South San Francisco, CA November 30, 2023
Each year, Downtown Redwood City transforms into a festive wonderland with a packed calendar of enchanting events for all ages. Dive into the joys of global traditions, enjoy historical musical performances, and be a part of the vibrant community spirit this holiday season. Here are some ways to cherish and celebrate the spirit of the season this month:
DECK THE HALLS
Are you ready for the most wonderful time of the year? Beginning Friday, November 24, the Redwood City Improvement Association would like to invite you to walk the streets of Redwood City and enjoy the festive holiday banners, lights, garlands and more on display throughout the heart of downtown. The festivities will be on display through New Year’s Day!
Beginning November 24 | All Day | Downtown Redwood City
ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Lift your holiday spirits with the return of the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Redwood City. Co-sponsored by the Redwood City Improvement Association and the City of Redwood City, the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is the best way to kick off the holidays in downtown and will be followed by a joyous performance from The Merrie Olde Christmas Carolers. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to capture the perfect moment when the lights illuminate the night.
December 2 | 5:45 p.m. | Downtown Redwood City
Attendance is Free
CAROLERS FILL THE STREETS
Courtesy of the Redwood City Improvement Association, the Merrie Olde Christmas Carolers, the world’s oldest and largest professional caroling organization, are back and will be spreading some Christmas cheer with performances on December 2, December 12 and December 21. Costumed in Dickensian attire, The Merrie Olde Christmas Carolers will perform new and unique musical arrangements of beloved holiday songs as they stroll through downtown Redwood City. Accompanied by the merry sounds of sleigh bells, finger cymbals, tambourines and kazoos, the carolers will make their way throughout Downtown singing loud for all to hear.
December 2 | 5:45 p.m.-7:45 p.m. | Downtown Redwood City
December 12 | 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | Downtown Redwood City
December 21 | 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | Downtown Redwood City
Attendance is Free
CARPENTER’S LEGACY: A CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT
Coming straight from Las Vegas to Fox Theater Redwood City for one night only, Carpenters Legacy: A Christmas Portrait, takes the audience back in time to an old-fashioned Christmas. Starring Sally Olson as Karen Carpenter and Ned Mills as Richard Carpenter, the show recreates the nostalgia of the Carpenters’ 1977 and 1978 Christmas TV specials, promising laughs that bring back memories of Christmases past.
December 10 | 8:00 p.m. | 2215 Broadway Street
Tickets start at $36.00
To purchase tickets, click here
FORT POINT GARRISON BRASS BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT
Join the Holiday Edition of the Courthouse Docket with a special performance by the Fort Point Garrison Brass Band at the San Mateo County History Museum. Specializing in 19th-century brass music, the band will perform cherished carols that capture the essence of historic Christmas celebrations. Established in 2005, the band is dedicated to authentically recreating the music and spirit of the Civil War era, using period brass instruments over 100 years old. Their performance is a historical experience that connects us to the traditions of the past.
December 2 | 1:00 p.m. | 2200 Broadway
Admission is Free
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS
Redwood City’s 17th Annual Hometown Holidays Celebration promises a day filled with joy and community spirit. Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including complimentary pictures with Santa, a diverse array of local market vendors on Broadway, along with entertainment, beer and wine at Courthouse Square. The highlight? A dazzling Hometown Holidays Parade Extravaganza at 4:30pm.
December 2 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00p.m.
Attendance is Free
CHANUKAH FESTIVAL
The 14th Annual Chanukah Festival is not just a celebration, but a meaningful gesture of unity and support for Israel. The highlight is the ‘Unity Canvas Menorah’, a unique seven-foot-tall Menorah created from 27 pre-painted canvases, assembled during the festival. The central canvases spell out ‘Am Yisrael Chai’, resonating with the spirit of unity. Each canvas, available for $50, supports both a charity in Israel and the festival’s costs. This event offers a chance to be part of Northern California’s first-ever ‘Am Yisrael Chai Unity Canvas Menorah’, embodying a powerful message of solidarity.
December 10 | 4 p.m.| 2200 Broadway St
Attendance is Free