Celebrations: Upcoming holiday events around Sonoma County

Holiday events come in all shapes and sizes, many of them free. Here is a more complete list of holiday happenings.

Cloverdale

Dec. 3: A free theatrical presentation of 'A Christmas Carol,' for children 5 and older will take place at 2 p.m. at the Cloverdale Library, 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd. Everyone welcome. 894-5271.

Dec. 5: The 48th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, co-sponsored by the Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce, will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Cloverdale Plaza, 124 N. Cloverdale Blvd. Free hot cocoa and cookies. Santa will also be on hand to hear Christmas wishes. 894-4470.

Dec. 7: The 17th annual Toy Run, hosted by the Cloverdale Lions Club, will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Drive. Admission is one unwrapped toy. Motorcycle pack ride with Santa, Lions' famous BBQ and entertainment by the Double Standyrd Band. Contact Geraldo at 280-0945 or Temple at 548-4016 for more information.

Dec. 11: Family and friends are invited to create a new holiday tradition in memory of their loved one at the non-denominational Tree of Remembrance and Candle Lighting Service taking place at 6 p.m. at the Fred Young Mortuary, 428 N. Cloverdale Blvd. Refreshments served. 894-2540.

Dec. 11: The Cloverdale High School and Washington School bands will present their annual Winter Concert from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Cloverdale Citrus Fair, 1 Citrus Fair Dr. No admission, but donations are welcome. 894-1940.

Dec. 13: 'Wreaths Across America,' co-sponsored locally by Cloverdale's American Legion, Sons of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, will begin at 9 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery, which is located just west of the First Street Bridge near the Russian River. 894-0712 or 696-2964. wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Dec. 13: Christmas Tea, featuring a tea-tasting of the 12 Teas of Christmas and assorted finger foods, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Cloverdale Senior Center, 311 N. Main St. Entertainment provided by harpist Heather Palchoal and a special guest performance by a local choir. $30 members, $35 non-members. 894-4826.

Dec. 14: A free Holiday Open House from noon to 3 p.m. at the Cloverdale History Center, 215 N. Cloverdale Blvd. Fun for kids of all ages will include a Christmas tree, Santa Claus, root beer floats, cookies and treats, a storyteller, a scavenger hunt and tours of the festively-decorated Gould-Shaw House Museum. 894-2067.

Guerneville

Dec. 14: Join the River Choir as they welcome in Hanukkah, Christmas and the solstice with rounds, carols, sacred music, Yiddish tunes and more starting at 3 p.m. at the Guerneville Community Church, 14520 Armstrong Woods Road. Suggested $10 donation includes refreshments. 869-3273.

Healdsburg

Nov. 28: Healdsburg's Holiday Party will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. around the Healdsburg Plaza. Santa will be there, posing for holiday photos and taking requests. Downtown shops will be open, carriage rides, holiday music on many corners, magicians, clowns and face-painting are among the activities. 433-6935.

Nov. 30: Hospice Tree Lighting in the Plaza will take place from 5 to 6 p.m.. This free event is Healdsburg's traditional tree lighting ceremony to start off the Christmas season. 433-6935.

Dec. 6: Holiday Home Tour, hosted by the Junior League of Napa-Sonoma, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check-in 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Healdsburg Museum, 221 Matheson St. Tour is self-guided and homes are close to each other so you can walk or drive, depending on your preference. Reception from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Grape Leaf Inn, 539 Johnson St. Tickets are $40. Purchase online at https://secure.closerware.com/ns/npo.jsp?pg=store&category=535

Dec. 6-7: Healdsburg Ballet will present 'Night Before Christmas' at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Raven Performing Arts Theater, 115 North St. Presale tickets, available online at healdsburgballet.com are: adults $18, children 8 and under $13 and seniors $15. At the door they will be: adults $20, children 8 and under $15, and seniors $17. Reservations: 431-3324.

Dec. 12: Healdsburg Community Band's Holiday Concert will begin at 7 p.m. at the Healdsburg Community Church, 1100 University Ave. Adults $10, kids 12 and under are free. 888-1670.

Dec. 14-15: The Healdsburg Community Chorus will present their annual Christmas Concert, 'Wonderland of Snow,' at 4 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday at the Healdsburg Community Church, 1100 University Ave. $15. 838-4557.

Dec. 16: Celebrate Hanukkah with the lighting of the Menorah by a rabbi at 5 p.m. at the Oakville Grocery Store, 124 Matheson St. 433-3200.

Rohnert Park

Dec. 14: The Kut-Ups perform their Holiday Mini Show at the Rohnert Park Community Center, 5401 Snyder Lane. Tickets are $5 at the door. 838-9370.

Santa Rosa

Dec. 5-14: Actor's Theater for Children will present 'A Christmas Carol with Hansel and Gretel,' a new twist on the classic Grimm's Fairy Tale, at 7 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 5 and 12, 1 and 3:30 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 6 and 13 and at 3 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 7 and 14 at the Kids Street Learning Center, 709 Davis St. Tickets are $5 at the door or online at atfcshows.com. 256-8062.

Dec. 6-7: The 35th annual Holiday Open House will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, corner of Santa Rosa and Sonoma Avenues. Admission: $2 ages 12 and older. 524-5445, lutherburbank.org/special-events/holiday-open-house

Dec. 7, 15: The Healdsburg Community Chorus will present their annual Christmas Concert, 'Wonderland of Snow,' at 3 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 7, and 7 p.m. on Mon., Dec. 15, at the at the Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Ave. $15. 838-4557.

Dec. 20: The 34th annual Redwood Empire Sing-Along Messiah will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Jackson Theater, Sonoma Country Day School, 4400 Day School Place. Tickets are $20 at the door, in advance at Stanroy Music Center, 850 Fourth St. and online atsantarosasymphony/league.com. Proceeds benefit for the music education programs of the Santa Rosa Symphony. 522-8786.

West County

Dec. 14: Santa will visit Graton from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 14 at the Graton Community Club, corner of Graton Road and Edison Street. Snap the Photo Elf will take pictures of children and/or families free of charge. Apple cider and home-baked goods will be served, courtesy of the Community Club members. Brighten the holidays for a needy child by dropping off a new, unwrapped gift in the donation barrel to be distributed by Graton Firefighters Association. 829-3716.

Dec. 14: Healdsburg Community Band's Holiday Concert will begin at 1 p.m. at the Sebastopol Arts Center, 282 S. High St. Adults $10, kids 12 and under are free. 888-1670.

Dec. 20: 'A Winter Gift,' featuring world renowned Celtic harpists Patrick Ball, Lisa Lynne, and Aryeh Frankfurter (LegendsOfTheCelticHarp.com) in a holiday concert at 8 p.m. at the Occidental Center for the Arts, 3920 Bohemian Highway. Tickets are $15 presale, $20 at the door. Advance reservations required. Seasonal refreshments available. occidentalcenterforthearts.org. 874-9392. Wheelchair accessible.

Sonoma

Nov. 28-29: Twenty-six Sonoma Valley wineries are participating in the 31st annual Holiday Open House celebration from 11 a.m. on Frday and Saturday, featuring wine tasting, discounts, behind-the-scene tours and entertainment. Cost: $45 for both days, includes a souvenir wine glass and access to all participating wineries. Designated driver tickets are $10 each per day. heartofsonomavalley.com/products/31st-annual-holiday-open-house

Dec. 5-14: The Sonoma Valley Historical Society's Depot Park Museum and the Coastal Valley Lines Modular Model Railroad Club of Sonoma County present the second annual Christmas Train Show from noon to 4 p.m. 4 at Depot Park Museum, 270 First St. W. Free; donations accepted. View model passenger trains, freight trains and locomotives, including vintage Lionel models and modern computer-controlled lines. Kids get a chance to operate a train. 938-1762, 935-6215.

Dec. 5: Santa Claus arrives aboard a fire truck for the lighting of the City Hall Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the Sonoma Plaza horseshoe. Soroptimist of Sonoma Valley provides free hot chocolate. sonomavalley.com.

Dec. 5: Roast marshmallows and sing holiday songs during the holiday campfire Program at 6 p.m. Friday (Dec. 5) in the Sonoma Barracks Courtyard, 20 E. Spain St. on the Sonoma Plaza. Free. 938-9560, sonomaparks.org.

Dec. 6: The Sonoma Hometown Band performs a Christmas concert from 7-9 p.m. Saturday at Burlingame Hall at First Congregational Church of Sonoma, 252 W. Spain St. Doors open at 6 p.m. Free, donations welcome. Christmas classics conducted by John Partridge. 538-8482, sonomahometownband.org.

Dec. 6: The fourth annual Holiday Follies Naughty and Nice extravaganza offers dozens of light-hearted and zany holiday performances at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Andrews Hall at the Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St. Gala cocktail reception begins at 6:30 p.m. $30 or $25 for balcony seats. Holiday attire recommended. 938-4626, ext. 1, svbo.org.

Dec. 6-7: Chamber Ensemble performs two concerts benefiting the Sonoma Community Center. A holiday gala begins with a reception at 5 p.m. and the concert at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Madrone Family Vineyards, 777 Madrone Road, Glen Ellen. $100 includes appetizers and wine pairing. A matinee concert begins at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 16920 Arnold Drive. $30 includes post-concert coffee and cookie reception. Performances led by Dr. Brian Sebastian. 938-4626, ext. 1, svbo.org.

Dec. 7: Holiday Family Brunch with Santa includes cookie decorating, Christmas crafts and photos with Santa from 10 a.m.-1p.m. Sunday at Ramekins, 450 W. Spain St. $55 adults, $25 kids 11-18, 10 and younger free. Registration required. 933-0450, ramekins.com/classes.

Dec. 7: ArtEscape offers holiday activities from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at the community arts center, 17474 Highway 12. Make free Christmas tree ornaments or craft a wreath from redwood branches for $25. Free 'Kaleidoscope' photography show from 2-5 p.m. 938-5551, artescapesonoma.com.

Dec. 7: The 10th annual Lighting of the Snowmen Festival begins at 4 p.m. at CornerStone Sonoma, 23570 Arnold Drive. Free, $10 parking fee benefits Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance. Highlights include live music and entertainment, holiday movies, Santa photos, food trucks and lighting of dozens of decorative snowmen. Overflow parking with shuttle service at Jacuzzi Family Winery just south of CornerStone. 933-3010, cornerstonesonoma.com.

Dec. 13: Make handcrafted eco-friendly gifts and ornaments and craft a wreath during the Backyard Naturalist program from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Bouverie Preserve, 13935 Highway 12, Glen Ellen. $75 fee includes lunch and all materials. Registration required. (415) 868-9244, rsvp@egret.org.

Dec. 13: Holiday music and treats, activity centers and Santa's Workshop featured at the annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley, 100 Verano Ave. Free. All ages welcome. kdelvalle@bgcsonoma.org.

Dec. 13: The Sonoma League for Historic Preservation hosts a holiday open house from 5-8 p.m. Saturday at the Gen. Joseph Hooker House in the El Paseo courtyard on First Street East on the Sonoma Plaza and at the Maysonnave House, 291 First St. E. Free. sonomaleague.org.

Dec. 13: Santa Claus poses for photos and listens to holiday wishes from 3 to 6 p.m. at Republic of Thrift, 17496 Highway 12. $5 donation. Proceeds benefit the Altimira Middle School leadership class; Santa resembles Principal Will Deeths. 935-6020.

Dec. 19-23: Journey through Christmas past, present and future with Ebenezer Scrooge during the Sonoma Valley Shakespeare Co. performance of 'A Christmas Carol' at the Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St. Performances are 7 p.m., with a matinee at 2 p.m. Dec. 21. $20 adults, $10 youth 17 and younger. 938-4626, ext. 1, svbo.org.

Dec. 20: Kids are invited to Breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Sonoma Moose Lodge, 20580 Broadway. Free breakfast for kids, donations requested for adults. 996-3877, sonomamoose.org.

Dec. 21-27: Le Cirque de Boheme offers traditional 1920s French-style circus performances at 3 and 5 p.m. Dec. 21- 23 and 26-27 at CornerStone Sonoma, 23570 Arnold Drive. $25 adults, $15 for kids 15 and younger. Performers include a sword thrower, acrobat, magician, contortionists, fire juggler and barrel organist. A portion of the proceeds benefits Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance. 933-3010, cornerstonecirque.brownpapertickets.com.

Windsor

Nov. 30: Tasting Feast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as vendors and staff at the Windsor Certified Farmers Market prepare Thanksgiving menu ideas to sample. Recipes are available so you can shop for the ingredients at the market. Attend a turkey boning and carving demonstration. 710 McClelland Drive. 838-5947. ecorbin@townofwindsor.com

Nov. 30: Tree decorating starts at 2 p.m. in the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove on the Town Green, 710 McClelland Drive. 838-1252. ecorbin@townofwindsor.com

Dec. 4: Visit the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove during the Windsor Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Town Green, 701 McClelland Drive. Schoolchildren's music concert on the Sparks Stage, $1 jingle bell carriage rides and Polar Express train rides, crafts workshop and $8 photo with Santa at the Huerta Gymnasium, gingerbread cookie decorating, mail box for letters to Santa and Marv Stubbs Memorial Toy Drive by the Windsor Fire Protection District. 838-1260. .ci.windsor.ca.us.

Dec. 13: Christmas Community Dinner, sponsored by the Windsor Care Network, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Windsor Vineyard of Faith Lutheran Church, 167 Arata Lane. Live music and kids' activities. Carry-out meals available. Call 322-1882 before 4 p.m. on Dec. 12 to order. For those unable to pick them up, meals will be delivered after 3 p.m.

Dec. 14: Final farmers market of the year from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Town Green, 710 McClelland Drive. Kids can decorate holiday cookies on Market St. Contribute something to the Community Stone Soup Pot. Christmas caroling by local children's choir. 838-5947. windsorfarmersmarket.com/calendar.

Did we miss your event? To be included in upcoming calendars, send information to Local Editor Linda Castrone at linda.castrone@pressdemocrat.com or Town Correspondent Mary Jo Winter, cloverdale.towns@gmail.com.