This Northern California Town Transforms into a Whimsical Christmas Wonderland in December

Brought to you by Discover Siskiyou

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:

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

• Marshmallows on Main! ~ Returns for its 5th year along the historic thoroughfare among glowing storefronts and at the foot of our majestic mountain. Pre-packaged kit for purchase, with individual roasting skewers. This event runs from 11-4PM.
• Mix in a Mason ~ Christmas cookie kit workshop for future baking or gift.
     Location: Meat Market | McCloud Mercantile | 241 Main St. McCloud, CA 96057 |
     South end of building
• Crafts ~ TBD
     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
• Balloonist ~ Come get a fun balloon animal at Axe & Rose Public House! 12-2PM
  
• 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 craft building with local Mt. Shasta business Raven Tree. Looking for coffee? Look no further- coffee cart will be located here. Location: McCloud River B&B | 325 Lawndale Ct., McCloud, CA 96057
  
• Horse & Carriage Rides ~ $5 per person
  
• Face Painting ~ Enchanted Designs Face Painting
• Kids Magic Show ~ Location: Axe & Rose Public House 2:30PM
• Voena Children’s 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.  We are sorry there was a misprint on price in the AD. To buy tickets please click here.
     Location: McCloud Mercantile Great Room (upstairs) | 241 Main St. McCloud, CA           96057 | 5PM.

Victorian Christmas- December 10th | 11 AM – 7:30 PM

• Yuletide Bazaar ~ Merchants and Vendors along Main Street (weather permitting) ~       10AM – 4PM
     ** Vendors will be moved upstairs, inside the mercantile, if we predict bad weather.
• Victorian Tea ~ Hosted by the McCloud Hotel. Register by calling 530-964-2822
     Location: 408 Main St. McCloud, CA 96057
• House & Church Tours 11-3PM ~ Enjoy 12 different McCloud locations dressed up in their holiday decor! Download your tour map HERE (soon). 
  
• McCloud Community Christmas Choir~ Listen to Christmas music by local singers. 2 performances at local churches and Inn tours throughout the day.
  
• Horse & Carriage Rides ~ Pick up by the McCloud Hotel. 
  
• Mexican Dinner 4-6PM ~ Sponsored by the McCloud Community Resource Center, enjoy an $18 tamale dinner w/ dessert by local caterer Letty’s Kitchen. $10 enchilada plate for children available. For ToGo orders contact Eileen at: 530-227-8829
  
• Children’s Christmas Party~ Wrap up your evening with a fun and exciting Childrens Christmas Party at the Squaw Valley Riding Club! Santa will make his appearance, play games, do crafts, and grab a bite to eat! Location: Squaw Valley Riding Club- 500 CA-89, McCloud CA. This event is OPEN to public. 
  
• Christmas Light Contest~ Light up McCloud this holiday season! Brought to you by the Squaw Valley Riding Club we encourage all locals to participate in this highly anticipated yearly contest! $250 is up for grabs and ALL entries have a chance to win a cord of firewood! Enter online at www.squawvalleyridingclub.com

Holiday Merriment- December 17th & 18th | 10 AM – 4:30 PM 

• Character Breakfast- SOLD OUT ~ 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 $10 for kids 7 and under, $15 for adults. Register online by calling the McCloud River B&B at 530-964-2130
• A Christmas Carol Performance ~
  
• 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.