25 Ways To Make The Most Of Holiday Season In Tuolumne County

Experience a winter like never before, in Tuolumne County, where winter wonders await and adventurous memories are made. This year, we're celebrating 25 days of authentic holiday adventures in Yosemite National Park, Gold Country, and the High Sierra.

1. Kick off the holiday season in Historic Downtown Sonora, for the Annual Christmas Parade, along Washington Street.

Photo by Menka Belgal

2. Climb aboard a horse-drawn stagecoach and tour through Columbia State Historic Park with Quartz Mountain Stage Line.

Photo by Menka Belgal

3. Join the cabin community of Twain Harte, for their Annual Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland Parade.

4. Take a trip to the High Sierra and have yourself a real snow day at Leland High Sierra Snowplay, where all ages enjoy riding down the slopes.

5. Paint a very merry masterpiece at a Brush & Cork class. Sip wine and let the artistry sweep you away in this step by step interactive class.

Photo courtesy of Brush & Cork

6. Gather ‘round the fire and toast s’mores, for free, at Rush Creek Lodge, or Evergreen Lodge. Sing a carol or two and spread some holiday cheer just minutes from Yosemite National Park.

Photo courtesy of Rush Creek Lodge, taken by Jordan Rosen

7. Warm your belly and sip your way through Gold Country in Jamestown at three locally raved tasting rooms. Be on the search for the perfect bottle of wine to enjoy on Christmas night.

Photo by Menka Belgal

8. Enjoy a night out on the casino floor, playing games and taking in the entertainment. Dance the night away at Black Oak Casino Resort’s Willow Creek Lounge, in Tuolumne. In Jamestown, Chicken Ranch Casino’s Neon Bingo Nights are a blast.

Photo courtesy of Black Oak Casino Resort

9. Nelson’s Candy Kitchen, in Columbia State Historic Park, is a Tuolumne County staple. Purchase sweet holiday treats. Then, peek into the front window to view their incredible team, hard at work, making fresh candy canes by hand.

10. Increase your elevation, bundle up and lace up for some fun at Long Barn Lodge Ice Skating Rink and Event Center. This High Sierra rink is the perfect place to encounter true Christmas spirit in action.

11. Taste the local flavor at Indigeny Reserve in Sonora. Try the seasonal flavors of hard apple cider like: pumpkin spice cider and cranberry cider, as well as a variety of fun flavored spirits.

Photo by Ian Smith

12. Go on an underground, Gold Country excursion at Mercer Caverns just outside of Tuolumne County in Vallecito. Take the cave tour and hear your holiday carols echo off the walls.

13. Indulge your sweet tooth at Covers Apple Ranch, where they specialize in delicious pies and cider. While you’re there, stop by the petting zoo and wish the fun farm animals a Merry Christmas.

14. Take in a live theatre production and let out big laughs at the Sierra Repertory Theatre, where holiday fun and local entertainment collide. This season’s show is full of festive hilarity.

15. Find the perfect holiday gift and support local with a day of shopping small in Tuolumne County’s historic towns. Keep your eyes peeled for the perfect treasure to remember your adventure.

Photo by Menka Belgal

16. Sip hot mochas and take in the sights of indigenous foliage at Mountain Sage Cafe and Nursery. Wander the grounds and discover a beautifully lit-up tree house, fit for all ages.

17. If the snow is falling, Dodge Ridge Ski Area is calling! Catch the winter wave and hit the slopes in the High Sierra. Be a part of the many generations of skiers and snowboarders that have been enjoying Dodge Ridge since its opening in 1950.

Photo by Zeke S.

18. Attend the Equestrian Parade in Columbia State Historic Park, where equine riders/ drivers of all ages participate in spreading Christmas cheer throughout the Park.

Photo by Menka Belgal

19. Wander a magical Northern Californian Christmas Tree farm with hot chocolate in hand. Bramble Hill Christmas Tree Farm will have you singing “Oh Christmas Tree..” on your adventure through their locally owned grove.

20. All aboard to the North Pole! Take a ride on The Polar Express™ train at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Enjoy hot cocoa, meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and experience the classic Christmas movie reenactment on a vintage train.

Photo by Menka Belgal

21. Travel back in time to the Gold Rush- era and experience what it was like during A Miner’s Christmas in Columbia State Historic Park. Hear the tales, ask questions, and roast chestnuts at this authentic holiday occasion.

Photo by Menka Belgal

22. Escape the crowds of Yosemite, awaken your sense of adventure, and experience the park in a unique way – from the sky! Take off at the Columbia Airport and view Yosemite National Park and its unmistakable icons from the air with Yosemite Flight Tours.

Photo courtesy of Yosemite Flight Tours

23. Go for a drive to the High Sierra and make your destination Pinecrest Lake. Transformed by the season, this National Forest lake is full of mountain views and opportunities to go walking in a winter wonderland.

24. Visit Santa Claus at Courthouse Park in Historic Downtown Sonora and enjoy some local gift shopping while you’re at it. Dining and museums are also nearby in the area.

Photo by Kaitlynn Johansen

25. Take in the sights of a Christmas, like no other, with a cabin, lodge, or yurt stay. Hunker down in a quaint cabin for the night and bask in the mountainous scenery. Sleep sweet near the iconic Yosemite National Park, historic Gold Country, or the High Sierra.

Take a break and take a trip. Start planning your vacation with the help of travel inspiration and information delivered directly to your mailbox. Request your FREE Tuolumne County Vacation Planner here today.

Visit www.VisitTuolumne.com to find lodging, including quaint B&Bs, cabins and more, for your trip to Tuolumne County.