Upcoming Vallejo Events — Mad Hatter Holiday Parade with Grand Marshall LaRussell

VALLEJO — The holiday season begins with a flourish this week, with tree lighting ceremonies on Mare Island and Children’s Wonderland Park on Friday, then the Mad Hatter Holiday Festival and Parade will take over the downtown on Saturday, and VOENA Children’s Choir will perform twice on Sunday at St. Peter’s Chapel on Mare island.

The 13th Annual Mad Hatter Holiday Festival and Parade will open at the Queen’s Court at noon on Georgia Street next to the Farmers Market. This year's Grand Marshal LaRussell will be crowned on the Queen’s Stage at 1 p.m. The festivities will include a children’s costume contest, holiday singing, and the Grinch’s holiday dance group. 

The parade will begin at 4:30 p.m., with civic and school groups, marching bands and classic cars. As darkness descends the parade will be lighted by fire-breathing arts cars and steampunk contraptions.

The parade will close with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. in Martin Luther King Jr. Park behind the John F. Kennedy Library. Revelers can continue the celebration while watching the Vallejo Yacht Club’s lighted boat parade glide past the waterfront parks beginning at 6:30 p.m.

On Friday evening, the Mare Island Light Night Holiday Tree Celebration will be a free family-friendly festive evening with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. The Greg Chapkis Dance company will perform an inspiring youth dance program, followed by the dance floor being opened for all. Guests 21 or older who donate a new or gently used coat will receive a seasonal cocktail or mocktail, compliments of The Mare Island Company. Coats will be donated to Vallejo Together. 

The Greater Vallejo Recreation District will hold many holiday-themed festivities this season, beginning with the free Festival of Lights at Children’s Wonderland Park, which will run Friday to Sunday evenings through Dec. 29. Bring your family down to check out the lights! 

Santa will visit Children’s Wonderland Park on Friday evening for a tree lighting ceremony. Then he’ll be at the Vallejo Community Center on Saturday morning for two Breakfast with Santa sessions at 9 and 11 a.m.

For holiday fun and shopping, check out the 27th Annual Global Holiday Faire at Vallejo’s First Christian Church on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They will have baked goods, crafts, gift baskets, fair trade gifts, choirs singing and lots of holiday spirit! All funds raised will go to local and global non-profit organizations 

A Victorian Christmas, Dickens-themed high tea dance and fundraiser for the Vallejo Project will take place on Saturday afternoon at Dance Unlimited. The event will support breast cancer awareness and Vallejo Project’s community partnerships with Touro University and other local organizations 

Bay Area Stage on Broadway will open the Tony Award winning play, “The Last Night Of Ballyhoo,” on Friday evening. The play is set in the upper class German-Jewish community in Atlanta, Georgia, in December 1939. The play examines intra-ethnic bias and Jewish identity within a Jewish family so highly assimilated they have a Christmas tree in their front parlor. The play will run Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons through Dec. 22.

On Sunday you will have two opportunities to celebrate the holidays with a magical concert by VOENA Children’s Choir at 3 and 6 p.m. at St. Peter Chapel. They will present a full musical and visual experience of familiar carols, accompanied by St. Peter Chapel’s own silver handbells and guest percussion artist Drumdala.

These are just the highlights of this week’s events. Be sure to check the list below for more live music, art, civic, educational and recreational activities.

Wednesday, December 4

Lawyers in the Library

The Vallejo JFK Library offers the Lawyers in the Library program on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. Each meeting is 15 minutes. Space is limited and slots fill up on a first come, first serve basis. Call (866) 572-7587 or come in-person at 9am on the day of the program to reserve a spot.

• Wed, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Vallejo Run Club

Join the Vallejo Run Club on our weekly Saturday morning and Wednesday evening runs. Our group meets, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. We run 1-3 easy miles. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome.

• Wed, 6:20 to 7:20 p.m
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Kid Andersen, Maurice Tani and Jim Pugh

Widely revered blues guitarist Kid Andersen will be joined onstage by Maurice Tani and Jim Pugh.

• Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre Lounge
• 324 Virginia St., Vallejo

Wednesday Night Open Mic

A friendly space for both beginning musicians and seasoned professionals. Comedians and poets also welcome.

• Wed, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St., Vallejo

Thursday, December 5

December Sip & Paint - Holiday Cheer Gnome

Artist Jena Webber will guide you as you paint your very own"Holiday Cheer Gnome" on a 16 x 20” canvas. The class will be held inside The Great Room of the mansion, or weather permitting, the outdoor garden area. is included with admission and all art supplies will be provided.

• Thurs, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Vallejo Districts 1 and 2 Community Meeting

Please join our collaborative meeting with City Council, the City Manager, department directors and city staff. Topics of conversation: public safety/crime, Fire/Emergency Operations Center, homelessness, Measure P funds, blight, planning and economic development, street maintenance and Public Works.

• Thurs, 6 to 8 p.m.
• North Vallejo Community Center
• 1121 Whitney Ave., Vallejo

Friday, December 6

The Makery: Open Use Hours & Make it Fridays!

The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, and much more! Drop-in and discover what we have, or make an appointment to use specific equipment. Don't know what to make? Check out 'Make it Fridays!' we will have a special activity to get your creative muscles working.

• Fri, 2 to 4:45 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Festival of Lights

Come celebrate the season with five nights of fun at Children's Winter Wonderland! We'll have the park open Friday through Sunday in the evenings, bring your family down to check out the lights! Rain cancels.

• Fri, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St., Vallejo

Mare Island Light Night Holiday Tree Celebration

Join this free family-friendly festive evening as we light the tree. Enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies. The Greg Chapkis Dance company will perform an inspiring youth dance program, followed by the dance floor being opened for all. Guests 21 or older who donate a new or gently used coat will receive a seasonal cocktail or mocktail. Coats will be donated to Vallejo Together. The event is free for all, but we kindly ask you to RSVP (we need to make sure we have enough cookies for you!)

• Fri, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Mare Island Historic Core
• 1097 Nimitz Ave., Mare Island, Vallejo

Winter at Wonderland

Experience the enchantment of the season at our Tree Lighting Ceremony! Gather with loved ones as we illuminate the night sky wit a magical Tree Lighting ceremony. Delight in live-music, sip on warm hot cocoa, and capture cherished moments with Santa himself. Join us for an unforgettable evening of festive cheer and watch as our tree sparkles to life, marking the beginning of a joyous holiday season! Free event, rain or shine. Photos with Santa, hot chocolate. Tree lighting: 6:30p.m.

• Fri, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St., Vallejo

Benicia Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting

This cherished annual holiday tradition is enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors. Downtown merchants open their doors for a festive evening of holiday shopping and complimentary refreshments. Downtown Benicia will come alive with carolers, costumed characters from My Once Upon A Time and live entertainment from Kris Kringle & The Mistletones. The tree lighting can be viewed at approximately 6:30pm, at the foot of First Street thanks to the support of the Benicia Community Foundation.

• Fri, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Benicia Main Street
• 90 First St., Benicia

Live Music with Nathan Ignacio

Nathan Ignacio is known for his ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life. Performing most frequently as a one-man-band, his extensive lineup of performance instruments includes guitar, mandolin, harmonica, piano, bass, and dulcimer, playing many instruments simultaneously. Nathan is a signer-songwriter and delivers music that is heartfelt and approachable, whether he's playing an original song or singing a classic cover that the entire crowd can sing along with.

• Fri, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. – Coal Shed Brewery
• 850 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

The Last Night of Ballyhoo

Bay Area Stage Productions presents the Tony Award winning play, The Last Night Of Ballyhoo, written by Alfred Uhry. This play is set in the upper class German-Jewish community living in Atlanta, Georgia in December 1939. A Jewish family so highly assimilated they have a Christmas tree in the front parlor are looking forward to Ballyhoo, a lavish cotillion ball sponsored by their restrictive country club. Joe Farkas is an attractive eligible bachelor and an Eastern European Jew, familiar with prejudice but unable to fathom its existence within his own religious community. His presence prompts college student Sunny to examine intra-ethnic bias, her Jewish identity (or lack thereof), and the beliefs with which she’s been raised.

• Fri, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St., Vallejo

Saturday, December 7

Vallejo Run Club

Join the Vallejo Run Club on our weekly Saturday morning and Wednesday evening runs. Our group meets, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. We run 1-3 easy miles. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome.

• Sat, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Breakfast with Santa session 1

Santa is coming into town early just to have breakfast with us! Join him and enjoy a delicious meal at the Vallejo Community Center's annual Breakfast with Santa. Photo opportunities available. Registration is required. $7 each Vallejo residents, $10 each nonresidents.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Vallejo Community Center
• 225 Amador St., Vallejo

Community Coffee Tasting

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes. Coffee cupping, or coffee tasting, is the practice of observing the tastes and aromas of brewed coffee. Join us to sample coffees from around the world side-by-side, develop your palate and discover coffees you love that you never knew existed!

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Moschetti Coffee
• 11 Sixth St. (Curtola Pkwy. & Solano Ave.), Vallejo

Farmers' Market

Shop here for a great selection of California-grown greens, fruits & veggies, as well as some nice specialty booths with baked goods, tamales and food trucks with down-to-earth prices.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets, Vallejo

The Global Holiday Faire

Each year we sell Fair Trade items from around the world, along with local organizations to raise money for several non-profits. One stop shopping for all your holiday giving! Find that special something for that person who has it all. Music and entertainment all day.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• First Christian Church
• 1035 Indiana St., Vallejo

Breakfast with Santa session 2

Santa is coming into town early just to have breakfast with us! Join him and enjoy a delicious meal at the Vallejo Community Center's annual Breakfast with Santa. Photo opportunities available. Registration is required. $7 each Vallejo residents, $10 each nonresidents.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Community Center
• 225 Amador St., Vallejo

Mad Hatter Holiday Festival and Parade

Join the magic of the 13th Annual Festival & Parade on Georgia Street! All-day fun awaits with live entertainment, food, art, and characters! Crowning of this year's Grand Marshal LaRussell at the Queen’s Stage at 1pm, the grand parade at 4pm, tree lighting, and a sparkling boat parade finale!

• Sat, noon to 6:30 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets, Vallejo

Christmas Dickens' Tea and Dance

Guests will step into a world of Victorian charm, filled with delightful music, authentic character portrayals, and festive fun. We’re inviting theatrical performers, musicians, and vendors to join us, dressed as their favorite Dickens character or group of characters, to create an immersive experience for our guests. Proceeds benefit Vallejo Project and breast cancer awareness.

• Sat, 4 to 10 p.m.
• Dance Unlimited
• 510 Georgia St, Vallejo

Festival of Lights

Come celebrate the season at Children's Winter Wonderland! We'll have the park open Friday through Sunday in the evenings. Bring your family down to check out the lights!

• Sat, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St., Vallejo

Janie & The Reformed

Join us for an evening with Janie & The Reformed as they bring a collection of covers to our stage ranging from classic rock, country, blues and more! This event will be following the Mad Hatter Christmas Parade. Join us for warm beverages and delicious food.

• Sat, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122, Vallejo

Live Music Saturday with Laura & Anton

Laura Weinbach and Anton Patzner of Bay Area indie art-pop group Foxtails Brigade, tapers down from their usual full-band arrangement to an intimate French-cafe jazz duo.

• Sat, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. Ferry Taproom
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Mad Hatter Parade afterparty

Join us in the Empress Marquee Lounge following the Mad Hatter Parade and tree lighting ceremony for libations and music by Takezo Takeda. Takeda has performed as a rhythm and blues singer/guitarist with artists such as Elvin Bishop, Angela Strehli, Joe Louis Walker, Norton Buffalo, and many others.

• Sat, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Empress Theatre Lounge
• 324 Virginia St., Vallejo

The Last Night of Ballyhoo

Bay Area Stage Productions presents the Tony Award winning play, The Last Night Of Ballyhoo, written by Alfred Uhry. This play is set in the upper class German-Jewish community living in Atlanta, Georgia in December 1939. A Jewish family so highly assimilated they have a Christmas tree in the front parlor are looking forward to Ballyhoo, a lavish cotillion ball sponsored by their restrictive country club. Joe Farkas is an attractive eligible bachelor and an Eastern European Jew, familiar with prejudice but unable to fathom its existence within his own religious community. His presence prompts college student Sunny to examine intra-ethnic bias, her Jewish identity (or lack thereof), and the beliefs with which she’s been raised.

• Sat, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St., Vallejo

Sunday, December 8

St. Peter's Chapel - Self-guided Tour

A museum by itself, St. Peter's Chapel, built in 1901, is known for its large collection of stunning Tiffany windows, vaulted ceilings with exposed redwood beams, and historic plaques. You’ll find yourself in awe of the craftsmanship on display. Docents will be available to answer all your questions. All we ask is a $5 donation toward the chapel maintenance fund.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

2024 Holiday Open House

'Tis the Season for our 5th Annual Holiday Open House!‍ Gather-up your family and friends for an all-fun and no-stress festive afternoon at our Coal Shed Brewery. Our Holiday Open House is back—and as always, there's no better way to kick-off the holiday season. So, join us for beers, holiday cheers, and family-friendly shenanigans.‍

• Sun, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. – Coal Shed Brewery
• 850 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

The Last Night of Ballyhoo

Bay Area Stage Productions presents the Tony Award winning play, The Last Night Of Ballyhoo, written by Alfred Uhry. This play is set in the upper class German-Jewish community living in Atlanta, Georgia in December 1939. A Jewish family so highly assimilated they have a Christmas tree in the front parlor are looking forward to Ballyhoo, a lavish cotillion ball sponsored by their restrictive country club. Joe Farkas is an attractive eligible bachelor and an Eastern European Jew, familiar with prejudice but unable to fathom its existence within his own religious community. His presence prompts college student Sunny to examine intra-ethnic bias, her Jewish identity (or lack thereof), and the beliefs with which she’s been raised.

• Sun, 3 to 6 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St., Vallejo

VOENA Children’s Choir - Voices of Christmas Bells

Celebrate the holidays with this magical concert by VOENA Children’s Choir. They will present a full musical and visual experience of familiar carols, accompanied by St. Peter Chapel’s own silver handbells and guest percussion artist Drumdala.

• Sun, 3 to 4:15 pm
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Festival of Lights

Come celebrate the season at Children's Winter Wonderland! We'll have the park open Friday through Sunday in the evenings. Bring your family down to check out the lights!

• Sun, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St., Vallejo

Candlelight Concert: VOENA Children’s Choir - Voices of Christmas Bells

Celebrate the holidays with this magical concert by VOENA Children’s Choir. They will present a full musical and visual experience of familiar carols, accompanied by St. Peter Chapel’s own silver handbells and guest percussion artist Drumdala All in St. Peter’s Chapel illuminated by scores of candles!

• Sun, 6 to 7:15 pm
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Monday, December 9

Movement with Mary Jane

Movement with Mary Jane is a guided movement flow to enhance the mind, body, spirit connection. This is an infused experience for people 21 and over, unless you have a doctor’s recommendation.

• Mon, 6 to 9 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

Tuesday, December 10

Vallejo CreativiTea Club

Get together with your downtown arts community to work side by side on art projects while sipping tea and listening to music. Bring a project you're working on, or get inspired to start something fresh. We will have some art supplies available. This free event is open to all ages and skill levels.

• Tues, 6 to 9 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are hybrid in-person and on Zoom. The agenda will be posted on the City Agendas & Videos web page a minimum of 72 hours in advance of the meeting.

• Tues, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Vallejo City Hall
• 555 Santa Clara St., Vallejo