The holiday season has arrived, meaning people are donning their homes with Christmas lights, decorating their trees with ornaments, and looking for every reason to enjoy America’s favorite holiday. In Northern California, we found the perfect way to celebrate Christmas this year.

In December, the historic town of McCloud transforms its streets into a whimsical Victorian winter wonderland. This monthlong celebration includes carriage rides, arts and crafts for kids, and a tour of locations dressed in their holiday decor. The celebration is a part of a long list of weekly holiday events dubbed Winter Fest, all occurring right under the shadow of Mount Shasta.

Here is a look at the schedule of activities for December 2022:

Winter Fest

IN PERSON EVENTS

KIDS KRAFTS & KANDY KANES- December 2nd | 11 AM – 3 PM

• Crafts ~ TBD
     Location: McCloud Mercantile | 241 Main St, McCloud, CA 96057 | Upstairs
• Rock Painting
     Location: McCloud Mercantile | 241 Main St, McCloud, CA 96057 | Upstairs
• Letters to Santa ~ All letters returned to Santa will be apart of Macy’s *Believe Campaign. For every letter, Macys will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish.
     Location: McCloud Mercantile Hall | 241 Main St. McCloud, CA 96057
  
• Cookie Decorating ~ Come with the family and enjoy free holiday cookie decorating!
      Location: Axe & Rose Public House | 424 Main St., McCloud, CA 96057 11-2PM
• Walk around Balloonist & Magician ~ All Locations! 11-2PM
  
• Santas Workshop ~ Take your little elves up to Santa’s workshop in the McCloud River B&B to build and receive a free gift! Also enjoy a craft with local Mt. Shasta business Raven Tree and a woodworking project as well. 
    Location: McCloud River B&B | 325 Lawndale Ct., McCloud, CA 96057
• Elves Playground ~ Come and enjoy dancing, games, and fun at the American Legion building.
     Location: McCloud American Legion Post 92 |  232 Broadway Ave.
  
• Horse & Carriage Rides ~ $5 per person- weather depending
  
• Face Painting ~ By Joann Kaufmann
     Location: inside the mercantile building
• Kids Magic Show ~ Location: Axe & Rose Public House 2:00-2:30PM
    

Yuletide Bazaar- December 9th | 11 AM – 4 PM

• Yuletide Bazaar ~ Merchants and Vendors along Main Street ~    10AM – 4PM
• House & Church Tours 11-2PM ~ Enjoy 12 different McCloud locations dressed up in their holiday decor! Download your tour map HERE (soon). 
  
• Victorian Tea ~ Hosted by the McCloud Hotel. Register by calling 530-964-2822
     Location: 408 Main St. McCloud, CA 96057
  
• Voena Choir ~ “To unite the world and empower future leaders through music”. VOENA Children’s Choir is a professional program, unique because of its no-audition policy. VOENA teaches children ages 5-18 ethnically diverse music, instilling in them an appreciation and enthusiasm for different languages and cultures while cultivating, what director Annabelle Marie calls, the VOENA BIG 3: 1) accept the challenge, 2) be self-motivated, and 3) embrace an ethic for hard work. VOENA participants sing music from many countries, all in the native language, promoting peace through the exchange of culture. Want to hear more? Go to their website- https://www.voena.org/  *** The Voena Children’s Choir is a Non-Profit 501(c)3. If you want to donate to this non profit group- click here.
  
  ***This event is $15 for Adults. $7 for Children 12 & Under. To buy tickets please click here.
     Location: McCloud Mercantile Great Room (upstairs) | 241 Main St. McCloud, CA 96057 | 5PM.
  
  
• Horseman’s Christmas Party ~ Hosted by the SVRC. Visits from Santa, food, kids games. Open to public. 
     Location: 500 HWY 89 McCloud, CA 96057
  

Holiday Merriment- December 16th & 17th | 10 AM – 4:30 PM

• Horse & Carriage Rides ~ Pick up by the McCloud Hotel. 

• Character Breakfast ~ Enjoy breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Elves, & Frosty the Snowman at the McCloud River B&B. This event will require pre registration.  Breakfast is $11 for kids 7 and under, $16 for adults. Register online by calling the McCloud River B&B at 530-964-2130
  
• Dickens Dinner ~ Axe & Rose Public House | 424 Main St., McCloud, CA 96057| Call 530-859-8500 for reservations.
  
• Horse & Carriage Rides ~ Pick up by the McCloud Hotel.