Sonoma County, CA, offers a variety of locations to enjoy Christmas tree lights, with each place providing its unique festive charm. Here are 15 of the best places to experience Christmas tree lighting and holiday festivities:
Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove (Windsor): This event runs from Dec. 1 through Jan. 1. It features over 200 trees decorated by local classrooms, service groups, families, and businesses. The grove is complemented by holiday music, nightly “snowfall,” and opportunities to shop and dine at local businesses around the Town Green.
NorthernLights at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (Santa Rosa): From Dec. 1 to Jan. 1, this free Winter Lights Art Walk features a festive illumination of the current sculpture garden exhibit, dramatic lighted sculptures by student artists from Santa Rosa Junior College, and whimsically colorful scenes bedecked in twinkle lights. It's open daily from dusk to 9:30 pm.
Sebastopol’s Annual Tree Lighting: Held in Downtown Sebastopol on the Plaza, this event includes a tree lighting with candles, Santa arriving by fire truck, and performances by various local choirs and ballet groups.
Windsor’s 21st Annual Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting: Taking place at the Windsor Town Green, this celebration includes kids' activities, letters to Santa, food and craft vendors, and much more.
Cotati Holiday Tree Lighting: This event, located at La Plaza St, Cotati, includes carriage rides, children’s activities, and a variety of food and craft vendors.
Cloverdale Winter Festival & Tree Lighting: Held at 126 N. Cloverdale Blvd, Cloverdale, this festival features holiday tree lighting, Santa, artisans, music, food, and holiday cheer.
Merry Healdsburg: Celebrate the holidays at Healdsburg Ave & Matheson St with the 2nd Annual Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting.
Snowman Tree Lighting + Toy Drive at Cornerstone-Sonoma: Santa lights up the famous Cornerstone Snowman Tree at this event located at 23570 Arnold Dr, Sonoma.
Theater Square Tree Lighting Celebration: This event at Theater Square Plaza features live music and an annual tree lighting.
40th Annual Holiday Lights Celebration in Rohnert Park: Located at 5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, this free family holiday event includes holiday refreshments, Santa, and holiday performances.
Guerneville Parade of Lights: Main Street in Downtown Guerneville hosts a Parade of Lights featuring festively lit cars, trucks, tractors, and floats.
Sebastopol Holiday Home Tour & Artisan Boutique: This tour includes five decorated homes & a historic school in and around scenic Sebastopol.
Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade: Watch boats parade down the Petaluma River, decorated in holiday lights and decor, at 10 C St #3025, Petaluma.
Winter Lights Downtown Santa Rosa Holiday Experience: This season-long holiday fun includes the annual tree lighting event in Courthouse Square and the eco-friendly, synthetic-ice Winter Lights Rink.
Guerneville Nights of Lights: This event in Downtown Guerneville features tree lighting, hot chocolate, cider, ornament decorating, and coloring tables for kids, with special guest Santa.
These events offer a mix of traditional tree lighting, unique light displays, and community activities, making Sonoma County a festive destination for experiencing the magic of the holiday season.