A little Mendo holiday
Our guide to the best holiday activities in the Mendocino area
We love the holiday season here at the inn!!!
The holiday season is starting here in Mendocino this week! From now through Christmas Day, there will be plenty of fun activities and experiences brimming over with small town seasonal charm that you won’t want to miss. Here are all the ones that we here at the Brewery Gulch Inn are excited to participate in. Of course, there are even more events and experiences to be had - keep up with what’s going on here.
Saturday, November 23rd
Holiday Craft Making at the Noyo Center
When: 11:00am – 3:00pm.
Where: Noyo Center for Marine Science, in Fort Bragg
What: From 11:00-12:00, they will be having a workshop for kids that’s all about making perfectly personalized wrapping paper. Then from 1:00-3:00, there is a handmade holiday card workshop for adults. They will help you create a Lino cut block with your favorite holiday design, which you can then print on your cards. The price includes the Lino block, cards, and envelopes.
Cost: Kids workshop is free. Card making workshop is $15.
Gala & Preview Party at the Festival of Lights
When: 6:00pm – 9:00pm.
Where: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, in Fort Bragg
What: This annual fundraiser is a great way to kick of the Gardens’ most magical event of the year. With live music, tasty food, signature cocktails, and amazing local wines and beers, it’s always a blast. Be the first to see what new and creative light displays the volunteers have created this year. And don’t leave before the exciting raffle!
Cost: $100 per ticket
One of our favorite displays at the Festival of Lights
Friday, November 29th – Sunday, December 22nd
When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, in Fort Bragg
What: Check out our blog post from last year for a personal overview to this local favorite!
Cost: $10 per adult. Kids 16 years and under are free.
Photo courtesy of the Skunk Train
Friday, November 29th – Monday, December 23rd
When: Check out their availability calendar for days and times
Where: Willits and Fort Bragg
What: The Skunk Train transforms every holiday season into a truly magical experience – meet Santa, munch on holiday treats, play games, enjoy fun music, and see the season through the eyes of a child!
Cost: $10.95-$52.95 (see website for details)
Friday & Saturday, November 29th & 30th
60th Annual Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Fair
When: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Mendocino Art Center, in Mendocino
What: More than 30 juried artists and craftspeople bring together some of their finest handmade creations. With everything from paintings and ceramics to jewelry and skin care, it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up some unique gifts.
Cost: N/A
Saturday, November 30th & Saturday, December 14th
Mushroom Identification for Beginners
When: 10:00am – 3:30pm
Where: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
What: Ok, so this isn’t exactly holiday-minded, but it’s still a great opportunity to learn a little bit more about our favorite fall fungi! With both a lecture and a practical field walk through the gardens, it will be educational and fun.
Cost: $25-$35
Saturday, December 7th
Festival Christmas Concert & Celebration
When: 2:30-5:00
Where: Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, in Fort Bragg
What: An intimate choral experience, this benefit event for the Mendocino Music Festival will range from classical to contemporary, jazzy to joyful. Included is a break for tasty treats in the hall next door to the sanctuary.
Cost: $50 per ticket, to benefit the Mendocino Music Festival adult education department
The Holiday Lights Parade used to be called the Lighted Truck Parade, but it’s grown through the years to include more than just trucks!
Holiday Lights Parade & Events
When: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Guest House Museum and downtown Fort Bragg
What: At 5:30, take the little ones to visit Santa at the charming museum. At 6:00, watch the Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Guest House lawn and listen to the carolers. At 7:00, the parade will start, with Santa leading the way! This tradition goes back almost as far as the town itself and the logging communities that founded it.
Cost: N/A
Saturday, December 14th
When: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Where: throughout downtown Mendocino
What: This fun evening is almost like a scavenger hunt that takes you through the streets of Mendocino as you go searching for the different shops and businesses on your event passport. Take the moment to search out something perfect for those hard-to-buy-for people on your list, stop to listen for a bit to the wandering group of carolers, and enjoy the lovely evening.
Cost: N/A
Sunday, December 15th
When: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Where: Caspar Community Center, in Caspar
What: This intimately acoustic evening is being billed as a fun mix of blues, roots music, and a little bit of fiddling, which sounds like something we should definitely be going to.
Cost: $20 advance, $25 at the door
Wednesday, December 25th
Old Time Christmas at the Ford House
When: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Ford House Visitor Center and Museum, in Mendocino
What: Volunteer docents will recreate a little bit of the cozy feel of Christmas in the logging days. Stop by for sticky buns and a little taste of the old days.
Cost: Donations requested
After meandering the chilly paths of the Festival of Lights, warm up in the festival tent near the Gardens entrance with live music, drinks, and cheery treats.