Sonoma County guide to tree lightings and Santa arrivals

Even if you're not ready, the holiday season is upon us. Coming up are tree lightings, light parades and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Mark your calendars for these time-honored traditions in a town near you.

Friday, Nov. 25Santa Rosa's Winter Lights: This year's annual tree lighting in downtown Santa Rosa will take place just off Old Courthouse Square, spanning the front of the Santa Rosa Plaza, and Fourth Street between B Street and Mendocino Avenue. The event takes place 4:30-8 p.m., kicking off with Santa riding into town on a firetruck. This year's festivities include live music and performances, seasonal crafts, an ugly sweater contest and more. The tree lighting is accompanied by a Remembrance Candle Lighting ceremony. There will also be food and beverage available for purchase. Find out all the details at www.facebook.com/SantaRosaWinterLights or call the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce at 707-545-1414.Healdsburg Downtown Holiday Party: Kick off your holiday season this year at Healdsburg's annual holiday party, taking place around the downtown area. From 4-8 p.m., enjoy pictures with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, shopping and more. Details at healdsburg.chambermaster.com. Saturday, Nov. 26Geyserville Tree Lighting and Tractor Parade: This year's annual tree lighting event takes place in downtown Geyserville from 5-8 p.m., starting with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus before they head to their Park & Ride Plaza workshop. Dress warm and grab your spot, because the tractor parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Surrounding shops and restaurants will be open during the event, and chili and cornbread is available at the firehouse for $5 or an unwrapped toy donation. Find out all the details at geyservillecc.com, or by calling 707-276-6067Petaluma's Santa's Riverboat Arrival: Starting at 11:30 a.m., downtown Petaluma becomes a holiday wonder as Santa and Mrs. Claus float down the Petaluma River and arrive at the Turning Basin at noon. The day's events will include photos with Santa until 2 p.m., plus plenty of opportunities for Christmas shopping. Find out more details at petalumadowntown.com, or by calling 707-762-9348. Sunday, Nov. 27Forestville Holiday Tree Lighting: Enjoy an evening of songs, refreshments, a visit with Santa and the annual lighting of the town's holiday tree. The event takes place 4 p.m. to dusk in downtown Forestivlle. Details at forestvillechamber.org.Pet Photos with Santa: Bring your furry friend to Coddingtown Mall from 6-8 p.m. so they can share their wish list with Santa, and you can get an adorable holiday photo of your pet. Santa is also available for photos with families every day until Dec. 24. Find out more at simon.com/mall/coddingtown-mall.Thursday, Dec. 1Windsor Holiday on the Green: Get into the holiday spirit this year with some old-fashioned fun on Windsor's Town Green. The event will include horse-drawn carriage rides, and a chance to stroll through a grove of Charlie Brown Christmas Trees. More details at townofwindsor.com, or by calling 707-838-1260. Montgomery Village Tree Lighting: Starting at 5 p.m., come to Santa's Village in Village Terrace for the Heartland Hospice Tree Lighting Ceremony. Find out more at mvshops.com.Memorial Hospice Light Up a Life: Honor your loved ones at the tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., located at the Memorial Hospice offices on College Ave. in Santa Rosa. More information at hospicelightupalife.org, or call 707-568-1094.Sebastopol Tree Lighting: From 5-8 pm., enjoy a night of holiday festivities at the Sebastopol Town Plaza. Santa will ride in on a firetruck, and there will be plenty of crafts, activities, hot beverages and more around the tree lighting event. Find out all the details at sebastopol.org.Friday, Dec. 2Festival of Trees: Presented by the Fabulous Women, this event is a charity fundraiser that includes a tree auction, holiday entertainment, Santa photos and more. The free event takes place 6-9 p.m. both Dec. 2 & 3 at the Petaluma Women's Club. Find out more at thefabulouswomen.com. Hospice of Petaluma Light Up a Life: Remember loved ones at Center Park in downtown Petaluma with music, candles and tree lights. The event starts at 6 p.m. Find out more at hospicelightupalife.org, or call 707-778-6242. Cotati Tree Lighting: From 5-8 pm., enjoy an evening of the annual tree lighting ceremony, live holiday music, storytelling, carriage rides, crafts and more. Plus, Santa will be making an appearance. Be sure to also take part in the Holiday Cheer bar crawl on Dec. 1, and the Shop and Stroll on Dec. 3. Find out all the details at cotati.org. Cloverdale Tree Lighting: Starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Cloverdale Plaza, enjoy an evening of seasonal treats, a visit with Santa, caroling and the traditional tree lighting ceremony. Find out more at cloverdalechamber.com. Saturday, Dec. 3Russian River Parade of Lights: Head over to downtown Guerneville from 5-9 p.m. for the annual parade of lights. Get in a little Christmas shopping during the Merchant Open House, and stay for the tree lighting at 6 p.m. The parade begins at 7 p.m. Find out all the details at russianriver.com.North County Hospice Light Up a Life: Honor those who have passed away at this annual tree lighting event at Healdsburg Plaza. The event starts at 5 p.m. Find our more at hospicelightupalife.org, or call 707-568-1094.Cornerstone Sonoma's Lighting of the Snowmen: From 4-8 p.m., take part in the celebration at Cornerstone Sonoma with Santa visits, hot soup and cocoa, kids activities and more. Along with the festival is the annual lighting of the snowmen, creating a mesmerizing scene on the Cornerstone property. Find out more at cornerstonesonoma.com.Rohnert Park Holiday Lights Celebration: In its 34th year, Rohnert Park kicks off the holidays with a tree lighting, kids activities, holiday music and more. The event takes place at city Center Plaza from 5-7 p.m., and the tree lighting is at 6 p.m. Find out more rohnertparkchamber.org, or by calling 707-584-1415.Sunday, Dec. 4Memorial Hospice Oakmont Light Up a Life: Starting at 6 p.m. at the Star of the Valley Parish Hall in Oakmont, remember those you love with music, candles and a tree lighting ceremony. Find out more at hospicelightupalife.org, or call 707-568-1094.Sunday, Dec. 11

Pet Photo Night: Pets can take a photo with Santa and make sure he has their wish list at this pet-friendly event at the Santa Rosa Plaza. The event takes place 6-8 p.m. Santa is also available for photos with families every day until Dec. 24. Find out more at shopsantarosaplaza.com.Saturday, Dec. 17Petaluma Holiday Lighted Boat Parade: This captivating event is one you'll want to add to your family's holiday traditions. Head to the banks of the Petaluma River near downtown to see lighted boats and flotillas make their way toward the Turning Basin. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Find out more at visitpetaluma.com.

Crissi Langwell can be contacted at crissi.langwell@pressdemocrat.com.