Celebrate the Holidays in Sonoma County

Below are some of the fun, feel-good events of the holiday season, from music performances to a parade of sofas (you read that right!) to simply enjoying twinkling lights in the crisp December air. 

Winter Lights Skating on the Square

December 1-4, 8, 10, 11, 15-18, 22-31, see times below

Now in its second year, Winter Lights is downtown Santa Rosa’s destination for holiday fun on Courthouse Square. You can skate on the drought-conscious, eco-friendly Winter Lights Rink on Thursday and Friday nights from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Weekends will also see regular holiday markets with food, gifts, and music. Skating sessions are 45 minutes long and include a skate rental (sizes run from toddler 9 through men’s 15). Skate helpers will be available for children and adults. Tickets are $8.50 apiece.

Sebastopol Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration

December 1, 5-8 p.m.

Held annually on the Sebastopol Downtown Plaza, this seasonal celebration includes a magical Christmas tree lighting at 7 p.m.,  live music and dance performances, festive refreshments (e.g., hot chocolate, cookies, and more), Santa Claus, a candle-lighting ceremony, and a holiday sing-along. 

Windsor Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting

December 1, 5-8 p.m.

The 21st Annual Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting will be held on the Windsor Town Green. There will be musical performances by local youth, food and gift vendors, children’s holiday activities, and much more. The evening concludes with the lighting of the tree by Santa Claus himself, and kicks off a month of lights and cheer at the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove. 

Northern Lights

December 1-January 1, open daily, dusk to 9:30 p.m.

This self-guided tour of the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts’ illuminated sculpture garden exhibition, “Thousand Ways,” leads you through tunnels of twinkle lights, plus colorful lighted sculptures by local artists. (Opening reception is on Thursday, December 1, from 6 to 8 p.m with live music and light nibbles.)

Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting

December 2, 5-8:30 p.m.

Healdsburg’s downtown plaza (Healdsburg Avenue & Matheson Street) will transform into a winter wonderland fit for the whole family. The fun kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m., followed by family activities, carolers, live music, hot chocolate, carriage rides, and a visit from Santa.

Transcendence Theater Company’s Broadway Holiday Spectacular

December 2-4, 7:30-10 p.m. Dec. 2 & 3; 2:30-4 p.m. Dec. 3 & 4

Join Sonoma’s Transcendence Theater Company at Jack London State Historic Park for the all-new 2022 edition of the annual holiday show!The company’s Broadway performers will create an intimate, cozy experience perfect for the entire family, toasting the season with music and holiday cheer.

Jake Shimabukuro: Christmas in Hawaii

December 3, 8-10 p.m.

Hawaiian music star Jake Shimabukuro can play anything on his ukelele, from jazz to rock, blues, bluegrass, folk or even classical — so be sure to catch his Christmas concert at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. 

Breakfast with Santa at Costeaux French Bakery

December 3, 10 & 17, 9-11 a.m. 

Available every Saturday in December except the morning of Christmas Eve, the Breakfast with Santa Program at Costeaux French Bakery (417 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg) includes a global collection of nutcrackers and a digital photo with Santa Claus. 

Luther Burbank Holiday Open House 

December 3-4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Enjoy a 42-year community tradition by touring the historic Home & Gardens of Luther Burbank, decked out in old-fashioned holiday finery inside and out. Enjoy games and activities for children, and indulge in homemade cookies in the Greenhouse. Tickets are $3 for those aged 12 and older. 

Holiday Piano Concert at Jack London State Historic Park

December 4, 2-4 p.m.

For its winter concert, members of the Jack London Piano Club will present a varied program of holiday music and vocals from around the world, with classical, jazz, and popular tunes in the spirit of the season. Held at the House of Happy Walls in Jack London State Historic Park, this program will be performed on Charmian London’s 1901 Steinway piano (pictured above). Tickets are $20 per person, including the parking fee (regularly $10 per car).

Latke MasterChef & Adult Social

December 4, 6-9 p.m.

In the ultimate Chanukah cookoff at the Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma (205 Keller Street #101) create the best gourmet latkes by joining a team or making your own — and compete to claim the coveted Latke Trophy. All supplies and ingredients will be provided, and there will be gluten-free options available. Price is $18 per person, or $30 for two. 

Sonoma Sterling Annual Holiday Lights Tour 

December 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 6-9 p.m.

Sonoma Sterling Limousines will once again offer their popular Holiday Lights Tour from December 5 to 22, Mondays through Thursdays. During this fun two-hour tour, cozy up in your private, luxury vehicle and enjoy complimentary sparkling apple cider for children and chilled Champagne for adults. You’re welcome to bring your own peppermint schnapps or Christmas treats on board, and your chauffeur will provide you with Christmas carols to sing along.

Holiday Wreath Making + Wine Tasting at Region Sonoma

December 10, 1-3 p.m.

Head to Region Sonoma at the Barlow for a lovely winter Saturday afternoon and learn how to make your own holiday wreath. All supplies will be provided for this engaging and fun class led by Alé Rodriguez of Pollen Floral. Enjoy a wine tasting of DRNK wines while you create! You have the option to add on a Shareable Cheese & Charcuterie box for $25. There are only 20 seats available for this event, and the cost is $75 per person. 

Christmas at the Mission

December 10, 5-6 p.m., 6-7 p.m. & 7-8 p.m.

This year’s program is titled “Holidays on the Northern Frontier” and will feature the annual holiday sing-along with the Sonoma Valley High School Madrigal Choir. Three performances will be held inside the chapel at Mission San Francisco Solano (pictured above), at 5, 6, and 7 p.m., and each attendee can purchase only four tickets. $2.50 per ticket is the suggested donation.

Winterblast

December 10, 4-8:30 p.m.

Held annually in Santa Rosa’s Arts District (SoFA, on South A Street & Sebastopol Avenue), Winterblast is a free, kid-friendly street party that includes open art studios, food vendors, and live music in four different locations. The main focus is a rolling “sofa” parade with lighted, decorated sofas, as well as stilt-walkers and a marching band. Everyone is welcome to dress up, make a sofa float, and join the parade!

Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade 

December 10, 5:30-8 p.m.

Watch the magic happen as beautifully decorated boats (as well as kayaks, yachts, and stand-up paddleboards) make their way down the Petaluma River. This boat parade leaves the Petaluma Marina at 5:30 p.m., and the boats arrive at the Turning Basin around 6:15-6:30 p.m.

Boston Brass and the Brass All-Stars Big Band

December 10, 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Performing at Weill Hall at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center, this all-brass ensemble of trumpets, French horns, trombones, and tubas with a jazz rhythm section will present fiery big band arrangements of classics like the Stan Kenton Christmas Carols, Greensleeves, and Motown Jingle Bells with an energy that will delight audiences of all ages. Tickets range from $25 to $75. 

Winter Wreaths and Nature Decor Workshop

December 11, two sessions, 10 a.m.-12 noon & 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Register in advance for one of two sessions (both bilingual, in English and Spanish) of this free workshop at Sonoma Garden Park. Learn how to make wreaths and other festive nature decor at this outdoor event; bring hand-clippers or scissors and a mug for hot drinks, and be sure to dress in layers.

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus

December 17, 5-8 p.m. 

Singing and dancing their way into your hearts with holiday antics, traditional carols, and some new surprises, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will perform merry renditions of classic seasonal songs at Weill Hall at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center. Tickets range from $25 to $85.

Kids Night at the Museum: Holiday Tales

December 17, 5-9 p.m.

Kids will have the Charles M. Schulz Museum to themselves for a pizza dinner, games, cartooning, and holiday crafts! Recommended for ages 5­–10. Advance registration is required, and cost is $35 per child; museum members receive 20% off.

The Raven Theater’s Holiday Sing-Along

December 17 – 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Join the Raven Theater community for their free Holiday Sing-Along, where no singing experience required—just come with joy in your heart and a desire to have fun! The theater’s concession stand will be open, serving up traditional holiday treats for your enjoyment.

Chanukah Celebration & Drone Gelt Drop 

December 18, 4:30-6 p.m.

In its eighth year at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds (175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma), this community holiday event will include a mega 9-foot menorah, an amazing gelt drop from a drone, a spectacular fire-juggling act, latkes and jelly donuts, a live DJ spinning Chanukah music, face painting, and the world’s largest dreidel!

Dave Koz and Friends: 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour 

December 21, 8-10 p.m.

Dave Koz and Friends return to the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts for a holiday concert, performing fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites in a high-energy show for the entire family. Tickets range from $49 to $179.

Bubbles & The Bard

December 21-23, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

For three nights at the Hotel Petaluma, the Petaluma Shakespeare Company will present Bubbles & The Bard, an intimate, enchanting evening of bubbles, music, and the seductive, witty sonnets of William Shakespeare. Tickets to this festive holiday event are $15 per person. 

Christmas Tree Lighting at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

December 22, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

At this annual, family-friendly event, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa will light up the iconic sycamore tree while you enjoy hot cocoa and cider, festive carolers, and photos with Santa. 

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!

December 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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 2023 with an Up Down Balloon Drop and Baby Balloon Drop (for children 4 and under and their families) at 12 noon, and a second Balloon Drop at 3 p.m. Doors open at 10 a.m.; admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

NYE Celebration at Region Sonoma

December 31, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Clink + Pop with Region Sonoma for the 9 p.m. ball drop! This New Year’s Eve celebration includes a glass of Benovia Winery’s Sparkling Wine, a delightful array of bites from Park Avenue Catering, and live music from Nick Foxer. Join anytime from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for your reserved seat. Region Sonoma will also be open for further enjoyment on its self-serve wine-wall and from its Barlow food partners. Cost is $55 per ticket. 

NYE British Invasion Costume & Dance Party

December 31, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

Close out 2022 with a big New Year’s Eve bash at the Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa! Get down with DJ Armin as he plays music from all of your favorite British artists and bands, and dress in your best for a costume contest; there will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. The $80 admission price includes a glass of Champagne for a midnight toast to ring in 2023.