The winter season is upon us! Finally, it is time for hot cocoa, twinkly lights, ice skating, and quality time with friends and family. Whether you celebrate a winter holiday or not, the season has undeniable magic. We are fortunate enough to have many amazing and exciting events happening locally. I urge you to participate in as many of these events as possible and bring your loved ones with you. There is no better way to get into the winter spirit!
If you celebrate Christmas, a great way to start the holiday season is attending Sebastopol’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting. This cheery event takes place on December 5, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the town plaza. The Analy jazz band and Sebastopol ballet will be performing, along with others. If you cannot attend that particular ceremony, do not worry. The next night, December 6th Healdsburg is having their own Tree Lighting Ceremony. This will be in the Healdsburg Plaza from 5:00 to 9:00. You can expect beautiful decorations, carriage rides, live music, and more.
Not all the exciting light events are Christmas trees! There is also a Lighted Boat Parade on the Petaluma River. This beautiful spectacle will take place on December 7th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. You can expect to see many ships adorned with twinkly lights and holiday decor. That same night in Calistoga there will be a Lighted Tractor Parade at 7:00. If you choose to attend you will see wonderfully illuminated tractors and trucks. The parade also features gorgeous floats and horse-drawn carriages.
There are also many events for those who celebrate Chanukah. On the 29th from 4:30 to 6:00 there will be a grand celebration at the Petaluma Fairgrounds. This will include a menorah lighting, music, latkes, jelly doughnuts, and crafts. Perhaps the most exciting part of this event is the helicopter gelt drop! But, If you’re busy on the 29th, Light Up The Night is a similar event that is happening on December 30th from 4:00 to 6:00. This will take place in Montgomery Village. They will also have a menorah lighting, music, food, and crafts. For the last night of Chanukah, the Petaluma Fairgrounds will be hosting another event. Chanukah on Ice is happening from 4:00 to 6:00 on January 1st. This will be a delightful way to wrap up the eight-day holiday.
If you are looking for an event with both Christmas and Chanukah activities, then Windsor’s Holiday Celebration may be perfect for you. This will be on December 5th from 5:00 to 8:00 at Windsor Town Green. A wide variety of activities will happen here, including cookie decorating, holiday stories, a menorah dedication, and a Christmas tree lighting.
There are many additional winter activities that are great to do with both family and friends. You could go to Snoopy’s Home Ice for an open session; to ice skate and get hot chocolate. Or you can drive around local neighborhoods; to admire the home’s holiday decor while listening to festive music. Maybe you’ll want to decorate your own home with your family, for others to appreciate. If you enjoy ballet, you might want to attend Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker in Rohnert Park. If you have younger siblings, your family may want to visit Santa at the Santa Rosa Plaza. Or you could make gingerbread houses, latkes, and your other favorite festive foods. However you choose to celebrate this winter season, I hope you have a great time! Remember to share the cheer with your loved ones, and enjoy the upcoming break!
