What’s New in Sonoma County for the Holidays
Sonoma County shines during the holidays. As vineyards rest for the winter, town squares glow with lights, music, and celebration.
Sonoma County is California’s largest wine-producing county, boasting over 425 wineries and locals and visitors gather for menorah lightings, Christmas markets, and New Year’s festivities that blend long-standing traditions with new experiences. From Gualala in the north to Carneros in the south and everywhere in between, Sonoma County fulfills its promise of Wine Country for All of Us, providing a place for people to gather, connect, and feel welcome during the holidays and all year long.
New in Holiday Happenings
Christmas in the Redwoods
Celebrate the season with a drive-through holiday experience at Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds along Sonoma County’s scenic Bohemian Corridor in Occidental. Your yuletide adventure begins beneath the towering coastal redwoods, illuminated by a dazzling light display you will remember for years. After the drive-through, head five minutes down the road to Occidental. Meet Santa and Bigfoot, sip hot cocoa, and stroll through streets lined with festive lights and ornaments. Explore local shops, enjoy seasonal treats, and experience the charm of small-town festivities. Christmas in the Redwoods takes place the first three weekends in December, Thursday through Sunday, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., rain or shine. Advance reservations are required. Admission is $10 per car, and the drive-through lasts about 15 minutes.
Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration
The Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration is returning to downtown Santa Rosa on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Old Courthouse Square. This free, family-friendly event kicks off the holiday season with live performances by the School of Rock, Transcendence Theatre Company, and Santa Rosa Ballet. Attendees can enjoy festive treats, holiday drinks, and photo opportunities with Santa and Snoopy before the official lighting of the downtown holiday tree.
Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove
The Holiday Celebration 2025 at Windsor Town Green features the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove, where over 200 individually decorated trees line the pathways of the green space. This installation is a project of the nonprofit People 4 Parks Windsor, inviting community groups, local businesses, and families to “adopt” a tree and decorate it as part of the display. The broader Holiday Celebration also takes place on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and includes children’s crafts and activities, youth performances, holiday treats, and warm community engagement. The tree grove remains up through January 1, allowing visitors to walk among the lights, enjoy local music, or simply soak in the festive setting.
A Season to Sparkle
Healdsburg presents A Season to Sparkle, the city’s most dazzling lineup of holiday events, activities, offers, and menus. From mid-November through December, the downtown Plaza and surrounding businesses come alive with lights, decorations, and festive energy. On December 5, the annual tree lighting ceremony illuminates the Plaza with over 5,000 lights, accompanied by live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, and holiday crafts. Throughout the season, local shops, wineries, and restaurants host special experiences such as “Breakfast with Santa” and the “Nutcracker’s Holiday Feast” at Costeaux French Bakery, the Holiday Bazaar at Bacchus Landing, and a series of winery open houses. Highlights include the kickoff Sparkle Party at Barndiva, themed dinners, and artisan pop-ups. Ranked the No. 3 Best Christmas Town in America by Newsweek in 2024, Healdsburg’s Season to Sparkle celebrates the town’s creative spirit and warm sense of community, inviting travelers to experience the joy and connection of the holidays in Wine Country.
Sonoma Botanical Garden: Gardens Aglow
This December, Sonoma Botanical Garden transforms into a twilight wonderland for three enchanting weekends. Gardens Aglow invites families and friends to stroll through a dazzling tunnel of lights, visit a Winter Workshop filled with festive crafts, enjoy live music, play lawn games, and have their faces painted. As evening falls, cozy fireside spots await, ideal for making s’mores, sipping hot chocolate, or sampling local wines beneath the holiday lights of Sonoma Valley. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from December 5 to December 21 | 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm
New in Hotels
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa – All-Inclusive Package
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is enhancing the resort experience with the launch of a new All-Inclusive Package. Designed for travelers seeking both luxury and simplicity, this offer combines many of the resort’s most treasured experiences. Guests can now enjoy the best of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in one seamless stay, including farm-to-table cuisine, signature spa services, premier golf, and curated in-room amenities. Whether the goal is to unwind, reconnect, or explore, this “first in Wine Country” exclusive offer makes it easy to relax knowing every detail has been thoughtfully arranged. From soaking in the resort’s historic geothermal-fed pools to gaining exclusive access to the private Sonoma Golf Club, every moment is designed to be memorable and rooted in the spirit of Sonoma County Wine Country.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa invites guests to celebrate the holiday season in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country with a variety of festive experiences. Highlights include luxurious Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve dinners at Santé, the resort’s renowned restaurant, along with cozy gatherings in the Sonoma Swiss Chalets, available through February. The resort’s popular Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4 welcomes guests and the community to celebrate under a century-old sycamore decorated with sparkling lights. Visitors can also relax and rejuvenate at the Fairmont Spa with limited-edition autumn and winter aromatherapy rituals or gift a signature Wine Country getaway.
The evolution of boutique hotel wellness and the rise of “micro-retreats” offering meaningful restoration in less than an hour are exemplified at Timber Cove Resort on the Sonoma Coast. The resort’s new Reset & Restore Suite provides a targeted wellness experience focused on rest and recovery. Guests can book 60-minute sessions featuring a Shiftwave zero-gravity recliner that uses pulsed pressure waves to soothe the nervous system, Normatec compression boost to improve circulation, and a traditional rock sauna paired with a 37°F cold plunge tub for contrast therapy. Herbal tea, fresh fruit, aromatherapy, and sweeping views of the Sonoma County coastline enhance each session.
Timber Cove also welcomes expectant parents to unwind with its Babymoon Getaway Package, a tranquil retreat designed for comfort and connection. The experience includes a pregnancy pillow for restful sleep, a handcrafted mocktail crafted for relaxation, and a new mom’s book to take home. Whether walking coastal trails, relaxing by the fire, or simply enjoying quiet moments together, guests discover calm and renewal along this rugged stretch of the Pacific.
Flamingo Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa embraces the holiday season with a fun retro-tropical vibe. Each year, the resort transforms into a “Sippin’ Santa” holiday wonderland, featuring tiki-inspired decor, palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights, and festive cocktails served in themed mugs. The festivities kick off in late November with the Flamingo Christmas Spectacular and the Toys for Tots launch event, followed by a month of lively activities, including live music and DJ nights in Vintage Space, as well as cozy evenings around the poolside firepits. Guests can also reserve private holiday dinners or parties through the resort’s private dining program, and unwind at the Flamingo Spa & Wellness Center, which offers calming seasonal treatments throughout the winter.
Browse all Sonoma getaways here.
New in Wine
Foppiano Vineyards
Foppiano Vineyards begins a new chapter with the debut of its modern tasting room and an upgraded guest experience. Led by Courtney Benham of CMB Wines, the historic estate is being thoughtfully renewed through extensive renovations and vineyard enhancements that blend heritage with innovation. The redesigned tasting space features contemporary seating, sliding glass walls that open to vineyard views, and a welcoming patio designed for year-round enjoyment. Plans are also underway for an outdoor wood-fired kitchen and pizza service to further enhance the hospitality experience. With these updates, Foppiano is embracing a modern, approachable style that invites visitors to relax, connect, and appreciate the legacy of one of Sonoma County’s oldest family wineries.
Martha Stoumen Wines
Martha Stoumen Wines has opened its first tasting room on Healdsburg’s Plaza, creating a warm, modern space that reflects founder Martha Stoumen’s values of nature, community, and joy. Designed with Northern California style, the new venue features redwood accents, native landscaping, and vintage ceramics, evoking the atmosphere of a relaxed European café. Beyond tastings, the space is envisioned as a hub for creativity and connection, with plans to host events highlighting women in food and beverage and showcasing locally sourced, sustainable provisions. Stoumen’s collaboration with The Overshine Collective, a group of independent wine producers who share resources while maintaining creative independence, further emphasizes her commitment to sustainability and community-driven growth.
Portworks Wine Lounge
Portworks Wine Lounge in Petaluma has new owners and a fresh look. Heringer Estates Family Vineyards & Winery, longtime grape suppliers to the label, has taken over from founders Bill and Caryn Reading. The rebranded lounge continues to serve its signature small-batch ports and now features organically farmed table wines from Heringer Estates. Located in the Foundry Wharf complex, the refreshed space pairs local craftsmanship with relaxed tastings and new lounge-style seating.
Bricoleur Vineyards: Après Bricoleur
Bricoleur Vineyards has partnered with Pendleton to launch Après Bricoleur, a seasonal food and wine experience inspired by après-ski traditions in the heart of Sonoma County Wine Country. Located within Bricoleur’s scenic estate, the pop-up unfolds inside a winter greenhouse decorated with Pendleton’s signature patterns, creating a warm, inviting space for guests to relax. The experience offers an intimate, fireside-inspired retreat that reflects Sonoma County’s laid-back holiday spirit.
New in Restaurants
Folia Bar & Kitchen at Appellation
Folia Bar & Kitchen, the flagship restaurant at the new Appellation Healdsburg, has opened under the culinary direction of Charlie Palmer, with executive chef David Intonato and Reed Palmer leading the kitchen. Designed to reflect Sonoma County’s land and seasonal rhythms, Folia features live-fire cooking that highlights local ingredients without pretense. The 204-seat space also serves as the resort’s welcoming hub, where guests check in through the restaurant and can enjoy the relaxed flow between the bar, dining room, and outdoor terrace overlooking olive trees. Upstairs, Andy’s Beeline Rooftop offers cocktails and small bites with views of Healdsburg’s surrounding hills, creating a destination that blends hospitality, community, and the easy pace of Sonoma County Wine Country life.
Quail & Condor Bakery
Healdsburg’s renowned bakery Quail & Condor is relocating to a larger space at 44 Mill Street. Founded in 2020 by husband-and-wife team of Melissa Yanc McGaughey and Sean McGaughey, the bakery has become a cornerstone of the town’s creative and entrepreneurial scene. Its recognition from the New York Times and a James Beard Award nomination reflect the rising national interest in Healdsburg’s small-business community. The expansion will enable the team to add seating, streamline production efficiency, and strengthen connections with local partners, supporting the collaborative spirit that defines Sonoma County’s culinary and hospitality culture.
Pastasciutta La Bodega
Chef-owner Dino Bugica of Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria, recognized by the Michelin Guide as a Bib Gourmand destination, has expanded his Geyserville presence with Pastasciutta La Bodega, a new ready-to-go market offering paninis, salads, hot bar dishes, take-and-bake lasagnas, and housemade pasta and sauces. Together, Diavola and Pastasciutta strengthen Geyserville’s culinary identity, attracting locals and visitors alike with an approachable yet refined expression of Sonoma County wine country dining.
New in Experiences
Forest Bathing with Horses at Belos Cavalos
At Belos Cavalos in Kenwood, visitors can experience a truly unique and deeply restorative activity: forest bathing with horses. This guided, sensory-focused practice combines the Japanese art of Shinrin Yoku, which involves immersing oneself in nature for relaxation and healing, with equine-assisted mindfulness. Led by certified nature and forest therapy guide Jenny Harrow-Keeler, guests are encouraged to slow their pace, breathe deeply, and connect with both the natural environment and the intuitive presence of the horses. The session takes place in a tranquil ranch setting, beginning with gentle walking and sensory immersion among the trees, followed by mindful, heart-centered interactions with the horses. Without any riding involved, participants engage in reflection and sharing in ways that foster emotional awareness and connection. Horses, known for their sensitivity and ability to mirror human energy, offer a profound sense of calm and grounding. Alongside the healing presence of the land, this experience invites guests to rediscover balance, connection, and renewal.
Charles M. Schulz Museum
On October 2, 1950, the first Peanuts comic strip debuted in a four-panel format in just seven newspapers. From that humble start, Peanuts expanded to appear in more than 2,600 newspapers worldwide. For 75 years, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang have brought joy, laughter, and comfort to fans of all ages. The exhibition HA! HA! HA! HA! 75 Years of Humor in Peanuts, is now on display through March 18.
NOMAD District – Healdsburg
A new creative hub has been officially established in Healdsburg. The NOMAD District—short for North Maker Art District—brings recognition to the cluster of home design shops, art galleries, and lifestyle boutiques located between Healdsburg Plaza and Piper Street. Marked by distinctive NOMAD banners, the area highlights the city’s evolving arts and design culture while offering visitors a walkable destination anchored by acclaimed restaurants and unique local businesses. Check out lodgings in Healdsburg.
Santa Rosa Art Walk
The City of Santa Rosa has launched the 2025-2027 “Santa Rosa Art Walk,” a new temporary public art exhibition designed to transform Downtown Santa Rosa and Historic Railroad Square into an open-air gallery. Nine artists from across the United States, including two local artists from Santa Rosa, were selected from a competitive pool of 109 submissions. Their installations will feature sculpture, light, and interactive elements and will be displayed along key pedestrian corridors between the Museum of Sonoma County and Railroad Square, encouraging residents and visitors to engage directly with the city’s creative landscape.
Barber Lee Spirits
Barber Lee Spirits, the craft grain-to-glass distillery in downtown Petaluma, has launched a new “Nightcap Dessert Bar” concept. The after-hours venue pairs house-distilled spirits, including rye, heirloom-corn bourbon, and apple brandy, with decadent desserts like cardamom-and-cayenne chocolate cake. Aiming to expand the distillery’s offerings beyond cocktails and tastings, the dessert bar combines nostalgic industrial charm with contemporary hospitality in the 1910 warehouse setting. Guests settle in among barrels and vintage décor to enjoy late-night bites, creative drink treatments, and a new dimension of Petaluma’s downtown food-and-drink scene.
New in Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines will start daily nonstop service between Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa and Ontario International Airport (ONT) in Southern California beginning March 18, 2026. The route will be operated with an Embraer ERJ-175 offering 12 first-class, 16 premium, and 48 coach seats. With a flight time of just over an hour, this provides quick and convenient travel between Northern and Southern California. This new route makes it easier for Southern Californians to explore Sonoma County Wine Country and gives leisure travelers more time to enjoy their destinations. Check out deals here.
