Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Yolo County
The holidays are upon us, marking a time to celebrate with friends and family. Whether an over-the-top meal or cozying up in your jammies with a cup of cocoa and a classic movie, holiday traditions vary from family to family. But the holidays are also a time to celebrate with our communities, and going out can be as much as a tradition as staying in. Yolo County is proud to host several family-friendly holiday events this year, from parades and tree lightings to train rides and street fairs. They are fun things to do with kids this holiday season and give you the opportunity to share the joy of the season with neighbors and the community at large. And of course, Santa Claus, the jolly old elf himself, is expected to make an appearance at most of these events as well!
Winters Holiday Tractor Parade & Festival | Dec. 2–3
Each year, Winters celebrates the holiday season with its annual Tractor Parade, where locals festoon their tractors with colorful lights and other seasonal décor. This year, the event has been expanded into a two-day extravaganza, beginning with a tree-lighting ceremony in Rotary Park on Friday. The event will include local vendors, live entertainment, and activities for the kids. The following day is the parade itself, and Santa will be conducting a meet-and-greet both nights, so come prepared with your wish list!
Davis Holiday Candlelight Parade & Tree Lighting | Dec. 1
Now in its 41st year, the Downtown Davis Candlelight Parade & Tree Lighting features entertainment, food, and plenty of community spirit in E Street Plaza. There will also be an appearance my Mr. and Mrs. Claus! The streets are adorned with festive décor made possible by the hard work and creativity of downtown business owners participating in the annual Davis Window Decorating Contest.
Breakfast With Santa | | Davis Odd Fellows Hall | Dec. 10
Need some one-on-one time with Old Saint Nick? He’d love your company for breakfast at the Davis Odd Fellows Hall on Dec 10. There are three seatings for Breakfast With Santa: 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausages, and an orange slice, plus a goodie bag for each child. Santa and his elves (plus a professional photographer) will be on hand for pictures. Order tickets in advance, as no tickets will be sold at the door.
West Sacramento Tree Lighting | Dec. 2
West Sacramento is also hosting its own tree-lighting ceremony, to be held Dec. 2 in front of City Hall on West Capitol Ave. The event features live music, local entertainment, and a local makers faire. There’ll also be games and activities for the kids, and free pictures with Santa. Don your most festive apparel to show off your holiday spirit!
Breakfast with Santa | West Sacramento | Dec. 10
Santa will also be making a stop in West Sacramento for a special breakfast held at the West Sacramento Community Center Dec. 10. From 8:30–10 a.m., enjoy a catered pancake breakfast, crafts, and activities. Tickets include professional photos with Santa.
Enchant | West Sacramento | Nov 25-Jan 1
Also in West Sacramento is the spectacular story-themed Christmas light maze Enchant. Held at Sutter Health Park, Enchant asks guests to help a mischievous elf find his missing toys among larger-than-life illuminated displays. There will also be an ice rink and a large artisan vendor boutique, plus food, entertainment, hands-on activities, and pictures with Santa.
Esparto Christmas Tree Lighting | Dec. 2
Esparto will be hosting its community tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 2. Now in its fifth year, the event will take place near the Esparto Volunteer Fire Department on Yolo Ave. from 6–9 p.m. In addition to the tree lighting, there will be a Christmas Carol singalong led by Calvary Baptist Church, complementary cookies and cocoa, and pictures with Santa.
If you prefer your holiday celebrations on the rails, hop aboard the Magical Christmas Train now through Dec. 23. Departing from West Sacramento, the one-hour train ride offers reindeer games, Christmas carols, cookies, hot chocolate, and a souvenir mug, plus a personal visit from Santa Claus. Come dressed in your favorite holiday PJs!
There’s always something going on in Yolo County, and the holiday season is no exception. There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate alongside friends and family at the many community events held throughout the area. Parades, tree lightings, and visits with Santa are just a few of the family-friendly holiday events scheduled this year. Want to make a weekend of it? Check out the Yolo County lodging specials going on now.