Sonoma County tree lightings and holiday celebrations

This holiday season, get in the spirit with a few of these seasonal events happening around Sonoma County. From tree lightings to visits with Santa, here are some of our favorite events coming to a town near you. Sonoma Valley Lighting of the Historic Sonoma Plaza: This Saturday, kick off the holidays as the plaza is lit aglow with more than 100,000 sparkling lights. The celebration includes performances by the Transcendence Theatre Company, as well as live music, holiday refreshments and more. Can't make it on Saturday? The Plaza will be lit each night until the end of the year. Find out more at sonomavalley.com/holidays.

Saturday, Nov. 18

Nov. 18 - Dec. 24Santa comes to the mall: Starting Saturday, kids can bring their holiday wishes to Santa at the Santa Rosa Plaza or the Coddingtown Mall. Parents can save time in line by reserving an appointment with the big guy at simonsanta.com. Families with special needs can visit Caring Santa on Dec. 3 from 9-10:30 a.m. before the mall opens. Register at simon.com/caringsanta. Local pet owners are invited to Pet Photo Night on Dec. 10 from 6-8 p.m. All information is at simon.com.Hospice Light Up a Life Events: Honor your passed loved ones this holiday season with one of the Hospice memorial events. This year's events take place at the Healdsburg Plaza on Saturday, Dec. 2, 5-6 p.m., and 6-7 p.m. at the Memorial Hospice Office in Santa Rosa on Nov. 30, Walnut Park in Petaluma on Dec. 1 and Star of the Valley Church in Oakmont on Dec. 3. More information at hospicelightupalife.org.Santa Rosa Winter Lights: This year's annual Santa Rosa tree lighting event takes place in Courthouse Square Friday night with a theme of “I Believe in Santa” - a nod toward the hope, resiliency and volunteerism seen throughout the city during the recent wildfires. After Santa Claus rolls in on top of a fire truck, families are invited for pictures with the big guy. Kicking off at 4 p.m., the event also includes kids activities, local food and drink and a Remembrance Candle Lighting and Tree Lighting. Find out more at facebook.com/SantaRosaWinterLights. Healdsburg's Downtown Holiday Party: From 4-8 p.m. Nov. 24, Healdsburg's downtown plaza will be filled with holiday fun, including visits with Santa, musicians and carolers, carriage rides and more. Find out the details at healdsburg.com.Petaluma Santa's Riverboat Arrival: The holiday season officially arrives when Santa and Mrs. Claus ride into Petaluma by tugboat. Starting at 11:30 a.m., cheer on Santa's arrival, then take part in holiday festivities around downtown. More information at visitpetaluma.com. Geyserville Tree Lighting & Tractor Parade: If you've never been to the lighted tractor parade in Geyserville, let this be the year for a new tradition. Holiday festivities begin at 5 p.m. in downtown Getyserville with the annual tree lighting ceremony, and the parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m. The celebration includes singing around the Christmas tree and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Find out all the details at geyservillecc.com. Guerneville Tree Lighting Ceremony: Starting at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, attend Guerneville's annual tree lighting ceremony in the plaza, along with the downtown merchant's holiday Open House event. The celebration includes visits with Santa, refreshments and holiday cheer. More information at russianriver.com.Sebastopol Tree Lighting: From 5-8 p.m. Nov. 30, enjoy holiday festivities in Sebastopol's Downtown Plaza, starting with the annual tree lighting, and including music, a visit with Santa and festivities. Details at cca.sebastopol.org. Cotati Tree Lighting: Beginning at 6 p.m., Cotati's La Plaza Park will kick off the holidays with their annual tree lighting event, followed by holiday refreshments, a visit with a “Special Guest,” a Toys for Tots drive, family fun and more. For information, call City of Cotati at 707-665-3637.Cloverdale Tree Lighting: From 3-9 p.m., Cloverdale is celebrating its annual winter festival, and event that includes visits with Santa, holiday music, fun activities and more, plus the annual tree lighting event. More information at cloverdalechamber.com.

Nov. 30-Dec. 3

Friday, Nov. 24

Friday, Nov. 24

Saturday, Nov. 25

Saturday, Nov. 25

Thursday, Nov. 30

Thursday, Nov. 30

Friday, Dec. 1

Friday, Dec. 1

Dec. 1-2Festival of Trees: In their annual fundraising event, the Fabulous Women of Sonoma County present the Festival of Trees, a holiday celebration with beautifully decorated trees as the centerpiece. Held at Hotel Petaluma, guests are invited to bid on their favorite tree in an effort to raise money for several local non-profits. This year's event takes place Dec. 1, 6-9 p.m. and Dec. 2, 3-9 p.m. For more information, visit thefabulouswomen.com.Petaluma Light Up the Square Tree Lighting: On Dec. 2, head to Petaluma's Theatre District for their annual tree lighting event, a celebration that will include live music, an appearance by Santa and other holiday happenings. Find out more at visitpetaluma.com.Rohnert Park Holiday Lights Celebration: Rohnert Park will light up the town on Dec. 2, 5-7 p.m. with its annual holiday celebration, an event that includes holiday refreshments, festive music, vendors and more. It all happens at the City Center Plaza, rain or shine. Details at rohnertparkchamber.org.Lighting of the Snowmen: A wonderful family tradition, on Dec. 2 you'll have the opportunity to see hundreds of lit up snowmen at Cornerstone Sonoma's annual event. Starting at 4 p.m., the event will include music, family activities, refreshments and more. Find out more at cornerstonesonoma.com.Windsor Holiday Celebration: Get into the holiday spirit on Dec. 7 when the Windsor Community Children's Choir joins Santa and Mrs. Claus for a musical performance to remember. Holiday happenings are from 5-8 p.m. at the Windsor Town Green, with the annual holiday tree lighting at 7 p.m. The evening's events include wagon and train rides, crafts, cookie decorating, Santa pictures, the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove and more. Plus, you won't want to miss the special “snow” fall. Find out more at townofwindsor.com.Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade: The holidays aren't complete until you've witnessed dozens of boats of all shapes and sizes headed into the Petaluma's Turning Basin, lit up against the night sky. The boats begin arriving around 6:15 p.m., but it's advised you show up early to find a spot around the river. Details at visitpetaluma.com.

Saturday, Dec. 2

Saturday, Dec. 2

Saturday, Dec. 2

Thursday, Dec. 7

Saturday, Dec. 9