6 Christmas week event ideas to get in the holiday spirit
With Christmas just days away, out-of-town family members converging and youngsters on winter break, here are a few ideas for getting out and about before the big day and getting in the holiday spirit — whether that’s with music, gift-wrapping, trampolining or showing off your Die Hard trivia knowledge.
Winter Wonderland Concert: 3-5 p.m. Dec. 21, 12250 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Hear an array of ensembles from the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra as they perform holiday favorites and heartwarming seasonal tunes at the Rawley T. Farnsworth Theater. Free. youngmusiciansco.org/event-details/2025-winter-wonderland-concert
Wrapping Party — Panic Edition: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 21, 654 Third St., Brentwood. Stressed about finishing up all your gift wrapping? Make it fun instead and join a gift-wrapping party at Brentwood Commons, complete with hot drinks and holiday snacks. $20 covers supplies for up to 10 gifts. eventbrite.com.
Jump with an Elf: 2-5 p.m. Dec. 22, Altitude Trampoline Park, 147 Great Mall Drive, Milpitas. This family-friendly event invites visitors to visit the trampoline park and meet Frosty the Elf, who’ll pick up letters to hand-deliver to Santa, jump and play, take photos and perform a routine. $20 and up. altitudetrampolinepark.com/locations/california/milpitas/147-great-mall-drive
A Very Die Hard Christmas Trivia Night: 7:30-9 p.m. Dec. 22, Dr. Funk, 29 N. San Pedro St., San Jose. Put your “Die Hard” trivia to the test at this quiz night, featuring 40 questions and a costume contest, plus $8 mai tais all night. Yippee-ki-yay, Xmas lovers! drfunksj.com/calendar
Cookies, Cocoa and Crafting: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 23, 1098 Lexington St., Santa Clara. Head to the Mission Branch Library in Santa Clara for this low-key, all-ages cozy crafting and creativity session, with cookies and hot chocolate provided. BYO project, or make use of provided supplies. Free. sclibrary.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/108876/67
Christmas Eve at Lake Chalet: 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Dec. 24, The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill, 1520 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Enjoy a prix-fixe four-course Christmas Eve meal overlooking Lake Merritt featuring surf and turf and craft cocktails. $95, reservations required. thelakechalet.com/christmaseve