Gather your friends and family and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season in Tuolumne County. Pair exclusive shopping with bright, festive events. Find yourself in a winter wonderland while exploring the great outdoors. Get in the spirit and make memories to last a lifetime this holiday.
There’s no denying holiday spirit as you experience the numerous events happening throughout the County, like Christmas Town Sonora in November and December. Enjoy a lighting ceremony of the iconic Red Church and Downtown Sonora, the 41st annual Sonora Christmas Parade, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s House, Christmas Tree Lane, Best Window Contest, bazaars, craft making, Holly Jolly Wagon rides, and more. It’s like walking into your favorite holiday movie.
Have a grand time at Columbia City Hotel Restaurant's Victorian Christmas Feast, a re-creation of a 140-year-old banquet melodrama with a cast of colorful characters, minstrels, great food, and wonderful wines.
In the evening of Sunday, December 8th, observe the Las Posadas Nativity Procession. The procession is a Spanish tradition that re-enacts the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. Since 1983, the people of Columbia have put on their own version of Las Posadas on Columbia’s Main Street, which is decorated for the Christmas season, and luminaries light the way for the procession. The procession is followed by Christmas carols for everyone to join in.
On December 21st & 22nd, discover what Christmas in a Gold Rush town may have looked like in the 1850’s during Miners Christmas. Stop in and listen to Christmas stories from ole’ timer miners, taste chestnuts roasted over the open fire, and make old-fashioned crafts.
Watch a tradition unfold during Candy Cane Making demonstrations at Nelson's Columbia Candy Kitchen every Saturday and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" presides at Sierra Repertory Theatre’s Fallon House Theatre in Columbia State Historic Park, November 21st-December 22nd, 2024. Rediscover the beloved Christmas classic.
"Americana Christmas" is presented at the East Sonora Theatre December 5th-22nd, 2024 and is collection of some of the finest Christmas songs in Americana, roots, folk and alt-country, from female-led musical group Americana Women.
Of course, it’s completely up to Mother Nature when the snow will come and winter recreation options open up, but when the snow does arrive and the mountains are covered, there are places for skiers, snowboarders, and snow tubers to hit the slopes.
Take in the thrill of tubing down a snow-covered mountain side at Leland High Sierra Snowplay where there are slopes for all ages. There’s also plenty of room for the family to play in the snow.
Enjoy skiing, riding, snow tubing at the closest snow to the San Francisco Bay Area at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort. Dodge Ridge is a nonintimidating resort where family and friends can enjoy a fun day together. Ski shop, equipment rentals, and lessons are available.
Snowshoeing in Yosemite National Park is probably one of the most serene experiences you can have. The Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias trail descends into the beautiful and peaceful giant sequoia grove. This is a popular trail both with snowshoers and hikers, 2.5 miles round trip with a strenuous return trek with a 500-foot elevation gain. Snowshoes can be rented in Groveland at Yosemite Basecamp.
Dining out with family and friends during the holiday season is a delightful experience that combines the warmth of festive celebrations with the region's natural beauty. The County's restaurants and eateries offer a cozy ambiance, perfect for gathering with loved ones. Local establishments embrace the holiday spirit by serving traditional seasonal dishes, some made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a memorable culinary experience.
Experience the diverse flavors of Tuolumne County's local beverages. The region, known for its picturesque vineyards and craft breweries, offers a unique opportunity to indulge in tasteful wines, flavorful local beers, and refreshing hard apple ciders.
Embark on a tasting journey, savoring the rich, robust notes of the county's finest wines. Whether it's a versatile Barbera or a crisp Chardonnay, each sip tells a story of the region's winemakers, making the experience both educational and indulgent.
For beer enthusiasts, Tuolumne County's local breweries craft a diverse range of beers, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, providing something for every palate. Sharing a flight of these artisanal brews becomes a communal activity, sparking conversations and laughter among loved ones.
Additionally, hard apple cider, a local specialty, adds a touch of sweetness to the holiday festivities. Made from bountiful apple orchards in the hills just outside of Sonora, these ciders are a refreshing alternative, especially when enjoyed during gatherings amidst the crisp winter air.
