‘Tis the Season: Holiday events in the foothills

Cornish Christmas
Fridays, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23; 6-9 p.m.

Recapture the spirit of Christmas past in historic downtown Grass Valley during the annual Cornish Christmas Celebration. Started in 1967 to preserve Grass Valley’s Cornish heritage and holiday traditions, Cornish Christmas remains one of the region’s most popular events.

Mill and West Main Streets are closed to motorized traffic and filled with the sights and sounds of an old-fashioned Christmas: carolers, jugglers, musicians, the Grass Valley Cornish Carol Choir, Tommyknocker Cloggers and Santa Claus.

Handmade arts and crafts from artists throughout California are displayed in historic downtown Grass Valley streets. Delicious food and drink can be purchased from Grass Valley restaurants and specialty food vendors.
DowntownGrassValley.com

Victorian Christmas
Wednesdays, Dec. 14, 21; 5-9 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 4, 11, 18; 1:30-6 p.m.

Welcome the holiday season in style in historic Nevada City, where each year the town’s picturesque downtown transforms into a Christmas card come to life.

The annual, family tradition features holiday activities for all ages: carriage rides, live entertainment, savory yuletide treats and libations, and Father Christmas.

It’s a magical setting of hilly streets outlined with twinkling white lights and authentic gas lamps, wandering minstrels, carolers dressed in Victorian attire and visitors sharing holiday cheer and good tidings.

The enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty holiday foods fill the air, along with cries of street vendors hawking their wares and streets filled to overflowing with authentic Christmas treasures.
NevadaCityChamber.com

Grass Valley

Nov. 25-27 Country Christmas Faire
Nevada County Fairgrounds
One of the top handcraft shows in Northern California, the Faire features unique gifts and crafts.

Nov. 25-26 Holidays at the Empire Mine

Dec. 10 Santa Lucia Celebration
Foothill Flowers

Dec. 28 Eat Latkes for Hanukkah
Tess’ Kitchen Store

Nevada City

Oct. 9 Autumn Shindig Harvest Festival
North Columbia Schoolhouse

Dec. 3 Christmas Party
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

Dec. 3-4 Holiday Craft Faire
North Columbia Schoolhouse

Dec. 11 Winter Craft Fair
Miners Foundry Cultural Center

Penn Valley

Oct. 23 Bridgeport Fall Festival
South Yuba River State Park

Truckee

Oct. 13-14 Haunted Historic Tour

Auburn

Nov. 18-20 Mountain Mandarin Festival
A festival honoring Placer County’s premium winter fruit.

Dec. 10, 17 Country Christmas
Old Town Auburn

(Photo: Thomas Thompson)