This article was last updated on Dec. 6 at 10:00 a.m.
MENDOCINO CO., 11/29/24 – The holiday season is here, meaning festivities abound throughout Mendocino County.
This month you can show off your artsy skills with Christmas and Hanukkah crafts, enjoy wondrous light displays, snap a selfie with Santa, share a meal with your neighbors, or even sing holiday songs at karaoke. There’s no shortage of fun over the holidays. We even have ways to ring in the New Year!
Looking for holiday craft fairs and pop-ups? Check out this article.
If we’re missing anything, let us know in the comments or by email at sarah@mendovoice.com so we can add it in. We’ll be updating this article regularly, so check back often! Happy holidays! ☃️
Boonville
Dec. 5, Boonville Hotel Tree Lighting – The Boonville Hotel will light up its holiday tree with music by the Real Sarahs and holiday festivities. The hotel’s restaurant will serve soups and baked goods. Proceeds benefit the Anderson Valley Food Bank. All ages, 5:30 p.m., $20 suggested donation, Boonville Hotel, 14050 Hwy 128, Boonville, (707) 895-2210, learn more here.
Dec. 7, Gingerbread Extravaganza – Build a fantastical gingerbread house out of fresh gingerbread and epic candies. A kid-friendly lunch from Offspring Wood Fired Pizza and Salad will be served. Each registered adult gets complimentary sparkling wine. All ages, 11 a.m., $68-$113, The Boonville Hotel and Restaurant, 14050 Highway 128, Boonville, (707) 895-2210, tickets on sale here.
Covelo
Dec. 14, Wreaths Across America – Remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud. Wreath sponsorship is available and starts at $17. Ceremony starts at 10 a.m., American Legion Hall Post 759, 23900 Howard St., Covelo, learn more here.
Elk
Dec. 13, Elk Holiday Street Fair – Enjoy an evening of shopping, drinks, food and holiday cheer during Elk’s annual Holiday Street Fair. All ages, 4-8 p.m., downtown Elk.
Fort Bragg
Nov. 29-Dec. 22, Festival of Lights – The Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden hosts its 13th annual Festival of Lights when staff and volunteers decorate the gardens in a show of glittering lights. Hot cocoa, cider and snacks will be available for purchase. Santa will make an appearance on select evenings. All ages, $10 per person, kids under 16 are free, 5-7 p.m., Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, 18220 N. Highway 1, Fort Bragg. Advanced tickets are recommended and are available here.
Nov. 30, Haywire Christmas Fair – Western apparel store Haywire celebrates the holiday with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will also be a petting zoo, giveaways and special sales. All ages, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., free, Haywire, 151 W. Elm Street, Fort Bragg, (707) 964-7362.
Dec. 6, Dog Days of December – Art Explorers hosts a dog-themed holiday exhibit and silent auction to benefit the Mendocino Coast Humane Society. The Humane Society will have adoptable animals at the event. Proceeds will also benefit Arts Explorers, which provides visual arts experiences and opportunities for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All ages, 5-7 p.m., free, Art Explorers, 333 N. Franklin St., Fort Bragg, (707) 961-6156, artexplorers.org.
Dec. 7, Winter Wonderland – Visit Fort Bragg hosts Winter Wonderland, a day of jolly good fun. The event includes a holiday market, photos with Santa Claus at the Guest House Museum, a tree-lighting ceremony, live music, a lighted truck parade and more. 12-6:30 p.m., Franklin and Laurel streets, Fort Bragg, visitfortbraggca.com.
Dec. 8, Noyo Harbor Lit Boat Parade – Local fishing and pleasure boats decorated with holiday lights parade along the Noyo River. Free, all ages, 6 p.m., Noyo Harbor.
Dec. 14, Milano Bar Christmas Party – Celebrate the holiday with patrons and staff at the Milano Bar’s annual Christmas party. Bring a gift for the gift exchange (4 p.m.), contribute something tasty to the potluck (5 p.m.) or show up for music with DJ Moist Magnolia (9 p.m.). 21 and over, 4 p.m., free, Milano Bar, 300 E. Oak Street, Fort Bragg, (707) 964-2785.
Dec. 14, Wreaths Across America – Remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud. Wreath sponsorship is available and starts at $17. Ceremony starts at 9 a.m., Rose Memorial Park Association Cemetery, 760 N. Franklin St., Fort Bragg, learn more here.
Dec. 23, Fort Bragg holiday lights accessible walk – Adorn yourself in holiday lights and join Dr. Leslie Krongold for an accessible walk to look at the holiday lights in Fort Bragg. All ages, free, 5 p.m., meet at the sidewalk in front of the skatepark. Parking available at CV Starr Community Center. Learn more here.
Gualala
Nov. 29-30, Festival of Trees – Local artisans bring their special arts and crafts to the Gualala Arts Center. In addition to local makers and craftspeople, the center will be selling faux Christmas trees at its “Forever Tree” lot. The trees are designed by local artisans and the proceeds benefit the center. There will also be homemade cookies, pies and treats at the Mrs. Claus Bakeshop and Gualala Arts-branded gifts including T-shirts, hoodies, glassware, and more. Santa will be on hand for photos, Freddy’s Puppet Daydreams and Don Krieger will also perform. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Old State Highway, Gualala, (707) 884-1138, gualalaarts.org.
Nov. 30, Lighted Truck Parade – The Gualala Lions Club presents its annual Holiday Truck Parade. Gather in downtown Gualala by the hotel to watch the parade and enjoy hot dogs, chili dogs and drinks for sale. Or participate by driving your decorated vehicles of any kind. Sign up by emailing Sylvia Evans at sylthesailor@gmail.com. All ages, 6 p.m., free, downtown Gualala.
Dec. 7, Redwood Coast Land Conservancy Open House & Winter Wreath Making Workshop – Learn more about the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy and make your own winter wreath using locally foraged holly, conifer greens, pinecones, berries and other natural materials. There will be additional crafty activities for kids and adults and refreshments will be provided. Free, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Redwood Coast Land Conservancy, 46902 Old Stage Rd., Gualala, (707) 884-4426, rclc.org.
Dec. 14, A Holiday Concert for the Coast – The Ernest Bloch Bell Ringers present their annual holiday concert for the coast. Under the direction of Jeanne Jackson, the Coleman Auditorium will fill with the sounds of four and a half octaves of handbells and chimes rung by twelve ringers. Holiday favorites such as “Christmas Joy and Adoration” and “Silent Night” will be performed, as well as non-traditional future favorites like “Calypso Christmas” and “California Dreamin’.” 3 p.m., $25 in advance, $30 at the door, Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Old State Highway, Gualala, (707) 884-1138, tickets available at Dolphin Gallery, Gualala Arts and online here.
Dec. 31, NY New Year’s Eve & Decades Birthday – Welcome in 2025 with friends and neighbors at the Gualala Art Center’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration. The evening starts with a no-host cocktail bar and hors d’oeuvres and music from KTDE’s Fred Alder. The Gualala Arts Culinary Guild will serve a buffet meal and dessert. There are also special perks for folks born in certain decades and celebrating their 70th birthday (your ticket is free if you register before Dec. 1). Visit the website for more information. All ages, 7 p.m., $49-$59, Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Old State Highway, Gualala, (707) 884-1138, learn more here.
Hopland
Dec. 1, Sip & Create – Enjoy McNab Ridge Wines while painting a bottle with a winter theme filled with fairy lights. It’s a perfect holiday keepsake or gift. 21 and over, 2-4 p.m., $40, McNab Ridge Tasting Room, 13450 Highway 101, Hopland, call (707) 744-1986 to RSVP.
Dec. 14, Wreaths Across America – Remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud. Wreath sponsorship is available and starts at $17. Ceremony starts at 9 a.m., Hopland Cemetery, 11191 Old River Rd., Hopland, learn more here.
Mendocino
Dec. 7, Cocoa, Cookies and Santa – Bring the kids and enjoy a meet and greet with Santa while enjoying hot cocoa and festive cookies. Proceeds benefit the Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund. All ages, 12-3 p.m., Community Center of Mendocino, 998 School Street, Mendocino, (707) 962-8111.
Dec. 7, Visit with Santa – Snap the perfect Christmas photo with Santa Claus at the historic Kelley House Museum. Cookies and cider are provided while kids and families snap photos, using their own cameras, with the man himself. $5 donation requested, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Kelley House Museum, 45007 Albion St., Mendocino, (707) 937-5791, learn more here.
Dec. 7-8, This Christmastide – The Festival Chorale presents a joy-filled concert under the direction of Matthew Evans. This year’s musical selections include songs familiar and unusual, including some classics in four-part harmony. After the concert, enjoy hot cider and cookies with guests and musicians. All ages, 3 p.m., $25, Mendocino Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, 44831 Main Street, Mendocino, (707) 937-5441, tickets on sale here.
Dec. 14, Wreaths Across America – Remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud. Wreath sponsorship is available and starts at $17. Ceremony starts at 9 a.m., Hillcrest Cemetery, 10691 Pallette Dr., Mendocino, learn more here.
Dec. 14, Sing-along “Messiah” – What’s better than listening to Handel’s “Messiah”? Singing along, of course! Whether you are a classically trained soprano or a spirited singer in the shower, join the Symphony of the Redwoods for a sing-along of the iconic work by Handel. 3 p.m., Mendocino Presbyterian Church, 44831 Main St., Mendocino, (707) 937-5441, learn more here.
Dec. 21, Holiday cookie decorating class – Learn how to create decorated sugar cookies for the holidays. Shani of Shani’s Sweet Creations will guide participants in how to decorate nine cute sugar cookies. All tools and supplies are provided. Everyone leaves with Shani’s sugar cookie and royal icing recipes. The class is suitable for beginners and children ages 8 and up. Parents are welcome to accompany their child without purchasing a class spot. All ages, 10 a.m. or 1 p.m., $70, Trilliam Cafe, 10390 Kasten Street, Mendocino, buy tickets here.
Dec. 28, Hanukkah Party – The Mendocino Coast Jewish Young Adults Community hosts a Hanukkah celebration in Mendocino with food, a menorah lighting, music and dancing. All ages, 7 p.m., donation driven, contact mendocoastjewishya@gmail.com to RSVP.
Point Arena
Dec. 7, Hometown Holiday – Point Arena hosts its annual Hometown Holidays celebration. The event includes carolers, a tree-lighting ceremony, live music, holiday treats, merchant discounts and an Arts & Crafts Pop-Up Market with holiday gifts, special discounts and festive foods. All ages, free, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., downtown Point Arena, learn more here.
Redwood Valley
Nov. 29, Tree Lighting Celebration – Coyote Valley Casino hosts its first annual family-friendly tree lighting celebration. The evening includes photos with Santa, hot chocolate and festive treats, holiday music and more. All ages, 4-8 p.m., free, Coyote Valley Wyndham Garden Hotel, 77 Coyote Valley Blvd., Redwood Valley, (707) 485-0700, coyotevalleycasino.com.
Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve with Foreverland – Celebrate the New Year with Foreverland, an electrifying 14-piece tribute band honoring the music of Michael Jackson. 21 and over, 9 p.m., Coyote Valley Casino, 77 Coyote Valley Blvd., Redwood Valley, (707) 485-0700, learn more here.
The Sea Ranch
Nov. 29, Kids craft TSRL ornaments – Kids can decorate Sea Ranch Lodge holiday ornaments at the lodge. Supplies provided. 12:30-2:30 p.m., free, The Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, (707) 579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com.
Nov. 30, Kids craft Hanukkah edition – Kids can decorate Hanukkah rainbow decorations and sun catchers. Supplies provided. 12:30-2:30 p.m., free, The Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, (707) 579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com.
Dec. 4, Holiday Toast & Tree Lighting – Kick off the holiday season at The Sea Ranch Lodge with a toast and tree lighting. 5:30-6 p.m., The Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, (707) 579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com.
Dec. 7, Kids craft Kwanza and Christmas edition – Kids can decorate Kwanza heart trees, Christmas bracelets and gingerbread men. Supplies provided. 12:30-2:30 p.m., free, The Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, (707) 579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com.
Dec 12-23, 12 Days of Cookies – The Lodge will feature a different holiday cookie each night using family recipes provided by staff. 12:30-2:30 p.m. daily, The Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, (707) 579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com.
Dec. 14, Kids craft Santa edition – Kids can craft holiday crafts and meet Santa. Supplies provided. 12:30-2:30 p.m., free, The Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, (707) 579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com.
Dec. 15, CoastSing – Gualala’s beloved community choir, CoastSing, performs holiday favorites as led by Sue Bohlin, California-born composer, pianist and music director. 5-6:30 p.m., The Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, (707) 579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com.
Dec. 21, Kids craft cookies and luminary edition – Kids can decorate cookies and craft luminaries for las posadas. Supplies provided. 12:30-2:30 p.m., free, The Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, (707) 579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com.
Dec. 22, Holiday caroling – The joyous sounds of carolers will fill the air as they stroll around the lodge. Hot cocoa will be served. 4-5:30 p.m., free, The Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, (707) 579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com.
Dec 31, New Year’s Eve Party – Say farewell to 2024 at the Lodge’s fourth annual New Year’s Eve Party. An optional New Year’s Eve dinner is also available. Champagne and live music will be offered. 8:30 p.m., The Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, (707) 579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com.
Ukiah
Dec 2-Jan 12, Ukiah on Ice – Alex Thomas Plaza transforms into a winter wonderland with the installation of the City of Ukiah’s annual outdoor ice rink. In addition to making memories on the ice, attendees can enjoy local food, drinks and more. $12 includes entry and skate rental. Times vary. Learn more here.
Dec. 6, Holiday First Friday – The Grace Hudson Museum hosts its final First Friday event of the year with a holiday theme. The group Cecelia will carol throughout the evening. There will be crafts for kids and families, Santa Claus will stop by for a visit, and the exhibition “Earth Portraiture: Ray Strong’s Northern California Landscapes” will be free to visit. 5-8 p.m., Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House, 431 S. Main Street, Ukiah, (707) 467-2836, gracehudsonmuseum.org.
Dec. 7, Children’s Christmas Farmers Market and Grinch Photos – Brown Bear Toys hosts the Grinch for photos and a children’s Christmas farmers market. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Brown Bear Toys, 161 Orchard Plaza, Ukiah, (707) 463-0163.
Dec. 7, Hometown Holiday’s Market – The city of Ukiah hosts an afternoon of holiday fun including a craft fair featuring jewelry, pottery, handcrafted art, holiday decor, specialty food and more. The Grinch will be on hand for photos and a gingerbread house competition will also take place (register by Dec. 2). 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Ukiah Valley Conference Center, 200 School Street, Ukiah, learn more here.
Dec. 7, Parade of Lights – The annual Parade of Lights takes place when local businesses dress up their vehicles with Christmas decorations and lights and parade through downtown Ukiah. Viewing takes place on State St. between Low Gap Rd. and Alex Thomas Plaza. All ages, free, 6 p.m., downtown Ukiah.
Dec. 7, Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Fundraiser – Dress up in festive attire and attend a fictional company holiday party where murder and mystery await! The immersive evening includes a three-course meal, an ugly sweater contest, an auction and a murder to solve. Proceeds benefit the Ukiah Players Theatre and Redwood Empire Lions Club. 21 and over, 6:30 p.m., $100, Bartlett Event Center, 495 Leslie Street, Ukiah, tickets on sale here.
Dec. 7, Ugly Sweater Party – Ugly Sweater Party with DJ Tony Muzin – Jingle and mingle with your most outrageous holiday attire at the Thirsty Axe. DJ Tony Muzzin will spin music, and prizes will be awarded for the ugliest sweaters. 21 and over, 9 p.m., $5, The Thirsty Axe, 209 S. School St., Ukiah, (707) 238-8778, thirstyaxe.com.
Dec 7-12, Let it Glow Ukiah Valley Holiday Lights Competition – The City of Ukiah hosts its annual holiday lights competition throughout Ukiah Valley. Community members drive to view holiday lights in Ukiah, Talmage, Hopland, Redwood Valley and Calpella. Enroll and find a map here.
Dec. 8, Christmas Tree Wine Bottle Workshop – Create a colorful, festive holiday painting on a wine bottle lit with fairy lights. No experience needed. All ages, 2-4 p.m., $20, Creative Arts, 202 S. State Street, Ukiah, (707) 621-5667, buy tickets here.
Dec. 14, Wreaths Across America – Remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud. Wreath sponsorship is available and starts at $17. Ceremony starts at 9 a.m., Russian River Cemetery, 940 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah, learn more here.
Dec. 18, The Grinch Paint Party – Let your kids unleash their inner artist as Cloverdale Creative guides them in painting The Grinch. Supplies provided. Kids ages 3 and up, 5:30-7 p.m., $10, Slam Dunk Pizza, 720 N. State St., Ukiah, (707) 463-1000, tickets on sale here.
Dec. 20, Holiday Party with Carter & Korey – Carter and Korey from Top Shelf will play acoustic covers. Morgan Stocker from Self Fulfilling Prophecies will open the show. 18 and older, 7 p.m., $10 or free with axe-throwing, The Thirsty Axe, 209 S. School St., Ukiah, (707) 238-8778, thirstyaxe.com.
Dec. 20-22, “The Nutcracker” – Mendocino Ballet hosts its annual performance of “The Nutcracker.” Dancers skilled in the art of classical ballet are featured in major roles, and child dancers from the ballet’s recreational program will also participate. All ages, times vary, tickets start at $16, Mendocino Ballet, 205 S. State St., Ukiah, (707) 463-2290, buy tickets here.
Westport
Dec. 7, Lighting of the Westport Christmas Tree with Santa – Local families and friends are invited to join the Westport community to help Santa light the Westport Christmas Tree. After the tree lighting, Santa will pass out gifts. Parents, please RSVP to Erin to ensure Santa knows who is getting a gift. You can RSVP by coming by or calling the Westport Store (707) 964-2872, or contact Erin at (707) 489-2546 or email erind.3500@gmail.com. 5:30 p.m., Westport Store, 24980 Abalone St., Westport.
Willits
Nov. 29-Dec. 31, Mr. Skunk and the Giant Christmas Tree – Enjoy a 16-mile round trip journey into the redwood forest. During the train ride, guests will enjoy games, Christmas carols, and seasonal treats (including beverages for adults!). The train arrives at Mr. Skunk’s Giant Christmas Tree with lots of holiday fun under a giant redwood tree. Upon return, guests can climb aboard the historic Skunk motorcar for photo opportunities with Mr. Skunk! Times vary, $12-$100, learn more here.
Nov. 30, Pizza and Wreaths – Bring your pruning shears, any greenery you might want to use or share, and your creative spirit to Emandal to make wreaths. All-you-can-eat pizza is included in the ticket. $10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Emandal, 6500 Hearst Post Office Rd., Willits, (707) 459-9252, learn more here.
Dec. 1, Photos with the Grinch – Meet the Grinch and opt in for a photo taken by professional photographer Maureen Jennison ($5 for a digital image). Well-behaved pets are welcome. There will also be a selfie station for photos by donation. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Imagination Station Educational Toy Depot, 262 E. Commercial St., Willits, (707) 459-8697.
Dec. 7, Christmas Holiday Express – Roots of Motive Power presents its annual Christmas party. Santa arrives on a steam locomotive. Plenty of holiday trees, trains, singing, carolers, a book sale, take and make crafts and refreshments make this an event for kids of all ages. Free, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Roots of Motive Power, 420 E. Commercial St., Willits, learn more here.
Dec. 13-14, Holiday Craft Fair – The Grange invites gift-givers to buy local handmade items. Vendors will be selling sweaters, baby clothes, herbal teas and salves, ceramics, jewelry, quilted goods and more. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Dec. 13 12-5 p.m., Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Little Lake Grange, 291 School Street, Willits.
Dec. 14, Wreaths Across America – Remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud. Wreath sponsorship is available and starts at $17. The ceremony starts at 9 a.m., Cemetery of the Redwoods, 1200 Highway 20, Willits, learn more here.
Dec. 14-22, “Believe!” – The Willits Community Theatre invites theater-goers to celebrate the holiday season with “Believe!” A play for the whole family, “Believe!” tells the story of Alex, a teenage boy disillusioned with Christmas until his family and community help restore his faith in the meaning of the holiday. “Believe!” was written by Faye Couch Reeves and is directed by Robert Ford. Times vary. Tickets are $20 and available at wctperformingartscenter.org.