Good Morning Tri-Valley! Bundle up, it’s cold!

Until this year, I had no idea Winterfest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom even existed — and it’s only a 40-minute drive from the Tri-Valley! How did I miss this? The park transforms into a full winter wonderland, complete with holiday magic, treats, festive shows, and at night… an absolutely dazzling display of Christmas lights.

We went last weekend and had such a blast. Here’s what you should know so you can make the most of it: get there right when the park opens. Most Winterfest days start at 2pm, and that early window is gold — we walked onto the biggest rides (Superman, Batman, Medusa and more) with barely a 5-minute wait for the first few hours. If you’re bringing younger kids, there are tons of rides for them too, plus cookie decorating, photos with Santa, the North Pole Craft Depot, and a super cute post office for letters to Santa.

And don’t miss the nightly Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30pm — dancing, singing, and a big countdown that lights up the giant tree in Hometown Square. Total holiday moment.

Food-wise… game changer. Discovery Kingdom really delivers during Winterfest. We loved the French Onion Dip Burger, Loaded Potato Soup in a Bread Bowl, Pumpkin Spice Churros, and the dangerously good Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread. Splurge on the unlimited hot chocolate mug — it’s about $12 and totally worth it. You get free refills all night, and it’s the perfect cozy treat to sip as you wander through the park, taking in the holiday lights and the festive actors dressed head-to-toe in Christmas cheer.

As we left, strolling under what felt like hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, we were already talking about coming back. It was such a fun, festive night for the whole family. Tickets start at only $39 - plan your trip today!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s Winterfest is open now through January 4th, 2026. Be sure to check their website for hours and days of operation.

Looking for the perfect Christmas lights adventure? I’ve got you!
This year I drove all over Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, and Danville — plus sifted through maps, city contests, and community tips — to create the ultimate Tri-Valley Holiday Lights Guide. Whether you want magical walk-through experiences, musical light shows, or quick drive-bys with the kids in pajamas, this roundup has something for everyone.

Each route includes multiple stops, Google Map links, insider tips, and the best times to go — all designed to make your night out easy, festive, and totally magical. So cue up the Christmas playlist, pour some cocoa in travel mugs, and hit the road… your new favorite holiday tradition starts here. 🎄✨

Big news from the Department of Energy: the new Genesis Mission is launching a nationwide effort to supercharge American science and innovation — and it has major implications right here in the Tri-Valley.

While the announcement covers all 17 national labs, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is uniquely positioned to lead. With world-class supercomputing, AI research, and groundbreaking work in energy and national security, LLNL is expected to be a core driver of this mission’s goals.

For our community, this could mean expanded research programs, new jobs, stronger partnerships with local schools, and continued national visibility for Livermore as a hub of cutting-edge science. It may also bring infrastructure upgrades and opportunities for local businesses that support the Lab’s growth.

We’ll keep following this story as it unfolds — but one thing is clear: big innovation is brewing right in our backyard.

This Saturday is Wingen Wonderland - a festive day of holiday treats and over a dozen vendors for their Holiday Market! And you know Wingen will have some festive food and drink offerings too!

You are invited to a Holiday Pop-Up organized by some of Village High School's Adult Transition students. The proceeds will be funding new opportunities for our young adults to continue learning important life skills. Please bring cash / checks only.  December 11^th from 10am to 1pm, located next to the Beestro at 5758 W. Las Positas blvd. in Pleasanton.