Jack London Square Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Guests gather to watch Santa Claus light the holiday tree, followed by two laser light shows projecting multi-colored beams set to holiday music. After the light show, faux snow cascades from the sky over the square. Attendees can also meet the strolling Peppermint Princess, take photos with holiday characters, and watch live performances by the Oaktown Jazz Workshops and the Lyric Performing Arts Academy.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Free; open to the public; no pre-registration is required.
Hours
5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Parking
Nearby parking garages include Market Garage on Second Street, Broadway and Embarcadero West below Plank, and Washington Garage.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Bring a cell phone or camera to take selfies with Santa, Frosty, and the Christmas Teddy Bear.
- No pre-registration is required, so you can attend without booking or reserving a spot in advance.
- Find the ceremony in the plaza by Scott's Seafood, the location specified for the event.
- Consider parking at Market Garage, Washington Garage, or the garage beneath Plank; check garage access details before arriving.
- Dress in warm layers for the evening's outdoor plaza event, where guests watch performances and light displays outside.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free entry; open to the public without pre-registration.
- Santa Claus appears at the tree lighting on November 28.
Links & Contact
Run by CIM Group
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register before coming?
No pre-registration is required.
What can I see and do at the event?
Watch Santa light the tree, enjoy two laser shows and faux snow, meet holiday characters, take selfies, and see live performances.
Should I bring anything for the character photos?
Bring your own phone or camera to take selfies with Santa, Frosty, and the Christmas Teddy Bear.
Where can I park nearby?
Nearby options include Market Garage on Second Street, the Broadway and Embarcadero West garage below Plank, and Washington Garage.
Can I get there by public transportation?
Amtrak, BART, the San Francisco Bay Ferry, and the free Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle serve Jack London Square; bike routes also reach the area.
Browse Christmas in Oakland
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.