Healdsburg for the Holidays

There’s nothing quite like the holidays in Wine Country. Healdsburg not only offers world-class food and wine, but also a healthy helping of small-town holiday cheer. Our local shops carry unique products that make great gifts for everyone on your list (and maybe for you too), area artisans share their holiday crafts through a variety of classes and chefs and winemakers help keep spirits bright.

Celebrate Scandinavian Christmas with Glögg, cookies and Swedish Christmas decorations in the pavilion at West Wines from Nov. 27-29, 2020. Glögg, a traditional hot mulled wine with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, raisins and more, is served during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The winery will also be selling gifts like genuine Swedish Christmas decorations, "tomte" the Swedish Christmas gnome and wine.

The “Holidays in Healdsburg” walking tour is the perfect way to start your getaway. The guides at Healdsburg Wine & Food Walking Tours start at the festive tree-lit Healdsburg Plaza, then take you down the decorated tree lined streets throughout downtown, stopping at restaurants, tasting rooms, and boutiques to savor freshly baked artisan breads, delicious chocolates, Ports, warm holiday spiced teas, and delectable bites paired with wines all along the way. While you wander, keep an eye out for an array of festive holiday light installations around town. If you’re around on a Saturday, keep your eyes peeled for Santa, who has plans to visit Healdsburg in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

“VOICES,” a series of art projects designed by local and Greater Bay Area innovators, artists and creators, will be on display throughout the season. The showcase provides an opportunity to connect with art outside and on foot, and to experience stunning contemporary installations consisting of lights, video art, murals, and interactive art pieces that will canvas Downtown Healdsburg’s open spaces and parks. A live map and confirmed artist list can be found online.

Area retailers are celebrating the season, not only with jolly decorations, but also with Business Bingo. The program encourages shoppers to visit local businesses throughout the holiday season. Get your bingo card online and shop local for a chance to win amazing prizes through January 10, 2021. Healdsburg is home to one-of-a-kind and artisan items from clothing and jewelry to homewares, books, gifts and more. For more on shopping, visit our blog.

Start the new year with some new recipes! The Camellia Inn is hosting virtual cooking classes in December, January and February. The series, by Chef Hila Fichtelberg, showcases holiday treats, Israeli shakshuka and chocolate. The Inn is also crafting special holiday treats for “at home” high tea experiences each Friday in December. Their Afternoon Tea To-Go includes a selection of teas, scones with clotted cream and lemon curd, savory sandwiches, and an assortment of artisan chocolates. Learn more about their winter culinary options on the Inn’s website.

Hotel Healdsburg gets into the holiday spirit starting with their annual Holiday Tea on Saturdays and Sundays in November and December. The set menu prepared by the team at Dry Creek Kitchen includes tea sandwiches, scones, desserts, tea, and holiday-themed cocktails. The hotel also hosts a specially curated Winter Music Series on Saturdays through February. Guests can cozy up by the fire and listen to the region’s best live musicians.

Hotel Healdsburg can be your home for the holidays with their Christmas Eve “Home Sweet Home” package, which includes a two-night stay, Iron House Sparking Cuvée, Christmas tree and tree trimming kit, Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner options are available as well.  

To start planning your Healdsburg holiday getaway, visit our website.