Holiday Events in Sonoma County (2024)

Sonoma County offers holiday experiences that go beyond the usual tourist destinations. This season immerse yourself in the welcoming charm of Sonoma Wine Country, where a range of delightful activities awaits to elevate your spirits. With seasonal landscapes as your backdrop, Sonoma County is the perfect escape for relaxation and creating lasting memories—ideal for anyone seeking to break away from the ordinary this holiday season.

Holiday Event Highlights (Source: Sonoma County Tourism in collaboration with with Best Wineries)

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.

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.

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 30 – December 31, enjoy skating on the Square in Downtown Santa Rosa with a zero-energy rink.

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.

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.

Cloverdale Winter Festival
Join the Cloverdale Winter Festival on December 13 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

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.

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.