Everything you need for a festive season in Fairfield is in our guide. Discover all the top events and activities. Whether you're rediscovering your city or visiting for the first time, our guide reveals the best of Fairfield's holidays.
The Annual Christmas Parade fills the streets with whimsical floats, marching bands, and glowing lights, making it a community favorite. Experience the candy-coated wonderland and interactive tours at Christmas at Jelly Belly, where holiday magic meets sweet treats. And the Vacaville Festival of Trees is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing beautifully decorated trees and holiday entertainment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Fairfield
- Annual Christmas Parade
- Christmas at Jelly Belly
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Nutcracker Ballet
- Gingerbread House Decorating
Fairfield Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community-wide countdown and tree illumination
Description:
Fairfield's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony unites the community in a collective moment of joy. As dusk settles, anticipation builds for the grand illumination of the city's towering evergreen. The ceremony features live performances by local choirs, their voices carrying traditional carols across the square. This annual tradition dates back to the early 1900s when the first electric lights were introduced to the city. Visitors can join in a community-wide countdown before the switch is flipped, bathing the area in a warm glow.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Fairfield Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local dance company's unique interpretation of the classic
Description:
Fairfield's Nutcracker Ballet breathes new life into the beloved holiday classic. The local dance company infuses the performance with regional flair, incorporating elements of California's landscape and history into the set design and choreography. The production features a live orchestra, their melodies weaving through the theater and enhancing the dancers' graceful movements. This adaptation has been a staple of Fairfield's cultural scene since 1978, evolving each year while maintaining its core charm.
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Fairfield Other Holiday Activities
Annual Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local organizations and schools
Description:
Fairfield's Annual Christmas Parade transforms downtown into a lively spectacle of community spirit. Local organizations, schools, and businesses showcase their creativity with elaborately decorated floats. The parade route follows a historic path that has remained unchanged since its inception in 1956. Visitors can join in the fun by decorating their own mini-float to pull alongside the main procession. The air fills with the cheerful sounds of marching bands as they lead the way through the heart of the city.
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Christmas at Jelly Belly
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed jelly bean art and factory tour
Description:
Christmas at Jelly Belly offers a sweet twist on holiday celebrations. The factory dons its seasonal best with jelly bean portraits of Santa and his reindeer. Visitors can embark on a guided tour to witness the candy-making process firsthand, complete with festive surprises along the way. The Jelly Belly Factory, a Fairfield landmark since 1986, showcases its artistry with a towering Christmas tree made entirely of jelly bean boxes. You'll have the opportunity to create your own holiday-inspired jelly bean flavor combinations at the tasting bar.
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Gingerbread House Decorating
What to Expect:
Architectural-themed gingerbread house competition
Description:
Fairfield's Gingerbread House Decorating event elevates the traditional holiday activity to an art form. Participants channel their inner architects, crafting intricate edible structures that pay homage to local landmarks and historical buildings. The competition, which began as a small family gathering in 2005, now attracts amateur and professional bakers alike. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of advanced decorating techniques and even try their hand at creating miniature gingerbread replicas of Fairfield's iconic structures.
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Nearby Events
Vacaville Festival of Trees (Vacaville)
What to Expect:
Elaborately decorated trees by local artists and organizations
Description:
The Vacaville Festival of Trees showcases an array of uniquely adorned evergreens, each telling a different story through ornaments and decorations. Local artists and organizations pour their creativity into these arboreal masterpieces, competing for the coveted "Best in Show" title. The festival, which began as a small community event in 1991, now draws visitors from across the region. Attendees can participate in a silent auction to take home their favorite tree, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
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Holiday Farmers Market (Vacaville)
What to Expect:
Locally sourced, holiday-themed produce and artisanal goods
Description:
Vacaville's Holiday Farmers Market brings a seasonal twist to the farm-to-table experience. Local growers showcase winter crops and holiday-themed produce, from candy cane beets to star-shaped squashes. The market, a cornerstone of the community since 1983, transforms into a hub of seasonal activity. Artisans display handcrafted gifts and decorations made from locally sourced materials. You can sample winter-spiced preserves and warm apple cider while browsing the stalls adorned with evergreen garlands.
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Christmas Home Tour (Vallejo)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic Vallejo homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
Vallejo's Christmas Home Tour offers a glimpse into the city's architectural heritage through a holiday lens. Participants embark on a self-guided journey through a selection of historic homes, each decked out in unique yuletide splendor. The tour, which began in 1992, showcases the diverse architectural styles that have shaped Vallejo since its founding in 1851. Visitors can admire the intricate Victorian details of these preserved residences while learning about their storied pasts from knowledgeable docents stationed throughout the properties.