Can’t-Miss Holiday Events in Sonoma County

The holidays in Sonoma County are filled with fun things to do. For starters, Thanksgiving in Sonoma County is a season bursting with fresh goodies to taste, sip, and share. Not only are shops and wineries decked out for the holidays in Sonoma County, but there’s also an array of feel-good events to get everyone feeling festive.

For full event details, visit our events page.

Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma

Don’t miss this highly-anticipated annual event. Thousands of brilliant holiday lights shine throughout all eight acres of the historic Sonoma Plaza in the heart of downtown Sonoma. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and holiday cheer.

Holiday Food & Fun Fair, Petaluma

the Annual Petaluma Holiday Food Fair is held in the ballroom of the festively decorated Hotel Petaluma. This indoor farmer’s market lets folks sample and shop directly from local food artisans to prepare for Thanksgiving and beyond. It’s free to attend, but tickets are required for entry.

Gualala Arts Winter Wonderland, Gualala

The Gualala Arts Center becomes a Winter Wonderland with the Festival of the Trees to shop and peruse. Recorded carols and holiday classics fill the halls of this wonderfully decorated arts & crafts boutique bursting with handcrafted goods, homemade jams, mustards, olive oils, and other unique Sonoma County gifts to share throughout the holidays. Be sure to visit Mrs. Claus’ Bake Shop for local cookies, pies, and holiday treats!

Scandinavian Christmas at West Wines, Healdsburg

Celebrate the advent of Christmas with traditional Glögg, cookies, and Swedish Christmas decorations at West Wines. Glögg is a hot mulled wine made with Scandinavian ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, and enjoyed all Christmas season. Discover holiday gifts such as genuine Swedish decorations, Christmas gnomes, wine glasses with charms, and of course — wine! For more on Glögg and where to find it, read Where to Taste Swedish ‘Glögg’ and Holiday Foods in Sonoma County.

Santa’s Riverboat Cruise, Petaluma

Greet Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive in Petaluma via tugboat. Enjoy live entertainment near River Plaza on East Washington Street and cheer as Mr. and Mrs. Claus pull up to dock. The holiday pair will be available for family photos as well.

Sonoma Sterling Limousines’ Holiday Lights Tour, Santa Rosa

Sit back and relax as Sonoma Sterling Limousines‘ friendly drivers take you to light displays in Sonoma County, with a soundtrack of Christmas carols along the way. This two-hour-long, mid-week tour is a fun and affordable way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. Rates include sparking apple cider for children and chilled champagne for adults.

Transcendence’s Holiday Spectacular, Sonoma

Join Transcendence Theatre Company for its annual and not-to-miss Holiday Spectacular! Broadway performers create an intimate, cozy experience perfect for the entire family. Reminiscent of Judy Garland’s holiday special, Transcendence toasts the season with music and holiday cheer.

Posada Navidena by Calidanza Dance Company, Santa Rosa

The Calidanza Dance Company welcomes families and community members to celebrate Christmastime together at the annual Posada Navideña. This special evening features the vibrant dance, music, and songs of Mexico at the Ruth Finley Person Theater. Experience this joyful, popular Sonoma County holiday event.

Ring In the New Year with Charlie Brown

At the Charles M. Schulz Museum, enjoy fun crafts for kids, make a balloon Snoopy, and watch Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! on the big screen. Plus, ring in the new year with an Up Down Balloon Drop and Baby Balloon Drop (for children 4 and under and their families) at noon, and a second Balloon Drop at 3 p.m.

For more fun holiday happenings, visit our Holidays page.