Santa Rosa & The Holidays

‘Tis the season for festive merriment and quality time with loved ones. As winter days turn brisk and stars sparkle through the Sonoma County night sky, explore all Santa Rosa has to offer.

Mirrored Balls, Peppermint Canes, and a Thousand Other Delights...

Amid the usual holiday events and fanfare this year, Downtown Santa Rosa shimmers brightly with holiday spirit and plenty of good cheer for visitors and locals alike to enjoy this season with the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber's Winter Lights.

If you're looking for family-friendly activities to enjoy this season, we have some suggestions below. But whatever the case may be, we hope you use this time to make lasting memories this holiday season, in signature Santa Rosa style.

Cozy Holiday Cheer!

Transcendence Theatre Company will brighten your holiday season with "Broadway Holiday Spectacular." This year it will be lead at the Hanna Center in Sonoma. Come and enjoy, as the Broadway performers will fill the season with music, dancing, and cozy holiday cheer!

The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

Often considered a Christmas classic, “The Nutcracker” is a favorite ballet of all ages. The Nutcracker, the Christmas favorite toy, comes alive after defeating the evil Mouse King in battle. Then takes Clara on a journey to the Land of Snow, and the Land of Sweets. Presented by Sebastopol Ballet School.

Celebrate Posada Navideña

Calidanza Dance Company welcomes families and community members to celebrate Christmastime together at the annual Posada Navideña. This special evening with the Calidanza dancers and musicians features the vibrant dance, music, and songs of Mexico. For the past two years, Calidanza has 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!

Looking for fun things to do with the family this holiday season? The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center has plenty of activities to keep the kids busy. Take for instance their virtual live online Happy New Year, Charlie Brown with an Up-Down balloon drop.

NorthernLights

A winter lights art walk through the Luther Burbank Sculpture Garden. This free event is open daily from duck to 9:30 pm beginning December 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023.

This self-guided tour leads you through tunnels of twinkle lights with whimsical stops along the paths. View colorful lighted sculptures by local artists, and works by students from Santa Rosa Junior College.

This will become a must-see annual tradition on your winter lights tour, perfect for making memories and taking family photo-ops!

Winter Wineland

Plan for a glorious weekend along Wine Road – Northern Sonoma County as we celebrate Winter Wineland.

Get out and meet winemakers, taste limited production wines and new releases. Enjoy the beauty of Sonoma County and treat yourself to a relaxed, personalized tasting experience. Restock your wine collection, join some wine clubs, and take the opportunity to taste wines you may have never even heard of before. Make it a weekend of discovery!

Tickets go on sale on December 10th. Click here for more details.

Local Shopping + Dining All Season Long

Downtown, Santa Rosa has dozens of retailers and restaurants open and offering holiday specials, every Sunday will feature a holiday market, making Downtown the perfect place to buy local gifts and celebrate the season with the ones you love.

Holiday Farm Stands

This holiday season you'll find all sorts of delights for your table and gift gifting at area farm stands. Note that if you can't make it to the farm stand in person, some also offer online ordering for shipping. From our friends at Sonoma County Farm Trails, click here some recommended local farm stands offering special open hours and offerings.

Click here for a list of other shopping locations.

Historic Railroad Square

Historic Railroad Square has an authentic old town ambiance and has become Santa Rosa's Restaurant and Antique Row, as well as the first stop for visitors coming to Santa Rosa and Sonoma County to savor the Wine Country experience.

For over 30 years Railroad Square has been offering free carriage rides through the neighborhood. Enjoy free hot cider, let the kids write a letter to Santa, holiday music, and take a family photo too.

Each weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, plus Black Friday & Christmas Eve in Depot Park. (Weather permitting)