As the holiday season begins to sparkle across Sonoma County, it feels almost impossible to choose just one festive moment to experience. From cozy small-town gatherings to lively plaza celebrations, each tree lighting and light festival offers its own kind of magic—and many are wonderfully free to attend. Whether you’re hoping to soak in as many twinkling nights as you can or simply looking for the perfect way to ring in the season, these community celebrations are the heartwarming start to the holidays we all need.
Friday, Nov. 28
Annual Winter Lights Tree Lighting — Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa
Downtown Santa Rosa shines with festive performances, holiday characters, and family-friendly activities.
Time: 4:00–7:00 PM
Details: Free event with a “Letters to Santa” station, photos with Santa & Snoopy, and performances by School of Rock, Santa Rosa Ballet, and Transcendence Theatre Company. The Santa Rosa Growlers will also be on hand spreading holiday cheer.
Downtown Santa Rosa shines with festive performances, holiday characters, and family-friendly activities.
Time: 4:00–7:00 PM
Details: Free event with a “Letters to Santa” station, photos with Santa & Snoopy, and performances by School of Rock, Santa Rosa Ballet, and Transcendence Theatre Company. The Santa Rosa Growlers will also be on hand spreading holiday cheer.
Saturday, Nov. 29
First Annual Tree Lighting Celebration — Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa
Montgomery Village launches its newest holiday tradition with festive cheer and a warm neighborhood vibe.
Time: 4:00–7:00 PM
Details: Free, family-friendly fun with live music and holiday activities.
Montgomery Village launches its newest holiday tradition with festive cheer and a warm neighborhood vibe.
Time: 4:00–7:00 PM
Details: Free, family-friendly fun with live music and holiday activities.
Geyserville Tractor Parade & Tree Lighting — Geyserville
Tractors decked out in holiday lights roll through town in one of Sonoma County’s most charming traditions.
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Details: Parade begins at 6:15 PM at the north end of town, followed by the town tree lighting.
Tractors decked out in holiday lights roll through town in one of Sonoma County’s most charming traditions.
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Details: Parade begins at 6:15 PM at the north end of town, followed by the town tree lighting.
Thursday, Dec. 4
24th Annual Holiday Celebration — Windsor Town Green, Windsor
Kick off the holidays with music, lights, and family-friendly cheer—rain or shine.
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Details: Outdoor festivities and community tree lighting.
Kick off the holidays with music, lights, and family-friendly cheer—rain or shine.
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Details: Outdoor festivities and community tree lighting.
Annual Tree Lighting Celebration — Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Celebrate the season beneath the iconic Sycamore tree at this elegant Sonoma tradition.
Time: 4:30 PM
Details: Annual tree lighting with a special visit from Santa Claus.
Celebrate the season beneath the iconic Sycamore tree at this elegant Sonoma tradition.
Time: 4:30 PM
Details: Annual tree lighting with a special visit from Santa Claus.
Sebastopol’s Annual Tree Lighting — Sebastopol Town Square
A sweet, community-centered celebration in the heart of town.
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Details: Free community event.
A sweet, community-centered celebration in the heart of town.
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Details: Free community event.
Friday, Dec. 5
Holiday Tree Lighting — La Plaza Park, Cotati
Small-town charm meets holiday magic as neighbors gather for the season.
Time: 4:00–8:00 PM
Details: Local community tree lighting.
Small-town charm meets holiday magic as neighbors gather for the season.
Time: 4:00–8:00 PM
Details: Local community tree lighting.
The Cloverdale Winter Festival & Tree Lighting — Downtown Cloverdale
Cloverdale lights up for an evening of holiday cheer with shopping, music, and festive activities.
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Details: Tree Lighting at 6:30 PM, candlelit holiday shopping stroll, visits with Santa, music, food, and hot cocoa. Free admission.
Cloverdale lights up for an evening of holiday cheer with shopping, music, and festive activities.
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Details: Tree Lighting at 6:30 PM, candlelit holiday shopping stroll, visits with Santa, music, food, and hot cocoa. Free admission.
Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting — Healdsburg Plaza
Healdsburg transforms into a festive holiday village.
Time: 5:00–9:00 PM
Details: Night market, carriage rides, live music, and photos with Santa.
Healdsburg transforms into a festive holiday village.
Time: 5:00–9:00 PM
Details: Night market, carriage rides, live music, and photos with Santa.
Tree Lighting Celebration — Theatre District, Petaluma
Enjoy a cheerful, family-friendly evening under the lights.
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Details: Santa and Mrs. Claus make a festive appearance.
Enjoy a cheerful, family-friendly evening under the lights.
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Details: Santa and Mrs. Claus make a festive appearance.
Light Up a Life — Walnut Park, Petaluma
A peaceful way to honor loved ones with music, candles, and community connection.
Time: 6:00 PM
Details: Community remembrance ceremony.
A peaceful way to honor loved ones with music, candles, and community connection.
Time: 6:00 PM
Details: Community remembrance ceremony.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Holiday Lights and Tractor Parade — Graton Town Square
Tractors twinkle through this small-town holiday celebration.
Time: 4:00–7:00 PM
Details: Tractor parade, cookie exchange, and tree lighting.
Tractors twinkle through this small-town holiday celebration.
Time: 4:00–7:00 PM
Details: Tractor parade, cookie exchange, and tree lighting.
Light Up a Life — Railroad Square, Santa Rosa
Historic district glows with heartfelt tributes during this moving gathering.
Time: 6:00 PM
Details: Community remembrance event with music and candle lighting.
Historic district glows with heartfelt tributes during this moving gathering.
Time: 6:00 PM
Details: Community remembrance event with music and candle lighting.