December is here, and Walnut Creek is sparkling with holiday cheer! We've got plenty of festivities, city updates, and local happenings to share. From twinkling lights downtown to winter sports, theater magic, and community celebrations, there's something for everyone. Don't miss your chance to meet Singing Santa, glide on the ice, or snag some goodies at our holiday markets. Plus, exciting changes are coming to City Hall as we wrap up the year with reflection and cheer.

Pour yourself a cozy drink and dive into all that's happening in Walnut Creek this season—you won't want to miss a thing!

Ready to explore the magic? Keep reading for all the details! 🎄❄️💕

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Walnut Creek Welcomes December with Holiday Cheer and City Updates

Walnut Creek is bustling with holiday events and activities. Downtown safety is enhanced thanks to Measure O, while the City Council prepares for leadership transitions and year-end discussions. Mayor Loella Haskew is retiring after a successful run, having been first elected to the Council in 2012. She served as Mayor in 2016 and 2020, following a long record of community service. Residents are invited to apply for the Police Chief’s Advisory Board, utilize sandbag stations, and participate in seasonal programs like after-school sports and winter camps. Walnut Creek on Ice is open, and Arts + Rec offers an array of holiday events, from theater to New Year’s Eve festivities. Read Entire Update (link)

2024 Holiday Stroll With a Little Sip in Downtown Concord

Our neighbors in Concord are hosting its festive Holiday Stroll With a Little Sip on December 6, 2024, at Todos Santos Plaza. From 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM, enjoy an evening filled with seasonal drinks, delicious treats, and holiday cheer.

Stroll through Concord’s downtown streets, lit up with twinkling lights and festive decorations, as you sip on holiday beverages like hot cocoa, mulled cider, and specialty cocktails from participating local restaurants.

The event highlights include:

• Singing Santa and Reindeer: A lively holiday tradition with music and cheer.

• Horse & Carriage Rides: A magical way to explore the festively decorated streets.

• Mayor’s Sing-Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony: A heartwarming holiday celebration.

• Local Artisan Market: Shop handcrafted gifts and support small businesses.

Participating businesses include The Hop Grenade, Lazy Dog, Side Gate Brewery, and Old Spaghetti Factory, among others. Please note that alcohol samples must be consumed on restaurant premises.

Tickets are just $20 and include access to seasonal drinks and treats. This event is open to guests 21 and over, and tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite until 3:30 PM on December 6 or at the Concord Visitor Center check-in booth on the day of the event. (link)

It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration 2024

Walnut Creek’s neighboring city of Lafayette invites everyone to celebrate the season at the It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration on Sunday, December 8, 2024. From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, enjoy this free, family-friendly event at Lafayette Plaza (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Road).

The festivities begin at 4:00 PM with Santa parading down Golden Gate Way, starting near the library and making his grand arrival at Lafayette Plaza at 4:30 PM. Kids can visit Santa for photos with a special Santa pass, available at the Photo Op table near Lafayette Historical Society’s Old Betsy.

Highlights of the event include:

• Free Train Rides: The Lafayette Express offers free rides for all, with tickets available at the Lafayette Express Station near the Park Theater starting at 4:00 PM.

• Live Entertainment: Enjoy festive musical performances that bring the holiday spirit to life.

• Kid’s Crafts and Holiday Treats: Fun activities and sweet delights for the little ones to enjoy.

• Tree Lighting Ceremony: The evening culminates with the official tree lighting at 5:30 PM, illuminating Lafayette Plaza with holiday magic.

This beloved community event is presented by the Lafayette Chamber and sponsored by the Dana Green Team, Branagh Development, and the City of Lafayette. Together, they are also supporting the environmentally friendly twinkle lights decorating downtown Lafayette this holiday season.

FEATURED EVENTS

Family Favorite Ballet Returns to Walnut Creek This December

“Once Upon A Christmas” by The Ballet School returns to the Lesher Center for the Arts on December 6-7, 2024. This narrated ballet follows Roho, a clumsy elf, as he learns self-confidence through the magical help of living Dolls and Toys. With a cast of youth performers, it’s a heartwarming family tradition perfect for all ages. (link)

Garden of D’Lights: A Spectacular Holiday Experience at Ruth Bancroft Garden

The Garden of D’Lights at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, running from November 22, 2024, to January 11, 2025, offers a magical blend of illuminated art and natural beauty. This family-friendly event supports the garden's preservation by featuring dazzling lights, lasers, and a self-paced tour. Tickets range from $12 to $29, with membership discounts and free entry for children under 4. Get Tickets (link)

EVENTS

Wednesday

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

Mah Jong Drop-in | Wednesdays, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Civic Park Community Center, Walnut Creek, CA | Free | Weekly American-style Mah Jong for experienced players, ages 50+.

Thursday

Qi Gong Drop-in | Thursdays, 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM | Civic Park Community Center, Walnut Creek, CA | Free | Senior drop-in for slow, meditative stretching. No experience needed.

Imaginary Friends Show: Comedy Night | 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM PST | ØL Beercafe & Bottleshop, Walnut Creek, CA | Free | Monthly stand-up show featuring top comedians. Enjoy great drinks, food nearby, and support the comics with tips!

Bingo Drop-in | Thursdays, 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Civic Park Community Center, Walnut Creek, CA | Free | 50+ drop-in activity to try your luck and have fun!

AC & The Heatwave Live | 6:00 PM | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek, CA | Free before 10 PM with RSVP | High-energy funk and soul classics! 21+ only.

Friday

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.

Rock 'n' Roll Fridays | 11/01 -12/13, 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.

Journey’s Edge + Canadian Red Live | 6:00 PM | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek, CA | Price varies | Journey and Loverboy tribute bands with after-party DJ. 21+ only.

Saturday

Winter Piano Recital | December 7-8, 2024 | See website for times (link) | Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA | Price varies | Piano students showcase artistry in a 60-minute recital.

Handcrafted Holiday Sale | December 7-8, 2024, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Shadelands Art Center, Walnut Creek, CA | Free | Over 55 artisan vendors, kids' shopping area, and proceeds benefit arts scholarships.

Yoga & Sound Healing: Holiday Edition | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek, CA | $35-$40 | Gentle yoga and sound healing amidst inspiring art. Limited space.

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.

ABBA LA + Electric X Live | 6:00 PM | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek, CA | Price varies | ABBA tribute and disco hits with after-party DJ. 21+ only.

Sunday

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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