December is here, filling San Bernardino County with bright lights, cozy gatherings, and a full spread of creative celebrations. Holiday concerts, makers markets, art walks, and community traditions are popping up in every corner of the region, offering countless ways to support local artists and enjoy the season together. Here is what is happening across the county this December!
Valley Happenings
Christmas Craft Fair
Wednesday, Dec 3rd | 11:00 AM
Flores Senior Center | 111 W. Lugonia Ave., Redlands, CA 92374
The Christmas Craft Fair invites visitors to browse a wide selection of handcrafted pieces made by local artisans, offering an easy way to find thoughtful gifts just in time for the holidays. Shoppers can explore jewelry, home décor, soaps, Afghans, and plenty of one-of-a-kind creations while enjoying the warm, community focused atmosphere. The fair runs alongside the Family Service Association’s daily lunch at the center, where guests sixty and older are invited to enjoy a meal with a suggested three-dollar donation, and all others can dine for nine seventy-five.
The Nutcracker
Friday, Dec 5th & 6th | 11:00 AM
Yucaipa Performing Arts Center | 12062 California St., Yucaipa, CA 92399
The Nutcracker returns to the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center, bringing audiences back into a magical world filled with dancing snowflakes, sugar plum fairies, and all the wonder that makes this classic a holiday favorite. Presented by YPAC and Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet, the production showcases stunning choreography, beautiful costumes, and a timeless story that continues to charm families year after year. The show regularly sells out, so early ticket purchases are highly recommended.
Colton Christmas Parade + Winter Wonderland
Saturday, Dec 13th | 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Fleming Park | 525 N. La Cadena Dr., Colton, CA 92324
The City of Colton and the Colton Chamber of Commerce are teaming up for a full day of holiday spirit, starting with the Colton Christmas Parade at 10 AM as local schools, organizations, and performers fill Valley Boulevard with seasonal cheer. After the parade, the celebration continues at Fleming Park for Winter Wonderland, a family friendly festival packed with live entertainment, photo ops, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, walk through story time, class showcases, and plenty of food and vendor booths. Light refreshments will be available at the Colton Downtown Paseo while supplies last. From crafting and music to treats and community moments, Winter Wonderland offers a festive kickoff to the season.
The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra presents… A Christmas Festival!
Saturday, Dec 13th | 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
California Theatre of the Performing Arts | 562 W. 4th St., San Bernardino, CA 92401
Maestro Anthony Parnther and the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra return with their beloved holiday tradition, A Christmas Festival, bringing together musicians, vocalists, dancers, and special guests for an afternoon packed with festive joy. It is the kind of feel good performance that can warm even the grumpiest Grinch. Adult tickets start at twenty dollars, and kids can always enjoy the concert for just fifteen.
Miracle on Court Street + DTSB Art Walk
Saturday, Dec 13th | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Downtown San Bernardino | 468 W. 5th St., San Bernardino, CA 92401 Miracle on Court Street is bringing a full lineup of holiday activities to downtown San Bernardino with daily snow, letters to Santa, arts and crafts, a s’more station, storytime, and ten dollar ice skating sessions. Alongside the seasonal fun, the DTSB Art Walk is creating space for local artists and makers to showcase their work and offer unique, handmade gifts for holiday shoppers. The Art Walk does more than fill the street with creativity. It gives local artists a steady platform to share their work, brings people into the heart of downtown, and supports a growing ecosystem of arts driven community building in San Bernardino. It is an easy way to enjoy the season while supporting the artists who keep our region’s creative culture moving forward.
SBSYOs Winter Concert
Sunday, Dec 14th | 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium | 701 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., San Bernardino CA 92410
The San Bernardino Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Overture Orchestra are teaming up for their annual holiday concert, bringing families together for an afternoon of seasonal music and student talent. It is an easygoing, community centered performance that highlights young musicians from across the region. Tickets are general admission and just ten dollars, making it an accessible way to enjoy live music during the holidays.
West Valley Happenings
First Thursdays & In the Vault: Felted Joy in Ontario’s History
Thursday, Dec 4th | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Ontario Museum | 225 S. Euclid Ave., Ontario CA 91762
This season’s drop in art activity invites families to slow down, explore festive images, vintage hand puppets, and decorative objects, and then create a felt charm inspired by the holidays. It is a simple, hands on workshop where participants can make something to take home or to gift, and all materials are provided.
Miracle On 34th Street, The Play
Friday, Dec 5th – 20th | Times Vary
Chino Community Theatre | 13123 Seventh St., Chino, CA 91710
Miracle on 34th Street returns to the CCT stage for the first time since 1998, bringing back one of the most cherished holiday stories of all time. The production stays true to the classic 1947 film, where a young girl questions the existence of Santa Claus and a kindly Macy’s “Kris Kringle” finds himself in court defending who he truly is. The Santa Cruz Sentinel describes the story as one we deeply want to believe in, a world where kindness and generosity still matter and where the spirit of the season feels real. This stage production captures all of that charm, offering a warm, nostalgic experience that can make even the biggest Scrooge believe in Santa again.
Let’s Paint Loose with Sandy Garcia: Exploring Loose Strokes in Folk Art
Saturday, Dec 6th | 11 AM – 2 PM
Sam And Alfreda Maloof Foundation For Arts And Crafts | 5131 Carnelian St., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701
Acclaimed folk artist Sandy Garcia is hosting a playful, beginner friendly workshop that celebrates loose brushwork, bold acrylics, and the joy of painting without overthinking. Participants will experiment with expressive folk art techniques on canvas, exploring intuition and creativity in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Sandy guides the session with an emphasis on freedom and personal style, making it a great fit for both seasoned artists and first time painters. All materials are included, and everyone leaves with a one of a kind artwork and a fresh spark of creative energy.
Hometown Holiday Parade & Faire
Saturday, Dec 6th | 1:30 PM
Historic Downtown Upland | 305 N 2nd Ave., Upland, CA 91786 Upland’s Hometown Holiday Parade and Faire is back with even more to experience, turning Downtown Upland into a full winter celebration for families and friends. The traditional parade sets the tone, showcasing the neighborhood’s festive spirit and community pride. Throughout the event, visitors can meet live reindeer, hop on a holiday Upland’s Hometown Holiday Parade and Faire is back with even more to experience, turning Downtown Upland into a full winter celebration for families and friends. The traditional parade sets the tone, showcasing the neighborhood’s festive spirit and community pride. Throughout the event, visitors can meet live reindeer, hop on a holiday train ride, enjoy pony rides, play games, make crafts, and snack on seasonal treats, with some activities offered for a small fee. Santa will be on site for photos, food vendors will be out in full force with a mix of local restaurants and international flavors, and the Holiday Craft Boutique offers plenty of opportunities to find unique gifts. A dedicated kids stage rounds out the night with performances from local groups and familiar holiday tunes. It is an easy, cheerful way to celebrate the season in the heart of Upland.
High Desert Happenings
Jingle and Mingle Holiday Cabaret
Friday, Dec 5th – 7th | Time Varies
Cultural Arts Center of the High Desert | 15615 8th St., Victorville, CA 92395
Jingle and Mingle Cabaret is rolling out the holiday cheer with three nights of festive chaos and community magic. From December 5 to 7, the Cultural Arts Center of the High Desert transforms into an interactive holiday playground, complete with live renditions of beloved seasonal songs, surprise giveaways, and an all out Ugly Sweater Contest that rewards both impeccable fashion sense and delightfully questionable choices. It is a cozy, high energy way to plug into the season and celebrate with the local arts community.
Winter Wonderland Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, Dec 6th | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
17205 Eucalyptus St., Suite A2, Hesperia, CA 92345
This holiday pop up brings all the seasonal energy with great food, local makers, and plenty of family friendly magic. Visitors can grab crowd favorites like Bill’s Amazing BBQ, Conchitas Coffee, Antojitos Mexicanos Y Mas, Jayden’s Big Heart Hotdogs, and more. After eating, guests can explore rows of vendors offering jewelry, boutique fashion, candles, 3D prints, preserves, crafts, décor, and unique holiday gifts. The lineup features Salsa Divas, Patch Hat Bar, Anna’s Jewels, Amber’s Creations, Crafty Antics, and many others, creating an easy way to support small businesses while checking off gift lists. A community toy drive rounds out the event and invites everyone to bring a toy and help brighten the season for kids in need.
A Medieval Christmas— Joshua Tree Philharmonic
Thursday, Dec 11th | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Blak Box Theater in Joshua Tree | 61231 Hwy 62, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
The Joshua Tree Philharmonic is stepping into its twenty second season with A Medieval Christmas, a concert series running December 11 to 14 that channels timeless winter tales through powerful orchestral storytelling. Led by Maestro Jarrod Radnich, the ensemble performs a rich setlist featuring classics like Gaudete, Coventry Carol, Greensleeves, Ríu Ríu Chíu, Fum Fum Fum, and selections from the O Antiphons. The result is an atmospheric throwback to a distant era, blending artistry and imagination in a way that keeps audiences coming back year after year. Tickets regularly sell out, all seating is reserved, and a cash or credit bar will be available. Guests can purchase tickets online or buy in person at the Joshua Tree Blak Box office, and all attendees must be at least five years old.
Kids Art Day
Sunday, Dec 21st | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Hi-Desert Artists | 55635 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Hi Desert Artists is rallying the community to help fuel a Kids Art Day where every child who attends will receive a kit packed with age appropriate art supplies. Young creatives can jump into hands-on projects inside the HDA Gallery, guided by local teachers and artists who are ready to spark imagination and keep the creative energy flowing. Donations go directly toward the supplies and activities, making it an easy way for supporters to help nurture the next generation of artists.
Mountain Happenings
Blue Jay Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec 6th | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Downtown Blue Jay | Hwy-189, Blue Jay, CA 92317
The Blue Jay Christmas Parade is gearing up for another year of pure mountain magic, embracing its 2025 theme, There’s Magic in the Mountains. Known for being one of the shortest parades in the country, this beloved local tradition still packs in plenty of charm with community groups, festive characters, and silly surprises that keep the crowd entertained from start to finish. It is a quick, quirky, and joy filled celebration that brings the whole town together.
H.D. Glass Artist Exhibition
Saturday, Dec 6th | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Wrightwood Arts Center | 6045 Park Dr., Wrightwood, CA 92397
This winter exhibit invites visitors to dive into the world of glass art and hear the stories woven into each piece directly from the artists who created them. The showcase features work by David Svenson, Kazumi Svenson, Ben Wilson, Reyna Rivera, Asha Ramirez, Colleen Sparlin, Chiara Lutz, Jill Payne, and Lurch, offering a wide spectrum of styles and approaches. The exhibit remains on view through the end of December, is free for all ages, and includes light refreshments for anyone who wants to linger and explore.
Student Showcase Holiday Concert
Sunday, Dec 14th | 4:00 PM
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church | 27627 Rim of the World Dr., Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Arrowhead Arts Association is bringing the community together for a warm and welcoming holiday concert featuring students from its music programs and lesson scholarship recipients. This free performance highlights young musicians sharing their hard earned skills and seasonal favorites, creating an uplifting space for families and neighbors to celebrate together. While admission is free, donations are encouraged to help support the next generation of student performers.
Christkindlmarkt 2025
Saturday, Dec 20th | 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Big Bear Convention Center | 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Big Bear’s original Christkindlmarkt is leveling up again this year, blending German traditions with local holiday flair for a full day of festive fun. Guests can squeeze in some last minute shopping, catch live entertainment from Southern Spirit, and jump into hands-on activities like gingerbread cookie decorating, ornament making, and playful contests for all ages. The beloved Wishing Tree invites visitors to make a wish and hang an ornament, adding to the community magic. Plus, Christkindl and St. Nicholas will be roaming for photo ops, bringing classic holiday characters to life throughout the event.
