Happy Tuesday, Walnut Creek!

We’re in that calm, in-between stretch of the year where things slow down a bit. Whether you’re looking ahead to the new year or simply enjoying the quieter pace, this week is a good reminder that it’s okay to take things easy.

If you’re starting to think about NYE plans, or what the first week of January entails, there’s plenty happening around town. We’ve gathered some key events so you can quickly see what’s out there, pick what fits your vibe, and head into 2026 feeling ready, not rushed.

In today’s edition:

If getting outside more is on your list this year, the East Bay Trails Challenge officially begins this week and offers a simple, flexible way to do just that.

The annual challenge encourages people to hike, walk, or bike a curated list of trails throughout the year. There’s no cost to participate and no required pace. You can complete one trail or many, whenever it fits your schedule.

For Walnut Creek residents, the challenge is especially convenient. Several participating trails are located close to home, including routes near Shell Ridge, Lime Ridge, and the Mt. Diablo foothills. No long drives required, just pick a trail and go.

What makes the Trails Challenge appealing is its flexibility. Some participants aim to complete every listed route, while others use it as motivation to try a new trail once a month. Both approaches work, and neither requires a major time commitment.

With cooler weather, greener hills, and fewer crowds, this is one of the best times of year to explore local open space.

View Activity Guide

The Trails Challenge taps into one of Walnut Creek’s biggest advantages: easy access to great outdoor spaces, right in our backyard.

A new specialty food shop has opened downtown. Verde Gourmet has debuted on North Main Street, offering premium olive oils, vinegars, and Mediterranean pantry goods sourced from small producers across Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Tunisia.

The shop focuses on high-quality ingredients you don’t typically find at standard grocery stores, with plans to offer olive oil tastings throughout the day so customers can sample before buying. Verde Gourmet is also connected to the owner of nearby Ananas Café, adding another food-focused stop to this stretch of downtown.

Verde Gourmet adds a unique, gift-worthy specialty shop to downtown Walnut Creek and gives locals a new place to discover everyday pantry upgrades without leaving the city.

📍1372 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Website

Looking for something a little different to do this week? The Walnut Creek Library is hosting a Chinese Calligraphy Workshop focused on traditional techniques and Lunar New Year inspired phrases.

The hands-on session introduces participants to the basics of Chinese calligraphy, including brush strokes, form, and meaning. Materials are typically provided, making it accessible even if you’ve never tried calligraphy before.

When: Monday, Jan 5, 4:00–5:00 PM
Where: Walnut Creek Library
Cost: Free

It’s an easy weekday activity that mixes culture, creativity, and learning, and a reminder that the library offers more than just books. A great option if you’re looking to try something new without committing to a long class or leaving town.

When: Wed, Dec 31 • Evening service
Where: 1500 Mt Diablo Blvd, 2nd Floor
Price: Fixed holiday menu (price varies by reservation)
A dinner-focused New Year’s Eve option featuring tapas and cocktails.
Reservations: Website

When: Wed, Dec 31 • 8:00 PM–1:00 AM
Where: 121 Pringle Ave
Price: $30 cover at the door
House music, cocktails, and a lively downtown countdown without leaving town.
Information: Website

When: Wed, Dec 31 • Starts 8:00 PM
Where: 1677 N Main St Suite A
Price: $23 event. Purchase Tickets
Two floors of music, dancing, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight.

When: Wed, Dec 31 • 5-10pm
Where: 1388 Locust St
Price: Regular dining menu
Make your last meal of 2025 a memorable one with bold Thai flavors, 25% off bottles of champagne, and a live DJ.
More Info: Book Table

When: Wed, Dec 31 • 6pm-2am
Where: 2112 N Main St
Price: $50 event. Purchase Tickets
An 80s themed dance party with live music and DJ sets.

💡 WC Fun Fact: Broadway Plaza opened in 1951.

🥧 Weekly Walnut recipe: Maple Walnut Pie. A cozy, gooey walnut pie that’s approachable even for novice bakers. Recipe

🎵 Chill vibes. Who we are listening to: Hallow Covers - The Woods

🙏 Local small business highlight: Up The Creek Records - Vinyl records and eclectic finds for music lovers.

⛸️ The seasonal outdoor Ice Skating Rink in Civic Park is open through January 19, 2026

👮‍♂️ Captain Ryan Hibbs Named Walnut Creek’s Next Police Chief. Article

✨ You don’t need to rush through life to prove you’re moving forward.

As always, we read every reply so please send us your input on what you’d like to be more informed about locally, and we’ll do our best to continue to provide value. Thank you again and Happy New Year!

— Sean Casey | Publisher | Walnut Creek Digest