The holiday season in northern California reflects the diversity of cultures and beliefs that have a home in our region. Each year there is a rich variety of cultural events, which celebrate and carry-on important traditions. For travelers looking to take part in these celebrations, Gold Runner offers the perfect way to get there. Read on for three amazing holiday events you can get to conveniently and comfortably on Gold Runner:
Right on beautiful Lake Merritt in Oakland, join the 16th annual Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony and celebrate the spirit of Chanukah, Enjoy a fire show, latkes, coffee, dreidels, jelly donuts, menorahs and candles, chocolate gelt, crafts, games and more.
The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place on December 5th from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Located at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater on Lake Merritt Blvd. between 12th Street and 1st Ave Oakland, you can take the Gold Runner to the Jack London Square Station and take a 20 minute walk, or 7 minute bike ride, to the amphitheater.
Take part in this annual celebration honoring the legacy and traditions of Pan African agriculture. Centered on the California capitol, Sacramento, this event takes place in the heart of the "Farm to Fork" movement. Come learn about the history of the Pan African Diaspora in California, traditions of cooperative agriculture, and the principles of Kwanzaa!
The event takes place just steps away from the Sacramento Amtrak Station (401 I Street) at the California State Capitol (1315 10th Street). It will be held on December 26 from 11:30am - 3:30pm.
Celebrate the last day of Hanukkah at a Grand Menorah Candle Lighting in Downtown Martinez! The event is free for everyone and includes music, food, and fun!
The event goes from 5:00pm - 6:00 pm on Sunday, December 5th. The candle lighting will take place at 700 Main Street Martinez (next to the Starbucks) - just a 5 minute walk from the Martinez Amtrak Station!
(August 17, 2026 — Stockton, CA) — Gold Runner is expanding the reach of its passenger rail network with the return of Route 18 with seasonal Thruway Bus service beginning Saturday, August 22, 2026, providing connections between Hanford, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and downtown San Luis Obispo.
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(August 10, Redding, CA) – The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) and Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA) announced today the launch of Route 5, a new Gold Runner Thruway bus service connecting Redding and Sacramento along the Interstate 5 corridor.
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Cool off this summer with Gold Runner and explore the San Francisco Bay Area's iconic destinations through these exclusive offers.
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