We all have our own holiday traditions that are special to us. These traditions put us in a celebratory mood and help us savor the season. Things like cutting our own Christmas trees, meeting Santa, and walking around Victorian Christmas towns are once-a-year experiences that create holiday memories that last a lifetime. 

The town of Sutter Creek comes alive during Christmastime. This beautiful Victorian town is decked out in bright lights and decorations that make it look like a town from one of those cute Christmas movies. You can enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas in this charming town– plus, there is so much to do!

There are numerous events in the town throughout the month of December– they really enjoy celebrating the season in Sutter Creek! The Christmas season kicks off on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. with a tree lighting ceremony and pictures with Santa.

Sutter Creek Parade of Lights Facebook Page The event takes place at City Hall, right on Main Street. 

There is also a Parade of Lights on Dec. 3, 10, and 11th at 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Entries will be parked downtown so you might be able to sneak a peek even if you arrive early or late for the parade.

Suttercreek.org Website Can’t make those dates? There is also a Holiday Light Tour everyday in December from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For many decades, Sutter Creek has hosted the “Old Fashioned Christmas Open House” taking place on the first Friday and Saturday in December. Walk around the old town, shop, drink wine, and enjoy the holiday lights.

SutterCreek.org Website Out of all the small Gold Rush towns in Northern California, Sutter Creek might have the most boutiques– certainly some of the cutest. You can shop for hours in Sutter Creek. Check out Water Street Antiques & Interiors for some holiday table settings. And try walking through the Antique Gardener without buying anything– they have tons of unique home and garden decor.

During the Christmas season, there are regularly carolers walking around the old town area.

Wayne Hsieh/Flickr A couple locals dress up as Father Christmas and Charles Dickens to really make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

Sutter Creek is in Amador Wine Country and about a one-hour drive from Kirkwood and mountain ski resorts. But there is plenty to do in the small town without venturing out. You can also taste local wines at Bella Grace Vineyards on Main Street.

Stuart Rankin/Flickr There are several charming B&Bs to choose from right in the heart of town.

Sutter Creek has a lot of restaurants and cafes. Many of them are located in beautiful historic buildings.

Wayne Hseih/Flick If you’re bundled up, sit outside under a heater at Gold Dust Pizza. Located just off Main Street, you can enjoy watching the hustle and bustle from a distance while eating a meal. You’ll also get a fantastic view of Main Street from the second floor of The Sutter Restaurant also on Main Street.

 

Sutter Creek Parade of Lights Facebook Page

The event takes place at City Hall, right on Main Street. 

Suttercreek.org Website

Can’t make those dates? There is also a Holiday Light Tour everyday in December from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

SutterCreek.org Website

Out of all the small Gold Rush towns in Northern California, Sutter Creek might have the most boutiques– certainly some of the cutest. You can shop for hours in Sutter Creek. Check out Water Street Antiques & Interiors for some holiday table settings. And try walking through the Antique Gardener without buying anything– they have tons of unique home and garden decor.

Wayne Hsieh/Flickr

A couple locals dress up as Father Christmas and Charles Dickens to really make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

Stuart Rankin/Flickr

There are several charming B&Bs to choose from right in the heart of town.

Wayne Hseih/Flick

If you’re bundled up, sit outside under a heater at Gold Dust Pizza. Located just off Main Street, you can enjoy watching the hustle and bustle from a distance while eating a meal. You’ll also get a fantastic view of Main Street from the second floor of The Sutter Restaurant also on Main Street.

No matter what you enjoy doing, you can have fun and delight in all the Christmas holiday magic in Sutter Creek. Which Northern California town do you enjoy visiting most during the holidays? Tell us in the comments. 

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Address: Sutter Creek, CA, USAAddress: The Sutter Restaurant, 53 Main St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, USAAddress: Bella Grace Vineyards, 73 Main St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, USAAddress: Antique Gardener, 80 Main St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, USAAddress: Water Street Antiques & Interiors, 33 Main St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, USAAddress: Gold Dust Pizza Sutter Creek, 20 Eureka St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, USA