Holiday Fairs & Festivals in the Sierra Foothills
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS IN NEVADA CITY
Sundays, Dec. 6, 13, 20 1:30-6 p.m.
Wednesdays, Dec. 16, 23, 5-9 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 aromas of roasted chestnuts and holiday foods fill the air, along with cries of street vendors hawking their wares and streets filled to overflowing with Christmas treasures.
CORNISH CHRISTMAS IN GRASS VALLEY
Fridays, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11, 18, 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 is 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, musicians, the Grass Valley Cornish Carol Choir, a street vendor selling roasted chestnuts, 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.
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AND PARADE IN LINCOLN
Dec. 5, 4:30-7 p.m.
A holiday parade, with lighted floats, musicians and Santa and Mrs. Claus, winds through downtown. Local merchants are open for shoppers, and the event culminates with a tree lighting in Beermann Plaza.
GRASS VALLEY
Oct. 30 Safe Trick or Treat
For preschool age children in downtown Grass Valley.
Nov. 14 Holiday Open House
Downtown Grass Valley
Nov. 27-29 Country Christmas Faire
Nevada County Fairgrounds
One of the top handcrafted shows in Northern California, the Faire features unique gifts and crafts.
Nov. 27-28 Holidays at the Empire Mine
Dec. 8 Cook & Eat Latkes for Hanukkah
Tess’ Kitchen Store
NEVADA CITY
Oct. 11 Autumn Shindig Harvest Festival
The festival is on the outdoor lawn of the North Columbia Schoolhouse on the San Juan Ridge.
Dec. 5 Railroad Museum Christmas Party
Dec. 5-6 Holiday Craft Faire
North Columbia Schoolhouse
Dec. 13 Winter Craft Fair
The fair at Miners Foundry Cultural Center features unique and local handmade artisan and vintage goods.
PENN VALLEY
Oct. 25 Bridgeport Fall Festival
South Yuba River State Park
TRUCKEE
Oct. 15-16 Haunted Historic Tour
Captivating stories offering spooky twists.
AUBURN
Nov. 20-22 Mountain Mandarin Festival
Festivalgoers sample fresh Mandarins, as well as a variety of Mandarin treats.
Dec. 5 Festival of Lights Parade
Dec. 12, 19 Country Christmas
Old Town Auburn
(Photo: David McKay)
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