Winter Wonderland Destinations in Oakland, California, United States

Oakland, United States, Oakland, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Winter Wonderland Destinations

Winter Wonderland Destinations in Oakland, California, United States

1. Oakland Zoo's Winter Wonderland

Experience holiday magic with animal encounters and festive lights.
  • Animal Encounter: Unique opportunity to meet reindeer, camels, and snow leopards.
  • Festive Lights: A dazzling light display transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland.
  • Holidays-themed Activities: Interactive activities such as craft stations, Santa visits, and live performances.

2. Jack London Square Ice Rink

Skate under the stars on Oakland's waterfront at Jack London Square.
  • Waterfront View: Ice rink overlooking the beautiful Oakland Estuary and city skyline.
  • Seasonal Events: Community events, music performances, and holiday markets.
  • Skating Lessons: Learn to skate with group lessons or private coaching.

3. Lake Merritt's Winter Solstice Celebration

Join the annual celebration of light and community around Lake Merritt.
  • Community Gathering: A unique gathering uniting Oakland's diverse communities.
  • Lantern Parade: Participate in a lantern-making workshop and parade around the lake.
  • Food Vendors: Delicious food from local vendors to keep you warm throughout the event.

4. Oakland Museum of California's Winter Festival

Celebrate winter traditions at the Oakland Museum with art, music, and family fun.
  • Art Exhibits: Discover the rich cultural heritage of California during the holiday season.
  • Performances: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and storytelling throughout the museum.
  • Family Activities: Interactive workshops for kids to create holiday crafts and play games.

5. Oakland A's WinterFest

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Oakland Coliseum during WinterFest.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Explore areas usually off-limits to fans, such as the clubhouse and press box.
  • Meet Players: Opportunities to meet current A's players and legends during autograph sessions.
  • Holiday Activities: Seasonal activities like face painting, caroling, and craft stations for kids.

6. Redwood Regional Park Snow Days

Enjoy winter fun in the redwoods with sledding, snowman building, and hot cocoa.
  • Snow Play Area: A designated area for safe and enjoyable snow play.
  • Nature Walks: Guided nature walks through the beautiful redwood forest.
  • Hot Cocoa Stations: Warm up with hot cocoa and snacks throughout the park.

7. Oakland Symphony's Holiday Pops Concert

Celebrate the holiday season with classical favorites and popular carols.
  • Classical Music: Performance of beloved holiday classics such as The Nutcracker Suite.
  • Popular Carols: Chorus and audience sing-alongs of favorite carols like Silent Night and Jingle Bells.
  • Special Guests: Performances by guest artists, including dancers and vocal soloists.

8. Dimond Park Holiday Light Contest

Stroll through a magical winter wonderland of creative holiday light displays.
  • Community Event: A community-driven event showcasing local creativity and spirit.
  • Light Displays: Competing homes with unique holiday light displays for your viewing pleasure.
  • Warm Beverages: Hot cocoa, coffee, and treats available at local vendors along the route.

9. Preservation Park's Victorian Christmas Faire

Step back in time to an old-fashioned holiday celebration in Victorian Oakland.
  • Historical Reenactments: Costumed reenactors demonstrating traditional holiday customs.
  • Caroling and Music: Live music and carolers performing throughout the park.
  • Holiday Market: Artisanal vendors selling handmade crafts, local goods, and holiday treats.

10. Oakland Ice Center's Public Skate Sessions

Lace up your skates and glide across the ice at Oakland's public skating rink.
  • Public Skating Hours: Open skate times for visitors to enjoy the ice at their convenience.
  • Skate Rentals: Rent skates on-site for those without their own equipment.
  • Lessons and Events: Group lessons, private coaching, and special events available.

11. Roosevelt Park's Winter Lights Festival

Experience the beauty of over 50,000 lights at Oakland's largest outdoor holiday light display.
  • Light Display: An awe-inspiring array of colorful lights adorning the park.
  • Community Events: Local vendors, music performances, and Santa visits.
  • Holiday Market: Artisanal vendors selling handmade crafts, local goods, and holiday treats.

12. Oakland's Winter Farmers Market

Stock up on fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local treats at the winter farmers market.
  • Fresh Produce: Seasonal fruits and vegetables, many of which are grown locally.
  • Artisanal Goods: Handcrafted jewelry, soaps, and other unique items from local artisans.
  • Local Treats: Tempting treats like baked goods, hot food, and coffee to enjoy on-site.

13. Oakland's Christmas Ship Parade

Watch as boats decorated for the holidays sail along Oakland's waterfront.
  • Boat Parade: A fleet of beautifully decorated boats parading along the waterfront.
  • Waterfront Viewing: Viewing locations available at Jack London Square and other nearby spots.
  • Community Spirit: Celebrating the holiday season with Oakland's boating community.

14. Children's Fairyland's Winter Wonderland

Step into a winter wonderland filled with storybook characters and holiday magic.
  • Storybook Characters: Interactions with beloved fairy tale characters like Cinderella, Snow White, and the Three Little Pigs.
  • Holiday Shows: Seasonal performances of classic tales and holiday favorites.
  • Winter-themed Rides: Rides like the Polar Express Train and Snow White's Scary Adventures.

15. Oakland Ballet's The Nutcracker

Experience the enchanting story of The Nutcracker performed by Oakland's professional ballet company.
  • Professional Performance: A high-quality production featuring dancers from Oakland Ballet.
  • Holiday Tradition: Part of the beloved holiday tradition for many Oakland families.
  • Festive Atmosphere: A magical and festive atmosphere filled with music, lights, and costumes.