The holidays
Tree lightings, light displays, visits with Santa, holiday markets, Nutcracker and carol performances, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations in San Mateo, updated every day.
Annual events, checked against each organizer's own page. Confirm details there before you go.
Saturday, December 5
Caltrain's Holiday Train runs between San Jose and San Francisco with a stop in San Mateo; in 2025 downtown San Mateo held a station celebration for it.
Downtown San Mateo Caltrain Station, 385 1st Avenue
Caltrain - Holiday Train →A Friday evening in early December (December 5, 5-8 p.m., in 2025) · this year's date not yet announced
The San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a free evening holiday stroll on 25th Avenue with music, family activities, and local shopping.
25th Avenue between Hacienda and Flores Streets
San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce →A Sunday afternoon in early December (December 7, 1-5 p.m., in 2025) · this year's date not yet announced
City of San Mateo Parks & Recreation holds a holiday sale of handmade ceramics in the Central Park ceramics studio.
Ceramics studio at San Mateo Central Park, 50 E 5th Ave, next to Fitzgerald Field
Downtown San Mateo Association event listing (organizer: City of San Mateo Parks & Recreation) →1 holiday event for 2026 on San Mateo’s local calendars. Updated every day.
Light displays, drive-throughs and tree-lighting ceremonies.
Photos with Santa, breakfasts and letters to the North Pole.
Shop local makers for the holidays.
Ballet, choirs, concerts and holiday theater.
Menorah lightings and celebrations across traditions.
Crafts, story times and holiday fun for kids.
Everything else on local calendars this season.
Add your event to the San Mateo calendar. Staff review every submission before publication.
Christmas Day is Friday, December 25, 2026.
This page lists upcoming holiday events in San Mateo from local calendars, including libraries, the city, venues and organizers. It updates every day as calendars post new dates.
The “Holiday lights and tree lightings” section lists public light displays and tree-lighting events on local calendars, with dates and links to each organizer.
Use the "Share an event" form. Include the date, time, place and the organizer’s link; a person reviews it before it appears.