Free Holiday Events In Sonora You Can't Miss This Winter

When the holidays arrive in Sonora, the Gold Country’s historic downtown becomes a holiday storybook. From November 25th through December 23rd, Christmas Town Sonora fills Washington Street and the streets around it with lights, music, and small-town magic. Watch the downtown glow during the Holiday Lighting Ceremony, cheer at the 43rd annual Historic Christmas Parade, and stroll beneath decorated trees from more than 50 local nonprofits at Christmas Tree Lane. Ride a horse-drawn carriage through town, share your wish list with Santa at his house, or settle in for a Celtic Christmas concert inside the Red Church.

The best part? Every event is FREE! Download the Map

Whether you’re planning a weekend with the kids, a cozy outing with friends, or a December tradition of your own, there’s something here for everyone. Check the dates below, mark your calendar, and start planning early. Some events, like gingerbread house making, require reservations and can fill up.

Christmas Crafting with TC Arts

Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 3:30 p.m. | Aronos Club, 37 Elkin St.

Get crafty and start the holiday season with local artists.

Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 5:30 p.m. | City of Sonora Fire Museum Parking Lot

Watch downtown Sonora light up for the season.

43rd Annual Historic Christmas Parade

Friday, Nov. 27 at 6:00 p.m. | Downtown Sonora

A beloved Sonora tradition, now in its 43rd year, rolls down Washington Street.

The Giving Tree

Nov. 27 – Dec. 18 | Wildbud Floral Co., 59 S. Washington St.

Stop by this community giving tree hosted by Wildbud Floral Co.

Gingerbread Man Ornament Workshop

Nov. 28 and Dec. 19, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Aloft Art Gallery, 105 S. Washington St.

Join Aloft artists and make a handmade ornament to take home.

Christmas Tree Lane

Dec. 2 – 31 | Court House Park

Stroll beneath decorated Christmas trees sponsored by more than 50 local nonprofits.

Visits with Santa and the North Pole Mailbox

Santa’s House on W. Jackson St.

Fridays and Saturdays: Dec. 4–5, 12 and 18–19, 4 – 7 p.m.

Sundays through Thursdays: Dec. 6–10, 15–17 and 20–23, 3 – 5 p.m.

Share your wish list with Santa, then drop a letter in the North Pole Mailbox.

The Holly Jolly Wagon Horse-Drawn Carriage

Fridays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, 4 – 7 p.m. | Downtown Sonora (weather permitting)

Ride through downtown with Columbia Stage Line and Stable.

Celtic Christmas Concert featuring Sequoia Tree-O

Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2:00 p.m. | St. James Episcopal Church (a.k.a. The Red Church)

Enjoy festive Celtic music inside one of Sonora’s most recognizable landmarks.

Gingerbread House Making with Santa

Sunday, Dec. 13 | Sessions at noon, 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. | Independent Order of Odd Fellows Sonora Lodge #10 (Washington and Dodge Streets)

Decorate gingerbread houses with Santa, with storytelling and music from The Blue Shoes Ukulele Orchestra. Reservations are required at ChristmasTownSonora.org.

Tinsel & Tipsy at Nox

Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. | Nox Coffee, 63 S. Washington St.

Come dressed as your favorite holiday movie character. RSVP required.

Santa Reads Letters to Santa on KAAD-LP Radio

Friday, Dec. 18 at 4:00 p.m. | Online and over the air at KAAD-LP

Tune in as Santa reads letters from kids live on the radio.

All events are free, thanks to the Christmas Town Sonora sponsors. For the full schedule and reservations, visit ChristmasTownSonora.org or follow @SonoraChamber on Facebook and Instagram.