7 must-try holiday celebrations that are worth the trip from Sacramento
There are tons of wonderful and unique ways to spend the holiday season, and they are only a short drive away from you.
There are tons of wonderful and unique ways to spend the holiday season, and they are only a short drive away from you.
There are tons of wonderful and unique ways to spend the holiday season, and they are only a short drive away from you.
Are you looking for a wonderful and unique way to spend the holiday season that isn't too far away in Northern California?
Here are six enjoyable holiday events only a few hours' drive from the Sacramento region.
Bright Nights Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
Interested in a magical wine-tasting experience? Cuvaison Winery in Napa Valley offers extravagant wine tasting under bright holiday lights to celebrate the season.
This perfect festive getaway offers delectable cheeses to complement the wine, and even an option to upgrade to a “luxury caviar experience.” This experience is offered every Friday and Saturday through Jan. 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This season is the best time for you and your loved ones to enjoy a selection of fine wines and eats around vineyards decorated with thousands of holiday lights.
For more details and booking options, visit here.
Nevada County Christmas Fairs
In the mood for an old-fashioned Christmas street fair? There are two great events in the Nevada County area that are worth a visit.
First is the 56th annual Cornish Christmas in Grass Valley, filled with street vendors, delicious food, seasonal treats, and festive decorations for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
This holiday event captures the charm of a “bygone era,” offering caroling choirs dressed in Victorian attire, roasted chestnuts with spiced cider, and everything in between.
Main and Mill streets in downtown Grass Valley host 38 local craft vendors, 16 delicious food vendors, and a full day of seasonal entertainment for all to enjoy. Santa will also make an appearance at Cornish Christmas to spread holiday joy on Neal Street.
This must-see holiday event takes place every Friday until Dec. 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Nevada City Victorian Christmas, another holiday fair in the county, captures the essence of an old-fashioned night out for the holidays. This event takes place every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon in December.
This annual tradition has been going strong since 1978 and includes more than one hundred individual vendors and boutique shops, beautiful Christmas lights, including traditional gas lamps, and lots of restaurants and street vendors to choose from.
The Nevada City Victorian Christmas has its own 25-foot locally sourced Christmas tree decorated with lights, bows and frosted pine cones. Children in attendance can also get their picture taken with Santa Claus.
Both events are free of charge and offer their own free shuttle services to and from the premises.
Find more information on Cornish Christmas here and Victorian Christmas here.
Northstar Ski Resort
Travelers in the mood for holiday shopping can find 35 unique shops at Northstar California in Truckee. This enchanted ski village also offers 18 unique restaurants and a 9,000-square-foot skating rink.
This year’s white Christmas will be cold, but Northstar provides fire pits all around the village with complimentary s'mores to feed the holiday sweet tooth.
| MORE | See more reasons to visit North Lake Tahoe for the holidays.
Lights of Livermore Holiday Tour
Those in need of a holiday getaway to the Bay Area can enjoy a calming tour through the Livermore streets displaying beautiful Christmas lights. But before passengers embark, they are treated to a wine tasting at Concannon Vineyards.
This elegant wine-tasting experience lasts for one hour and offers fine wine flights, and purchasable food to compliment the beverages. Food options include a charcuterie box and a holiday dessert box.
After the wine tasting, guests will board the trolley, sip wine, sing and listen to holiday music, and admire the breathtaking Livermore light displays. The trolley tour lasts for one hour, and passengers will be returned to Concannon Vineyards when the tour concludes.
Tours take place every night at 5:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. through Dec. 23. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.
Reservations and additional information are available here.
World’s Largest Living Christmas Tree in Fort Bragg
This one may take a little longer to get to, but it could be worth it. Climb aboard the world-famous Skunk Train and navigate through the California redwoods to find a massive decorated redwood tree standing at 222 feet tall, making it the "world’s tallest Christmas Tree." This tree is also decorated as a toy workshop for Mr. Skunk, the critter serving as the train’s mascot.
This historic railroad touring through the Mendocino County redwood forest has been operating since the 1880s and was originally used to transport lumber and loggers.
Passengers will be enchanted with Christmas spirit while being treated to complimentary hot chocolate and holiday cookies, festive decorations, live music, and even a visit from Mr. Skunk.
Train rides are available now until Dec. 31, and children ages 13 and under ride free with the purchase of a full-price ticket.
For more information, visit here.
Redding Garden of Lights
This destination is also a longer drive than most on this list, but it is definitely worth making the trip.
Journey through 10 acres of beautiful lights on a brightly illuminated path of over 2 million holiday lights at the 5th annual Redding Garden of Lights. This event includes synchronized musical animations, animated light shows, fire pits for s’mores, and festive food and beverages.
This magical holiday celebration takes place at Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and is accepting visitors with valid tickets from now until Jan. 5. The park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Photography is encouraged, so be sure to capture this special event with you and your loved ones.
For tickets and additional information, visit here.
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