As a hint of white graces the trees, buildings and roads... the historic downtown areas up and down Hwy 49's Gold Country slip back in time to celebrate Christmas. Come enjoy Christmas right out of Currier and Ives. You will enjoy a holiday shopping experience that will have you making this a family tradition. We will be taking pictures though out the season and updating them on this page so please check back. We always suggest calling or visiting the website of the Chambers and Visitor Bureaus (listed below) in the area you wish to visit, prior traveling, for news on changes or additions to events... don't forget your camera! We invite you to email us photos (JPGs or GIFs) of your favorite Holiday Spot so we can share them on historichwy49.com. Sierra County December 1st - Holiday Crafts Faire - Loyalton 1st - Holiday on Main Street in Downieville 10 am to 3 pm. Downieville comes alive with it's beautiful decorations. The day includes antique fire truck rides, craft and gift vendors, photos with Santa and food vendors. Town shops are open late. Call 289-1000 for more information 1st - Calpine Christmas Tree Lighting Join everyone Saturday, December 1 at 6pm for tree lighting and caroling at the Sierra Valley Lodge, Main Street, Calpine. Call 530-994-3367 for more information. For Sierra County information call: 800-200-4949 http://www.sierracounty.org Nevada City December 5th, 12th, 19th Victorian Christmas 2007 Victorian Christmas 2007 is featured Wednesday nights, Dec. 5, 12 and 19, from 6-9 p.m., and on two Sunday afternoons, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16, from 1:30-6 p.m. There is no admission charge. Holiday celebrants fill the streets, sampling the outdoor fare of friendly hawkers and vendors and food and goods offered by downtown restaurants and specialty shops. Victorian singers, bagpipers, a living nativity scene and visits with Santa Claus are among the attractions. Taste chestnuts roasted on an open fire and enjoy strolling minstrels, brass bands, hay wagon rides and much more. Nevada City is situated at the 2,500-foot elevation in the wooded foothills of the northern Sierra Nevada. It is located one hour (60 miles) northeast of Sacramento, via Interstate 80 and Highway 49 north. From Marysville and the north valley, take eastbound Highway 20. From Reno and Tahoe, take westbound I-80 and westbound scenic Highway 20. Overnight visitors are encouraged to book local accommodations early. A dozen historic bed & breakfast inns and several comfortable hotels and motels are located in Nevada City and nearby Grass Valley. Victorian Christmas Holiday Shuttles Free parking at the Nevada County Government Center on Hwy. 49 $2 Roundtrip Shuttle to Victorian Christmas 5:30-9:30 on Wed. noon-6:30 on Sun.     For Nevada City information call: 800-655-NJOY or 530-265-2692 http://www.nevadacitychamber.com Grass Valley November - December Starts Nov 3rd and every Friday until Christmas 40th Annual Cornish Christmas Grass Valley's 40th Annual Cornish Christmas will begin on Friday, November 23, the day after Thanksgiving. Recapture the spirit of old-fashioned Christmas past amid the charming surroundings of our colorful Turn-of-the-Century gold mining town. Mill and West Main streets are closed to motorized traffic and bustling with fun, music, food, and Santa Claus. Cornish Christmas will be celebrated the five Fridays before Christmas. or www.downtowngrassvalley.com.      6th & 13th - Candlelight Inn Tour for Historic B&Bs On Dec 6th and Dec 13th, join the Candlelight Inn Tour to see several Historic Bed and Breakfast Inns located in both Grass Valley and Nevada City. Seven B & B's will be beautifully decorated for the season. Go to www.goldcountryinns.net or call (800) 250-5808 for details. Tickets available at the Chamber of Commerce. For Grass Valley information call: 800-655-4667 or 530-273-4667 http://www.grassvalleychamber.com Penn Valley Area call: 530-432-1802 Auburn December 1st - Festival of Lights Parade Chamber to Fairgrounds 8th & 15th- 21st Annual Old Town Country Christmas YOUR'E INVITED.... Saturday December 8th & 15th, 5-9pm If the Holiday Season puts you in the mood to regain some of the spirit of Christmas past, with caroling a fireplace and hot cocoa, then Old Town Auburn with it's 21st Annual Country Christmas celebration is the place to be. On two Saturday evenings, the 8th and the 15th - the streets of Historic Old Town Auburn come alive with Christmas spirit as they are transformed by this popular holiday event. From 5 until 9 each night, the whole community is invited to share in the holiday fun. Crafters and Artists of the quality our local area is known for, will have their wares on sale for that special one-of-a-kind Christmas gift. Melted wine bottles and stoppers by Pam Devine, Aromatherapy Candles made by Jaime Walker, dog treats from Peggy Green, and handmade Didjeridoos from Patrick Pape. Metal Art, ornaments, wreaths, wood crafts, soaps, gourds and jewelry to name a few. Many local non-profit organizations will be providing a food selection to take care of the dining needs of you and your whole family, in the best of "alfresco" dining. As in years past, the local Volunteer Fire Department will be serving their traditional clam chowder in french bread bowls, Café Delicias will spice up your step with snappy Mexican specialties, The Native Sons will have huge baked potatoes with special toppings, funnel cakes, kettle korn, old fashion shortbread, beef jerky, bbq tri-tip and chicken sandwiches, grilled Italian sausages smothered in onions and all manner of cookies, cakes, hot chocolate and cider, cinnamon bread, Mandarins from Westview Growers and roasted chestnuts from Amber Oaks Farm. Sound good? Come for dinner and enjoy the rest of the show! In the center of the plaza, you can warm yourself by the bonfire as you enjoy some of the fine entertainment scheduled this year. Local Troop # 19 will post the Flag at 5:15 which will kick off the event. We are honored that so many local groups love to perform during this event with a special performance December 8th by the Colla Voce of the Sierras (follow the voice of the Sierras), singing Olde English Carols. With 28 members from our surrounding communities, they will stroll Old Town after their performance. InSync Dancers, the Auburn Community Brass Ensemble, Linda’s Christmas story and Scottish Dancers will be on hand to liven your mood and set your feet to tapping. As always, Santa (aka Brad Weston) & Mrs. Claus (aka Ruby Payne) will have candy canes for the kids, young and old. Photo’s with Santa will be taken in Hershel Young Park for $2.00, and, John Crabtree, the chimney sweep will make his traditional appearance. Families can get an experience of olden holidays by taking a ride on the hay wagon pulled by giant draft horses from Greenwood Ranch and pony rides by Pony Up from Newcastle. Back again this year is Never Cry Wolf rescue allowing visitors to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals. In years past and Christmas long ago, the community; friends, neighbors and families would share the Holiday spirit by gathering in the town square, visiting, enjoying and participating in the good cheer of the season. You and your family are invited to share in that same spirit, so mark your calendar and spend some time in Historic Old Town Auburn with our 21st Annual Country Christmas. For added enjoyment, come see Old Town's beautiful Christmas lights and decorations and visit the many specialty shops and restaurants that will be open for your shopping convenience. Admission is free and we provide a free shuttle from the Fairgrounds. This is a rain or shine event. If we have sprinkles, bring an umbrella. For more information or applications: Linda Robinson 530/888-1585. sunriver@inreach.com or www.oldtownauburnca.com For Placer County information call: 530-887-2111 http://www.auburnchamber.net http://www.placer.ca.gov Coloma 7th - Tree Lighting at Coloma Tree lighting and caroling. Musical performance and caroling led by Golden Sierra High School Choir. Hot Cocoa & cider available to warm you up 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Historic Coloma State Park Free www.coloma.com For more information contact: Mari Wells (530) 295-1833 7th - 9th - Jingle Bell Jubilee in Coloma Come join us for the Coloma Tree Lighting, jingle bell run, pet parade & costume contest, holiday treats, wine & olive oil tasting & many more activities that take place at several venues in Coloma - Lotus area. Check the website for time and location Coloma Free www.coloma.com 8th & 9th - 12th Annual Historic Country Inn Holiday Tour Celebrate the season with us this December as we celebrate our twelfth annual Christmas Tour! The Bed & Breakfast Inns of El Dorado County welcome you to visit us this December 8th & 9th, 2007. Participating inns will be open from noon-5 p.m. both days. New decorations and holiday treats await! Make it a weekend to remember. Elegant Victorians, quaint cottages, cozy log cabins and rustic lodges are all dressed up for the holidays — warm and inviting on a cold winter's day. Peek into our guest rooms and see wonderful collections of vintage clothing and quilts, original artwork, and antique furnishings. Each inn has its own special and unique personality with beautiful gardens, tall trees, small trees, crystals and snowflakes, teddy bears and antique glass. Santa Claus and his reindeer and families of snow people to delight young and old. Ring in the season with traditional Christmas music, sip hot cocoa or cider or warm yourself by the fire. Sample delectable treats, like home-baked brownies, gingerbread cookies and other culinary delights. Please join us in celebrating the season December 8-9 from noon til 5 pm. Tickets are $15 per person and are valid for both days (allowing you to visit all the inns one time), with a portion of sales going to support Hope House. For ticket purchase and more information, call 1-877-262-4667. Note: The Black Bear Inn will be open at 11:00 a.m. for your convenience. 8th & 9th - Christmas in Coloma Step back in time with this annual old-fashioned Christmas. Period crafts, music, strolling musicians, historic trade demonstrations, 19th-century children's games, and wreath making. A visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus is a colorful highlight of the day. Vendors offer hand-made crafts as well as a variety of foods. Snow Mountain guarantees kids will have fun. The Park's historic buildings will be open for visitors' enjoyment. New this year, the event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, December 8 and 9. Located in Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Cost is $7 per vehicle. For more information, call (530) 295-2162 For additional information on Christmas in Coloma visit http://www.coloma.com   For El Dorado County information call: 530-621-5885 http://www.eldoradocounty.org Placerville December 1st - El Dorado Hills Christmas Tree Lighting Come share an evening of Christmas carols and entertainment by local groups and enjoy some cookies and punch. Santa will be there 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Ceremony Location: Town Center Free to the public. www.eldoradohillschamber.org For more information contact: El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce (916) 933-1335 1st - Santa's Workshop Christmas Bazaar There will be craft booths, a bake sale and drawing for numerous prizes You get some lunch at the Soup and Pie kitchen featuring homemade soup with bread $2.00, pie at the low price of $1.50 each and drinks for .75. Santa Claus will be present to listen to the Children's wish list; each child will receive a Free picture with Santa, a gift bag & a book. Proceeds from this Bazaar will benefit the 3 fire districts and the high school. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. I.O.O.F. Hall at the corner of Highway 193 and Main Street. Free to attend. For more information contact: Joan 5303331542 2nd - 30th Annual Christmas Parade This big parade takes place rain or shine and starts at the Mountain Democrat parking lot on upper Broadway in Placerville and continues down Main Street. Begins at 1:00 p.m. Broadway and Historic Main Street, Placerville. Free to the public. For more information contact: Cathy Patterson (530) 626-3849 For El Dorado County information call: 530-621-5885 http://www.visit-eldorado.com Amador City, Sutter Creek and Jackson December 1st & 2nd - the 35th Annual Calico Christmas Enjoy true holiday spirit and small town charm. Hot cocoa, free refreshments and live music while you enjoy a unique shopping and dining experience. Special Saturday Events include: Pictures with Santa 1-5pm; Traditional Tree Lighting at 5:30 Shops open until 8:00pm. Experience an old fashioned Christmas when visiting historic Amador City during the holidays. The town is decorated with its traditional fresh evergreen garlands and calico lights. Warm shops with friendly faces offer a great variety of gift ideas and holiday decorations. Merchants will host free refreshments for visitors to enjoy while they shop. Live music throughout the day and special events will add to the festive holiday spirit. Saturday there will be a variety of events for the entire family. You can have a family picture taken in our winter wonderland scene, located in the center of town. Five dollar souvenir pictures will be available to purchase as well as hot cocoa for two bits. The highlight of the weekend is the annual tree lighting. At 5:30 on Saturday all are welcome to meet at the Imperial Hotel for the Walk of Light. Enjoy a candlelight procession led by traditional caroling through the streets to the town tree. The lighting of the tree will be at 6:00 followed by caroling and a free treat courtesy of the GOLDPAN merchants. Amador City, located 50 miles east of Sacramento along historic Highway 49 is a little city with big charm. You can spend the day shopping, enjoy the charm of the historic buildings and maybe even learn a little about California’s gold rush history at the Amador Whitney museum. For more information please contact Aimee at The Antique Gardener, 209/267-5551 or at peterson@centralhouse.net. For Amador County information call: 209-223-0350 Alpine County call: 530-694-2475 http://www.suttercreek.org http://www.amadorcountychamber.com http://www.amador-city.com Angels Camp December 1st - Annual Cristmas Parade/Craft Faire For Pardae Information please call Liz at 209-772-1760 Craft Faire call Susan at 209-754-3431 or Vip at 209-772-2234 Location: Valley Springs 14th - Holiday Dinner Dance The Murphys Community Club will stage its third annual Holiday Dinner Dance at Ironstone Vineyards. The general public is invited. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a no-host wine bar. At 7 p.m. everone will sit down for a festive dinner of roasted tom turkey or prime rib of beef. A vegetarian option will be available. The M.C. Trio will provide music for dancing, featuring tunes from the 40's and 50's. Tickets are $40 per person for turkey, $45 for prime rib, wich is all-inclusive, and may be obtained by calling 728-8183.Location: Ironstone Vineyards Six Mile Rd Time: 6:00 PM 16th - Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert Supper "Sounds of the Season Family Christmas" is the theme for another joyous musical celebration featuring the renowned Singing Nuns (aka "The Treble Makers"). Featuring an ensemble of talented musicians with pianist Helen Kimzey Plowman. The performance begins at 4:00 p.m. with a supper following at 6:00 p.m. Tickets for the event are $25 for adults, $12.50 for children ages 12 and under. To purchase tickets, please call our Reservations Coordinator at 209-728-1251, extension 11. Location: Ironstone Vineyards For Angels Camp information call: 209-736-0049 http://www.calaveras.org Sonora December 1st - 16th - Columbia State Historic Park A Miner's Christmas - 536-1672 3rd- Tree Of Lights Red Church in Sonora - (209) 533-6800 7th - Free Christmas Concert - 770-0536 7th - Christmas Parade Tuolumne City - (209) 928-1214 7th - Christmas Open House Tuolumne City Memorial Museum Open House - (209) 694-8564 7th - Twain Harte "Christmas Parade" - (209) 586-4482 9th - Columbia State Historic Park: Las Posadas Nativity Procession 12th - 13th - Twain Harte Holiday Treasures - (209) 586-4482 15th - Ornaments with Santa - 533-1309 15th - Santa Returns to Railtown! - (209)984-3953 21st - Pop Hudson Memorial Christmas Sing - (209 ) 533-4420 24th - Christmas Eve Community Dinner- 26th Annual Sonora - (209) 586-4802 24th - Festival of Carols & Lessons - 532-7644 25th - "Christmas With Friends" - 770-0536 For Sonora information call: 209-533-4420 http://www.tcchamber.com http://www.thegreatunfenced.com Mariposa December 7th & 8th - 10th Annual Mariposa Merry Mountain Christmas Festival & Parade Everyone is Invited to Attend Friday, December 7th: Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce hosts 2007 Merry Mountain Christmas Party Best Western Banquet Room, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Food, Live Seasonal Music, Prize Drawing, “No Host” Bar Saturday, December 8th: Merry Mountain Christmas Parade begins at 11:00 a.m. along Highway 140 from Coakley Circle Merchant Bingo, Mariposa Merchants, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. At the Mariposa Museum & History Center, 12th Street off Highway 140: Bon-Fire, Lighting of the Christmas Tree, Christmas Caroling, Santa Claus with goodies, 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Phone:(209) 966-2456 Email: mariposachamber@sti.net Website: mariposachamber.org For Mariposa County information call: 209-966-3685 http://www.mariposa.org Oakhurst December   Nov 30 - Dec 9 - Christmas in the Mountains Caroling, handmade gifts from local artists, coffee & donuts and hot soup for lunch or a Jersey Dog. Gift wrapping too. Our calendar is fast gaining momentum. We have Kiwanis breakfast with Santa, Children's Christmas Movie Matinee, Santa photo ops at Willow Bridge Book Store, Oakhurst Tree Lighting Ceremony, Storytelling, Community Band Christmas Concert, Boys & Girls Club Christmas Tree Auction, Awards for Store Window Decorating, OACC Installation Dinner with Woman & Man of the Year, Rosemary Wreath Making, CHristmas Show at Golden Chain Theatre and more. Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Location: Show map Olde Christmas Shop at Fresno Flats School Road/Road 427 Oakhurst, CA 93644 For more information: www.visionacademy.org 1st - Oakhurst Tree Lighting Ceremony Time: Dusk Century 21 Ditton Sierra Realty - Corner of Highway 41 and Road 426. For further information contact either Sherry Colgate or Rima Burt at 642-0313 8th - N.F. Children's Christmas Parade Phone: 559-877-7700 Downtown Main Street 559-877-7700    We highly recommend you visit the Oakhurst Chamber Website Calendar for daily updated event listings. www.emccc.net or call: 559-683-7766 or, the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau at www.YosemiteThisYear.com or call: 559.683.4636