Sundown before suppertime can feel a bit melancholy, but the longer nights do have at least one up side: welcoming winter with spectacular light parades displaying all the whimsy and wonder that you’ll only find in Sonoma County.
Winterblast
This family-friendly street party kicks off the festive season with not one, but two parades of light-strung living room furniture — namely sofas, since this celebration is centered in the South A Street (aka SOFA) arts district. Bask in the creative glow of live music, street performers, and open art studios between parades.
3-8:30 p.m., Nov. 15. South A Street & Sebastopol Avenue, Santa Rosa, winterblastsantarosa.com
Giving Thanks for Taco Tuesday
Santa Rosa’s Taco Tuesday Bike Ride club will host a Thanksgiving-themed ride at the North Mendocino Parking Lot on the Tuesday before the holiday. The event will include free hot cider and other treats, served at Courthouse Square. 6 p.m., Nov. 25. The Taco Tuesday bike rides take place every Tuesday; stay tuned for a possible Christmas-themed ride.
North Mendocino Parking Lot, 550 Silva Ave., Santa Rosa, facebook.com/groups/santarosatacotuesday
Geyserville Tractor Parade
The population of Geyserville (830) easily triples as crowds line the tiny town’s main drag for a parade that salutes the area’s agricultural roots. The tradition started organically 15 years ago when a few locals showed up to the town’s tree lighting with tractors and trucks adorned with lights. Now it’s one of Sonoma County’s most celebrated holiday events.
6-8 p.m., Nov. 29. Geyserville Avenue & Canyon Road, Geyserville, visitgeyserville.com/tractor-parade
Sonoma Valley Lighted Tractor Parade
Celebrate the holiday season with decorated tractors and Sonoma Valley wine at the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance’s third annual Lighted Tractor Parade around the Sonoma Plaza. Nearby on Spain Street, “Holiday Headquarters” will open at 4:30 p.m. with beer, wine, cookies and hot chocolate, plus photo ops with Santa.
6:30 p.m., Nov. 29. Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma, sonomavalleywine.com/events/lighted-tractor-parade
Christmas in the Redwoods
Sonoma County’s newest light tradition is a parade turned inside out. Join a parade of vehicles and view a festive forest of illuminated redwoods from the comfort of your car. The event at the Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds drew such big crowds when it started two years ago, traffic backed up for miles, but organizers have solved that by instituting a reservation system this year. After enjoying the 15-minute drive, head to downtown Occidental to sip cocoa with Santa and Bigfoot.
5:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21; $10 per car, reservations required. 6250 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, allianceredwoods.com
Merry Healdsburg Community Bike Ride
Prior to the annual Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting Celebration on the Plaza, grassroots organization Move! Healdsburg will host its Merry Healdsburg Bike Ride. Riders are encouraged to deck out their bikes with festive holiday decor, and also bring helmets and front and rear bike lights. The bike route is 5.8 miles and starts at the corner of Center and Matheson streets. Meet between 4:15-4:30 p.m.; ride starts at 4:30 p.m., Dec. 5.
Healdsburg Plaza, Healdsburg, movehealdsburg.org
Lighted Boat Parade
The merriment is all maritime at this decades-long tradition that includes everything from yachts to sailboats and even stand-up paddle boarders. Hosted by the Petaluma Yacht Club, a flotilla of vessels glides up the Petaluma River to the turning basin, their lights reflecting off the water and setting seemingly all of downtown aglow. 6-8 p.m., Dec. 13.
First & C Streets, Petaluma, petalumadowntown.com/lighted-boat-parade
Penngrove Holiday Parade of Lights
The Penngrove Social Firemen will host its 10th annual Holiday Parade of Lights featuring cheery lighted farm vehicles parading down Main Street. Local merchants will serve soup, pizza, hot cider and other street food. The parade starts at Penngrove Park and prospective parade entries must register in advance. 6-7 p.m., Dec. 14.
Penngrove Park, 11800 Main St., Penngrove, penngrovesocialfiremen.org
Petaluma Holiday Lighted Bike Ride
For festive fun on wheels, the Petaluma Cycling Club will host its fourth annual Holiday Lighted Bike Ride along a flat, 5.4-mile loop through residential neighborhoods on the west side of town. The free community bike ride welcomes people of all ages on all types of wheeled devices. Riders should arrive by 5 p.m. at McNear Park in Petaluma, where the ride begins at 5:30 p.m. sharp. Participants are encouraged to bring bike lights, helmets and bells for a safe, dazzling ride. Registration is required; register online. 5 p.m., Dec. 19.
McNear Park at 11th and F streets, Petaluma, petalumawheelmen.org
As you plan your holiday outings, be sure to check event websites for updates, registration details, and any last-minute changes. And if you’re looking for more insider tips on experiencing Sonoma County this season—or need local guidance for your real estate goals—reach out anytime. I’m here to help you make the most of the holidays in Wine Country.
