Believe it or not, the holiday season is upon us. And that means nearly two months of holiday fun and cheer are coming your way. To help you navigate the season, and keep your spirits bright, we present our select guide to holiday fun from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
EVENTS
Wine Country Turkey Crawl Taste and pick a wine to pair with your Thanksgiving dinner with the fundraising winery tour. All of the ticket sales will be donated to the Redwood Credit Union North Bay Fire relief fund, and each of the neighboring wineries will show off their best vintages to complement turkey and cranberry sauce. Nov. 12. Dutton Estate, 8757 Green Valley Road; Furthermore Wines,
3541 Gravenstein Hwy. N.;
Marimar Estate, 11400 Graton Road, Sebastopol. 11am. $15; tickets include a tasting at all three wineries. duttonestate.com.
Napa on Ice Napa’s outdoor skating rink, located on the grounds of the Napa Expo, is back for another year of holiday fun. Recreational ice skating on 6,300 square feet of real ice is open daily with lessons, parties, private ice time and special events offered. Nov. 17–Jan. 7. $13 general admission; $15 VIP admission. napaonice.com.
Winterblast Annual holiday art party turns 13 and takes over the South of A arts district in Santa Rosa. Open studios showcase dozens of artists in their element, an electric sofa parade lights up the streets and live music kick the holiday spirit into gear. Magic, belly dancing, food trucks, beer and wine and merriment abound. Nov. 18.
312 South A St., Santa Rosa. 5–9:30pm. Free entry. sofasantarosa.com.
Santa Train & Wine Train Thanksgiving The Napa Valley Wine Train welcomes Santa aboard for a season of magical fun in a nostalgic railroad setting. Sip cocoa, enjoy musical entertainment, tour the Napa Valley and get a photo with Santa. Nov. 18–Dec. 29. $49. On Thanksgiving, guests are invited to dine in style and enjoy a traditional feast with all the fixings while riding the train. Nov. 23. $171 and up. 800.427.4124.
Holidays Along the Farm Trails Celebrate the season with the local agricultural community, as farmers and producers offer a view of life on the farm. Find farm-stand gifts, cut a Christmas tree to take home and enjoy DIY workshops. Hosted by Sonoma County Farm Trails. Nov. 18–Jan. 1. Various Locations in Sonoma County. Registration required to save the date. farmtrails.org.
Holidays in Yountville Skip the big-box stores this Christmas and join the people of Yountville for six weeks of food, wine and holiday cheer. As the town transforms into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of sparkling lights, visitors can enjoy a full schedule of live entertainment, art shows, workshops and classes, along with unique shopping choices, food and wine tours, carriage rides and more. Nov. 20–Dec. 31. Downtown Yountville, Washington St., Yountville. Full schedule and info
at yountville.com.
Napa’s Christmas Tree Lighting The mayor of Napa flips the switch and welcomes the Christmas season to Napa in this traditional community event. Sip on hot chocolate, nibble on cookies and enjoy local entertainment. Nov. 22. Veterans Park, Third and Main streets, Napa. 6pm. Free. donapa.com.
Winter Lights Santa Rosa’s downtown Courthouse Square shines with the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony that includes activities for all ages. Enjoy local eats, see Santa arrive on a fire truck and partake in the Remembrance Candle Lighting. This year’s Winter Lights theme is “I Believe in Santa Rosa,” to highlight the town’s resilience and strength in the wake of October’s fires. Nov. 24. Third Street and Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa. 4pm. Free admission. 707.545.1414.
Santa’s Riverboat Arrival Santa and Mrs. Claus give the season its start when they arrive by tugboat at the Petaluma River Turning Basin and disembark to hand out candy and take holiday photos with kids while live entertainment from the likes of the Pacific Empire Chorus and Petaluma School of Ballet entertains the crowd. Nov. 25.
River Plaza Shopping Center,
72 E. Washington St., Petaluma. 11:30am–1pm. Free. 707.769.0429.
Heart of Sonoma Valley Holiday Open House Toast the holiday season on a tour of 20 wineries throughout the heart of Sonoma Valley. Weekend includes access
to wineries and winemakers,
wine cave tours, holiday gifts and wine country holiday cheer.
Nov. 25–26. 11am–4pm. $45–$55
per person; designated driver,
$10–$15. heartofsonomavalley.com.
Holiday Tea Service Hotel Healdsburg hosts weekend tea services to provide a relaxing atmosphere in the midst of all the holiday madness. Enjoy custom teas, pastries, petite sandwiches, even classic cocktails. Festive piano music and décor add to the ambiance. Nov. 25–Dec. 24. 25 Matheson St., Healdsburg. Saturdays and Sundays, noon–2pm. 707.431.2800.
Napa’s Christmas Parade This long-running, family-friendly evening parade features creative floats built by Napans themselves, focusing on the theme “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Nov. 25. Second and Third streets in downtown Napa. 5–7pm. Free. donapa.com.
Lighting of the Snowmen Annual tradition lights up Cornerstone Sonoma with decorative snowmen coming to life amid live music and entertainment. Get a photo with Santa and enjoy the seasonal spirit in the picturesque setting.
Dec. 2. Cornerstone Sonoma, 23667 Hwy. 121, Sonoma. 4pm. Free admission. 707.939.3010.
The Reindeer Run Seventh annual run or walk covers Thompson Trail on Wetlands Edge Trailhead and encourages participants to dress in festive holiday gear. Dec. 2. Eucalyptus Drive, American Canyon. 8am. $37–$45. khopeinternational.org.
Napa B&B Holiday Tour & Taste Event The B&Bs of Napa invite you inside their historical inns, decked out in festive decorations, to savor select wines and tasty holiday treats. Transportation and entertainment included. Proceeds benefit local charities. Dec. 2. 3–7pm. $75. napaholidaytour.com.
Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade Twenty-second annual small-town celebration of the holiday season and Calistoga’s agricultural heritage boasts vintage tractors, antique trucks and other rustic autos lit up in dazzling displays. Dec. 2. Lincoln Avenue between Stevenson and Cedar, downtown Calistoga. 7pm. Free. visitcalistoga.com.
Luther Burbank Holiday Open House A popular holiday tradition in its 38th year, this open house features Victorian-era finery and a charming tour of Burbank’s historic home and gardens, with free parking at First and D streets and free rides on Rosie the Trolley to and from the Handmade Holiday Crafts Fair held at the Finley Community Center. Dec. 2–3. Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, 204 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. 10am to 4pm. $3; kids 12 and under are free. lutherburbank.org.
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Calistoga Winter in the Wineries Winter-long getaway event lets you purchase a passport to visit up to 17 wineries and meet the winemakers in and around the Calistoga area in relaxed tasting tours that you schedule at your convenience.
Dec. 2–Feb. 4. Twenty-one and over only. $60. visitcalistoga.com.
Windsor Holiday Celebration on the Green Bring the kids to send letters to Santa, make crafts, decorate gingerbread, have a look at the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove on display through New Year’s Eve and take a carriage ride before the annual tree-lighting ceremony. Dec. 7. Windsor Town Green, 701 McClelland Drive, Windsor. 5–8pm. Free admission; $1–$10 for various activities. townofwindsor.com.
Light Up a Life Heartland Hospice honors lives lost with annual candle- and tree-lighting ceremonies. Celebrate the holidays with community, enjoy live music from Michael Brandeurg’s Jazz Trio and create an ornament in honor of your loved one. Dec. 7. Montgomery Village Terrace, 911 Village Court, Santa Rosa. 5–6:30pm. Free. mvshops.com.
Sebastopol Holiday Home Tour & Artisan Boutique Enjoy the holiday lights and décor of several different stylish homes, with cheerful music and festive bites on hand. Then, browse a variety of holiday crafts and decorations for sale at a boutique at Pleasant Hill Christian School, all benefiting the Jacob’s Scholarship Fund. Home Tours, Dec. 8–9; Artisan Boutique, Dec. 8–10. 1782 Pleasant Hill Road, Sebastopol. Friday, 5–9pm; Saturday, 10am–5pm.; Sunday, 10am–4pm. Tours, $10–$35 and up; Boutique, free admission. sebastopolholidayhometour.com.
Petaluma Holiday Lighted Boat Parade A floating parade of sparkling boats shines on the Petaluma River to ring in the season, while downtown shops stay open late for holiday strolling. Dec. 9. Petaluma River Turning Basin, Petaluma. 6pm. Free. visitpetaluma.com.
Napa Lighted Art Festival This festival creates a stunning walking path of artwork as light displays are projected onto a variety of buildings throughout the town every evening from Dec. 9 to Dec. 17. Downtown Napa and the Oxbow district. 5–10pm. naparec.com.
Hanukkah Hootenanny Enjoy Judd’s Hill Winery’s 11th annual Hanukkah bash featuring lively entertainment, wine, brisket sliders, latke bar and traditional jelly doughnuts. Guests are encouraged to bring unwrapped new toys and canned (nonperishable) food items for donation to local Napa charities. Dec. 10, Judd’s Hill Winery,
2332 Silverado Trail, Napa. Noon–2:30pm. $55; $25 for Wine Club members. juddshill.com.
SHOPPING
Holiday Crafterino Ninth annual art-and-craft extravaganza
features a curated collection of
64 vendors, food trucks and
loads of cheer. Proceeds from
sales and a raffle supports the Committee on the Shelterless.
Nov. 12. Petaluma Veteran’s Memorial Building, 1094 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma. 11am–4pm. $1 admission. www.holidaycrafterino.com.
Gifts ‘n’ Tyme Holiday Faire This fair, going 45 years and counting, highlights more than 85 local and regional artists and makers of fine crafts selling everything from stocking stuffers to fine works. Holiday music and aromas like cinnamon-roasted almonds fill the air. Nov. 17–19. Napa Valley Expo, Chardonnay Hall, 575 Third St., Napa. Friday–Saturday, 10am–6pm; Sunday, 10am–4pm. Free. 925.372.8691.
American Folk Art Holiday Festival Inaugural fest features unusual and one-of-a-kind folk-art creations and antiques. Wine and chocolate pairings, treats and other beverages available for purchase, and a positive communal spirit await on Nov. 18, Lucky Penny Community Arts Center, 1758 Industrial Way, Napa. 10am–3pm. $10 at the door. luckypennynapa.com.
West County Craft Faire Ramp up to the holidays with this 16th annual celebration of all things local and handmade. West County vendors will sell crafts, jewelry, clothing, quilts, bodycare products, art and much more, with live music, food and refreshments and a raffle to benefit Sebastopol based Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative. Nov. 18–19. Sebastopol Grange Hall, 6000 Hwy. 12, Sebastopol. 11am–4pm. Free admission. sebastopolgrange.org.
Holiday Marketplace at CIA Copia Start your holiday shopping with seasonal and local offerings from Napa and Bay Area vendors, featuring handmade items and culinary delights. Nov. 24–26. 500 First St., Napa. 11am–4pm. ciaatcopia.com.
Rohnert Park Holiday Arts & Crafts Faire Thirty-eighth annual fair features holiday decorations, live music and jolly entertainment, festive treats and cheerful holiday crafts and jewelry. Nov. 24–25. Rohnert Park Community Center, 5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. 10am–4pm. Free. 707.588.3456.
Calistoga Holiday Village & Christmas Faire First, stroll through downtown Calistoga
and indulge in a holiday shopping spree on Friday, Dec. 1. Then enjoy a fair with artisan vendors, food and activities on Saturday, Dec. 2. Napa County Fairgrounds, 1435 N. Oak St., Calistoga. 9am–4pm. Free admission. visitcalistoga.com.
St. John’s Christmas Boutique
A tradition in the town of Ross, the boutique offers homemade jams, jellies and baked goods, as well as holiday gifts and items such as wrapping paper and holiday cards. Proceeds benefit charitable causes, and helps support community needs at St. John’s sister parish in Malawi, Africa. Dec. 1–3. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 14 Lagunitas Road, Ross. Friday, noon–6:30pm; Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Free admission. 415.456.1102.
Handmade Holiday Crafts Fair Festive annual event features 80 local artists selling their quality crafts and gifts, holiday goodies, entertainment, a prize drawing and trolley rides to the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens Holiday Open House. Dec. 2–3, Finley Community Center, 2060 West College Ave., Santa Rosa. Saturday, 9am–5pm; Sunday, 10am–4pm. $3; 12 and under are free. 707.543.3737.
Freya Lodge Holiday Arts & Craft Fair The Norwegian cultural center hosts this classic fair. Enjoy a variety of high-quality handmade items made by Sonoma County artists. There will also be Scandinavian baked goods, Norwegian waffles, coffee and
light lunch available to purchase, and a cozy holiday atmosphere. Proceeds from food sales go to children’s charities. Dec. 9, Freya Lodge Sons of Norway Hall,
617 W. Ninth St., Santa Rosa.
9am–3pm. 707.579.1080.
Petaluma Arts Association Holiday Arts & Crafts Show Local artists and artisans show off their handmade wares at an art-and-craft show perfect for gift giving, benefiting Mentor Me. Dec. 9–10. Petaluma Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. 10am–4pm. petalumaarts.org.
Sonoma Ceramics Fiber & Print Holiday Sale Give the gift of art and find affordable and unique holiday items from several artists who work in Sonoma. Pieces range from decorative ornaments to sculptural works of art. The Ceramics Studio is also open for tours and artist demonstrations. Dec. 9–10. Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. Saturday, 10am–5pm; Sunday, 10am–4pm. Free admission. 707.938.462.
Goddess Crafts Faire Women’s art, music, dance and handmade gifts by local and regional women are all part of this 23rd annual community holiday fair. Dec. 9–10, Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. 11am–7pm. $5–$13 suggested donation; kids free. goddesscraftsfaire.com.
Occidental Holiday Crafts Faire Find unique works by more than 35 local and regional artists, grab gift certificates for local restaurants and hotels, enter into raffles for local goodies, hear live music from West County musicians, taste food from a gourmet chef and enjoy baked goods by Salmon Creek School students this season. Dec. 9–10, Occidental Community Center, 3920 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental. 10am–5pm. Free admission. occidental ca.org.
PERFORMANCE
Sonoma County Philharmonic Music director Norman Gamboa and the local philharmonic present a program titled “Fanfare,” featuring violinist Pam Otsuka and viola player Robby Moales. Pre-concert talks will illuminate the various selections presented in concert and proceeds will support fire relief efforts. Nov. 18–19. SRHS Performing Arts Auditorium, 1235 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. $15; students are free. socophil.org.
Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater Yountville Holiday Movie Series, with Polar Express on Nov. 19, How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Dec. 1 and Elf on Dec. 8. 7pm. $5–$40 (Nov. 19 is free). VOENA: Voices of the Season presents “Wonderland” Dec. 9. 7pm. $25. Holidays in Buenos Aires with Michael Guttman and JP Jofre,
Dec. 10. 3pm. $30–$55. Napa Regional Dance Company’s 17th annual production of The Nutcracker, Dec. 16–17. Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 2pm. $35–$45. 100 California Drive, Yountville. 707.944.9900.
Le Cirque de Bohème Annual winter circus wonderland is based on the wondrous French tradition. This year, a brand-new original production, Freedom, tells enchanting tales with an amazing cast of performers who achieve world-class heights. Nov. 24–Dec. 17. Cornerstone Sonoma, 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. Days and times vary. $30–$55; kids under 15 are $22. cirquedeboheme.com.
Sonoma Arts Live A Christmas Carol meets Noises Off in the hilarious holiday affair, Inspecting Carol, coming to Sonoma this season. Set in the ’90s, the story follows a small theater company struggling to survive and facing inspection while trying to get through a production of the Dickens’ classic. Nov. 29–Dec. 10,
at Andrews Hall in Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. Wednesdays through Fridays, 7:30pm; Sundays, 2pm. $22–$26; $37 VIP (includes dessert and wine). sonomaartslive.org.
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Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, Nov. 29. 7:30pm. $59–$75. Transcendence Theatre’s Broadway Holiday Spectacular, Dec. 1–3. Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday–Sunday, 2pm and 7:30pm. $39–
$139. Left Edge Theatre presents The Santaland Diaries, Dec. 1–17. Friday–Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 5pm. $25–$40. Tony Bennett, Dec. 5. 7:30pm. $89–$149. Posada Navideña. Dec. 8. 7pm. $5 $10. Kids 2 and under are $2. Symphony Pops: A Holly Jolly Pops. Dec. 10. 3pm. $37–$80. Under the Streetlamp: Hip to the Holidays, Dec. 14. 7:30pm. $39–$59. Roustabout’s Apprentice Program: White Christmas.
Dec. 15–17. Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 3pm and 7:30pm; Sunday, 3pm. $16–$26. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Dec. 18. 7pm. $34–$74. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 707.546.3600.
An Irish Christmas An exciting celebration of holiday joy, laughter and life returns to the North Bay with the talented dancers of the internationally acclaimed Kerry Dance Troupe performing traditional Irish dances that incorporate theatrical arts and music from Christmas classics like “Silent Night” and “Little Drummer Boy.” Nov. 30. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Third St., Napa. 8pm. $35–$55. 707.259.0123.
Blue Note Napa Willie K: A Special Holiday Performance, Dec. 1–2. 7:30pm and 9:30pm. $25 $35. Royal Jelly Jive’s Christmas Special, Dec. 9. 7:30pm and 9:30pm. $15–$30. Kellie Fuller, Sandy Riccardi and Mike Greensill’s Cool Yule Christmas Show, Dec. 14. 7:30pm and 9:30pm. $10–$35. Jessy J: A Special Christmas Performance, Dec. 15–16. 7:30pm and 9:30pm. $15–$35. VOENA: Voices of the Season presents “Wonderland” in the
JaM Cellars Ballroom, Dec. 16. 7pm. $30. 1030 Main St., Napa. 707.880.2300.
Nutcracker: The Musical The classic tale of toys comes to life, and a girl transported to the land of sugarplum fairies marks the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center’s annual Christmas show. Dec. 1–10. 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. Friday–Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. $12–$22. 707.829.2214.
A Vintage Christmas Healdsburg’s Raven Players go on the road to Geyserville and perform the world premiere of playwright Tony Sciullo’s A Vintage Christmas. The original play mixes elements of old-school holiday stories A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life, and sets the action in wine country on Christmas eve, when spirits show a wine owner what could happen to his family if he sells the business. Opening night includes a bubbly reception and post-show discussion. Dec. 1–10, at Trione Vineyards & Winery, 19550 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville. Times vary. Space is limited. $10–$25. raventheater.org.
6th Street Playhouse A pair of classic holiday tales make their way to the stages at the Railroad Square theater house. In the main GK Hardt Theatre, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas dazzles with a beloved songbook score and toe-tapping dance routines. In the smaller Studio Theatre, Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge puts a new spin on the classic Christmas Carol with Bob Cratchit’s wife taking center stage. Dec. 1–23. 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. Sixth St., Santa Rosa. $10–$38. 707.523.3544.
Alleluia Anyway Occidental Community Choir ushers in the season with a program that stretches genres and traditions and reminds us to shine a light in dark months and dark days . Come early for pre concert sing alongs. Dec. 2–3, 8–9 at Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental; Dec. 10 at Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. Times vary. $15; kids 12 and under are free. occidentalchoir.org.
Healdsburg Chorus The long-running community choir shares
the joy of the holidays in their annual winter concert, with new arrangements of spirited standards and a slew of seasonal surprises
set to fill your stockings with
cheer. Dec. 3, Glaser Center,
547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 3pm; Dec. 7–9, Healdsburg Community Church, 1100 University St., Healdsburg. Thursday–Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 3pm. healdsburgchorus.com.
Chris Isaak Holiday Tour Known as one of the best live performers of our time, the contemporary crooner brings the spectacle of the holidays to his rock show and performs both his best hits and seasonal classics including “Blue Christmas” and “Hey Santa!” Dec. 7. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Third St., Napa. 8pm. $75–$115. 707.259.0123.
Holiday Choral Concert Join the Silver Singers for a festive concert that includes performances by choral groups from Rohnert Park and Windsor senior centers. Dec. 7. Bennett Valley Senior Center,
704 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. 11am. Free. 707.545.8608.
ArtQuest Dance Company Winter Performance The talented students of Santa Rosa High School’s award winning ArtQuest program communicate the spirit of the holidays through movement. Dec. 8–9. SRHS Performing Arts Auditorium, 1235 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 7pm. $5–$15. Srhsdance.org.
A Frozen Ballet Teresa Lubarsky’s Healdsburg Ballet premieres a brand-new show based on the beloved fairy tale “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen. Dancers of all ages create a ballet that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Dec. 9–10. Raven Performing Arts Theater,
115 North St., Healdsburg. Saturday, 7pm; Sunday, 2pm. $15–$20. healdsburgballet.com.
Healdsburg Community Band’s Christmas Concert The 30-plus member band plays their annual holiday-themed concert with classics and big band arrangements of Christmas hits. Dec. 9. Cloverdale Veterans Memorial Building, 205 W. First St., Cloverdale. 7:30pm. Free; donations accepted. Dec. 16. Raven Performing Arts Theater,
15 North St., Healdsburg. 7pm. $25. healdsburgcommunityband.org.
The Joys of Christmas Napa’s community-based chorus Sing Napa Valley hosts featured soloists and Napa Valley Children’s Chorus for a new holiday show that includes performances of Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saëns and “The Seven Joys of Christmas” by Kirke Mechem.
Dec. 10. First United Methodist Church, 625 Randolph St., Napa. 1pm. $25. singnapavalley.org.
Green Music Center Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale presents Handel’s Messiah, Dec. 10. 3pm. $50 and up. 30th Anniversary of Windham Hill’s Winter Solstice, Dec. 15. 7:30pm. $25 and up. Cherish the Ladies’ Celtic Christmas, Dec. 16. 7:30pm. $25 and up. Sonoma Bach Presents Early Music Christmas: Windows to the Soul, Dec. 16. 8pm. $25. Dave Koz 20th Anniversary Christmas Concert with David Benoit, Rick Braun and Peter
White, Dec. 17. 7pm. $50 and up. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 866.955.6040.
A Chanticleer Christmas Holiday favorite from the vocal orchestra tells the Christmas story in Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, traditional carols and a medley of spirituals. Dec. 11, St. Vincent’s Church, 35 Liberty St., Petaluma. 6pm and 8:30pm. $35–$75. chanticleer.org.
Reader’s Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ The classic story will be told with an emphasis on the dramatic art of storytelling. Dec. 14. Person Senior Wing at Finley Center, 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. 3pm. Free. Space is limited; RSVP recommended. 707.543.3745.
