Scenic views with Santa

Staying home for the holidays is all well and good. But getting out of town—but not too far—and experiencing celebrations in other communities can start some new and unexpected traditions. SN&R offers this guide of places within a three-hour drive that go all-out with cheerful festivals, live music and scenic views.

Ye old Christmas

Historic Nevada City is a picturesque, little town that’s about an hour away, and each year it transforms into a Victorian-era village on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout December. On Broad Street downtown, vendors sell unique crafts and goods, children’s choirs and bands perform and almost everyone dresses the part. Vendors operate by battery-operated candlelight, Santa Claus sits inside City Hall waiting for kids to recite their Christmas lists, a walking holiday tree roams the streets and the sounds of bagpipes fill the night sky. Various dates and times; 317 Broad St., Nevada City; nevadacitychamber.com.

Illuminating Mendocino

Each winter, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens bathes its lush backdrop in bright lights and holiday décor from Nov. 29 through Dec. 22 for its Festival of Lights. Choirs from local high schools—as well as bands covering genres such as American roots, folk and electronic music—keep evenings festive. On select nights, enjoy local wine and craft beer pours, face painting for the kids, holiday karaoke and a free photo booth. Various dates, doors open at 5 pm; $10 for adults, children 16 and under are free. 18220 Hwy 1, Fort Bragg; gardenbythesea.org.

Ocean views and hot cocoa

Take a trip to scenic Monterey and revel in a variety of events throughout December. On Dec. 6, the fourth annual Christmas on the Wharf begins with a Santa meet-and-greet, the crowning of the holiday princess and free cookies, cocoa, coffee and cider at the Wharf Tent to warm up attendees. A Lighted Boat Parade on Dec. 8 is another celebration to see with a showcase of Monterey Yacht Club’s most festive vessels all decked out for the occasion. Various dates and times; #1 Old Fishermans Wharf, Monterey; montereywharf.com/events.html.

Holidays on horseback

On Dec. 8, drive back in time and visit old town Columbia, just under a two-hour drive and a welcome change of scenery for the holidays. Each year, the Backcountry Horsemen of California organize their Christmas Equestrian Parade. Bring the family to see horses, donkeys, ponies, mules and draft horses as they all strut down Main Street with their riders. This Gold Rush-era community will also host Santa and Mrs. Claus for photo opps with the kids during this non-motorized affair. 11am-2pm, free admission; 11255 Jackson St., Columbia; visitcolumbiacalifornia.com/events/christmas-equestrian-parade.

Gone country

During Thanksgiving weekend, pack up the car and head out to Grass Valley for its Country Christmas Faire. This event boasts four large exhibit buildings filled with thousands of gift ideas, an ornament and gingerbread house competition, a community bonfire, live music and all the delicious fried fair foods to top off that turkey dinner. The Fairgrounds Foundation will also serve up holiday-themed cocktails for those 21 and over. Cheers! Various dates and times; 11228 McCourtney Road, Grass Valley. $5 for adults, children 12 and under are free; nevadacountyfair.com/country-christmas-faire.