4th of July Events in Davis

The 4th of July Celebration in Davis is chock full of events all day long. Plenty of things to do to keep the family entertained. Plus, if you are hosting an event at your home, you can take a break and head to the event location to participate in the festivities.

Helen Pool 4th of July Criterium: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The Helen Pool 4th of July Criterium returns for 2026. This bicycling event kicks-off in Downtown Davis early Saturday morning with the competition part of the program beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Start/Finish line which is near the corners of 3rd St and E St. The criterium program continues throughout the day with prizes and awards wrapping-up around 5:30 p.m. This is a full day of racing that cycling competitors and enthusiasts are sure to enjoy!

Kiwanis Club 4th of July Kiddie Parade: On Hiatus

The Annual Kiwanis Club 4th of July Kiddie Parade appears to be on hiatus. From my understanding, the parade did not materialize in 2025 and no information is available for 2026. We are disappointed as this fun, family-packed, and extremely short parade was a fun celebration of our country's birthday. Hoping that the Kiwanis Club will be able to organize the parade for 2026. Will keep you posted.

Community Park Celebration: 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The focal point for the 4th of July celebration is in Davis is Community Park. Here you will find plenty of things to do before the fantastic pyrotechnics show in the sky.

• 4:00 - 9:30 p.m. - Play in the park and enjoy snacks and treats which are available for purchase from many of our local non-profit groups.
• 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Enjoy a free game zone coordinated by Discovery Christian Church.
• 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. - Live music coordinated by the Davis Live Music Collective.
  • 6:30 p.m. - Rainbow City Park
  • 8:00 p.m. - RonKat Spearman's Katdelic 
• 9:35 p.m - Fireworks display which runs approximately 15 minutes.

Fourth of July Criterium for 2026

The Davis 4th of July Criterium is returning again for 2026. The announcement for the Helen Pool 4th of July Criterium was made in November 2025.

For 2026, the Davis 4th of July Criterium is again using thier new course route. Previously, the race track was a circular(ish) route. The continuing track layout is a "figure-eight" layout with a distance of approximately 0.7 miles.

This style of layout is a huge plus for spectators. With eight corners on the route, it will definitely provide plenty of photo opportunities for those who find a spot at the corners or the cross-over.

This layout better balances the number of right turns and left turns; as opposed to a circular or "L-shaped" track.

Registration information should be available soon.

Racing for the 4th of July Criterium begins at 8 a.m. Racing and medals continue throughout the day and wraps-up around 5:30 p.m.

Honoring Helen Pool

The 4th of July Criterium for 2026 is being held in honor of Helen Pool and her lifelong commitment to the support of bicycling. Helen was the owner of B&L Bike shop in Davis, CA and Foy's Bike Shop in Woodland, CA.

Kiwanis Kiddie Parade

Still, for 2026, there is no information available for the Kiwanis Club 4th of July Kiddie Parade. Hopefully, it will return this year as this was a wonderful and fun 2-block parade in Downtown Davis.

Kiwanis Kiddie Parade Photos

Live Music on the 4th of July

Live music to keep the masses entertained for this 250th birthday party. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. and plays all the way up to the fireworks show. Coordinated by the Davis Live Music Collective, this free public concert brings a variety of regional bands to the stage. The diverse selection of music makes the Davis 4th of July Celebration the perfect place to learn about and enjoy the regional music scene.

The live music lineup for the 2026 Davis 4th of July is:

• 6:30 p.m. - Rainbow City Park
• 8:00 p.m. - Ronkat Spearman

Learn more about the 4th of July music lineup at the Davis Live Music Collective

Headliner: The Coffis Brothers performing live at the City of Davis 4th of July Celebration (2022).

Fireworks Show

The Fourth of July Celebration in Davis ends with a 15-minute fireworks display. I would say that the show lasts a bit longer than 15 minutes. But, when you are watching a fireworks show of this caliber, you have a tendency to lose track of time. Regardless, this is one FANTASTIC fireworks display. It is something you will be talking about for days to come.

Remember, this display is the only safe and legal use of fireworks that is allowed in Davis. For public safety, a City ordinance prohibits the use or discharge of fireworks or any substances designed for pyrotechnic display. The sale of any type of fireworks within the City of Davis boundaries is also prohibited.

The Only Show in Town

The Fourth of July fireworks show in Davis is a must see event...and you don't want to miss it. If you do miss it, you won't be able to see any fireworks in our fair burg unless it is on the Fourth of July.

That is correct. No firework shows in Davis, CA unless it is on the Fourth of July.

During a January 2023 City Council meeting, the Council banned all firework shows in Davis, except for the show on the Fourth of July.

You can read the details in the Davis Enterprise.

4th of July Photo Gallery

Where can I watch fireworks in Davis CA?

The best spot in Davis to watch the fireworks is at Community Park. The large fields right next to the fireworks launching area is perfect for viewing the fireworks almost right overhead. In addition to the explosions overhead, music can be heard; a nice accompaniment to our Country’s birthday celebration.

Right next to Community Park is North Davis Elementary School. This is another great spot to watch the fireworks. Only a couple hundred yards further away, families can gather and watch the show and participate in the festivities.

Another great location in Davis is the Greenbelt just north of Davis Senior High School. Many families prefer this location to watch the show as it is a little bit quieter than watching the show from Community Park, lighter crowds, and easier parking. In the years that I have been attending the fireworks show, I like to find a nice spot in the Greenbelt.

If you are lucky enough to live near Community Park, your backyard or front yard could be the best place to watch the “rocket’s red glare.”

Are fireworks illegal in Davis CA?

Davis Municipal Code prohibits the use of fireworks within the City limits. The Municipal Code is as follows:

13.02.010 Fireworks — Defined.

The term "fireworks" as used in this chapter shall be held to mean firecrackers, rockets, torpedoes, roman candles, toy pistols, toy cannons, detonating canes, blank cartridges, sparklers, squibs and other devices designed and intended for pyrotechnic display. (Ord. 2303 § 2, 2007)

So if you plan on heading to Woodland or Sacramento to pick up some “safe and sane” fireworks and bring them to Davis, it is probably not a good idea to do so.

Here is the full code related to fireworks in Davis, CA.

https://library.qcode.us/lib/davis_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/chapter_13-article_13_02?view=all

Other Resources

For questions about Fourth of July activities, contact the City of Davis City Manager’s Office at 530-757-5602 or cmoweb@cityofdavis.org.

City of Davis website

Whole Earth Festival Photo Gallery

How do I get involved with the Whole Earth Festival?

Many people ask how to support WEF. You can support this event in two ways; finacial support and volunteer support.

Finacial Support

The Whole Earth Festival is supported thorough the vendors who apply and through the contributions of individuals and external organizations (non-UC Davis). Combined, these groups make it possible for WEF to continue it's mission of supporting activism, wellness, and environmental sustainability.

The ASUCD Whole Earth Festival is a 501(C)3 and donations can be made here.

Volunteer Support

Volunteers make WEF happen. Sign-up to volunteer at WEF.

112th UC Davis Picnic Day Quick Links

UC Davis Picnic Day Returns in April 2026

UC Davis Picnic Day returns to the UC Davis campus on April 18, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to information found on the UC Davis Picnic Day website.

What exactly is Picnic Day at UC Davis?

The 112th UCD Picnic Day is an "open house" for the University of California, Davis campus. The first Picnic day was in 1909 when the University Farm invited the community to see their new dairy barn. Thousands of visitors arrived brining their own picnic lunches to enjoy while touring the new facility.

Since then, the event has grown into a major regional event that showcases the diversity and achievements of the UC Davis campus. UC Davis Picnic Day is a one-day event that attracts 70,000+ students, staff, parents, alumni, and community members to see over 200 events, including the UC Davis Picnic Day Parade.

See more on the history of UCD's Picnic Day.

Check Back Often

Details are still forthcoming for the 112th UC Davis Picnic Day celebration. Will keep you posted about all parade-day information as it surfaces.

What is the theme for the 2026 UCD Picnic Day?

The theme for the 112th (2026) UCD Picnic Day is "The Journey Home: Destination Davis."

The theme is selected by the students who organise the event. The announcment was made on November 17, 2025.

Also announced by the Picnic Day board is that the parade marshal for the 112th UC Davis Picnic Day Parade will be the Student Affairs senior research associate, Paul Cody, Ed.D. Mr. Cody is a longtime staff advisor for Picnic Day.

Past Themes

With each new Picnic Day comes a new theme. And with the UC Davis Picnic Day starting in 1909, there have been quite a few themes over the years.

It is important to note that although UC Davis Picnic Day started in 1909, the first record of a UC Davis Picnic Day theme begins in 1923. There have also been a number of years where themes are not listed.

If you are interested in reviewing the themes of yesteryear, have a look at: https://picnicday.ucdavis.edu/theme.

Picnic Day Schedule of Events

On the Official UC Davis Picnic Day website, you will see what is in store for visitors to the UC Davis campus. A full line-up of events are to be scheduled for the 2026 UC Davis Picnic Day.

The traditional favorites should definitely be back! Plus much, much more.

• Picnic Day Parade
• Battle of the Bands
• Frisbee-dog throwing contest (Hutchinson Field)
• Doxie Races
• Chemistry Magic Show
• Laser Maze
• Food on the Quad
• Live Entertainment

You can view the PDF of the UC Davis Picnic Day Schedule right here...

There is a lot happening on the UC Davis campus for Picnic Day. What you need is a schedule of events to help plan your visit.

Still waiting for a full event schedule. But here is an online resource (from 2025) to find a specific event at UC Davis Picnic Day.

Picnic Day Tickets

Do you need tickets for Picnic Day? Well, the anser is both No and Yes. Tickets are not needed to attend Picnic Day at UC Davis. The celebration is a free student-run Open House that generously welcomes all to visit and enjoy the many shows, exhibitions, animal events, and live music and performances that make Picnic Day and the Davis, CA community the place to be in the month of April.

Some events do require tickets. Tickets are free to these events. The purpose of these tickets is to manage attendance to these wildly popular events.  For some events, the lines stretch for days and there would be no guarantee that you would be able to see the show. Issuing tickets helps reduce the stress of attending the events and makes for a more enjoyable experience.

Picnic Day Shows with Tickets in 2026

Chemistry Magic Show

For quite a few years, the Chemistry Magic Show has required pre-ticketing. This show is extremely popular and has been impacted for many years. Attending the show has transformed from standing in line for the shows on the day of the event, to issuing tickets on the morning of Picnic Day, to online ticketing.

In 2025, tickets to the Chemistry Magic Show were available at:

https://chemistry.ucdavis.edu/chemistry-magic-show

Doxie Derby

The Doxie Derby is another fan favorite at the UC Davis Picnic Day. Long lines are common to enter the event. Plus, the ARC Pavillion is generally at maximum capacity to watch the races.

In 2025, tickets were available online. According the the UD Davis Picnic Day IG account, tickets will be released on the following schedule:

• April 1 - Students
• April 2 - Facutly and Staff
• April 3 - General Public

Will try to get the link for you. Otherwise visit their IG page for details.

Odd Fellows Pancake Breakfast - Picnic Day 2026

Looking for a great breakfast before joining in on the UC Davis Picnic Day fun?

Well, head on over to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Davis Lodge #169 and treat yourself to a wonderful Picnic Day Pancake Breakfast.

Picnic Day Breakfast at the Odd Fellows Lodge runs from 8:00 am to 10:30 am.

This Davis family tradition dates back over 70 years. The Odd Fellows have been serving-up fresh pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice, and fresh fruit on the morning of Picnic Day.

Not only is the breakfast delicious, it is ONLY $5! That is right. Only $5 USD. Plus, kids 5 years-old and under eat for free.

So, gather up the family and head over to the Odd Fellows Lodge Hall in Downtown Davis and enjoy a truly unique Davis tradition.

The Odd Fellows Lodge Hall is located at 415 Second Street in downtown Davis, CA.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/GfZGs7sTBjKnm56v7

Food Trucks

Although you may have stopped by the Odd Fellows Lodge in Downtown Davis and scored their absolutely delicious pancake breakfast, it is likely that you will work-up an appetite while visiting the many events, displays, and shows of the UC Davis Picnic Day. UC Davis is a big campus and you will get your "steps" in for the day. 

To help assuage those hunger pangs, check out the food trucks that have been strategically placed throughout the UC Davis campus. From Russell Field on the north to the Cole Facility on the south, there are plenty of food options to enjoy while experiencing the UC Davis Picnic Day.

Here is a map showing the locations of the food trucks, what food trucks are at that location, and the type of food they are offering.

Photography from previous Picnic Days

Enjoy this photo gallery of Picnic Day images from over the years. There are so many fun and interesting things to on and around the UC Davis campus.

Picnic Day and COVID

In 2020 and 2021, the UC Davis Picnic Day was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was disappointing that we were unable to participate and enjoy this this much loved community event. Fortunately, in 2022, we emerged from emerge from the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic and celebrate the UC Davis Picnic Day in-person.

In 2020, I visited the UC Davis campus for Picnic Day and captured images of the deserted campus. I combined the images from 2020 with images from prior Picnic Days. The photography is amazing. 

Parade Map

The UC Davis Picnic Day Parade is the biggest highlight of the day. The parade starts on campus, travels around the UC Davis Quad, and then winds its way through Downtown Davis. There are plenty of spots from which to watch the parade.

Here is a  map for the Picnic Day Parade Route for 2025 (based upon previous parade routes)  along with some choice locations to watch the parade and to grab a bite to eat. The parade route has not changed in years, so this should be good to go for 2026.

For the best views and some professional announcing, check out these locations along the parade route:

1. Grandstands on North Quad Ave. across from Wickson Hall
2. 2nd and D St. in front of Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate Inc.
3. F St. in front of PDQ Fingerprinting
4. 3rd and D St. near the Newsbeat

Davis Downtown Road Closures

As with any parade, there will be some road closures during the event. The parade route enters downtown Davis on First St, winds it's way across town on Second St, turns North onto F Street, and then heads back to campus on Third St. 

Expect the roads to be closed prior to the start of the UC Davis Picnic Day Parade and remain closed through the end of the parade. Vehicle traffic between First St and Fourth St from A St to G St will be impacted.

The best way to get around downtown Davis is by bicycle of by foot. Avoid the cars altogether when travelling to downtown Davis. 

Celebrate Safely on Picnic Day Weekend

As with any event, they come with their fair share of problems. The City of Davis and UC Davis are no strangers when it comes to "over celebration" on Picnic Day.

Due to the gun violence issues at Community Park in 2025, The City of Davis will be implementing a full prohibition on special event permits for the 2026 Picnic Day. This means that no special permits will be issued for April 18, 2026 in an effort to reduce congestions, improve emergency response times, and minimize risk to the community.

The City of Davis is currently notifying organizations of the new restrictions.

Changes for UC Davis Picnic Day 2026 includes:

• Increased law enforcement staffing
• Increased enforcement of laws
• Alcohol service regulations at local establishments
• Use of drones for enhanced enforcement
• Activation of an Emergency Operations Center
• Expanded Davis Fire Department operations
• Collaboration between UC Davis police and City of Davis police

Here is where you can read the entire news article in the Davis Enterprise. 

Will there be a Picnic Day Safety Enhancement Zone in effect? (2025 Info)

For 2025, the Safety Enhancement Zone will be in effect from 6:00 p.m. on Friday April 11 to 6:00 a.m. on Sunday April 13, 2025.

The City of Davis implements the Picnic Day Safety Enhancement Zone from 6:00 pm the evening prior to through 6:00 am the morning after of Picnic Day. So, from Friday evening to Sunday morning, think of safe ways to celebrate the rich history of UC Davis.

What happens in the Safety Enhancement Zone?

To help promote a safe celebration of Picnic Day, increased visibility of law enforcement and fines for violations shall be increased during the effective period of the Safety Enhancement Zone. Here are some examples of fines you may see. (Note: these are only examples. The actual fines are yet to be determined by the City of Davis)

New for 2026

For 2026, a new section of Davis is being included as part of the Safety Enhancement Zone (SEZ). The new area, in South Davis, is Walnut Park. This park is located 2700 Lillard Dr (on the south side of the street) between Cowell Blvd and Danbury St. The park is also adjacent to Korematsu Elementary School. All enhancement zone provisions now apply to Walnut Park for the duration of Picnic Day.

In 2024, the public park in East Davis was added to the Safety Enhancement Zone. The enhancements that covered the main zone were applied to Slide Hill Park in East Davis. The addition of Slide Hill Park was the result of a bit of "over indulgence" at the location. See the details at:

https://www.davisenterprise.com/news/slide-hill-park-added-to-safety-enhancement-zones-during-picnic-day-weekend/

More information on safely celebrating Picnic Day

A list of ideas on how to safely celebrate UC Davis Picnic Day along with a list of enhanced fines can be found at:

https://picnicday.ucdavis.edu/safe-celebrations/

Enhancement Zone Map

Here is a map of the Safety Enhancement Zone for 2025.  You can easily see what parts of Davis, CA are addressed by the ordinance.

Note: This map is for illustrative purposes only and may vary from the actual Safety Enhancement Zone Map. You can find more information about the Safety Enhancement Zone and the original map at:

https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/city-manager-s-office/community-events/picnic-day

Or view the Davis City Council agenda item at;

https://documents.cityofdavis.org/Media/Default/Documents/PDF/CityCouncil/CouncilMeetings/Agendas/2025/2025-03-18/04G-Safety-Zone-Picnic-Day-2025.pdf

Results: 2025 Readers' Choice Awards - The Best of Yolo County

DING! DING! DING! and a HO! HO! HO!

Ladies and Gentlemen, grab your overcoast, wrap your presents, and pack the sleigh, the Davis Downtown "Merry" Burger Battle is about to begin. This time, there is a holiday twist and I don't think this competition will be "merry" at all.

For 2025, the Davis Downtown Burger Battle falls smack dab in the middle of the holiday season. The whole month of December and January will be dedicated to the tastiest, most delicious classic, and possibly creative, holiday-themed burgers. I'm hoping there are plenty of cheeseburgers in the line-up.

Who will be "Naughty" and who will be "Nice?"

For this tasty battle, the proverbial gloves will come off and our fabulous downtown Davis eateries will be going "head to head" by creating and showcasing their best burgers, using their favorite ingredients, with amazing style, in a competition to see just who has the "Best Burger in Town" during the holiday season.

Who has the best burger in downtown Davis? Well, that is for you to decide. Well, it is.

Starting December 1, 2025 and continuing through January 31, 2026, visit participating restaurants and try out their championship-worthy holiday season(ed) burger creations. If 2024 was any indication of how 2025 will be, these burgers are going to be soooo goooood.

There will be an opportunity for you, Santa's helpers, to weigh in and cast your vote for the best burger in town.

Once the contest starts, you should be able to find a link to vote here.

Now, you may be thinking that burgers are strickly beef and bun. These championship burgers will likely go beyond the traditional and lean heavily into the creative arena. In the Davis Downtown Burger Battle, you will likely see burgers made with beef (of course), chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, veg, or a combination thereof. Will see what great combinations our talented burger chefs will come up with.

Regardless of their main component, these burgers should be the best-of-the-best.

Only you can determine which burger will reign supreme. As a burger enthusiast, you will get to grade burgers on overall taste, presentation, creativity, patty, toppings, and bun. These creations should be stacked with flavor and goodness.

Vote for Your Favorite Burger in Davis

The winner of this competition lies in your hands. You get to be the referee in this amazing Davis Downtown Merry Burger Battle of 2025.

Yes, the Merry Burger Battle of 2025 will be difficult as you must pick the restaurant(s) and the burger(s) to sample. There are plenty of delicious options to choose from in downtown Davis. But don't worry, together we will be able to get the best burger in town to the winner's podium.

Here is how it works.

Visit downtown restaurants that offer burgers on their menu or offer a signature burger as part of this contest.

Order a burger to sample for this contest. You probably will want to order a side of fries and a drink to go with that tasty burger.

Enjoy and remember to consider the following for when you vote. These will be a good set of criteria for determining just which downtown business is worthy of the title, "Best Burger in Davis."

• Overall Taste
• Presentation
• Creativity
• Patty
• Toppings
• Bun

And the final step is to go online and submit your entry for THE BEST BURGER in downtown Davis.

2025 Participating Businesses

Are you curious as to which businesses are participating in the Window Decorating Contest? Well, the wait is over.  Here is the list of businesses in the order published by the DDBA.

1. Aggie Yogurt & Bingsu | 425 2nd St. Ste. A
2. Akasha Yoga | 140 F St Ste 300
3. Avid & Co | 605 2nd St
4. Bella Luna Jewelers | 207 F St. Ste. A
5. Bohème Clothing & Gifts | 409 3rd St
6. Bubble Belly | 340 G Street, Ste. C
7. Fleet Feet Davis | 615 2nd St.
8. Freewheeler Bicycle Center | 703 2nd St.
9. Hilton Garden Inn | 110 F St.
10. Ken’s Bike-Ski-Board | 650 G St.
11. Kumon of Davis | 905 3rd St.
12. Logos Books | 513 Second St.
13. Mishkas Cafe | 610 2nd St.
14. Picasso Salon | 526 G St.
15. Pure Barre Davis | 714 2nd St.
16. Purves & Associates Insurance Agency | 500 4th St.
17. Red 88 Kitchen & Bar | 223 G St.
18. The Artery | 207 G St.
19. The Avid Reader | 617 2nd St.
20. The Paint Chip | 217 F St.
21. UC Davis Downtown Store | 630 2nd St.
22. Woodstock’s Pizza | 238 G St

Window Decorating Contest Map

Here is the map from 2024. You can see there were a number of downtown businesses participating in the contest. We will see which businesses enter in the fun for 2025 and get this map updated.

Or you can view the window decorating contest map here.

People’s Choice Award

Not only will a team of judges select the best decorated windows in downtown Davis, there is People’s Choice award. This is where you can vote for your favorite decorated business in the downtown.

2024 Davis Downtown Window Decorating Contest

As I mentioned before, this will be the 14th anniversary of the Davis Downtown Window Decorating Contest. Created in 2012 by Stewart Savage (Yes, that would be me, patting myself on the back), Executive Director (former) of the Davis Downtown Business Association (DDBA), the contest was designed to bring life and excitement to the downtown and encourage people to visit, shop, and enjoy the center of our community.

Davis Downtown Candlelight Parade & Winter Wonderland

The 44th Annual Holiday Candlelight Parade and the new Winter Wonderland is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025.

The Parade is a wonderful event for people of all ages. This magical event brings visitors from Yolo, Sacramento, and Solano Counties to Davis, CA to enjoy this celebration of the holidays and downtown Davis.

Holiday Candlelight Parade

The 44th Annual Holiday Candlelight Parade (2025) starts at the Davis Food Co-op, located at 620 G St and ends at the G Street Plaza. An announcement from the City of Davis provided the details for the parade.

• Participants are asked to arrive in the Davis Food Co-op parking lot by 5:45 p.m.
• Parade parking will NOT be available in the Food Co-op parking lot. Information on parking in E Street Plaza is forthcoming.
• The parade starts promplty at 6:00 p.m.
• The parade will travel south (towards downtown) on G St and end at G Street Plaza.

Street Closures

Rolling street closures will occur during the parade. Affected streets will be G St from the Davis Food Co-op to Third St. The street closure at Fifth and G Streets will disrupt traffic flow across town. If you are in a hurry to be somewhere, find a route around the area.

So put the Davis Downtown Parade and Winter Wonderland in your calendar and get your best Holiday outfit ready! Remember, it does get cold and it can certainly rain. Dress accordingly.

The UC Davis double-decker bus and the Davis Fire Department emergency vehicle lead the way from the Davis Food Co-op to E Street Plaza as part of the 2018 Davis Holiday Candlelight Parade.

Parade Map

Winter Wonderland at G Street Plaza

Beginning at 6 p.m. at G Street Plaza, the community gathers for entertainment, food, and festivities.

The Winter Lights countdown will begin at 6:30 p.m. after the arrival of the parade at G Street Plaza.

Davis City Council will be on-hand to share in the celebrations.

Festivities Include

• Performances by local youth groups starting at 6:00 p.m.
• Photos with Frosty the Snowman and the City's historic fire truck starting at 6:30 p.m.
• "Olaf's Frozen Adventure" will be showing at the Varsity Theater at 6:00 p.m., 6:40 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. The showing of this short film is FREE!
• Roaming mascot characters will be on hand for photo ops.
• Horse and carriage rides will be part of the festivities.
• Plenty of free entertainment on G Street between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on this special evening.

On a frosty evening in downtown Davis, the Christmas tree in E Street Plaza can easily warm the heart.

Sam Shane, local TV and radio celebrity, host the Davis Downtown Ugly Sweater Contest from a previous Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Participants in the  Davis Candlelight Parade gather at E Street Plaza in Downton Davis awaiting the annual tree lighting [from 2018].

Christmas Movie at the Varsity

Another great tradition of the Davis Tree Lighting Ceremony is the free screening of films at the Varsity Theater in Downtown Davis. This year, enjoy the free screening of the short film "Olaf's Frozen Adventure."

Showtimes are on December 4, 2025: 6:00 p.m., 6:40 p.m., and 7:20 p.m.

YouTube Video

In past years, Davis Downtown has organized a photo booth to take lots of fun pics. Here is a video slideshow from 2017. Fun stuff!

https://youtu.be/Mgpsnn4vJrY

2025 Davis Downtown Window Decorating Contest

Will there be a 14th Annual Davis Downtown Window Decorating contest in 2025

It is still to early to know. Will let you know what the Davis Downtown Business Association has in store for us this year.

If the Window Decorating Contest comes together, info will be at https://www.abatonconsulting.com/davis-downtown-window-decorating-contest/.

Small Business Saturday in Davis

This November 29, let’s celebrate Small Business Saturday® in our local community - Davis, CA!

What is Small Business Saturday®? Well, Small Business Saturday® is a program, created by American Express®, that helps show the love to small businesses like ours. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, small businesses across the United States invite members of their community to shop small and show support their local businesses.

Small Business Saturday has become a national movement, with billions of dollars spent at small businesses in your local community. In 2023, according to a survey commissioned by American Express, Small Business Saturday promotions drove an estimated $17.9 billion in sales throughout the year.

Local businesses have a lot to offer. From your favorite coffee shop, to the trendiest boutique, to the corner convenience store, all of your local businesses play a role in supporting the shopping needs of your community.

So, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, head to your downtown and support small business.

Want to learn more about Small Business Saturday®? Visit the American Express® website. Also check out TikTok's #shopsmall Accelerator Program.

Shop Small Saturday - Golden Receipt Giveaway, Davis CA

Shop Small Saturday® is a huge hit in Davis.  And when you celebrate small business, the Davis Business Association wants to reward your support with the Golden Reciept Giveaway.

Shoppers who come to Downtown Davis and patronize participating businesses, on November 29, (any dollar amount) can enter the running for a $100 DDBA gift card. To enter the contest, shoppers simply need to email their reciepts from participating businesses to autum@davisdowntown.com.

Enjoy the Show

The best thing about Davis Downtown’s Treat Trail are the costumes. Many of our visitors pull out all the stops and create elaborate Halloween costumes.

You want a Halloween show? Grab a chair and hang out at E Street Plaza. You will be treated (literally) to some amazing Halloween costumes.

One of the big treats at past Treat Trails is the appearance of the Ghostbusters and the Ectomobile. These guys are awesome. Elaborate costumes. Amazing props. Plus, the ECTOMOBILE! Wow!

Unfortunately, I have it on good authority that the Ghostbusters have retired. But with nobody protecting downtown Davis there will be plenty of ghost, ghouls, goblins, and more on the streets. Plenty to see and do.

The "Ghostbusters" suit-up for catching ghouls and goblins in downtown Davis

People are so creative.

This event happens RAIN OR SHINE. Be sure to keep an eye on weather reports and pack an umbrella.

Is there more? Absolutely.

E Street Plaza

Goblins and ghouls abound on the sidewalks of downtown Davis. It will be spooky and fun. 

Be sure to stop by E Street Plaza. The Davis Downtown Business Association is brining you even more to make Halloween a special downtown event.

First, there will be a FREE photo booth. This is a perfect place to stop and grab a photo of your haunted/posessed family and save some memories of the 2025 Treat Trail. Just remember, vampires will be invisible in the photographs. 

The UC Davis Princess Pals may be in E Street Plaza. This is the perfect place to meet, greet, and photograph your favorite princess. 

The Davis Police Department will be in the plaza providing candy and swag during the Treat Trail.