Great Holiday Events in Sonoma Wine Country

Spending the holidays in Sonoma Wine Country promises great fun. Wineries are decked out for the holidays, and many magical events and activities await visitors of all ages. You’ll also find more current festivals and events on our Sonoma County Calendar of Events.

Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza

On Saturday, November 19 from 5-8 p.m., come see the lighting of thousands of brilliant holiday lights shine throughout all eight acres of the historic Sonoma Plaza at the heart of downtown Sonoma. 

Petaluma’s Holiday Food & Fun Fair

On Tuesday, November 22 from 4-7 p.m., the 6th Annual Petaluma Holiday Food Fair will be held in the ballroom of Hotel Petaluma, an indoor farmer’s market where folks can purchase 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

The holidays return to the Gualala Arts Center for Winter Wonderland, opening Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26 with the the Festival of the Trees, which kicks off the celebration. Recorded carols and holiday classics will fill the halls while you shop in a wonderfully decorated arts & crafts holiday boutique full of handcrafted goods, homemade jams, mustards, olive oils, and the like — wonderful gift items to share for the holidays. Be sure to visit Mrs. Claus’ Bake Shop for locally homemade cookies, pies and holiday treats!

Scandinavian Christmas at West Wines

Celebrate the advent of Christmas with Glögg, cookies and Swedish Christmas decorations in the pavilion at West Wines from Friday, November 25 through Sunday, November 27. Glögg is a hot mulled wine with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, raisins and more, traditionally served the four weeks leading up to Christmas in the Scandinavian countries. Find gifts for the holidays such as genuine Swedish Christmas decorations; figures of Swedish Christmas gnomes; wine glasses and charms; and of course, wine.

Santa’s Riverboat Cruise

Mr. and Mrs. Claus’ tugboat cruise starts at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 26 at Lind Marine on D Street. The boat will sail south on the Petaluma River toward Shollenberger Park, where it will turn and sail north toward the Turning Basin, arriving about 12 noon. The tugboat will dock by the River Plaza near Taps, and Santa will disembark for photos. 

Sonoma Sterling Limousines’ Holiday Lights Tour

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. Offered throughout December (Monday through Thursday, Dec. 5-22), this 2-hour-long, mid-week tour is a fun and affordable way to celebrate the holidays with family, friends or office colleagues. Rates include sparking apple cider for children and chilled champagne for adults. Please email or call direct for weekend rates.

Transcendence’s Holiday Spectacular

Join Transcendence Theatre Company for the all-new 2022 edition of Transcendence’s Holiday Spectacular! Broadway performers will create an intimate, cozy experience perfect for the entire family. With a family room feel reminiscent of Judy Garland’s holiday special, we will toast the season with music and holiday cheer.

Rodney Strong Vineyard Dance Series presents Posada Navidena by Calidanza Dance Company A Virtual Celebration

Calidanza Dance Company welcomes families and community members to celebrate Christmastime together at the annual Posada Navideña on Friday, December 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. This special evening with the Calidanza dancers and musicians features the vibrant dance, music, and songs of Mexico. For the past two years, Calidanza partnered with LBC to bring the Posada show virtually to your home. This year, join Artistic Director Steven Valencia and the Company in person at the theater for a joyful, tradition-filled night of lively dance, colorful costumes, and festive music. It’s the perfect start to the holiday season!

Find more things to do over the holidays on the Sonoma County calendar of events!