Looking for somewhere cozy to spend the holiday season? Sonoma County locals don’t have to go far this Christmas.
Healdsburg was named one of the “Top 10 Best Christmas Towns” in an Aug. 29 Reader’s Choice Awards article from Newsweek. Additionally, digital travel publication The Travel named Healdsburg the coziest California town in the winter in an Oct. 21 article.
Healdsburg among best Christmas towns
Out of Newsweek’s 10 best towns to celebrate Christmas in the United States, Healdsburg ranked No. 3. Healdsburg’s tree lighting ceremonies, night markets and carriage rides, in addition to top-notch wine and cuisine, secured the city’s spot on the list.
Nominees are chosen by editors with contributions from a panel of travel agents. Newsweek editors then determine the final list, according to the website.
Grapevine, Texas and Solvang, California clinched the top two spots on the list. However, Healdsburg topped other well-known holiday locales, like Santa Claus, Indiana (No. 5) and Aspen, Colorado (No. 7).
Winter holiday events in Healdsburg
One winter activity of note is the Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting Celebration. The event takes place from 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Healdsburg Plaza on Matheson Street and Healdsburg Avenue.
Santa Claus will be around to take photos with families, and live musical performances and complimentary carriage rides will liven the festivities. There will also be a holiday market with local vendors surrounding the streets of the plaza.
Dry Creek Kitchen at Hotel Healdsburg will be decorated in holiday decor for their Holiday Tea event. People of all ages are welcome to join the restaurant for a festive afternoon of tea, cocktails, housemade pastries, finger sandwiches and other holiday fare from 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 7-22.
The event is $79 for tea service and food, $93 for tea service, food and wine or cocktail, and $49 for children under 12 years, who can get food, tea, cider and hot chocolate.
Jordan Winery will also host its annual Christmas at Jordan party from 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 7.
This year, the Jordan Chateau will transform its winery into New York City’s Rockefeller Center, with festive decor, lighting and backdrops. Executive chef Jesse Mallgren will prepare winter meals paired with different wines.
Guests are encouraged to bring a wrapped toy to include in the Toys for Tots toy drive.
Tickets are $175 per person. 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-5250, jordanwinery.com
The coziest California town in winter
In The Travel article, travel journalist Jessica Tucker called Healdsburg one of those “laid-back California towns perfect for a relaxing getaway in the cozy wintertime,” despite its Michelin-star restaurants and high-end shopping.
The town boasts a variety of winter-friendly activities, both outdoors and indoors. Although the weather can get cold, it’s not too frigid for outdoorsy fun. The article highlights various hikes, kayaking, winery tours, winter-themed events and more.
A number of Healdsburg’s best restaurants are also great, cozy refuges when the weather gets a bit too blustery. Some of our favorites are Parish Cafe for a Southern comfort breakfast, Guiso Latin Fusion for Salvadoran pupusas and The Taste of Tea for a steaming bowl of ramen.