The holiday season is in full swing and there are a variety of events in the coming weeks to help you celebrate.
Among them: The 26th annual Senior Winter Ball, photo sessions with Santa for children, a “noisy crazy” Hanukkah celebration at a Richmond temple and places to buy some artsy holiday gifts.
We’ll update this list through December so be sure to check back for new events. You can also check our list of ongoing things to do in Richmond (many of which are free). And don’t forget to add your events — holiday related or otherwise — to our free community calendar.
- Where to buy a Christmas tree in Richmond
- Breakfast with Santa includes photos, crafts, food
- “Noisy” Hanukkah fair, all faiths welcome, at Richmond temple
- Gifts, activities at 63rd annual Richmond Art Center festival
- North Richmond school fundraiser will provide gifts for students
- Historic display of vintage holiday decor will again adorn El Cerrito hills
- Black Santa photo session at Richmond bookstore
- Richmond church hosting a Santa ‘meet and greet’
- Dinner and dancing at annual Senior Winter Ball
- Buy a gift for your rabbit at holiday bunny bazaar
- Crafts and gifts at NIAD Holiday Spectacular
- Children’s Christmas Party provides gifts, visits with Santa
- Holiday shopping pop-up for procrastinators
- Screening of “White Christmas” aboard historic SS Red Oak Victory Ship
- Cookies, pies, bread and candy at church holiday bake sale
- Create a snow globe at a community workshop
- Official Snow Day tentatively set for Nicholl Park
- Christmas Eve jazz concert at Richmond church
- Colorful Kwanzaa celebration at Richmond book store
- Start the new year by helping count birds in Richmond
- Related stories
Where to buy a Christmas tree in Richmond
Now that Thanksgiving is over, many families head out to look for a Christmas tree. Here are some places you can find trees around Richmond and nearby.
- Russey’s Christmas Trees, 1030 23rd St., Richmond. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
- Golden State Family Farms, 2200 Hilltop Mall Road, Richmond. Open 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
- DeLancey Street Christmas Trees, 10496 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
- Rafael Christmas Tree, 1245 Solano Ave., Albany. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
Breakfast with Santa includes photos, crafts, food
Children can get a photo with Santa while their parents shop for gifts at a holiday gathering at St. David of Wales Catholic School.
Santa Breakfast 2025 will feature a photo opportunity with the jolly fella as well as music and local vendors selling crafts.
There will also be a breakfast of pancakes, sausage or bacon, hash browns, coffee and juice for $15. You can also purchase a half-dozen pork or chicken tamales for $18.
The proceeds help fund St. David school programs.
Santa Breakfast 2025, Sun., Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. David of Wales Catholic Church, 871 Sonoma St., Richmond. Photos are $8. Breakfast is $15.
“Noisy” Hanukkah fair, all faiths welcome, at Richmond temple
Members for Temple Beth Hillel are inviting the community to join them in celebrating the Festival of the Lights.
The Crazy, Noisy Hanukkah Fair is designed as a family friendly gathering that promotes joy and laughter.
The free event will feature children’s activities, a homemade latke lunch, a bake sale and raffle prizes.
Guests are encouraged to bring menorahs and join in a communal candle lighting.
“We welcome everyone to join us, whether you’re part of the Jewish community or simply curious to experience Hanukkah,” said the event organizers.
Crazy, Noisy Hanukkah Fair, Sun., Dec. 7, noon to 2 p.m., Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central Street, Richmond. Free.
Gifts, activities at 63rd annual Richmond Art Center festival
You can get in the spirit of the season and pick up some holiday gifts at an annual arts sale.
The 63rd Annual Holiday Arts Festival will feature handmade arts, crafts and ceramics from more than 60 local artists.
There will also be food, drinks, community partner pop-ups and art activities for all ages.
Holiday Arts Festival, Sun., Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave. Free.
North Richmond school fundraiser will provide gifts for students
An open house and holiday party will be held to celebrate the only school in North Richmond.
The goal of the Verde K-8 School Fundraiser is to raise $6,000 for the Verde students.
The money will be used to provide each Verde student with a new book and a school sweater. The gifts will be given to the students at the holiday party.
Donations can be made online or by mailing a check.
“The students are bright, talented, and full of hope — but they face significant challenges. Every child at Verde qualifies for free or reduced lunch, underscoring the urgent need for resources and support,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, who sponsors the event.
Verde K-8 Holiday Party, Tue., Dec. 9, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Supervisor John Gioia’s office, 11780 San Pablo Ave., Suite D, El Cerrito. Free.
Historic display of vintage holiday decor will again adorn El Cerrito hills
An annual holiday lights and decor extravaganza will return for its 76th year this season.
The Sundar Shadi Holiday Display will be lit up for public viewing from Dec. 13 to Dec. 26 in the hills above El Cerrito.
There is an opening ceremony on Dec. 13, with special musical entertainment provided nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The display includes a re-creation of the town of Bethlehem as well as plastic full-size models of shepherds, sheep, donkeys and camels.
The holiday celebration began in 1949 when Sundar Shadi placed a large star next to his home on Arlington Avenue. Over the years, he added to the display.
After Shadi’s death in 2002, the El Cerrito Soroptimists purchased the collection to preserve it for the community. Volunteers now install and oversee the display.
Sundar Shadi Holiday Display opening ceremony, Sat., Dec. 13, 5 p.m., 7501 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito. Free.
Black Santa photo session at Richmond bookstore
The Multicultural Bookstore has organized a holiday photo opportunity with a Santa that many kids may enjoy because he looks a bit more like them.
The fourth annual Black Santa Photoshoot will also include snacks and a coloring station for children.
The cost is $40 for one 4×6 framed photo and a toy from underneath a Christmas tree.
In addition, author Lyn Sisson-Talbert will read books during a holiday story time.
Black Santa Photoshoot, Sat., Dec. 13, Noon to 5 p.m., Multicultural Bookstore, 260 Broadway, Richmond. $40.
Richmond church hosting a Santa ‘meet and greet’
Bay Hills Church is inviting children to spend some quality time with a Santa meet and Greet.
The church and Hilltop Plaza, where it’s located, are providing toys and snacks for children at this free event.
Santa Meet and Greet, Sat., Dec. 13, 9 a.m. to noon, Bay Hills Church, 4000 Klose Way, Richmond. Free.
Dinner and dancing at annual Senior Winter Ball
Enjoy a deluxe dinner and then put on your dancing shoes at an annual holiday season gathering.
The 26th annual Senior Winter Ball is sponsored by the Richmond Commission on Aging and the city’s Community Services-Recreation division.
It will feature the Top Shelf Classics Party and Band Show playing classic dance music throughout the evening.
Senior Winter Ball, Sat., Dec. 13, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza. Tickets are $50 for individuals and $400 for a table for eight. For more information, call 510-620-6793.
Buy a gift for your rabbit at holiday bunny bazaar
The House Rabbit Society is putting on a sale for pet owners who want to get their rabbit a gift for the holidays.
The fourth annual Holiday Bunny Bazaar will feature a variety of gifts for pet rabbits as well as a toy making station for owners to craft their own keepsake.
The free event will also include food, music and activities.
Holiday Bunny Bazaar, Sat., Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., House Rabbit Society, 148 Broadway, Richmond
Crafts and gifts at NIAD Holiday Spectacular
You can shop for holiday gifts while checking out the latest exhibit at a Richmond art gallery that highlights the work of people with developmental disabilities.
The NIAD Holiday Spectacular will feature handcrafted artwork and original pieces that make unique gifts.
There will also be family-friendly, hands-on art workshops as well as snacks and refreshments.
The free event takes place amid the gallery’s latest, “And Yet We Must Rejoice!,” an exhibit of joyful works by local artists that opened on Nov. 8 and continues until Dec. 26.
Holiday Spectacular, Sat., Dec. 13, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., NIAD Art Center, 551 23rd St. Free.
Children’s Christmas Party provides gifts, visits with Santa
The Charles Reid Foundation has organized a holiday event for Richmond’s children.
The 78th annual Children’s Christmas Party at the Richmond Police Activities League is designed for children ages 2 to 12 years old.
The free event provides children with the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus and then receive a gift. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by the late Charles Reid Sr., the namesake of Shields-Reid Park, where the former semi-pro athlete was once a playground director, to serve underprivileged youths in Richmond and surrounding communities.
Children’s Christmas Party, Sun., Dec. 14, noon to 3 p.m., RPAL Community Center, 2200 Macdonald Ave. Free.
Holiday shopping pop-up for procrastinators
People who tend to wait until the last minute to shop for holiday gifts will get an early chance to break that habit.
The fifth annual Procrastinators Holiday Pop Up 2025 will feature 25 local vendors seeling homemade goods including body care items, candles, ceramics, crochet, glass art, home decor, jewelry, jams and textiles.
The free event will also include raffles and 1980s music as well as hot dogs and drinks for sale.
Procrastinators Holiday Pop Up 2025, Sun., Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., San Pablo Sportsman Hall, 5220 Glenn Ave., Richmond. Free.
Screening of “White Christmas” aboard historic SS Red Oak Victory Ship
See the classic Christmas movie “White Christmas” (1954) aboard the Red Oak Victory Ship in the historic vessel’s original theater.
The viewing is free though a $10 donation toward ship restoration efforts is suggested. Snacks will also be sold.
Screening of “White Christmas,” Thur., Dec. 18, 1337 Canal Blvd. Boarding begins at 6 p.m.; movie starts at 6:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
Cookies, pies, bread and candy at church holiday bake sale
Create a snow globe at a community workshop
Adults and children will have the opportunity to craft their own snow globe at a community workshop.
The Winter Snow Globe workshop will have experts from the city’s tool library to help guide participants in their creations.
Materials will be provided at the free workshop. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
The workshop is sponsored by the governor’s California Volunteers program.
Winter Snow Globe workshop, Mon., Dec. 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., location provided after registration. Free.
Official Snow Day tentatively set for Nicholl Park
The snow that’s starting to fall in the Sierra mountains will visit a Richmond park just before Christmas.
The city’s annual free Snow Day will be held on Mon., Dec. 22 or Tue., Dec. 23, at Nicholl Park. (The exact date will be based on the weather.)
The city will build snow hills for families to enjoy. Adults and children are invited to dress in appropriate cold weather attire and bring their sledding gear.
There will also be live music and food vendors on site.
Snow Day, Mon., Dec. 22, or Tue., Dec. 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave. Free.
Christmas Eve jazz concert at Richmond church
A local church will jazz up the night before Christmas.
The Richmond First United Methodist Church is hosting its annual Christmas Eve Jazz Service.
The free concert will feature the Kurt Ribak Band. The church service will also include scripture and holiday carols.
Church officials advise people to arrive early since the sanctuary has been known to fill up for this annual performance.
Christmas Eve Jazz Service, Wed., Dec. 24, 7 p.m., Richmond First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St. Free.
Colorful Kwanzaa celebration at Richmond book store
A Richmond book store will mark the Kwanzaa holiday with a colorful celebration.
The Colors of Kwanzaa and Their Meanings will explore the history behind the
holiday, including why red is for past struggles and green is for the future.
Entertainment will be provided by The Kalimba King. Refreshments and snacks will be also be served at this free event.
The Colors of Kwanzaa, Sun., Dec. 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Multicultural Bookstore, 260 Broadway. Free.
Start the new year by helping count birds in Richmond
You can kick off 2026 by helping to count the bird populations in Richmond.
The Golden Gate Bird Alliance has organized a Christmas bird count for the Richmond area, including Point Pinole, Point Molate and the Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline Park.
This event is part of the Annual Christmas Bird Count sponsored by the National Audubon Society. The data gathered is a tool for scientists studying bird populations.
Christmas Bird Count, Sat., Jan. 3, all day, Richmond. Free.
