| Livermore History Center | Highway Garage Open |
| Museum on Main St | |
| Pleasanton Farmer's Market | Ravenswood Docent Tours |
| Niles Canyon Railway | Livermore Amateur Radio Klub Meeting |
click for more photos
Dates at the right
Experience the magic of our brightly decorated holiday train, covered with thousands of lights, as it winds through the darkness of Niles Canyon on a 75-minute round-trip ride from Niles to Sunol and back, and the later train from Sunol to Niles and back.
This annual fundraising event is presented by the Pacific Locomotive Association to benefit Niles Canyon Railway projects throughout the year. We are sincerely grateful for all of our supporters who help our non-profit, tax-exempt, living history museum continue to operate and grow.
Trains run both from Sunol to Niles and back, and from Niles to Sunol and back.
Location: Downtown Sunol
Times: Departures from 4:30pm from Niles, 7:30 from Sunol
Admission: General seating is $30 (+2.49 fee) ages 3 and up. See the Niles Canyon Railroad.
$20 (+1.99 fee) for Wednesdays: Dec 2, 9, 16
Reserved seating in the Dome Car is $45 (+3.24 fee).
Private Caboose: $600 (+25.95 fee) for up to 24 people.
eLivermore Photos.
More info: Niles Canyon Railroad. Info should be on the Niles Canyon site mid to late September. Ticket purchases around the 2nd week of October.
2017 Dates - From Sunol - Preliminary Dates and Times
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Dec 24 7:30 | Dec 25 7:30 | |||||
| Nov 26 7:30 | Nov 29 7:30 | Dec 1 7:30 | Dec 2 7:30 | |||
| Dec 3 7:30 | Dec 6 7:30 | Dec 8 7:30 | Dec 9 7:30 | |||
| Dec 10 7:30 | Dec 13 7:30 | Dec 15 7:30 | Dec 16 7:30 | |||
| Dec 17 7:30 | Dec 18 7:30 | Dec 20 7:30 | Dec 22 7:30 | Dec 23 7:30 | ||
| Dec 26 7:30 | Dec 27 7:30 | Dec 28 7:30 | Dec 30 7:30 |
2017 Dates - From Niles - Preliminary Dates and Times
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Dec 24 4:30 | Dec 25 4:30 | |||||
| Nov 29 4:30 | Dec 1 4:30 | Dec 2 4:30 | ||||
| Dec 6 4:30 | Dec 8 4:30 | Dec 9 4:30 | ||||
| Dec 10 4:30 | Dec 13 4:30 | Dec 15 4:30 | Dec 16 4:30 | |||
| Dec 17 4:30 | Dec 18 4:30 | Dec 20 4:30 | Dec 22 4:30 | Dec 23 4:30 | ||
| Dec 26 4:30 | Dec 27 4:30 | Dec 28 4:30 | Dec 30 4:30 |
Fri
It’s our annual holiday event. Join in singing Part I of Handel’s great masterpiece, including the Hallelujah Chorus.
Sponsor: Valley Concert Chorale
Location: Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Ave, Livermore
Times: 7:30pm
Admission: $11. Tickets at Valley Concert Chorale website.
More info: Valley Concert Chorale
Firehouse Arts Center
Dec 1
Tues, Thur, Fri
Your suggestions will inspire holiday themed games, scenes, and improv fun in the first act. The audience will then vote for which short scene Creatures of Impulse will make into an entire improvised “play” in the second act!
Sponsor: City of Pleasanton
Location: Firehouse Arts Center - 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton
Times: Tues: 7:30pm ($2 cash only preview); Thurs & Fri: 7:30pm
Admission: $5 Students, $10 General. Tuesday is $2 cash only preview
More info: www.firehousearts.org
Friday
Late Night Catechism "Sister's Christmas Catechism"
It’s “CSI: Bethlehem” in this holiday mystery extravaganza from the author
of Late Nite Catechism, as Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued
historians throughout the ages – whatever happened to the Magi’s gold? (“We
know that Mary used the frankincense and myrrh as a sort of potpourri – they
were in a barn after all.”) Retelling the story of the nativity, as only
Sister can, she employs her own scientific tools and, assisted by audience
members, creates a living nativity unlike any you’ve ever seen. With gifts
galore and bundles of laughs, Sister’s Christmas Catechism is the perfect
start to the holiday season.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 8:00pm
Admission: $60 / $50 / $30
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - eLivermore.com theater page
Sat-Sun
Join us for a Livermore Valley wine country holiday tradition. Wineries showcase their decorated tasting rooms with special wines, arts, crafts, holiday music, activities and more. Donated toys are given to the local Toys for Tots program. Admission is free, however, tasting fees may apply and vary by winery.
Participating Wineries:
TBD
Sponsor:
Livermore Valley Winegrowers
Association
Location: Participating Valley Wineries
Times: Noon to 4:30pm
Admission: Free. Tasting Fees may apply and vary by winery.
More info:
Livermore Valley Winegrowers
Association or (925) 447-9463
Click above for photos
Saturday
Lizzie Fountain will be transformed into a winter fun zone for children 5th grade and under. Holiday entertainment, merchant open house, and carriage rides.
A Celebration of the Traditions of the Holidays. Lizzie fountain will be transformed into a winter fun zone for children 5th Grade and under. Holiday Entertainment will inspire you to stroll through the Downtown enjoying the beginning of the Holiday Season.
Join us for shopping and grabbing a holiday treat to eat, all while
celebrating our Holiday Traditions in a beautiful hometown setting!
Experience Livermore's Own Official Christmas Carol with "Christmastime
in Livermore" by Kim Luty, Choral teacher of ABC Music Source and
performed by the Academy Holiday Choir!
Sponsor: Livermore Downtown Association
Location: Downtown Livermore
Times: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Admission: Free
More info:
Livermore Downtown
Association,
(925) 373-1795
Sat
Free Family Concert
For the third year in a row, Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center will
host a family-oriented concert at 3 p.m., just prior to the start of
Livermore’s annual holiday parade. Details will be available later.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 3:00pm
Admission:
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - eLivermore.com theater page
Click above for photos
Saturday
Over 50 floats, including our local businesses, clubs, marching bands, associations and much, much more! The Parade ends with that Special Guest, Santa himself, leading our community in the Official Tree Lighting!
Parade Route: First Street - between M Street and McLeod Street
Sponsor: Livermore Downtown Association
Location: Downtown Livermore
Times: Parade from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Tree lighting following the
parade
Admission: Free
More info:
Livermore Downtown
Association or
(925) 373-1795
Saturday
Come home for the holidays with Pleasanton's Hometown Holiday Celebration. The Holiday Parade begins at 5pm and includes floats, marching bands, community groups and more.
Then gather at the Museum on Main at 603 Main Street for a Tree Lighting
Ceremony at 6:45 pm. Mayor Jerry Thorne will light the tree. Enjoy musical
entertainment and an appearance by Santa!
Sponsors: Downtown Association & City of Pleasanton Parks and Community
Services
Location: Main Street, Pleasanton
Times: 5:00pm to 7:15pm
3:30-7:30pm Main Street closed.
5:00pm Holiday Parade
6:45 to 7:15pm Tree Lighting Ceremony
More info:
www.hometownholiday.com - Pleasanton
Events,
Pleasanton Downtown Association.
At the Bankhead Theater
Sat
Join us as we explore themes of heroism, described in vivid symphonic detail. Inspired by the voice of his favorite writer, Goethe, Beethoven’s Egmont Overture describes the heroism of the brave Count Egmont as he struggles and dies trying to liberate his country. Prokofiev, in some of his most inventive music, brings an imaginary military leader to life. His Lieutenant Kijé Suite follows this mythical man from his noble birth to a grand wedding, a wild sleigh ride, and ultimately his death and burial. Finally, we conclude with the soaring second symphony of Sibelius, who became Finland’s musical hero with this stirring masterpiece that came to represent the Finnish struggle for independence from their Russian occupiers at the turn of the 20th century.
Note that the evening concert will begin at 8:15 p.m. (15 minutes later
than usual, and no Prelude talk this time; doors open at 8 p.m.).
Sponsor: Livermore
Amador
Symphony
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Time: Symphony concerts begin
at 8:15pm
Admission: $35 / $30 / $25.
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore-Amador
Symphony (925) 373-6824, or
Bankhead Theater
Firehouse Arts Center
Sun
Cutting-edge fiddle and cello explorations of Scottish and global music. Alasdair Fraser, long regarded as Scotland’s premier fiddle ambassador and the sizzlingly-talented California cellist Natalie Haas. Dazzling teamwork, shared passions for melodic improvisation, and those thrumming Scottish rhythms. Four award-winning albums and 18+ years of music making on the international scene.
Sponsor: City of Pleasanton
Location: Firehouse Arts Center - 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton
Times: 2:00pm
Admission: $20 - $30
More info: www.firehousearts.org
Dec 6, 13, 20
Wed
Celebrate the season with friends, family or co-workers and Livermore Shakespeare Festival artists as they present a reading of holiday stories. Guests will enjoy delicious wine and tapas from Swirl on the Square as the artists perform. The indoor venue only seats 40 people so it will be an intimate holiday celebration!
'Twas the Night Before Christmas, A Visit
from St. Nicholas by Clement C. Moore
The Conversion of Hetherington by John Kendrick Bangs
Holiday stories read by LSF Artists
Sponsor: Shakespeare's Associates
Location: Swirl on the Square. 21 S. Livermore Ave,
Livermore
Times: 5:30pm and 7:30pm
Admission: $40 per Person - Includes performance, tapas
plate, one glass of wine and gratuity
More info: Shakespeare's Associates
- 925-443-2273
Click for photos
from 2010 to 2013
Thurs
Once a year, on December 7th, the Mt. Diablo beacon is lit and shines over a wide area from around sunset until around sunrise the next day.
A ceremony is held in which several Pearl Harbor survivors will speak of their experiences. Afterwards they will together push a button that lights the beacon.
The Beacon can be seen from throughout the area, and will remain lit all night.
The ceremony was formerly held at the Summit Building at Mount Diablo but has been held at the Cal State East Bay Concord Campus since 2013 due to the larger venue and weather issues.
The beacon was overhauled and restored in 2013 thanks to efforts of Save Mount Diablo.
eLivermore.com has photographed the event from 2010 to
2013. See photos here.
Sponsor: The Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors Chapter 5
and Save Mount Diablo
Location: Cal State East Bay, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Road,
Concord.
Times: Reception: 3:00pm; Ceremony: 3:45pm; Beacon lighting around 5:00pm
Admission: Free
More info:
Firehouse Arts Center
Dec 15, 16, 17
Fri-Sun
Family theater performed by local youth!
In this hilarious holiday classic, a couple struggling to put on a church
Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids – probably the most
inventively mischievous kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem – and
the fun – when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!
Sponsor: Civic Arts Stage Company
Location: Amador Theater
Times: Fri: 7:30pm; Sat: 2:00 & 7:30pm; Sun: 2:00pm
Admission: $7 - $18
More info:
www.firehousearts.org
Dec 15,16, 17
Sat-Sun
Fri-Sun
Valley Dance Theatre brings full-length and repertory classical ballet and contemporary dance productions to the San Francisco East Bay. Every December, the Company presents several full-length performances of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Last year, the production attracted an audience of more than five thousand. A second major production is staged each season in late Spring. As the resident ballet company, all performances are held at the Bankhead Theater and are accompanied by the Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra. Costumes are created by professional, award-winning designers. Founded in Livermore, in 1980, Valley Dance Theatre is a licensed, nonprofit Ballet Company which also operates an affiliated school of dance, offering ballet classes for ages 3 years through adult and boys’ classes.
Sponsor: Valley Dance Theater
Location: Bankhead Theater - LVPAC web site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: Sat Dec 9: 2:00pm & 7:00pm; Sun Dec 10: 2:00pm; Fri Dec 15: 7:00pm; Sat Dec 16: 2:00 & 6:00pm; Sun Dec 17: 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Admission: $42 / $33. Students: $21
More info: Valley Dance Theater or Bankhead Theater
Dec 9
Sat
Cantabella Children's Chorus - A
Patchwork of Carols from Around the World
Ring in the Sounds of the Season and Celebrate your Holidays with the
“Choir of Angels” – over 200 youth accompanied by live musicians!
The 1 PM show features the Cantabella Training Choirs, grades K-5, with
selections by Performing Choirs
The 4 PM show features the Performing Choirs, grades 5 to 12
Doors open 1/2 hour before the show.
Sponsor: Cantabella
Children's Chorus
Location:
Trinity Church, 557 Olivina Ave, Livermore
Times:
1:00pm
(training choirs & selected pieces by the performing choirs)
4:00pm (performing choirs)
Admission:
Adults: $18 in advance, $22 after December 1, or at the door; children under
18 FREE when accompanied by an adult.
Ticket required.
More info:
Cantabella Children's Chorus
Firehouse Arts Center
Sun
The hugely popular dance revue returns with a high-stepping holiday show! These talented, glamorous senior performers ages 55-90 rock the stage with their high energy, stylish choreography, beautiful costumes and radiant smiles. They tap, kick and strut to memorable music from Nightclub to Broadway, Sinatra to Bublé, with a touch of Bruno Mars keeping them on trend.
Sponsor: City of Pleasanton
Location: Firehouse Arts Center - 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton
Times: 2:00pm
Admission: $15 - $25
More info: www.firehousearts.org
Celtic Christmas Concert & Gathering
Christmas favorites with a Celtic flair! Join Pog Mo Thoin and the Bothwell
Arts Center for an evening of Potluck and Festive Music!
We welcome you to share a favorite Holiday dish for our Potluck!
Sponsor: Bothwell Arts Center
Location: Bothwell Arts Center,
2466 8th St. Livermore.
Times: 6:30pm
Admission: $18
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Mon
The Hot Sardines
Fueled by the belief that classic jazz feeds the heart and soul, the Hot
Sardines are on a mission to make old sounds new again and prove that joyful
music can bring people together in a disconnected world.
It was a great American success story worthy of the cinema: a born-and-bred NYC actor meets a Parisian-born writer at an open jazz jam, and before you could say “Bourbon Street Parade,” the Hot Sardines were bringing their contagious brand of joy to audiences worldwide. The band’s powerhouse musicians deliver brassy horn arrangements and rollicking piano melodies, with vocals from a chanteuse who transports listeners to a different era with the mere lilt of her voice plus their very own tap dancer. The Hot Sardines’ captivating, vibrant “hot jazz” tosses a bit of glamour, a little grit and a lot of passion into early American jazz, topped off by a mischievous twist of French culture.
In the two years since they last appeared at the Bankhead, the Hot
Sardines have been featured at the Newport Jazz Festival and the Montreal
Jazz Festival, and have sold out venues from New York to London. Their
recently released third album, French Fries & Champagne, combines covers and
originals as they effortlessly channel New York speakeasies, Parisian
cabarets and New Orleans jazz halls.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 7:30pm
Admission: $60 / $50 / $30
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - eLivermore.com theater page
At the Bankhead Theater
Tuesday
Elisabeth Rosenthal - Healing our Health System - Rae Dorough Speaker Series
Why are American health costs 2-3 times more than elsewhere in the developed
world? What are the challenges and threats that it faces today?
Elisabeth Rosenthal is the author of the best selling An American
Sickness, a penetrating investigation into America’s healthcare system. She
holds an MD from Harvard Medical, worked as an ER physician and for 22 years
was an award-winning reporter at The New York Times – acclaimed for coverage
of health and policy issues. Her presentation will show ways that America
could make reforms in the delivery and financing of health care and how
changes would affect us.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 7:30pm
Admission: $40 / $36 / $32. Students (21 & under): $16
Series of 5 Lectures:
$200 / $180 / $160 ($170 / $153 / $136 by 9/30/17)
Tickets:
Bankhead Theater Box Office
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - - eLivermore.com theater page
Firehouse Arts Center
Fri, Sat
Something classic, something Christmas, something familiar…yet totally original! High-octane group of five of the finest musicians from some of the world’s biggest bands (including Boston’s lead guitarist Gary Pihl). A family-friendly classic rock holiday show for all ages. December People present a stocking-full of familiar seasonal songs in the styles of all the top rock bands of our time. Christmas carols with a big joyous twist! Come celebrate and join the party! Special appearances by area civic and business leaders, youth musicians, and more. Benefiting local food banks.
Sponsor: City of Pleasanton
Location: Firehouse Arts Center - 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton
Times: 8:00pm
Admission: $30 - $40
More info: www.firehousearts.org
Thurs
An Irish Christmas
All the joy, hope and spirit of the season come together in a night of
storytelling, song and dance that sparkles with life and a wee bit of Irish
“magic.” Traditional instruments such as the bodhranand the uilleann pipes,
in addition to fiddles, flutes and drums bring to life the musicof Ireland,
from soothing ballads to vigorous dance tunes, from “Carol of the Bells” to
ancient Irish hymns and melodies.
“An Irish Christmas” represents the best of modern Ireland while also introducing audiences to the beauty, passion and uniqueness of their history. Authentic Irish traditions and customs are cleverly woven into the show including exhilarating step dancing and age-old dances over brooms, on half doors and around butter churns.
Back by popular demand after a sold out visit in 2016, “An Irish
Christmas” is a unique and unforgettable celebration of Christmas from the
Emerald Isle that The Village News says, “leaves everyone with the urge to
grab their loved ones and dance down the aisles.”
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 7:30pm
Admission: $80 / $60 / $40 Students (17 & under): $16
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - eLivermore.com theater page
Sat
Olate Dogs
Since winning America’s Got Talent in 2012, the extraordinary and
irresistible Olate Dogs have stolen the hearts of audiences across the
nation. Led by father and son team, Richard and Nicholas Olate, these
adorable rescue dogs perform amazing tricks, from balancing on wheels and
riding scooters, to jumping rope and even doing back flips.
The Olate Dogs made headlines when they participated in Season 7 of America’s Got Talent, winning the title with their remarkable tricks and conga line dancing. They went on to headline a show at the Palazzo in Las Vegas for six months and perform in NBA halftime shows. They have appeared as the stars of two short films, “Le Sauvetage (The Rescue)” and “Dog’s Best Friend,“ and have filled venues around the country.
Joined by human acrobats on a stage filled with holiday cheer, the Olate
Dogs charm audiences of all ages in this high-energy, fast-paced, thoroughly
entertaining show.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 2:00pm
Admission: $72 / $42 / $28
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - eLivermore.com theater page
Firehouse Arts Center
Wed
The 25th Annual Big Fat Year-End Kiss-Off Comedy Show is proud to present an evening of pure yuks at the expense of the year 2017 (talk about plenty of material…) Stand-up, improvisation and loosely written sketches guaranteed to mock, scoff and taunt with taste. Starring political satirist Will Durst, Debi Durst, Michael Bossier, Johnny Steele, Mari Magaloni and Arthur Gaus. (PG-13)
Sponsor: City of Pleasanton
Location: Firehouse Arts Center - 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton
Times: 8:00pm
Admission: $20 - $30
More info: www.firehousearts.org
The labyrinth walk is December 31st between 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Courtyard. Dress warmly and join us in walking our outdoor, Chartres-style, courtyard labyrinth. Say good-bye to the old year and begin the New Year with peace and intention.
Sponsor: First Presbyterian Church, Livermore
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 4th & L Streets, Livermore
Times: 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Admission: Free
More info: First Presbyterian Church, Livermore, For more information, contact the church office, 925-447-2078.
Sun
New Year's Eve at the Bankhead with Crawdata Republic
With a vocally-driven style, Crawdad Republic offers an appealing mix of
Americana, folk and bluegrass music. Their Livermore wine country roots
makes them the perfect band for the annual “New Year’s Eve at the Bankhead”
tradition. Crawdad Republic has entertained audiences at the Evenings on the
Green for several years and were enthusiastically received as headliners for
the Community4Education event in May. After Crawdad Republic’s lively
performance, join the rest of the audience in the lobby for complimentary
champagne, wine and a festive dessert buffet to celebrate the year-end.
Sponsor:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center
Location: Bankhead Theater -
LVPAC web
site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 8:00pm
Admission: $40
Tickets: Bankhead Theater Box Office info -
LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore
Valley Performing Arts
Center - eLivermore.com theater page
descrip
Sponsor:
Location:
Times:
Admission:
More info:
