Want to start celebrating the holidays? Here are three great ideas for things to this weekend in different parts of the county:
Petaluma: Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
This stunning event, a tradition for more than 20 years, has always been a crowd pleaser. Just imagine a “fleet” of highly-decorated, brightly lit boats parading from the marina to the Petaluma Turning Basin at Cavanagh Landing in historic downtown Petaluma’s harbor (behind the Great Petaluma Mill built in 1854).
The boats leave the marina at dusk, with the largest vessels leading the way and thousands of people lining the shore to watch the colorful spectacle. Many years Santa and Mrs. Claus ride in the lead boat, but we haven’t been able to ascertain if they’ll be on hand this year. Best spots for viewing: Water Street, Golden Eagle Shopping Center, Petaluma Mill, and Jack Balshaw Bridge.
The flotilla arrives at the harbor about 6 p.m., and the boats remain throughout the evening, their lights aglow. In the surrounding streets you’ll find restaurants, shops, and live entertainment to keep you amused.
Petaluma’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parade takes place on Saturday, 12/8, beginning at dusk. For more information, call the Petaluma Yacht Club at 707-763-9725 or go to the VisitPetaluma website.
Santa Rosa: Eat, Sip and Be Merry
The holidays, what with all that gift-wrapping and hanging of lights, can be exhausting. So why not take a break this weekend to sample the offerings of ten urban wineries and tasting rooms in Santa Rosa?
This special holiday tasting weekend, hosted by the Santa Rosa Wine Trail, takes place both days at these participating wineries: Carol Shelton, D’Argenzio, Inspiration, Krutz Family Cellars, Old World, Paradise Ridge, Sheldon, Two Shepherds, and the collective at Vinoteca. Siduri/Novy will participate only on Saturday.
You’ll enjoy goodies from food trucks, music, wreath making, exclusive tours, and special tastings. Participants receive a commemorative wine glass and $10 in “wine bucks,” good toward a wine purchase at a participating winery.
Eat, Sip and Be Merry takes place on Saturday/Sunday, 12/8-9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Participants must be 21 or older. Tickets: $25 in advance/$35 at the door/$5 for designated drivers. For more info, visit the website.
Healdsburg: Museum’s Magical Toyland Exhibit (Through Jan. 13)
Children will be thrilled to visit this miniature holiday wonderland featuring a beautiful Victorian dollhouse completely furnished and decorated for Christmas; a Victorian-era child’s bedroom decorated to look like “The Night Before Christmas”; and vintage toys dating from the early 1900s to the 1960s. A special area will offer hands-on toys and activities.
And keep this in mind for mid-December: Santa will visit the museum on Sunday, Dec. 16, from 1-4 p.m. He’ll spend time with each child that comes to see him, and he’ll be happy to take gift lists!
The Healdsburg Museum is located at 221 Matheson Street, Healdsburg 95448, 707-431-3325. It’s open Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and admission is free. More info: www.healdsburgmuseum.org.
