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Seasonal & Holidays

12 Days Of Cheer In Petaluma: Making This A December To Remember

Celebrate the season all month long with local lights, cozy stops, markets and hometown holiday charm.

Petaluma shines during the holidays, with light displays, seasonal shows, winter fun and local shops adding to the magic. Here are 12 festive ways to enjoy the season and make memories close to home.
Petaluma shines during the holidays, with light displays, seasonal shows, winter fun and local shops adding to the magic. Here are 12 festive ways to enjoy the season and make memories close to home. (Shutterstock)

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Petaluma. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Petaluma feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.


1. Glide into the holidays at LUMA Ice.

Celebrate Petaluma’s newest winter tradition at LUMA Ice, the real-ice skating rink at the Petaluma Fairgrounds. From Dec. 10 to Jan. 6, families and friends can lace up their skates and enjoy festive music, twinkling lights and a cozy holiday atmosphere. Tickets are available for ages 3+ and include skate rentals; for even more fun, you can add on a Youth Package for access to the Jump Zone and tractor rides.

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2. Cruise the City of Lights Driving Tour.

Take a relaxed evening drive through town on the self-guided City of Lights Driving Tour, running from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1. Use the downloadable map (available in December) or pick up a printed copy at the Petaluma Visitors Center to find the most festively decorated homes and businesses. Make it a one-night adventure or spread your visits over several weekends to keep the holiday magic going.


3. Savor seasonal flavors at Della Fattoria Café and Bakery.

Settle in at Della Fattoria Café and Bakery for a cozy breakfast or lunch built around artisan breads, pastries and fresh, local ingredients. Open Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the café offers everything from hearty scrambles and sandwiches to seasonal salads and handmade desserts. Pick up something for your next holiday party or cozy night in, from buttery croissants, rustic tarts, quiche and award-winning cookies baked daily in small batches.

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4. Get creative at Boho Bungalow’s candle pouring class.

Head to Boho Bungalow’s Petaluma location for a hands-on candle pouring class that adds a crafty twist to your holiday season. Guided by experienced chandlers, you’ll explore different fragrances and pour your own 12-ounce candle, with all supplies provided. Participants also receive a same-day discount on shop items, making it easy to pick up gifts and home décor while you’re there.


5. Sip and stroll at Pacheco Ranch Winery.

Take a short drive over to Pacheco Ranch Winery to explore one of Marin County’s oldest continuously held properties, originally part of Ignacio Pacheco’s 1840 Mexican land grant. The terraced Cabernet Sauvignon vines—many more than 40 years old—are carefully tended by multiple generations of the Pacheco family and longtime partners. Historic structures, including the 1876 Italianate home and the former carriage house-turned-winery, offer a meaningful glimpse into the region’s heritage. Those interested in tastings or wine purchases can reach out through the winery’s online contact form.


6. Lace up at Snoopy’s Home Ice.

About 20 minutes from Petaluma, you can enjoy a classic ice-skating experience at Snoopy’s Home Ice in Santa Rosa. Built in 1969 by Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, this alpine-inspired rink pairs public skating sessions with plenty of charm. After some time on the ice, warm up at the on-site Warm Puppy Café with soups, sandwiches or hot cocoa while you watch other skaters glide by.


7. Wander through the Holiday Light Spectacular.

The Holiday Light Spectacular at the Marin Center Fairgrounds and Marin County Civic Center sits about a half hour outside of Petaluma—and it’s completely free. From 4 to 9 p.m. daily, guests can stroll among thousands of sparkling lights, photo-worthy displays and hands-on holiday activities. Look for craft-making stations, a vintage fire truck, seasonal treats and community drives supporting local causes.

8. Capture memories at Photos With Santa.

If you’re headed to The Village at Corte Madera, stop by for a Photo with Santa in his winter wonderland at Center Court. Special events, including a tree lighting celebration, pet photo sessions and a sensory-friendly Santa Cares event, offer options for different needs and traditions. With flexible hours through late November and December, it’s easy to fit this classic holiday stop into your calendar; pre-book your session online to reduce wait times.

9. Stroll through The Christmas House at West End Nursery.

Take a short drive to San Rafael to wander through The Christmas House at West End Nursery, where more than 60 themed trees create a dazzling, highly curated holiday experience. What began in 1985 as a small collection of ornaments has grown into a treasured local tradition known for its distinctive décor and ever-changing displays. On Dec. 6, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on site for free photos, benefiting the Santa Cop holiday toy drive.

10. Warm up with a visit to Avid Coffee.

Take a break from the seasonal bustle with a stop at Avid Coffee, a Petaluma-born roastery and café focused on ethically and sustainably sourced beans. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully crafted coffee drinks alongside a full breakfast and lunch menu, making it a perfect spot for morning meetups or midday refueling. Mobile ordering and in-store pickup make it even easier to pick up a cup of joe on the go.

11. Choose your tree at Little Hills Christmas Tree Farm.

Make a tradition of visiting Little Hills Christmas Tree Farm, a family-owned Petaluma favorite since the late 1980s. The Mungle family tends each tree by hand and uses earth-friendly practices, from mowing instead of spraying to mulching with recycled, chipped trees. In addition to selecting and cutting your holiday tree (with help from the team’s lumberjacks), guests can also meet Santa on weekend visits, stop by the gift shop for seasonal gems and grab a bite or a warm drink from the snack shack.

12. Share Breakfast with Santa in Healdsburg.

Take a quick drive to Healdsburg for a Breakfast with Santa at Costeaux French Bakery, held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays from Nov. 29 through Dec. 20. Children can meet Santa, share their wish lists and take home a complimentary digital photo as a keepsake. New this year, the bakery also offers themed events like The Nutcracker’s Holiday Feast (Dec. 10) and a Milk & Cookies hour (Dec. 18), adding extra ways for families to gather and make memories during the holiday season.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Petaluma!

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This post is sponsored and contributed by Patch Holiday, a Patch Brand Partner.