couple leaning in for kiss under mistletoe

Can’t-Miss Holiday Events and Date Ideas in Livermore, CA

There’s nothing as charming as Livermore, California, during the holiday season; it’s what makes our city unique. The many holiday events offer endless ways to celebrate the season, from our stunning festive lights to cozy wine tastings and tours. And if you’re planning a romantic escape or simply looking for some fantastic date ideas, Livermore is the perfect place for an unforgettable holiday season.

Check out the tree lighting and holiday parade. Then, enjoy a holiday wine-tasting or wine-pairing event. Better yet, take a festive vineyard trolly tour. And plenty of other entertaining events, such as Christmas concerts and theatrical performances, also make fantastic holiday date ideas!

To help you make the most of your romantic holiday escape, we’ve curated our best list of fun and festive events you can enjoy together. So, let’s start with a great glass of holiday cheer!

Sip, Nibble, and Celebrate

Livermore’s “Holidays in the Vineyards” is a fun and cherished seasonal event. Several local wineries offer good times, great sips and food pairings, and even some holiday shopping. This event is held each December for a weekend of celebration. You’ll sip on award-winning wines, including mulled wine, in the beautifully decorated wineries.

Holidays in the Vineyards often includes seasonal wine tastings, food pairings with tasty holiday treats, live music, shopping wine specials and local artisans, activities, and plenty of great cheer. Additionally, the Livermore Valley Wine Community has partnered with Pacific States Petroleum for a Toys for Tots drive. So, be sure to bring a toy to donate to support this fantastic charity.

Admission to Holidays in the Vineyards event is free, but tasting fees may apply.

christmas winter decor on display

Festive Tours of Twinkling Vineyards

The Lights of Livermore Wine Trolley Tour is one of the best ways to spend a cozy evening together, celebrating the season while sipping some of the area’s best wines. You get the best of both worlds — a fantastic and elegant one-hour wine tasting and the opportunity to see Livermore’s gorgeous holiday light display.

Besides the initial wine tasting at the winery where you begin, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a holiday-tasting experience from participating local wineries throughout the tour. Enjoy cheerful holiday music as a trolley transports you throughout an enchanting festive wonderland.

Stops include vineyards with stunning light displays, decorated estates, and the best light displays in our town. The entire Lights of Livermore Wine Trolley tour lasts about an hour. It gives you plenty of time to soak in the holiday spirit, explore Livermore’s wine country at its most dazzling, and enjoy Livermore’s most fantastic holiday light displays for a memorable date night.

Catch the Parade Magic

What’s more festive than a holiday parade? Livermore’s downtown also hosts the Lights and Sounds Parade each year. The parade features lighted floats bursting with color, festive decor, and performances by local businesses, bands, schools, and clubs.

The parade would make any date magical for couples looking for an enchanting evening together. So, bring your chair and arrive early to enjoy the parade’s captivating floats, marching bands, and holiday performances.

Enjoy a pre-parade dinner at one of Livermore’s charming restaurants nearby, or savor a glass of local wine before the parade begins.

Explore a Festive Winter Wonderland

Need another charming date idea this holiday season? Head to Carnegie Park in downtown Livermore. The Holiday Village in the Park makes for an enchanting date night. Embrace the season’s magic together in this cozy holiday village filled with twinkling lights. You’ll also have a chance to stroll by Christmas light displays, sample some seasonal treats, and shop for holiday gifts at the local artisan booths.

Warm up with some hot cocoa and share a memorable evening. There’ll be live music performances throughout the evening and a chance to imbibe on some festive sips or suds.

Light Up Your Evening

The Dublin Annual Holiday Tree Lighting offers yet another fantastic date idea. This activity is also fun for the entire family. You’ll experience the festive energy surrounding the lighting of the Dublin holiday tree at the Dublin Civic Center.

The Clover Trackless Express will be featured at the event. Grab some hot chocolate and cookies while admiring the illuminated 30-foot tree and its holiday finest.

Stroll, Sip, and Stay Cozy

Grab your ugly sweaters; we’ve got a fun and charming holiday date idea for you. The Spirit and Sweater Stroll is coming to town again.

This fun and festive event begins at the Museum on Main, where you’ll snag your event glass, wristband, and map. From there, explore the different stops on the map to imbibe holiday spirits and cocktails carefully crafted by local shops and restaurants for this event. 

Bring your camera for photo opportunities along the way, and enjoy a night full of jolly and cheer.

exterior purple orchid inn

Plan Your Romantic Holiday Escape

Get ready for an unforgettable season, enjoying the many holiday events in Livermore, California. From festive wine tastings and enchanting Christmas light tours to parade magic and holiday bar crawls, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season together.

Enjoy a magical time together, whether you’re sipping wines or shopping at the holiday markets. When the evening’s events have ended, head back to The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort and Spa. Enjoy a blissful evening of relaxation, but reserve your room early.

Photo Credit: © Syda Productions via canva.com, © Serena Koi via canva.com