FORT BRAGG, CA., 12/8/25 — Holiday parades and festive gatherings are cherished traditions that create lasting memories for families and friends. Nonprofits, businesses and hotels along the Mendocino coast go all out — stringing lights, decorating their spaces, and filling communities from Fort Bragg to Point Arena with holiday energy.
The Mendocino Voice highlighted just a few of the many events on Dec. 5-7 that kicked off the season, with plenty more festivities still to come throughout the month, including the town of Mendocino’s candlelight shopping and Second Saturday Art Walk.
Fort Bragg, all decked out for holiday cheer, started off with a bang on Dec. 5 during downtown’s First Friday Art Walk. Galleries and shops welcomed evening strollers with warm hospitality and festive celebrations, setting the tone for a joyful holiday season.
One highlight making its return this year was the Mendocino Coast Humane Society’s Holiday Trees silent auction, sponsored by the City of Fort Bragg. Local artists, families and businesses donated one-of-a-kind trees ranging from whimsical to heartfelt, showcasing the creativity and community spirit that define the coast’s holiday celebrations. Every dollar raised goes directly to helping the animals at the Mendocino Coast Humane Society.
Fort Bragg’s festivities continued on Saturday, Dec. 6, when Mayor Jason Godeke lit the city tree on the lawn of the Guest House Museum, followed by the Lighted Truck and Floats Parade. Families and visitors lined the streets to watch the dazzling procession, a seasonal favorite that draws crowds year after year.
City public experience liaison Adelaide La Torre said, “Saturday night is the big event. The city helps facilitate the parade thanks to the hard work of the Public Works and police departments. The Nor Coast Rodders Car Club organizes the parade, and entry fees are donated to the Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund.”
The Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund, primarily funded through donations, provides essentials and necessities for children from Westport to Elk and inland to Comptche.
La Torre added, “This year, the city introduced a new addition to the Winter Wonderland weekend: Candy Cane Lane, designed by the Visit Fort Bragg Committee.” Saturday night, before the tree lighting, children could walk along Candy Cane Lane to the Guest House Museum to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for treats and photos
“The community really steps up to make this a fun celebration for this town, and all this would not be possible without that collaborative effort,” said La Torre.
