OF THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST LIGHT DISPLAYS IN THE BAY AREA
Deacon Dave is back. You’ll know the significance of this statement if you’re an avid Bay Area fan of wonderfully over-the-top holiday lights displays. Last holiday season, pandemic concerns prompted some homeowners, organizations or public spaces to cancel or drastically scale back beloved displays.
One of those canceled displays was the world-renowned show that Dave Rezendes, a deacon at St. Michael Catholic Church, has hosted at his Livermore home for nearly 40 years. To the delight of fans, Rezendes’ illuminated extravaganza at Casa del Pomba (House of the Dove) has returned for 2021.
It’s just one of the many popular displays returning. The Niles Canyon Railway’s historic Train of Lights ride, a no-go for 2020, was so wildly missed, the 2021 version sold out almost instantly. Meanwhile, other displays will be bigger and more spectacular than ever, including San Jose’s Christmas in the Park, which has vastly expanded its offerings.
Unless otherwise indicated, you can visit most of these displays nightly after sundown at no cost. Be prepared to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Deacon Dave’s world-famous display
The Christmas display at Dave Rezendes’ Casa del Pomba in Livermore has been showcased on cable and international TV, with HGTV once ranking it as one of the largest home displays in America. Every year — save for 2020 — Rezendes invites the community to walk through his display, which in 2019 featured more than 600,000 lights, a poinsettia theme and a proposal bridge, where dozens of marriage proposals have taken place over the years.
WHEN AND WHERE » Nightly through Jan. 1 at 352 Hillcrest Drive in Livermore; casadelpomba.com.
Christmas in the Park, San Jose
The beloved San Jose tradition will feature not one, but two locations this year. The popular walk-through display has returned to downtown’s Plaza de Cesar Chavez with a 65-foot tree that visitors can stroll through. Christmas in the Park also is hosting Blinky’s Illuminated Holiday, a separate drive-thru event featuring more than 200,000 lights at Lake Cunningham Park, near Raging Waters.
WHEN AND WHERE » Christmas in the Park runs from noon to midnight daily through Jan. 2. 194 S. Market St. between San Carlos and East San Fernando streets. Admission is free. The drive-thru Blinky’s show takes place nightly from 5 to 11 p.m. through Jan. 9. Admission is $30 per car, and $75 for VIP tickets, which provides a Christmas “swag” bag and entry at the front of the line for every 30-minute slot. Book tickets at www.sanjose.org/events/christmas-park-2021.
10 BAY AREA HOLIDAY ICE SKATING RINKS
Holiday ice rinks have opened at venues across the Bay Area. Here’s just a sampling of merry places to skate.
ALAMEDA
The Little Ice Rink: Wednesday-Jan. 17, 1951 Monarch St. Enjoy the ice rink at this new 5,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor location that offers bay views, Off the Grid food trucks and local musicians and DJs performing onstage. $15-$20. littleicerink.com
BRENTWOOD
Brentwood On Ice: Through Jan. 9, 739 Second St. Featuring holiday season ice skating with a snack bar offering food and beverages. Brentwoodonice.com
CONCORD
Ice at the Veranda: Through Feb. 14, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd. Hockey and figure skates available. All dates and times are weather permitting. $16. shoptheveranda.com/ice
MILPITAS
Milpitas Ice Rink: Through Dec. 19, North Main Street. Bring your family and enjoy the fun on the synthetic ice rink downtown. Hours vary. $10 admission, $2 skate rental. ci.milpitas.ca.gov/ HolidayMagic
SAN FRANCISCO
Holiday Ice Rink: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Jan. 17 (closes at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31), Union Square, 333 Post St. Special events include the Macy’s tree lighting, Drag Queens on Ice, Silent Skate Party, Flashback Fridays and a Polar Bear Skate. $19. unionsquareicerink.com
SAN JOSE
Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice:
Through Jan. 9, 120 S. Market St. Skate in and around the iconic circle of 32 palm trees downtown. Special events include Silent Skate and Musical Mondays. $19. downtownicesj.com.
SAN MATEO
San Mateo on Ice: Through Jan. 9, Central Park, 50 E. Fifth Ave. This holiday spot offers an 11,000-square-foot ice rink, with free community skate days on Tuesday and Dec. 15. $17-$20. onicerinks.com/san-mateo-home
SAN RAMON
Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink:
Noon to 9:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 2, City Center Bishop Ranch, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road. $15-$19. citycenterbishopranch.com/ice_rink_ open
SUNNYVALE
Winter Ice Rink: Through Jan. 2, Redwood Square, 230 S. Murphy Ave. Enjoy outdoor skating and holiday festivities in the heart of downtown Sunnyvale. Throughout the season there will be learn-to-curl sessions, iHeart DJ nights and more. $5-$20. citylinesunnyvale. com/icerink
WALNUT CREEK
Walnut Creek on Ice: Friday through Jan. 9, Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drive. Enjoy ice skating, a family skate night and some hockey events, too. $16-$18. walnutcreekonice.com