Get ready for a festive adventure in Santa Rosa with our holiday guide. From Santa Rosa regulars to holiday explorers, our guide brings the festive season to life.
One of the highlights this season is the Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza, where the community gathers to witness the enchanting illumination that marks the start of the celebrations. The Transcendence’s Holiday Spectacular promises a vibrant blend of music and dance, showcasing local talent in a festive setting. And the Holiday Food & Fun Fair is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering delectable treats and festive activities for the entire family. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Santa Rosa
- Transcendence’s Holiday Spectacular (Sonoma)
- Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza (Sonoma)
- Transcendence’s Broadway Holiday
- Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration
- Winter Lights Holiday Skate Rink
- NorthernLights at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
- Posada Navidena by Calidanza Dance Company
- Santa’s Riverboat Cruise (Petaluma)
- Holiday Food & Fun Fair (Petaluma)
- Santa’s Riverboat Arrival & Small Business Saturday (Petaluma)
See these and even more events listed below!
Santa Rosa Holiday Light Displays
Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza
What to Expect:
Thousands of lights transform historic plaza with live music and food.
Description:
Thousands of lights illuminate Sonoma Plaza, accompanied by live music, dance performances, hot cocoa, cookies, beer, wine, and hearty fare from food trucks.
Where: Sonoma | More Info: Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza
Sonoma Sterling Limousines’ Holiday Lights Tour
What to Expect:
Luxurious, chauffeured transportation to holiday light displays.
Description:
Explore the best local Holiday Lights displays in Wine Country with Sonoma Sterling Limousines' luxurious transportation options, including limousines and party buses equipped with exciting party features like controllable light shows and fully upgraded Bluetooth sound systems.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: Sonoma Sterling Limousines’ Holiday Lights Tour
NorthernLights at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
What to Expect:
Dazzling light art installations by local artists.
Description:
Northern Lights at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts features a dazzling self-guided tour through the Sculpture Garden, incorporating new sculptures by local artists and exciting lighting designs. The event is perfect for making new winter season memories and taking family photos.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: NorthernLights at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
Winter Lights Holiday Skate Rink
What to Expect:
Theme Skate Nights with special music and decorations.
Description:
Winter Lights Holiday Skate Rink is a festive opportunity in Downtown Santa Rosa featuring special music, decorations, costumes, and professional skating entertainment.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: Winter Lights Holiday Skate Rink
Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration
What to Expect:
Season-long holiday fun with a skating show and festive lighting.
Description:
Join us at Winter Lights in Downtown Santa Rosa for a family-friendly celebration featuring live entertainment, holiday drinks and treats, photos with Santa, and the official lighting of the Courthouse Square tree with a skating show by Redwood Ice Theatre Company.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration
Forestville Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Santa's possible visit adds a delightful surprise to the festive atmosphere.
Description:
Join the Forestville Chamber of Commerce for a festive holiday celebration at Downtown Oaks Park. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and other treats while Santa might make a special appearance. The event takes place under the oaks on Front Street.
Where: Forestville | More Info: Forestville Tree Lighting
Lighted Boat Parade in Petaluma
What to Expect:
Boats of all sizes, including power, sail, and man-powered vessels, participate in the parade.
Description:
A flotilla of boats aglow with colored lights and holiday decorations makes a dramatic entrance into the Petaluma Turning Basin to celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Petaluma. Thousands of tiny lights reflect on the water, creating a spectacular scene.
Where: Petaluma | More Info: Lighted Boat Parade in Petaluma
Santa Rosa Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Food & Fun Fair
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local artisans.
Description:
The Petaluma Holiday Food & Fun Fair is an indoor farmer's market where attendees can purchase directly from over 30 local artisans, preparing for the holidays with a variety of seasonal items.
Where: Petaluma | More Info: Holiday Food & Fun Fair
Santa Rosa Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Santa’s Riverboat Cruise
What to Expect:
Santa's unique riverboat arrival in Petaluma.
Description:
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in Petaluma via tugboat, accompanied by live entertainment and festive activities.
Where: Petaluma | More Info: Santa’s Riverboat Cruise
Transcendence’s Holiday Spectacular
What to Expect:
Exclusive post-show event with cast members and seasonal refreshments.
Description:
Transcendence Theatre Company presents Broadway Holiday, an elegant evening of beautiful music and Broadway rhythms featuring hit shows like Frozen, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Wicked. Celebrate the season with festive musical favorites and hilarious holiday flair at the historic Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma Plaza.
Where: Sonoma | More Info: Transcendence’s Holiday Spectacular
Posada Navidena by Calidanza Dance Company
What to Expect:
Lively dance performance with colorful costumes and festive music celebrating Mexican holiday festivities.
Description:
Join Calidanza Dance Company for a vibrant holiday celebration featuring lively dance, colorful costumes, and festive music. The performance visits different regions of Mexico, showcasing both audience favorites and new choreography. Artistic Director Steven Valencia leads the annual joyful and tradition-filled Posada Navidena.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: Posada Navidena by Calidanza Dance Company
Elf The Musical at 6th Street Playhouse
What to Expect:
Endearingly goofy holiday musical with a talented cast.
Description:
Elf The Musical at 6th Street Playhouse is a box-office-record-breaking holiday musical based on the 2003 film starring Will Ferrell. It follows Buddy, a young orphan who crawls into Santa's bag and is transported to the North Pole, unaware he is human. With Santa's blessing, Buddy travels to New York City to discover his true identity and help his family rediscover Christmas spirit. The show combines vintage comic style with high-energy contemporary music, featuring a talented cast including David Bradbury as Buddy.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: Elf The Musical at 6th Street Playhouse
Celebrate the Holidays in Railroad Square
What to Expect:
Free horse and carriage rides with live music.
Description:
Celebrate the holidays in Historic Railroad Square with free horse and carriage rides, live music, and family-friendly activities every weekend through December 24. Enjoy unique shopping and international dining around Railroad Square, with free parking on Sundays.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: Celebrate the Holidays in Railroad Square
26th Annual Santa Rosa Crèche Festival
What to Expect:
Diverse nativity displays from around the world.
Description:
The 26th Annual Santa Rosa Crèche Festival features a diverse display of nativities from around the world, accompanied by musical performances.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: 26th Annual Santa Rosa Crèche Festival
Occidental Community Choir Winter Concert
What to Expect:
Celebrating 45 years with diverse musical compositions.
Description:
The Occidental Community Choir presents "All Creatures Great & Small," a concert series featuring local composers, celebrating the diverse tapestry of creatures through melodic humor and lyrical beauty. The event marks the choir's 45th year and promises a captivating musical journey under the direction of Gage Purdy.
Where: Occidental | More Info: Occidental Community Choir Winter Concert
Transcendence’s Broadway Holiday
What to Expect:
Exclusive post-show event with cast members and wine.
Description:
Transcendence Theatre Company's Broadway Holiday is an elegant evening featuring Broadway performers in hit shows like Frozen, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Wicked. The event celebrates loved ones with festive musical favorites and hilarious holiday flair at the historic Sebastiani Theater in Sonoma Plaza.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: Transcendence’s Broadway Holiday
Sonoma Bach Early Music Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional baroque music performance.
Description:
Sonoma Bach presents an early music Christmas celebration featuring traditional and baroque compositions, showcasing the rich heritage of classical music.
Where: Rohnert Park | More Info: Sonoma Bach Early Music Christmas
Barbara Higbie & Friends Winter Solstice Concert
What to Expect:
Collaborative performance by renowned musicians celebrating the season.
Description:
Barbara Higbie & Friends Winter Solstice Concert features a mesmerizing blend of folk, jazz, and classical music, showcasing Barbara Higbie's soul-stirring compositions and remarkable versatility.
Where: Occidental | More Info: Barbara Higbie & Friends Winter Solstice Concert
Santa Rosa Other Holiday Activities
Scandinavian Christmas at West Wines
What to Expect:
Traditional Scandinavian Christmas celebration with hot mulled wine and Swedish treats.
Description:
Celebrate the advent of Christmas with West Wines, featuring hot mulled wine, Swedish Christmas decorations, and sweet treats.
Where: Healdsburg | More Info: Scandinavian Christmas at West Wines
Santa Photo Experience at Santa Rosa Plaza
What to Expect:
Personalized holiday photos with Santa.
Description:
Capture cherished holiday moments with Santa at Santa Rosa Plaza, offering a convenient and enjoyable photo experience.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: Santa Photo Experience at Santa Rosa Plaza
Santa’s Riverboat Arrival & Small Business Saturday
What to Expect:
Unique tugboat arrival with live entertainment and family photo opportunities.
Description:
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in Petaluma via a Lind Marine tugboat, entertaining families with live music and costumed dancers. They will be available for family photos and wish lists at River Plaza Shopping Center.
Where: Petaluma | More Info: Santa’s Riverboat Arrival & Small Business Saturday
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Rohnert Park (7 miles)
- Windsor (9 miles)
- Petaluma (15 miles)
- American Canyon (31 miles)
- San Rafael (34 miles)
- Vallejo (34 miles)
- Hercules (37 miles)
- San Pablo (39 miles)
- Fairfield (39 miles)
- Suisun (39 miles)
- Vacaville (40 miles)
- Richmond (40 miles)
- Benicia (40 miles)
- El Cerrito (42 miles)
- Martinez (43 miles)