun Holiday Lights Run: Bay Area Running Club at Rei San Carlos
Time: December 15 @ 6:00 pm – December 15 @ 8:00 pm
Place: Rei
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with some festive exercise and community spirit? BARC (Bay Area Running Club) invites you to lace up your running shoes and join us for our Annual Holiday Lights Run in San Carlos on Thursday, December 12th at 6 PM.
Delightful Lunch Bunch: Friends of the ACC at Drakes
Time: December 16 @ 11:30 am – December 16 @ 1:30 pm
Place: Drakes
The Lunch Bunch, a new monthly program by San Carlos ACC, brings older adults together to enjoy meals at local restaurants, fostering community and friendships while supporting the local food scene, with December’s gathering set at Drakes.
Exciting 2024 San Carlos Flight Center SCFC Holiday Party
Time: December 18 @ 6:30 pm – December 18 @ 8:30 pm
Place: San Carlos Flight Center
Celebrate the season at the 2024 SCFC Holiday Party! The holiday season is here, and it’s time to gather the San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) community for an evening of celebration, connection, and appreciation! Join us for our 2024 Holiday Party and Member Appreciation Night on Wednesday, December 18th, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Flight Center.
Holiday Bingo with the Lions: A Festive Celebration for the Community
Time: December 19 @ 2:00 pm – December 19 @ 4:00 pm
Place: San Carlos Adult Community Center
Looking for a fun way to celebrate the holiday season with your friends and neighbors? Mark your calendar for Holiday Bingo with the Lions on Thursday, December 19, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the San Carlos Adult Community Center (ACC).
The Exciting Winter Wonderland Roller Rink 2024 at the Domenico Winery
Time: December 28 @ 6:00 pm – December 28 @ 10:00 pm
Place: Domenico Winery
Roll Into the holidays with the Winter Wonderland Roller Rink 2024. Get ready to glide into the holiday spirit with a fun-filled skating event designed for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned skater or taking your very first strides! Mark your calendars for this unforgettable evening that combines laughter, music, and holiday cheer.
More Events in San Carlos
See other interesting events in San Carlos at the main calendar where you can save them on your personal calendar for reminder. Want your event listed here? Send us an email at hello@sancarloslife.com to let us know. Have a nice week ahead!
About San Carlos Life
Mark Martinho and Vivienne Kelvin are the hosts of San Carlos Life and have been residents of San Carlos for years. While running San Carlos Life together with an awesome team, Mark and Viv are also in the business of real estate. They are the co-owners of Vabrato, a luxury real estate brokerage serving the City of Good Living and the whole of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
With over 30 years of combined experience in the business and 95% of their clients coming in from referrals, Mark and Viv take great pride and joy in exceeding your expectations.
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