Healdsburg transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season. From twinkling lights lining the historic plaza to charming local shops brimming with unique gifts, Healdsburg offers the perfect blend of holiday cheer and Northern California charm. There’s a reason why Healdsburg is considered the best Christmas town in California and one of the best in the United States. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a fun friends’ retreat, here’s our guide to a magical Healdsburg Christmas.
Table of Contents
- Healdsburg Vacation Rentals for Christmas
- Festive Activities & Events in Healdsburg
- Healdsburg Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve/Christmas
Cozy Healdsburg Rentals with Holiday Charm
Our Healdsburg vacation rentals provide the perfect base for a holiday escape. Imagine curling up by a fireplace in a charming cottage or waking up to serene vineyard views, enjoying a peaceful morning before heading into town for holiday shopping and festive activities. We have limited availability for the week of Christmas, so be sure to book your Healdsburg Christmas vacation rental ASAP! Book directly on our website and skip out on fees often associated with third-party websites like VRBO and Airbnb.
Festive Activities in Healdsburg
One of the highlights of spending Christmas in Healdsburg is the town’s festive events. If you’re visiting in December or during Christmas, you’re in for a treat! Here are Healdsburg’s top December events:
Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting & Night Market: Dec. 5, 2025 @ 6:00 PM
Kick off the holiday season with the annual Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting & Night Market in Healdsburg Plaza. The evening is packed with events, including photos with Santa, the tree lighting celebration, the holiday night market, kids’ crafts, and live music performances. The event runs from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, and no tickets are necessary to attend.
Healdsburg Holiday Sip & Shop: Dec. 6, 2025 @ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of wine tasting, shopping from local businesses, and festive fun at Healdsburg’s annual Holiday Sip & Shop. You’ll pick up a souvenir tasting glass at CraftWork Healdsburg and then make your way through downtown at various tasting stops and local retailers. Your ticket will include unlimited wine tastings at participating stops, exclusive retail offers, a dinner ticket to KIN Smoke or Iggy’s Organic Burgers, and a souvenir tasting glass. Tickets are $55.
Joy for the World by Healdsburg Chorus: Dec. 13-14, 2025 @ 3:00 PM
Join Healdsburg Chorus for the annual Joy for the World winter concert. This winter favorite is an enchanting musical experience. Let the melodies of the season fill your heart with joy and warmth, and get ready to be swept away by the harmonious voices of our talented chorus. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! Don’t miss out on this magical event.
Picture with Santa Paws at Stuhlmuller Vineyards: Dec. 14, 2025 @ 11:00 AM
The pups need pictures with Santa, too! On December 14th, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Stuhlmuller Vineyards is hosting its first-ever Picture with Santa Paws event. Bring your furry family member to take pics with Santa, and then take in the beautiful scenery at Stuhlmuller with a glass of wine. For a donation of $20 to the Humane Society, you’ll receive a festive pet photo and a glass of Stuhlmuller’s signature wine.
Holiday Tea at Dry Creek Kitchen: Dec 6-21, 2025 @ 1:00 PM
Step into a stunning holiday display at Hotel Healdsburg for their annual Holiday Tea event. Throughout December, on Saturdays and Sundays, Hotel Healdsburg hosts their holiday tea from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. There will be live piano music, custom-blend teas, house-made pastries, finger sandwiches, and other goodies from Dry Creek Kitchen. It’s a favorite holiday tradition for many in Healdsburg, so book your tea time ASAP
Enjoy Healdsburg’s Culinary Scene – Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve & Christmas
The town is also a paradise for food lovers. From cozy cafés serving seasonal pastries to fine dining restaurants offering festive menus, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Many restaurants offer special holiday dinners, so planning ahead is key to securing a table for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. If you prefer to leave the cooking to the professionals for the holidays, check out these Healdsburg restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:
Christmas Eve Dinner @ Dry Creek Kitchen
Enjoy a Christmas Eve Dinner at Dry Creek Kitchen this holiday season. From 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Dry Creek Kitchen will offer a Christmas-inspired dinner special in addition to its daily prix-fixe menu. The special will feature the Surf & Turf – a petit filet mignon, butter-poached Alaskan King Crab, pommes fondant, spinach, and hollandaise sauce. And for dessert, there is a choice of a dark chocolate ganache tart.
Christmas Dinner @ Hazel Hill
Make your day merry and bright with our annual Christmas Day celebration featuring an indulgent three-course prix fixe menu. Treat yourself to Beef Wellington, Christmas Ham, and other delectable options.
Christmas Dinner @ Spoonbar
Gather around the table at Spoonbar this Christmas for a bountiful buffet filled with seasonal delights. Enjoy a spread featuring local charcuterie and cheese, fresh salads, and savory dishes like Roasted Prime Ribeye and Aged Cheddar Mac & Cheese. Plus, relish in the carving station highlights, paired with flavorful sides. Finish your feast with indulgent desserts, from Chocolate Dipped Profiteroles to festive Christmas cookies.
Why Healdsburg is Perfect for Christmas
From festive lights and seasonal events to world-class wine and cuisine, Healdsburg offers a unique and memorable holiday experience. Whether you’re sipping a local Pinot Noir, shopping for handcrafted gifts, or simply enjoying the serene countryside, spending Christmas in Healdsburg is an opportunity to create lasting memories in a charming, picturesque setting.