eLivermore.com - By Bill Nale

 

Christmas Events 2024
for Livermore, Pleasanton, and the Tri-Valley

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Contents:
Christmas Photos
All Events in Chronological Order
Special Events
Performances
Places to Visit
Christmas Scriptures
See Also:
Complete December Calendar
Descriptions of Holidays throughout the year


Olive wood Manger Scene.
Carved in Bethlehem from the
wood of local olive trees.


Christmas Photos

eLivermore.com has a collection of Christmas time photos from over the years, including:

Christmas in Downtown Livermore at night
Snow at Lizzie Fountain
Main Street Designs Christmas Store


 

All Events in Chronological order
Click links for details below
  all Lights of the Valley (web site of Christmas lights)
Nov 22 - Dec 30 various

Niles Canyon Train of Lights

December 1 Friday Valley Concert Chorale Sing along Messiah
December 6 Friday Holiday Village in the Park (Livermore)
December 7 Saturday Livermore Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade
December 7 Saturday Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremonies
December 7 Saturday Family Concert - Livermore-Amador Symphony
December 7 Saturday Livermore-Amador Symphony - Winter Tales
December 7-8 Sat & Sun Holidays in the Vineyards
December 9    (not updated yet) Sat Cantabella Children's Chorus
December 8 Sunday Ravenswood Victorian Yuletide
December  7-8 Sat, Sun Valley Concert Chorale Christmas Concert
Dec 14-15, 21-22 Sat-Sun The Nutcracker

 

Special Events


Niles Canyon Train of Lights
2024 dates: Nov 22 to Dec 30
See complete Schedule below

 

Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights.
Take the whole family on an enchanting holiday excursion!

Enjoy a 1.5 hour-long round trip through Niles Canyon filled with refreshments, music, and cheer aboard our antique coaches and open cars that feature holiday lights and decorations inside and out.

The Train of Lights offers a rare opportunity to experience a train ride through Niles Canyon at night. With one departure from Niles at dusk and a second departure from Sunol after dark, you can choose your favorite time to ride.

The Train of Lights has been an annual tradition for many Bay Area families for more than a decade. Make it yours too!
Location:  Downtown Sunol
Times: Departures from 4:30pm from Niles, 7:30 from Sunol
Admission:  Coach: $40 ages 3 and up.  See the Niles Canyon Railroad.
   First Class Dome: TBD
   First Class Parlor: TBD
   Private Caboose: TBD
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.

2024 Dates - From Niles - Departs at 4:30.   From Sunol - Departs at 7:30pm
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
          Nov 22 Nov 23
Nov 24 Nov 25         Nov 30
Dec 1     Dec 4   Dec 6 Dec 7
Dec 8   Dec 10 Dec 11   Dec 13 Dec 14
Dec 15 Dec 16   Dec 18 Dec 19 Dec 20 Dec 21
Dec 22         Dec 27 Dec 28
Dec 29 Dec 30          

 

 

 

 


Click photos for additional eLivermore.com photos of the Train of Lights

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Holiday Village In the Park
Dec 6, 2024
Friday

Holiday Village In the Park
Join Livermore Downtown Inc. as we transform Carnegie Park into a Twinkly and Magical Holiday Village. Like a Hallmark Christmas Movie- BUT IN REAL LIFE!!
Holiday Village takes place the day before our Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade and officially kicks off the Downtown Holiday Season!
Holiday Village made its inaugural debut in 2021 and returned last year for the first annual. This year we're thrilled to bring this newer tradition back to Downtown for the second annual Holiday Village in the Park!

Put on those scarves and festive apparel and warm up those fingers with hot cocoa in the park and great community! Enjoy a chance to holiday shop and support local vendors and crafters. Twinkling booths will be set up around Carnegie Park where you can partake in holiday treats, gifts, food faire and experiences. Fun kids activities and family fun for everyone!


Sponsor: Livermore Downtown Association
Location: Carnegie Park, 2155 Third Street,  Livermore
Times: Parade from 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Admission: Free
More info:    Livermore Downtown Association or (925) 373-1795

 



Photos:

2008 Parade
2014 Parade
2014 Parade, downloadable
Christmas in Livermore

Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade (Livermore)
Dec 7, 2024
Saturday

Livermore Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Join us Downtown for our holiday tradition, the "Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade"!
Enjoy floats and performances by local businesses, bands, schools, clubs, and more. A Livermore tradition you don't want to miss! We can't wait to see you all for another fabulous year!
The Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade is part of our 2-day lineup of events to kick off December! Holiday Village in the Park is the day before on Friday, December 1st, 2023. It's a magical evening in the park. Like a Holiday movie, but in real life! Local vendors and makers welcome!
Sponsor: Livermore Downtown Association
Location: Downtown Livermore
Times:  6:00pm
Admission: Free
More info:    Livermore Downtown Association or (925) 373-1795

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Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Dec 7, 2024
Saturday
 

Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremonies
The City of Pleasanton will once again salute the season by hosting the Annual Hometown Holiday Celebration to be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 with the Hometown Holiday Parade starting at 5:00, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony starting about 6:45pm.

This free, family-friendly event features a festive community-based parade followed by the lighting of a holiday tree in front of the Museum on Main.

Kicking off the parade will be one of Pleasanton’s award-winning high school marching bands from either Amador Valley High School or Foothill High School. The band is followed by a wide array of holiday inspired entries including Pleasanton’s own Balloon Platoon, the Pleasanton City Council, hundreds of Cub Scouts and Brownies, local car clubs, performing arts groups, and much more.

Main Street will close to vehicular traffic at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7. Parade viewers are encouraged to shop and dine in historic Downtown Pleasanton after staking out their viewing turf.

The Hometown Holiday program relies on the support of the community to make the event a success and volunteers are still needed! Those interested in volunteering for the event are encouraged to visit www.hometownholiday.com.

In the event of rain, a parade cancellation telephone hotline will be implemented and updated each hour after 2:30 p.m. on parade day, December 7. The Cancellation Information Phone Line is (925) 931-5352.
Sponsors: Downtown Association & City of Pleasanton Parks and Community Services
Location: Main Street, Pleasanton
Times: Parade starts at 5:00pm.  Tree Lighting at about 6:45pm

More info: Pleasanton Events

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Holidays in the Vineyards
December 7 & 8, 2024
Saturday & Sunday

Holidays in the Vineyards
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. Admission is free, however, tasting fees may apply and vary by winery.

Sponsor:  Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association
Location: Participating Valley Wineries
Times: 12:30 to 5:00pm
Admission: Free.  Tasting Fees may apply and vary by winery.
More info: Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association or (925) 447-9463

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Ravenswood Victorian Yuletide
December 8, 2024
Sunday

Ravenswood Yuletide Victorian Christmas
Ravenswood is decorated for Christmas.
Santa will be there, available for you to take your own photos.
There will be small prizes for kids.
Refreshments for sale
The Tri-valley Woodcarvers will be there.
LARPD rangers will be there with animal skins and other items.
Live Music.
Location: Ravenswood Historic Site, 2647 Arroyo Road, Livermore
Times: 12:00 to 4:00pm
Admission:  Free.  Food and beverage for sale.
More info:
LARPD
See the Ravenswood Photos and description on eLivermore.com

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See eLivermore Photos


 
 

   

 

Performances

   

 

Valley Concert Choral - Sing-along Messiah
Dec 1, 2023
Friday

Valley Concert Choral Sing-along Messiah
This event has been a holiday tradition since 2006; and you can be a part of this tradition! Sing Part I of Handel's Messiah as well as the popular Hallelujah Chorus. Singers and music lovers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join in experiencing Handel's spectacular choral masterpiece. Sing, or just come to enjoy. Bring a score or borrow one for the evening. We will be accompanied by VCC's concert pianist Daniel Glover
Sponsor: Valley Concert Chorale
Location:  Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Ave, Livermore
Times:  7:30pm
Admission: $15. Tickets at Valley Concert Chorale website.
More info: Valley Concert Chorale

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Livermore Amador Symphony - Family Concert
Dec 7, 2024

Livermore-Amador Symphony  - Free Family Concert
Livermore-Amador Symphony Presents

Looking for a fun and festive way to kick off the holiday season with your family? Don’t miss the Livermore Amador Symphony’s free family holiday concert, live at The Bankhead! Enjoy the sounds of the season as talented musicians come together to bring you a magical experience that you and your loved ones won’t soon forget. Hurry and reserve your seats today before they’re all gone!
Sponsor: Livermore Amador Symphony
Location:  Bankhead Theater - LVPAC web site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Time:
  3:00pm
Admission:  Free
Tickets:
  Bankhead Theater Box Office info  -  LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore-Amador Symphony (925) 373-6824, or Livermore Valley Arts

 

Livermore Amador Symphony - Festive Fairy Tales
Dec 7, 2024

Livermore-Amador Symphony  - Festive Fairy Tales
Livermore-Amador Symphony Presents

Join us for an evening full of joyful sounds of the holiday season. You’ll hear familiar holiday carols in the music of both Georges Bizet and Samuel Barber, and Maurice Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite brings magical fairy tales to life with excitement and poignant beauty. This music will warm your heart for the holidays.

Barber: Die Natali

Bizet: L’Arlésienne Suite No. 1

Ravel: Ma mère L’Oye (Mother Goose Suite)

No pre-concert talk

Concert 8 pm
Sponsor: Livermore Amador Symphony
Location:  Bankhead Theater - LVPAC web site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Time:
  Symphony concerts begin at 8:00pm.    No Pre-talk
Admission:  $30 / $37 / $44 
Tickets:
  Bankhead Theater Box Office info  -  LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore-Amador Symphony (925) 373-6824, or Livermore Valley Arts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cantabella Children's Chorus - Winter Concert
Dec 9, 2023
Saturday

(Needs updating)

Cantabella Children’s Chorus presents Omnis Terra
Sponsor: Cantabella Children's Chorus
Location:  Valley Community Church, 4455 Del Valle Parkway, Pleasanton
Times:  1:00pm (elementary school-age students)
              4:00pm (middle and high school students)

Admission: $20 online.  $25 at the door.  18 and under are free.
More info: Cantabella Children's Chorus

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Valley Concert Choral Christmas Concerts
Dec 7, 8, 2024
Saturday, Sunday

Valley Concert Choral - The Miracle of Christmas
Featuring Ottorino Respighi's Laud to the Nativity, carols, and audience sing-a-long.
Sponsor: Valley Concert Chorale
Location: (2023 info)  Saturday:  First Presbyterian Church, 2020 Fifth St (4th & L), Livermore
      Sunday:  Trinity Lutheran Church, Pleasanton, 1225 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton
Times:  Sat: 7:30pm;  Sun 4:00pm
Admission: (2023 info) $30.00.  Students with ID:  $10.00. Tickets at Valley Concert Chorale website.
More info: Valley Concert Chorale

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The Nutcracker
Dec 14, 15, 21, 22, 2024
Sat-Sun,  Fri-Sat-Sun

Valley Dance Theater - Nutcracker
Experience the magic of the Nutcracker. This annual Tri-Valley holiday event continues to enchant audiences of all ages, bringing Tchaikovsky’s well-known music and ballet to life with all of its elegance and beauty. Thrill to a stage filled with one magical nutcracker, a swirl of lovely snowflakes, adorable mice, dancing soldiers and a glittering sugar plum fairy. For over 40 years, Valley Dance Theatre’s full production of The Nutcracker, accompanied by the Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra has entertained families each holiday season. The elaborate sets, skilled dancers and beautiful costumes have established Valley Dance Theatre as the premier ballet company of the Tri-Valley.
Sponsor: Valley Dance Theater
Location:  Bankhead Theater - LVPAC web site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times:  2:00pm and 7:00pm
Admission:  $39/$49
More info: Valley Dance Theater or Livermore Valley Arts

 


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Places to Visit

 

Lights of the Valley

A web site listing locations suggested homes with Christmas light displays.
Lights of the Valley

 

 

Christmas Scriptures

All Christian Churches have special Christmas Eve services.
Full list of Tri-Valley Churches, and web links

 
 

 
 
 

Christmas Scriptures

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.  For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.  For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. -- (Isaiah 9:2-7)

 

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. -- (Luke 2:1-20)

 

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

 “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.” -- (Matthew 1:18 to 2:18)

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light.

The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.’”) And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.  -- (John 1:1-18)