It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in the Sierra Valley. Despite the bitter cold snap, we’re starting to feel downright festive. As we look ahead to the holiday season, there are a bunch of great, family-friendly events already popping up on the calendar.
Here’s a closer look at a few Christmas-themed events you won’t want to miss in December:
Portola, CA
December 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17, 2022.
Train Rides 5-8 p.m. Gates Open at 4 p.m.
Enjoy a magical trip aboard the Santa Train - covered in lights and decorations. Admission: $10 per carload or $5 + 3 cans of non-perishable food. Food donations benefit EPCAN Food Bank. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Shop the museum store! Enjoy complimentary cookies, hot chocolate, cider and coffee. Donations welcome! Call 530-832-4131 or visit santa.wplives.org for more information.
Graeagle, CA
December 3 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
All events are free at this old-fashioned Christmas festival & tree lighting. Come enjoy the spirit of Christmas, visit the little red shops, enjoy refreshments, have your picture taken with Santa and take a ride through town in a decorated Christmas themed trolly. Hear the carolers sing and bring lots of good cheer!
Third Annual Loyalton Light Parade
Loyalton, CA
December 3, 2022
Parade 6 p.m. Line up begins at 5:30 p.m.
Parade will follow the same route as the Fourth of July Parade.
411 Main St, Loyalton, CA
December 4, 2022
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sierra Valley Home Center and Lombardi Mercantile present the 1st Annual Christmas Market! Inspired by the traditional German Christmas Markets with activities for the whole family - pictures with Santa, Christmas cookie contest, gift wrapping, hot chocolate bar, and so much more!
101 E. Main St, Sierraville, CA
December 10, 2022
Ladies Night 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Followed by customer appreciation until 9 p.m.
Shop the annual holiday sale while enjoying food, drinks and friends.
Non-refundable permits are $10.00.
One tree per permit with a limit of two permits per household.
Permits may be used only on the Tahoe National Forest between Nov. 7 and Dec. 31.
Officials recommend cutting early in the season before higher elevations become snowbound. Trees can stay fresh for several weeks when properly stored. Because trees begin to lose moisture as soon as they are cut, place them in water as soon as possible. Forest Service staff ask permit holders to practice good stewardship and be sure the tree is located on National Forest lands before cutting.
Christmas tree permit sales, cutting maps and additional information is available here.
