Sonoma Valley Holiday Guide: Nov. 25 to Dec. 4

The holiday season is upon us, officially kicked off by the Lighting of the Plaza last weekend. Here’s a guide to the first few weeks of holiday fun in Sonoma Valley. Look for the next installment of seasonal silliness next week.

Nov. 25

Turkey Waddle Hike at Jack London State Historic Park

10 a.m. to noon

Cost: $10, with a $10 parking fee per vehicle

Enjoy the beauty of Jack London State Historic Park with the annual Turkey Waddle Hike and burn off some of that Thanksgiving feasting. The moderate, 3.5-hike will take you through mixed evergreens and into the majestic ancient redwoods. Prepare for periods of uneven, rocky surfaces up and down some of the hills. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. The hike will be canceled if it’s raining.

Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. Meet in the ranch parking lot on the right as you enter the park.

Cirque de Bohème presents “Gypsy”

Shows at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.

Cost: $39 for adults, $29 for children

Cirque de Bohème is inspired by the Parisian circus tradition and Bohemian ingenuity. Their new show “Gypsy” is a tribute to Gypsy culture and their love of celebration, sharing, music, dance and song. The show promises to be a spectacle filled with poetry, music, dance, aerialists, magic, mystery, laughs and amazing international circus talent.

The show takes place in the beautiful gardens at Cornerstone Sonoma with an intimate gathering of 100 guests under their charming old fashioned tent. A portion of all ticket sales to benefit the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance.

Go to cirquedeboheme.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Cornerstone is located at 23570 Arnold Drive in Sonoma.

Nov. 26

Dried Floral Wreath Workshop at Flatbed Farm

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $100

Flatbed Farm in Glen Ellen invites you to bring the fall season into your home with an autumn wreath making workshop. Jenny from Wildpower Floral will teach the fundamentals of wreath making using dried flowers from the farm. The wreath, full of fall colors, will last for seasons to come. All materials are included but if you have your favorite pruners be sure to bring them. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your gardening gloves.

Flatbed Farm is located at 13450 Sonoma Highway 12 in Glen Ellen. Go to flatbedfarm.com for more information.

Meet the Makers Holiday Marketplace at Chateau on the Square

10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Cost: free to attend

Support local artisans at this holiday marketplace. Meet artists like Anna Corba, who will have creations made of French vintage ephemera, and her partner Nicolas Van Krijdt, who creates magical wire dioramas of Paris and the French countryside. Woody Biggs and Ivy Zellmer will have their one of a kind artwork and hand painted cards at this holiday event. Louise Hassen will be selling her gift boxes with glorious soaps and lotions. Taart by Aline will be on hand with patisserie.

Go to chateausonoma.com/events-calendar for more information about this and other Chateau holiday events. Chateau on the Square is located at 453 First St. W. in Sonoma.

Cirque de Bohème presents “Gypsy”

Shows at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.

Cost: $39 for adults, $29 for children

See show description above.

Nov. 27

Museum Store Sunday

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: free to attend

Why not take Black Friday off and shop in style at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Museum Store on Sunday, instead. Shopping at Museum Store Sunday means you will be giving back to your community and supporting independent artisans. It’s also the place to find very unique, creative gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

Go to svma.org/events for more information about this and other SVMA events. SVMA is located at 551 Broadway in Sonoma.

Cirque de Bohème presents “Gypsy”

Shows at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.

Cost: $39 for adults, $29 for children

See show description above.

Nov. 30

12 Days of Christmas Garden Light Show

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Cost: free

Cornerstone Sonoma is ringing in the holidays with 12 Days of Christmas celebrations.

Day 1 brings the Garden Light Show.

They’ll be decking out the Cornerstone Gardens with a sprinkling of white light and Christmas magic to fill spirits with joy. Enjoy the free self-guided tour with uniquely curated touches of seasonal cheer and thoughtful details sure to get you in the mood for Christmas. There will be hot drinks and sweet treats as well.

For more information go to cornerstonesonoma.com/cornerstone-events. Cornerstone is located at 23570 Arnold Drive in Sonoma.

Dec. 1

Wreath Making Workshop

1 to 3 p.m.

Cost: $45

Cornerstone Sonoma is ringing in the holidays with 12 Days of Christmas celebrations. Day 2 brings their Wreath Making Workshop where you can make your own signature wreath styled with hand-selected fresh stems and design details curated by Cornerstone’s master horticulturist and his team.

The workshop takes place in the Cornerstone Artifact studio and will be a perfect party experience to share with friends. Tickets include all wreath-making supplies.

For more information go to cornerstonesonoma.com/cornerstone-events. Cornerstone is located at 23570 Arnold Drive in Sonoma.

Dec. 2

Santa on the Plaza

4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Cost: free

Santa is coming to town in style! Bring your camera to the historic Sonoma Plaza and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate as children of all ages wait for jolly old Saint Nick to arrive in an antique fire truck. Santa will be escorted by local firefighters and ready for photos and to hear children’s Christmas wishes.

Find out more at sonomacity.org/event/santa-on-the-plaza.

Winter Art Market

4 to 7 p.m.

Cost: free to attend

This holiday market boasts over 50 local artists selling their fine arts and crafts, including classes, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, paintings and even cartoons. It’s the perfect place to find something truly special, especially for the hard-to-please people on your list. It’s always a festive event with plenty of music, food, wine and fun.

The Winter Art Market takes place at the Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St. in Sonoma. Go to sonomacommunitycenter.org for more information and to check out their many ongoing classes and events.

Christmas Storytime and Letters to Santa

4 to 5 p.m.

Cost: free to attend

Cornerstone Sonoma is ringing in the holidays with 12 Days of Christmas celebrations. Day 3 brings the Storytime and Letters to Santa with Santa’s Elf at Sonoma's Best Mercantile.

Bring your letters to Santa or write one while you enjoy story time with Santa’s Elf. Hot drinks and yummy treats will be available for purchase.

The event takes place at Sonoma’s Best Mercantile, located at 1190 E. Napa St. in Sonoma.

For more information go to cornerstonesonoma.com/cornerstone-events.

Sonoma Mission Inn Tree Lighting

4:30 p.m.

Cost: free

Bring the whole family to celebrate the season and enjoy the annual lighting of the historic inn’s iconic Sycamore tree. There’ll be hot cocoa and cider, festive carolers and photos with Santa.

Get more details at sonomavalley.com/event/annual-christmas-tree-lighting-at-fairmont-sonoma.

Sonoma Mission Inn is located at 100 Boyes Blvd. in the Springs.

Miracle on 8th Street

6 p.m.

Cost: $275

The event offers the opportunity for fun while helping our homeless furry friends. Miracle on 8th Street is a Holiday Gala benefiting Pets Lifeline. Enjoy appetizers, cocktails and a gourmet dinner provided by the girl & the fig along with decadent Sonoma Valley wines.

The gala will be held in the festive tent at Pets Lifeline, 19686 Eighth St. E. in Sonoma. For more information go to petslifeline.org/miracle-on-8th-street or call 707-996-4577 ext 111.

Holidays Around the World

6 to 8 p.m.

Cost: $25 (includes 2023 membership)

Experience holiday traditions and foods showcased from Sonoma’s Sister Cities in Aswan, Egypt; Chambolle-Musigny, France; Greve in Chianti, Italy; Kaniv, Ukraine; Patzcuaro, Mexico; Penglai, China and Tokaj, Hungary. There will also be a silent auction and wine pull.

The evening festivities will take place at Burlingame Hall, located at 252 W. Spain St. in Sonoma. To purchase tickets go to sscasonoma.org or call 707-931-1357.

Transcendence Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular

7:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 - $165

Transcendence Theatre will again bring a musical evening of holiday entertainment. Broadway performers will create an intimate, cozy experience for the entire family, reminiscent of Judy Garland’s holiday special, with music and holiday cheer. It plays Dec. 2 to 4 at Hanna Boys Center.

Go to transcendencetheatre.org for showtimes and tickets.

Sonoma Arts Live’s “Always… Patsy Cline”

7:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 - $49

The award-winning Sonoma Arts Live again brings you theater to warm the holidays. “Always… Patsy Cline” is is based on Patsy’s friendship with Louise Seger who befriended the star in a Texas honkey-tonk in 1961 and the letters they sent one another. The musical has down-home country humor, audience participation and of course, many of Patsy’s beloved hits, like “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.”

Go to sonomaartslive.org for showtimes and tickets.

Dec. 3

Breakfast with Santa and pets

8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Cost: $25 adults, $10 children

Enjoy breakfast with Santa as he asks children about their Christmas wish lists. Breakfast will be served inside the festive tent at Pets Lifeline. The event helps to support the work of Pets Lifeline as they bring hope to our local furry friends.

Go to petslifeline.org/breakfast-with-santa for more information about the benefit’s menu and to purchase tickets.

Cogir of Sonoma Holiday Crafts Fair

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: free

Enjoy this holiday crafts fair where vendors will be selling jewelry, wreaths, wine bags, dream catchers, purses, clothing, baked goods and more. There will also be raffle prizes.

Enjoy the live piano and violin music from 10-11 a.m. Then at 11 a.m. the Christmas Carolers will begin to sing and Santa will be available for photos.

The fair will be at Cogir of Sonoma, at 800 Oregon St. in Sonoma. Visit cogirofsonomaseniorliving.com for more.

Faith Lutheran Church Christmas Craft Fair

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: free to attend

This craft fair will feature around 30 local artisans and crafters who sell their own handmade gifts including jewelry, artwork, paper crafts, quilts and table runners, crocheted toys, hats and scarves, dolls and doll clothes, cat and dog treats, tote bags and aprons, skateboard art, key charms, suncatchers, baby gifts, Christmas decorations, wreaths and potted plants.

Three of the crafters are local teachers who will sell items made by themselves and their students in order to raise money for their classroom programs.

Don’t miss the ever-popular bake sale and snack bar which will offer goodies to take home or enjoy on the covered patio. It is located at the Faith Lutheran Church Social Hall at 19355 Arnold Drive in Sonoma.

Winter Art Market

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: free to attend

See description above.

Theatre of Dreams and Bricolage Pop Up

10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Cost: free to attend

Shop local for your holiday gifts at this enchanting Chateau Sonoma pop-up. You’ll find a creative mother/daughter duo there sharing their wares for the day. Wendy creates magical holiday decor with vintage materials and her daughter Monica creates silk scarves with floral and botanical designs made from real flowers and plants.

Chateau Sonoma on the Square at 453 First St. W. in Sonoma.

Santa Paws

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $30 - $70

Bring out the four-legged friends for Pets Lifeline’s annual Santa Paws, when Santa will be sitting for photos with all species for a memorable holiday keepsake. Just sign up for a time and show up with the critter you’d like featured. The event will be held inside the Great Room at Pets Lifeline at 19686 Eighth St. E.

Digital and printed photo packages are available. Reserve your photo session by going to petslifeline.org/events-santapaws.

Cirque de Bohème presents “Gypsy”

Shows at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.

Cost: $39 for adults, $29 for children

See show description above.

Holiday Night Market

4 to 8 p.m.

Cost: free to attend

Sonoma Valley makers will sell fine art and handmade crafts at Community Supply’s Holiday Night Market. You’ll find around 20 vendors there like Lucia Blu Leather, Nunozoo puppets and soft sculptures, Ranch Hand upcycled skateboard jewelry and Soul Creations Enterprise candles. You’ll also find folks like Dana Kobza Draghetti there with her Christmas ornaments, signs, stickers and gift tags and her mom, Darla Kobza, will be there with her hand knit hats and other goodies.

There’ll also be food and Free Spirit Elixir will be setting up a mocktail bar with samples of Spicy Cacao from Cacoco. Community Supply is located at 577 Fifth St. W. in Sonoma and is always a great place to look for unique locally made products.

Snowmen Tree Lighting and Toy Drive

5 to 8 p.m.

Cost: free to attend

Cornerstone Sonoma is ringing in the holidays with 12 Days of Christmas celebrations. Day 4 brings the Snowman Tree Lighting and Toy Drive.

Santa will be lighting up the famous Cornerstone Snowman Tree and will welcome children of all ages into the celebration and cheer. Folktable Restaurant will offer custom menu options and food trucks will be on site. There will be sweet treats and cozy beverages and adults can enjoy signature cocktails or a glass of wine at the Cornerstone Garden Barn.

Cornerstone Sonoma is located at 23570 Arnold Drive in Sonoma.

Naughty Santa Dance Party

7 to 10 p.m.

Cost: $50

You can be both a little naughty and nice at this benefit for Pets Lifeline. Enjoy dance music by DJ JD along with a hosted bar with beer, wine and light snacks. All proceeds benefit the cats and dogs of Sonoma Valley. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Go to petslifeline.org/danceparty for more information and to reserve your seat, or call 707-996-4577, ext 111.

Pets Lifeline is located at 19686 Eighth St. E. in Sonoma.

Snoopy's Holiday Skating Show

6:30 to 8 p.m.

Cost: $5

While outside the Valley, this sweet (and cheap) event could be worth the drive. It’s a holiday tree lighting performance where Snoopy’s Home Ice skaters, the Snoopy Skating School, teams up with the Santa Rosa Figure Skating club to light up the ice and the tree.

Go to snoopyshomeice.com/holidays-events for more information and to purchase tickets. Snoopy’s Home Ice is located at 1667 West Steele Lane in Santa Rosa.

Santa visits Larson Family Winery

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $40

Santa will be at Larson Family Winery to take photos with winery guests. Be sure to make your reservation beforehand and you’ll go home with a 5x7 photo the day of the event. Book a tasting before or after to make it an extra special occasion

Go to larsonfamilywinery.com/upcoming-events for more information and to register a time for your photo.

Transcendence Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular

2 or 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 - $165

See event description above.

Sonoma Arts Live’s “Always… Patsy Cline”

7:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 - $49

See event description above.

Dec. 4

Santa photos at St. Francis

9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $20

Bring the kids to get their picture taken with Santa Claus and support the school’s seventh- and eighth-grade educational field trip to Yosemite National Park. Santa will be in the Fr. Robert's Hall at St. Francis Solano School.

Schedule a time with Santa at santapicsonoma.youcanbook.me. Photographer Jamie Martin of 707 Photography is graciously volunteering her time to support this cause. St. Francis Solano School is located at 342 W. Napa St. in Sonoma.

Santa visits Larson Family Winery

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $40

See event description above

Winter Art Market

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: free to attend

See description above.

Santa Paws

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $30 - $70

See event description above.

Cirque de Bohème presents “Gypsy”

Shows at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.

Cost: $39 for adults, $29 for children

See show description above.

Holiday Piano Concert

2 to 4 p.m.

Cost: $20, including the parking fee

The Jack London Piano Club will perform an afternoon of holiday music from around the world on Charmian London’s 1901 Steinway baby grand piano. The annual event raises funds for the park’s operations.

It was take place upstairs in the House of Happy Walls museum. Refreshments will be served outdoors under the portico at intermission, weather permitting.

Limited seating is available. Performance space can be reached by stairway only; for more information about access, call 707-938-5216.

Go to jacklondonpark.com/events/holiday-piano-concert-2022 for more information and to purchase tickets. Jack London State Park is located at 2400 London Ranch Road in Glen Ellen.

“How to - Cocktail Game Night”

2 to 4 p.m.

Cost: $35

Cornerstone Sonoma is ringing in the holidays with 12 Days of Christmas celebrations. Day 5 brings the “How to - Cocktail Game Night”

This interactive workshop will inspire some great ideas for your next cocktail party. You will be served two custom cocktails and one refreshing “mocktail” and then you’ll play two crazy party games. You’ll take away the recipes for all three signature drinks along with game ideas.

The event will take place at the Barn at Harrow Cellars (next door to Cornerstone Sonoma). The Barn at Harrow Cellars is located at 150 Wagner Road in Sonoma.

Learn more at cornerstonesonoma.com/cornerstone-events.

Holiday Gifting at Chateau Sonoma Farm

3 to 5 p.m.

Enjoy this enchanting event where you will sip champagne while you create one-of-a-kind gifts at Chateau Sonoma Farm. Each guest will make two ornament gift boxes containing a hand-painted ornament with decorative ribbon, hand-painted notecard on fine watercolor paper and a festive silk ribbon.

Located at the Chateau Sonoma Estate & Farm in Sonoma.

Go to chateausonoma.com/events-calendar for more information and to register for the event.

Lights of Remembrance

6 to 7 p.m.

Cost: free to attend

Lights of Remembrance is longtime local tradition and a chance to remember those who have passed away with a ceremony on the Sonoma Plaza with a lighting of both candles and a Christmas tree. There will be inspiring messages, music, a moment for reflection and hot apple cider.

Each year a special someone who has passed away is chosen to be honored during the ceremony. This year Jenise Kneeland was chosen, the lifelong resident who died after a heroic battle with cancer this year. Her spouse Rodd Kneeland and son Jaren will be present along with extended family and friends for the tree lighting.

Go to bythebayhealth.org/support-us to sponsor a tribute light in memory of a loved one.

Transcendence Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular

2 or 6 p.m.

Cost: $25 - $165

See event description above.

Sonoma Arts Live’s “Always… Patsy Cline”

2 p.m.

Cost: $25 - $49

See event description above.