Northern California has a lot to offer during Christmastime. There are many Christmas tree lighting events, parades, craft fairs, and activities throughout the month to get you in the holiday spirit.
We’ve covered some of the best light displays and events happening during the month of December. We also want to highlight some towns that put on special or creative Christmas events. From ice skating rinks to traditional re-enactments– these small towns honor Christmas in a magical (and fun!) way.
- Galt
Galt Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page Meet at the Chabolla Community Center on Dec. 17th for Breakfast with Santa & The Grinch. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
- Los Altos Hills
Garry Knight/Flickr Locals in this small peninsula town will get together on Dec. 20 to sing Christmas Carols. Meet at 7:30 p.m. at the town hall, where drinks and snacks will be provided.
- Ukiah
City of Ukiah Recreation Facebook Page The city of Ukiah in Northern California has a town-wide holiday light competition. “Let it Glow” starts Dec. 3 and runs through Dec. 19, when the winners of the light competition are announced. A map online is updated daily. Check out the map to see the houses that are competing.
- Columbia
Columbia Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page The annual nativity procession, Las Posadas, re-enacts the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. Columbia has been putting on this re-enactment since 1983. Las Posadas is a Spanish tradition and the townsfolk add their own 1850s flair. Onlookers hold candles and join in singing Christmas songs.
- Anderson
City of Anderson Facebook Page This small town south of Redding has a holiday ice skating rink. The rink is located at the corner of East Center and Ferry streets. The rink is open from Dec. 2 to Jan. 1. The $5 admission covers skate rental and 45 minutes of skating.
- McCloud
McCloud Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page The McCloud Chamber of Commerce presents Winter Fest 2022. This event takes place over three weekends in December. On Dec. 17-18th, guests can listen and watch Christmas Carolers, and enjoy horse and carriage rides.
- Oroville
Amanda Torres/Google Images Lights of Hope in Oroville has a walk-through light display that is free to the public. Enjoy ice skating and sledding for an extra fee. Book your tickets online or you can buy them at the door.
Honorable Mentions:
Galt Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page
Meet at the Chabolla Community Center on Dec. 17th for Breakfast with Santa & The Grinch. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
Garry Knight/Flickr
Locals in this small peninsula town will get together on Dec. 20 to sing Christmas Carols. Meet at 7:30 p.m. at the town hall, where drinks and snacks will be provided.
City of Ukiah Recreation Facebook Page
The city of Ukiah in Northern California has a town-wide holiday light competition. “Let it Glow” starts Dec. 3 and runs through Dec. 19, when the winners of the light competition are announced. A map online is updated daily. Check out the map to see the houses that are competing.
Columbia Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page
The annual nativity procession, Las Posadas, re-enacts the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. Columbia has been putting on this re-enactment since 1983. Las Posadas is a Spanish tradition and the townsfolk add their own 1850s flair. Onlookers hold candles and join in singing Christmas songs.
City of Anderson Facebook Page
This small town south of Redding has a holiday ice skating rink. The rink is located at the corner of East Center and Ferry streets. The rink is open from Dec. 2 to Jan. 1. The $5 admission covers skate rental and 45 minutes of skating.
McCloud Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page
The McCloud Chamber of Commerce presents Winter Fest 2022. This event takes place over three weekends in December. On Dec. 17-18th, guests can listen and watch Christmas Carolers, and enjoy horse and carriage rides.
Amanda Torres/Google Images
Lights of Hope in Oroville has a walk-through light display that is free to the public. Enjoy ice skating and sledding for an extra fee. Book your tickets online or you can buy them at the door.
Numerous cities and towns host races on Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day. Start the Christmas holiday with a run with your neighbors:
- Meadow Vista– Christmas Morning Cool Yule Jingle Jog
- Placerville– Holiday Mingle & Jingle Run
- Merced— Christmas Eve Fun Run
What activities does your small town have planned for the Christmas season? Tell us in the comments.
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Address: McCloud, CA 96057, USAAddress: Anderson, CA 96007, USAAddress: Oroville, CA, USAAddress: Columbia, CA, USAAddress: Ukiah, CA 95482, USAAddress: Los Altos Hills, CA, USAAddress: Galt, CA, USA
