Petaluma Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Petaluma and surrounding areas
Petaluma sparkles for the festive season with Christmas lights and lively events around the historic downtown and Petaluma River in 2025. The Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade and inclusive community gatherings bring festive events, holiday activities, live performances, seasonal markets and family-friendly experiences that highlight local traditions and small-town charm along the waterfront.
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Christmas Markets
21 eventsChristmas tree sales benefiting Bay Area youth since 1947.
Christmas Lights
18 eventsMagical holiday train journey with Santa
Christmas Parties
14 eventsVintage train New Year's Eve celebration with gourmet dining.
Christmas Shows
13 eventsBroadway stars in a holiday theatrical spectacular
Other Christmas Activities
34 eventsTown glowing with thousands of holiday lights
Editor's Picks (6)
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Santa Train Jolly Journeys
(Napa)
Magical holiday train journey with Santa
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The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
(San Francisco)
Outdoor ice skating in Union Square
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Transcendence Theatre Company's Broadway Holiday
(Sonoma)
Broadway stars in a holiday theatrical spectacular
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Midnight In Paris: A Legacy NYE Celebration
(Napa)
Vintage train New Year's Eve celebration with gourmet dining.
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Dazzling Holiday Lights
(Berkeley)
Sparkling holiday lights and festive entertainment.
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Celebrate the Holidays in Yountville
(Yountville)
Town glowing with thousands of holiday lights
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Also Near Petaluma
Sonoma
- Christmas Craft Fair at Faith Lutheran Church
- Broadway Holiday
- Snowman Christmas Tree Lighting at Cornerstone Sonoma
Santa Rosa
See all in Santa Rosa →San Rafael
- The Christmas House at West End Nursery
- Downtown San Rafael's Giant Menorah Lighting & Gelt Drop
- The Great Downtown San Rafael Elf Hunt
Yountville
See all in Yountville →Petaluma Christmas FAQ
Key annual events include the Theatre Square Tree Lighting, the City of Lights Driving Tour, and the Lighted Boat Parade, all of which bring festive cheer to the community each December.
Petaluma’s Lighted Boat Parade is a distinctive tradition, showcasing decorated boats along the river, while the City of Lights Driving Tour highlights the community’s love for neighborhood light displays.
Several residential areas participate in the City of Lights Driving Tour, making these neighborhoods some of the best spots to see festive decorations and neighborhood displays in Petaluma.
Downtown Petaluma hosts markets like the Holiday Shopping Stroll, and various artisan markets near Petaluma feature local makers offering crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats throughout the holiday season.
Free activities include attending the Theatre Square Tree Lighting, exploring the City of Lights Driving Tour, and enjoying neighborhood light displays, all offering festive experiences without cost.
Families can enjoy events like the Theatre Square Tree Lighting with Santa, the Lighted Boat Parade, and local markets featuring kid-friendly crafts and activities, providing fun for all ages.