The holiday magic kicks off this Friday with two spectacular events: our Holiday Tree Lighting at Civic Park (hot cocoa and carolers at 5:30 PM!) and the dazzling Garden of D'Lights at Ruth Bancroft Garden. Plus, we've got comedy shows, live music, and holiday markets throughout the week to keep your spirits bright.

Read on for all the festive happenings around town!

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Walnut Creek’s Holiday Tree Lighting Returns This Friday

The Holiday Tree Lighting in Civic Park, Walnut Creek, will take place on Friday, November 22nd, at 5:30 PM. Families can enjoy hot cocoa, carolers, and festive activities while contributing to downtown’s holiday decorations. Hosted by the City of Walnut Creek and Walnut Creek Downtown, this cherished event celebrates the start of the holiday season.

Ruth Bancroft Garden’s D’Lights Returns for the Holidays

Looking for a magical way to spend your weekend? The enchanting Garden of D’Lights opens this Friday, November 22nd, at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. This annual holiday light exhibit transforms the beloved garden into a stunning display of lights and seasonal beauty, creating a truly immersive experience for visitors.

Running on select nights from November 22nd through January 11th, the Garden of D’Lights offers an opportunity to see the garden like never before. From sparkling pathways to illuminated plants, the event promises a breathtaking evening for guests of all ages.

Tickets are limited, so don’t miss your chance to experience this luminous holiday tradition. Check online for availability and plan your visit to this must-see winter wonderland! (link)

Thinking about building an ADU? The City of Walnut Creek is offering a fantastic opportunity. If you complete construction and receive a certificate of occupancy by August 31, 2026, you could qualify for a rebate of up to $15,000!

Eligibility varies based on size and affordability agreements. Learn more: walnutcreekca.gov/adu

EVENTS

Wednesday, November 20th

Teen Arts Lab: Weaving | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM | Shadelands Art Center, Walnut Creek, CA | Free | Learn weaving basics with a handheld loom in this teen workshop.

Design Review Commission | 6:00 PM | City Hall Council Chamber, 1666 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Free | Public meeting to review design proposals and projects.

WEEKLY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE NIGHT | 8:00 pm | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek | Free | Karaoke, drink specials, and arcade games. 21+ only.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia | Rotator Taproom| Wednesdays at 6:30 PM

Karaoke Wednesday | Bourbon Highway | Wednesdays at 8 PM. Watch Video

Qi Gong Drop-In (Seniors) | Civic Park Community Center | Wednesdays at 12 PM | Slow meditative stretching. No experience is needed.

Mah Jong Drop-In (Seniors) | Civic Park Community Center | Wednesdays at 1 PM

Preschool Storytime | Wednesdays | 10:15 am - 10:45 am | Walnut Creek Library | Free | Enjoy stories and fingerplays for ages 3-5; all ages welcome.

T(ween) Game Night | Wednesdays | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Ygnacio Valley Library, Walnut Creek | Free | Teens and tweens enjoy board games, card games, and Nintendo Switch.

Thursday, November 21st

Transportation Commission Meeting | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | City Hall Council Chamber, 1666 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Free | Discuss transportation projects and policies impacting the community.

Bingo Drop-In (Seniors) | Civic Park Community Center | Thursdays at 12 PM | 50+ Drop-in activity. Try your luck and have fun!

Toddler Storytime & Play | Thursdays | 10:15 am - 11:00 am | Walnut Creek Library | Free | Songs, stories, and movement for ages 0-3; all ages welcome. Stay for playtime!

Family Storytime | Thursdays | 10:15 am - 11:15 am | Ygnacio Valley Library, Walnut Creek | Free | Storybooks, songs, and flannel boards for ages 3-5; all ages welcome. No registration needed.

Friday, November 22nd

Opening Night of Garden of D’Lights | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Rd., Walnut Creek, CA 94598 | Ticketed (link) | Experience a dazzling winter wonderland with lights, art installations, and lasers in a 3.5-acre botanical oasis.

Best of San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy | 7:30 PM | 11/22 - 11/23 | Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Ticketed | Enjoy a night of comedy featuring rising Bay Area stars. Recommended for ages 18+.

Native Plant Growers | Fridays | 10:00 am | Civic Park, Walnut Creek | Free | Learn to grow native plants at home or work in the Civic Park garden.

Bridge Drop-in | Fridays | 10:00 am | Civic Park Community Center, Walnut Creek | Free | Drop-in bridge for ages 50+; experience required.

Rock 'n' Roll Fridays | Nov 1 - Dec 13, Fridays | 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek | Pay What You Can | Enjoy iconic rock music while exploring 60s-70s abstract art exhibits.

Saturday, November 23rd

The Christmas Ballet | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM | Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Ticketed | Celebrate the season with Smuin Ballet’s joyful blend of classical and contemporary holiday dance.

Craft Fest | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Free | Shop handmade goods from Bay Area artisans at this pop-up holiday marketplace. See list of vendors (link)

Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market | Shadelands | Saturdays at 9 AM | Located in Walnut Creek's Shadelands Business Park, the Diablo Valley Farmers' Market, open Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM with over 40 vendors, features fresh Brentwood produce, a Kid’s Craft Corner, and is a family favorite, having been voted #1 in America’s Favorite Farmers’ Market contest.

Sunday, November 24th

The Christmas Ballet | 2:00 PM | Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Ticketed | Celebrate the season with Smuin Ballet’s joyful blend of classical and contemporary holiday dance.

Farmer’s Market Walnut Creek | Locust St | Sundays at 9 AM | The Walnut Creek Market, open Sundays 9 am-1 pm year-round on Locust Street, offers local produce, supports sustainability, and provides free first-hour parking at Grower’s Square; only certified service animals are allowed.

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LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

Thursday, November 21st

Pachanga Thursday w/ Julio Bravo & DJ Chino | 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM | 2112 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Ticketed (link) | Dance to a live salsa band and DJ spinning bachata, timba, and more. 21+ event.

Decade Thursdays: 90s Alternative Night | 9:30 PM | Dan's Bar, 1524 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Relive the 90s with DJ Rich Era spinning alternative hits. 21+ event.

Friday, November 22nd

Sixteen Scandals | 9:30 PM | Dan's Bar, 1524 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Live 80s and beyond music at Dan's Bar. Full bar and food truck available. 21+ event.

Hot for Teacher + Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers | 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Retro Junkie, 2112 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Ticketed (link) | Rock out to Van Halen and ZZ-Top tribute bands, plus an after-party DJ. 21+ event.

Saturday, November 23rd

Maroon Vibes + In the Garage | 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Retro Junkie, 2112 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Ticketed (link) | Enjoy Maroon 5 and Weezer tribute bands, followed by a DJ spinning 80s-00s hits. 21+ event.

Live Music Saturdays: Kid Dynamite | 9:30 PM | Dan's Bar, 1524 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | High-energy dance rock featuring hits from the 80s, 90s, and today. 21+ event.

Saturday Sessions in Walnut Creek | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Mike Hess Brewing | Free | Enjoy live music and art for a perfect Saturday evening in Walnut Creek.

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