Christmas Events in California

Posted by
Caroline Hayes
Dec 6, 2006

There's plenty to do this Christmas in California's arboretums and public gardens. Why not head for the outdoors and see jungles, forests and groves lit up with millions of Christmas lights; collect cuttings and make your own unique Christmas wreaths; or attend a traditional Christmas concert?

Event: Wreath Making Workshop

Collect cuttings from San Mateo's Central Park and make a unique Christmas wreath. Frames supplied. Reservations essential.

Garden: San Mateo Arboretum, San Mateo, California 94401
When: December 9, 9:30am to noon
Admission: $20 non members; $10 members
More Info: info@sanmateoarboretum.org; 650-574-1677

Event: Garden Holiday Lights

California's horticultural theme park is celebrating Christmas with festive feasts, moonlit ice skating and a visit from Santa. Don't miss the nightly "Home of the Holidays" parade at 8:30pm.

Garden: Bonfante Gardens, Gilroy, California 95020
When Daily from Dec 15 to Dec 23 2006; Friday through Sunday from Nov 24 to Dec 10, 4pm to 9pm
Admission: $27.99 adults (11 and older); $21.99 children (3 to 10). Additional fees for ice skate hire.
More Info info@bonfantegardens.org; 408-840-7100

Event: Garden of Lights

Ninety thousand magical lights will illuminate Quail Botanical Garden's 35 acres of tropical rainforests, bamboo groves and the West Coast's first interactive children's garden. Activities include Christmas crafts, marshmallow roasting, visits with Santa and music.

Garden: Quail Botanical Gardens, Encinitas, California 92024
When: Dec 7 to 10, Dec 14 to 23 and Dec 26 to 30; 5pm to 9pm
Admission: $8 adults; $6 members; children (3 to 12) $3; children under 3 free
More Info: info@qbgardens.org; 760-632 0917

Event: Old-fashioned Wreath-Making Workshop

Collect greenery from Los Angeles Botanic Garden's jungles, forests and gardens and use it to make a traditional Christmas wreath. Bring your own gardening clippers, gloves and wire cutters.

Garden: Los Angeles Arboretum Botanic Garden, Arcadia, California 91007
When: December 13 2006, 10am to noon
Admission: $25 members; $30 non-members (all materials included)
More Info: jillberry@arboretum.org; 626 821 4623

Event: Holiday Concert

Festive music from the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band in the Hall of Horticulture.

Garden: South Coast Botanic Gardens, Palos Verdes Peninsula, California, 90274
When: December 10 2006, 2pm to 3:30pm
Admission: Free with garden entrance fee
More Info: 310-544-6815

Event: Holiday Lights at CALM

Two millions dazzling lights and christmas displays in California's only native plant and animal museum.