Sundown before suppertime can feel a bit melancholy, but the longer nights do have at least one up side: welcoming winter with spectacular light parades displaying all the whimsy and wonder that you’ll only find in Sonoma County.
Winterblast
This family-friendly street party kicks off the festive season with not one, but two parades of light-strung living room furniture — namely sofas, since this celebration is centered in the South A Street (aka SOFA) arts district. Bask in the creative glow of live music, street performers, and open art studios between parades. 3-8:30 p.m., Nov. 15. South A Street & Sebastopol Avenue, Santa Rosa, winterblastsantarosa.com
Geyserville Tractor Parade
The population of Geyserville (830) easily triples as crowds line the tiny town’s main drag for a parade that salutes the area’s agricultural roots. The tradition started organically 15 years ago when a few locals showed up to the town’s tree lighting with tractors and trucks adorned with lights. Now it’s one of Sonoma County’s most celebrated holiday events. 6-8 p.m., Nov. 29. Geyserville Avenue & Canyon Road, Geyserville, visitgeyserville.com/tractor-parade
Christmas in the Redwoods
Sonoma County’s newest light tradition is a parade turned inside out. Join a parade of vehicles and view a festive forest of illuminated redwoods from the comfort of your car. The event at the Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds drew such big crowds when it started two years ago, traffic backed up for miles, but organizers have solved that by instituting a reservation system this year. After enjoying the 15-minute drive, head to downtown Occidental to sip cocoa with Santa and Bigfoot. 5:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21; $10 per car, reservations required. 6250 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, allianceredwoods.com
Lighted Boat Parade
The merriment is all maritime at this decades-long tradition that includes everything from yachts to sailboats and even stand-up paddle boarders. Hosted by the Petaluma Yacht Club, a flotilla of vessels glides up the Petaluma River to the turning basin, their lights reflecting off the water and setting seemingly all of downtown aglow. 6-8 p.m., Dec. 13. First & C Streets, Petaluma, petalumadowntown.com/lighted-boat-parade