Sonoma County offers unique holiday experiences that transcend typical tourist destinations. Experience the inviting warmth of Sonoma Wine Country this winter season, where a variety of enchanting activities await to uplift your spirits. With stunning seasonal landscapes as a backdrop, Sonoma County offers the perfect getaway for relaxation and making memories—an ideal story for anyone looking to escape the ordinary this holiday season.
New Nonstop Flights
Alaska Airlines is seeing strong bookings to small destinations. In response to this rising trend, starting October 1, their seventh nonstop from Charles M. Schulz Airport (STS) started, now connecting to Las Vegas in addition to Burbank, Los Angeles, Orange County, Portland, San Diego, and Seattle. On October 10 Avelo Airlines added a nonstop flight from Ontario to STS, and Salt Lake City starts on October 24. Avelo currently flies to seven destinations from STS: Ontario, Burbank, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Bend/Redmond (Oregon), Kalispell (Montana), and Boise (Idaho).
Enjoy These Decked Halls
The Flamingo Resort & Spa will be transformed into a tropical winter wonderland full of retro tiki holiday decor starting November 24th. From Santa Suites with a Christmas tree, fireplace, twinkling lights in bespoke tropical winter decor, the Flamingo Resort will offer special activations like roving carolers, holiday ornament making, and cookie decorating will be sprinkled throughout the season. The Sippin’ Santa Holiday Cocktail Pop-Up begins at their Lazeaway Club Restaurant on November 29, 2024, in addition to special holiday menus for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, along with two epic New Year’s Eve parties.
Hotel Petaluma hosts an annual Gingerbread House Showcase, featuring creations from local bakers and community members. During December 15 to 17, attendees can admire the designs, participate in festive activities, and vote for their favorites. The courtyard is decorated with Christmas trees, festive lights and even snow. Built in 1923, this Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel combines vintage charm with modern amenities, and cozy rooms.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa offers three Swiss Chalet rooms, filled with festive cheer. Relish delectable dishes and holiday-inspired cocktails while soaking in the enchanting ambiance of the historic resort. Guests can also experience the ancient geothermal mineral hot springs with the exclusive Spa Under the Stars package.
New and Noteworthy Holiday Events
WinterBlast 2024
Join the free, kid-friendly WinterBlast street party on November 9 from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM in Santa Rosa’s SOFA district. Enjoy food and drink vendors, a parade with rolling sofa floats, live music, circus performers, and open art studios.
Brewsters Petaluma
From November 22 to January 5, Brewsters Petaluma transforms into a festive winter wonderland with dazzling decorations. Explore the Miracle Market for holiday gifts while enjoying rock ‘n’ roll Christmas music. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza
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 on November 23 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
West Wines Scandinavian Christmas Celebration
From November 24 to 26, West Wines hosts a Scandinavian Christmas event featuring a holiday market with authentic Swedish gifts. Enjoy Swedish Glogg and treats while learning about holiday traditions from the winery’s Swedish owners.
Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration
Kick off the holiday season in Santa Rosa with the Winter Lights Tree Lighting on November 29 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This free event features family-friendly activities, live entertainment, treats, and photos with Santa.
Skating on the Square – Downtown Santa Rosa
From November 29, enjoy skating on the Square in Downtown Santa Rosa with a zero-energy rink. This eco-friendly option reduces environmental impact while still providing a smooth, stable surface, perfect for beginners or anyone improving their skills. Skate helpers are also available for extra support, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.
Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove – Windsor Town Green
From December 5 to 31, enjoy a “Tree Walk” featuring over 200 decorated Christmas trees by local schools and families. This festive wonderland on the Town Green includes spectacular lighting and holiday music, perfect for family photos and Instagram moments.
Lighting of the Vines
Join Hamel Family Wines for the annual Lighting of the Vines on December 6-7. Enjoy wine, food, and music while witnessing the estate vineyards illuminated in festive lights. This event supports the Sonoma Valley Firefighters’ toy drive.
Petaluma’s Lighted Boat Parade
On December 7 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, watch a dazzling parade of brightly lit boats on the Petaluma River. This magical spectacle is perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy moments.
Christmas in the Redwoods
From December 8 to 18, experience “Christmas in the Redwoods” at the Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds. Enjoy a stunning display of holiday lights among the coastal redwoods and meet Santa Claus in downtown Occidental. The event runs from 5:30 to 8:30 PM and is $10 per vehicle (reservations required).
Holiday Bazaar at Bacchus Landing
On December 7 and 8, Bacchus Landing hosts a Holiday Bazaar featuring 15-20 local artisans showcasing unique gift ideas, alongside wine tastings, pizza, and live music from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Posada Navidena by Calidanza Dance Company
Start off the holiday season with the vibrant Posada Navideña on December 13 at 6:30 PM at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. Enjoy lively dance, colorful costumes, and festive music as the Calidanza Dance Company showcases traditions from various regions of Mexico.
Cloverdale Winter Festival
Join the Cloverdale Winter Festival on December 13 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Experience a transformed downtown with twinkling lights, cookie decorating, Santa’s arrival, and a tree lighting ceremony. Explore local vendors and enjoy live performances in a festive atmosphere.
Luma Ice: Petaluma’s Inaugural Outdoor Ice-Skating Rink
From December 13 to January 7, Petaluma debuts its first outdoor ice-skating rink at the Fairgrounds, adding to its holiday traditions like Santa’s Riverboat Arrival and the Gingerbread Showcase.
Transcendence Theatre Company Broadway Holiday
Experience the magic of Broadway Holiday at Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma on December 18-19. Featuring performers from popular shows like Frozen and Wicked, this production promises festive music and joyful entertainment. Check the schedule for showtimes.
Sonoma Sterling Limousines’ Holiday Lights Tour
Sit back and relax as Sonoma Sterling Limousines’ friendly drivers take passengers 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 way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. Includes sparking apple cider for children and chilled champagne for adults.
Check out how to Celebrate the Holidays Sonoma County-Style and see the Holiday page for more ideas about holiday celebrations, tree lightings, gift ideas, and wineries to visit.
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About Sonoma County Tourism
Sonoma County Tourism is the region’s destination stewardship organization. Inspiring travel to the region through a variety of sales and marketing programs aimed at consumers, meeting and event planners, the travel trade, and media, the organization strives to ensure responsible tourism helps create a robust economy for the Sonoma County region. For more information visit sonomacounty.com.
Media Contacts:
Birgitt Vaughan, Director, Public Relations
Chris Vomvolakis, Senior Manager, Consumer Public Relations
publicrelations@sonomacounty.com
