This Northern California Town Turns Into a Victorian Holiday Village Each Weekend in December
Nestled beneath the snowy slopes of Mount Shasta, the historic town of McCloud is preparing once again for its cherished McCloud Vintage Christmas, a month-long celebration filled with old-fashioned charm and festive community spirit.
Formerly known as Winterfest, the event brings a Victorian holiday village to life across three magical weekends: December 5–7, December 12–13, and December 20–21, 2025.
During these weekends, downtown McCloud transforms into a winter wonderland decorated with twinkling lights, vintage storefronts, and holiday cheer. Families can enjoy classic activities such as carriage rides, cookie decorating, ornament crafting, face painting, and letters to Santa. Children can even meet Santa himself at the local Mercantile or museum.
Visitors can expect nostalgic traditions like Victorian teas at the McCloud Hotel, historic house and church tours, craft bazaars, tree-lighting ceremonies, and caroling throughout town. Themed character breakfasts—featuring Santa, the Grinch, Frosty, and other holiday favorites—add to the joyful atmosphere.
For those who create handmade goods, the McCloud Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking “Christmas Gift” vendors for the December 13 market, and is also looking for artisans who can demonstrate traditional crafts on December 12 as part of a special “Lost Art” experience designed to enhance the Victorian village feel.
One of the marquee events of the season takes place on Saturday, December 13, when world-renowned children’s choir VOENA brings its “Voices of Winter Lights” concert to the McCloud River Mercantile Hotel. The choir’s multicultural performers, dressed in Victorian attire, will fill the evening with powerful harmonies and global holiday music traditions.
With small-town warmth, festive traditions, and a backdrop straight out of a storybook, McCloud Vintage Christmas continues to be one of Northern California’s most enchanting holiday celebrations.
