Celebrate the magic of the holiday season in Vallejo, CA, where festive activities and cherished traditions await both locals and visitors alike. Enjoy the breathtaking displays at Vallejo Waterfront Weekend's Holiday Lights, marvel at vintage farm equipment adorned with twinkling lights at the Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade, or explore Vallejo's rich naval history during the enchanting guided “ghost ship” tours.
Whether you're seeking the thrill of lights, the charm of small-town celebrations, or unique maritime experiences, Vallejo offers a Christmas season filled with joy and wonder. The holiday cheer in this vibrant city promises memorable moments for all ages.
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The Top Christmas Events in Vallejo
- Holiday Lights at Six Flags
- Mare Island Historic Park Foundation Holiday Tour
- Vallejo Waterfront Weekend's Holiday Lights
Vallejo Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lights at Six Flags
What to Expect:
Thrill rides adorned with holiday lights
Description:
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom dazzles visitors with a unique twist on holiday illuminations. Thrill rides transform into glowing beacons of joy, adorned with millions of twinkling lights. This event marries the excitement of roller coasters with the spirit of the season. Brave souls can experience the park's signature rides bathed in colorful LED displays. The park's history dates back to 1968 when it opened as Marine World. Stroll through themed areas where each section tells a different holiday story through elaborate light sculptures.
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Vallejo Waterfront Weekend's Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Maritime-themed light displays along the waterfront
Description:
Vallejo's waterfront sparkles with maritime-themed light displays during the Holiday Lights event. Ships adorned with twinkling lights bob in the harbor, while illuminated sea creatures seem to dance along the shore. This unique celebration pays tribute to Vallejo's naval history, which dates back to 1854. Visitors can join guided "ghost ship" tours, exploring the legends of Vallejo's maritime past. The gentle lapping of waves provides a soothing backdrop to the glowing spectacle.
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Vallejo Waterfront Weekend's Holiday Lights
Vallejo Other Holiday Activities
Mare Island Historic Park Foundation Holiday Tour
What to Expect:
Holiday decorations in a former naval shipyard
Description:
Mare Island's historic buildings don their holiday best, offering a unique glimpse into Christmas past at this former naval shipyard. The tour winds through Victorian-era officers' homes, each decorated to reflect different periods of the island's 150-year military history. Visitors can craft their own vintage-inspired ornaments in a workshop held in the old apprentice school. The island's rich naval heritage comes alive through stories of holiday celebrations during wartime. Twinkling lights outline the silhouettes of decommissioned ships, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene.
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Mare Island Historic Park Foundation Holiday Tour
Nearby Events
Napa's Christmas Parade (Napa)
What to Expect:
Vintage wine country-themed floats
Description:
Napa's Christmas Parade transforms the city's streets into a rolling vineyard of holiday cheer. Vintage wine country-themed floats showcase the region's rich viticultural heritage, while local wineries offer special tastings along the parade route. The event pays homage to Napa's first commercial vineyard, established in 1858. You can join in the fun by decorating your own grape cluster headpiece to wear during the festivities. The air fills with the aroma of mulled wine as the parade winds through downtown.
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Sonoma Plaza Lighting (Sonoma)
What to Expect:
Historic plaza transformed by thousands of lights
Description:
Sonoma Plaza bursts to life as thousands of lights illuminate its historic buildings and towering trees. This annual tradition dates back to 1940, making it one of the longest-running lighting ceremonies in California. The plaza, established in 1835, serves as the backdrop for this radiant display. Visitors can participate in a community sing-along of classic carols led by local choirs. The event showcases Sonoma's small-town charm while honoring its rich cultural heritage.
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Benicia Christmas Parade & Holiday Market (Benicia)
What to Expect:
Parade culminating in a waterfront holiday market
Description:
Benicia's Christmas Parade marches through the historic downtown before culminating in a vibrant waterfront holiday market. This unique event combines the joy of a traditional parade with the charm of an open-air bazaar. Local artisans showcase handcrafted goods inspired by Benicia's maritime heritage. The market takes place near the site of California's third state capitol, adding historical significance to the festivities. Visitors can try their hand at nautical knot-tying demonstrations while enjoying views of the Carquinez Strait.
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Benicia Christmas Parade & Holiday Market
Napa Valley Wine Train's Santa Train (Napa)
What to Expect:
Santa-led wine tasting journey through Napa Valley
Description:
The Napa Valley Wine Train's Santa Train chugs through the picturesque vineyards, offering a jolly journey led by St. Nick himself. This rolling celebration combines the region's renowned wines with holiday cheer. Passengers savor specially curated wine flights while traversing the same route as the valley's first commercial railroad, established in 1864. You can participate in a wine-cork ornament making workshop as the train winds its way through the winter-kissed landscape. The gentle clinking of glasses mingles with the rhythmic sounds of the historic train.
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Napa Valley Wine Train's Santa Train
Fairfield Holiday Craft & Gift Festival (Fairfield)
What to Expect:
Locally-made gifts inspired by Solano County's agricultural heritage
Description:
Fairfield's Holiday Craft & Gift Festival showcases an array of locally-made treasures inspired by Solano County's rich agricultural heritage. Artisans present unique gifts ranging from olive wood carvings to lavender-infused products, reflecting the area's diverse crops. The event takes place near the site of the county's first farmers' market, established in 1943. Visitors can join a workshop on creating holiday centerpieces using locally grown flowers and produce. The festival buzzes with the energy of local makers and the community they serve.
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Fairfield Holiday Craft & Gift Festival
Winter Celebration at Jelly Belly (Fairfield)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed jelly bean art and flavors
Description:
Jelly Belly's Winter Celebration transforms the famous factory into a confectionery winter spectacle. Massive jelly bean mosaics depict holiday scenes, while limited-edition flavors like "Candy Cane" and "Hot Chocolate" tantalize taste buds. The event honors the company's 150-year history of candy making. Visitors can create their own holiday-themed jelly bean art in guided workshops. The sweet aroma of sugar and spice wafts through the air as you explore the festive factory.
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Winter Celebration at Jelly Belly
Wine & Holiday Gifting at Oxbow Public Market (Napa)
What to Expect:
Curated wine gift packages from local vintners
Description:
Oxbow Public Market elevates holiday wine gifting with expertly curated packages from Napa's finest vintners. This event brings together the valley's most prestigious wineries, offering rare vintages and limited-edition blends perfect for gifting. The market, built on the site of a former livery stable, pays homage to Napa's agricultural roots. Visitors can participate in guided tastings to find the perfect wine for their loved ones. The space hums with the excited chatter of oenophiles discovering new favorites.
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Wine & Holiday Gifting at Oxbow Public Market
Sausalito Winterfest (Sausalito)
What to Expect:
Lighted boat parade in Richardson Bay
Description:
Sausalito Winterfest illuminates Richardson Bay with a dazzling parade of boats decked out in holiday lights. This floating festival showcases the town's rich maritime culture, with vessels of all sizes participating in the aquatic pageant. The event traces its roots back to the town's bohemian artist community of the 1950s. Visitors can join a workshop to create miniature illuminated boats to float in the bay. The salty sea air mingles with the scent of hot cocoa as spectators line the shore.
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Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade (Calistoga)
What to Expect:
Vintage and modern tractors adorned with holiday lights
Description:
Calistoga's Lighted Tractor Parade rumbles through town, featuring a procession of vintage and modern farm equipment adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. This unique event celebrates the agricultural heritage of the Napa Valley, showcasing everything from antique tractors to state-of-the-art harvesters. The parade originated in 1995 as a way to honor the town's farming roots. Visitors can vote for their favorite tractor designs in a community contest. The air fills with the nostalgic rumble of engines as these illuminated behemoths roll down the main street.
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Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade
American Canyon Tree Lighting Ceremony (American Canyon)
What to Expect:
Community-decorated tree with personalized ornaments
Description:
American Canyon's Tree Lighting Ceremony brings the community together to decorate a massive tree with personalized ornaments. This heartwarming event allows residents to hang ornaments representing their families or local organizations, creating a truly communal holiday symbol. The ceremony takes place in the city's newest park, symbolizing the growth of this young city incorporated in 1992. You can create your own ornament to add to the tree during on-site crafting sessions. The tree stands as a glowing testament to the spirit of this tight-knit community.
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American Canyon Tree Lighting Ceremony
Yountville Festival of Lights (Yountville)
What to Expect:
Gourmet food and wine pairings at illuminated tasting stations
Description:
Yountville's Festival of Lights combines culinary excellence with holiday illuminations, featuring gourmet food and wine pairings at brilliantly lit tasting stations throughout town. This sophisticated event showcases the gastronomic prowess that has made Yountville a world-renowned dining destination. The festival pays homage to George Yount, who planted the valley's first grapevines in 1838. Visitors can participate in a holiday cocktail mixing class led by local mixologists. The town glows with thousands of lights, transforming it into a culinary winter wonderland.