Always call ahead to make sure events have not changed
Founding Day, La Purísima Mission SHP, miles Northeast of Lompoc on Purísima Rd
November 8, 2007
400 luminaries lead the way to a musical evening celebrating the anniversary of the founding of La Purisima Mission in 1787. Please contact the park office before November 1st to find out how to acquire tickets for this free event. Space is limited. (805) 733-3713. www.lapurisimamission.org
Astronomy Outreach Program, San Pasqual Battlefield SHP
December 1, 2007
Astronomy Outreach Program is open to the public for night sky viewing and learning about Astronomy through interactive media lab.
Takes place on the fourth Saturday of each month. Program begins at dusk. Location is 16666 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido Ca. One and one-half miles east of the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Outreach program for schools groups and clubs can also be arranged separately. Contact Curt Lawrence (619) 884-5527 or via e-mail: clawrence@parks.ca.gov.
A Learning Experience! , Donner Memorial SP, Donner Pass Rd., 2 miles West of Truckee
December 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007
Events and interpretive sessions are being planned. Learn about those who immigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800’s. Visit the Emigrant Trail Museum, open daily 9am – 4pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Please call the park for detailed information. (530) 582-7892.
Frontier Christmas, Lake Oroville SRA, 7 miles East of Oroville via Hwy 162
December 1, 2007
Begin your holiday season in the merriest way, by joining us for a fun-filled festive occasion, where guests are greeted and assisted by volunteers dressed in late 1850’s attire and kids get to meet Santa Claus! This day of celebration will include pioneer and Native American arts and crafts activities, wreath and candle making. Holiday foods and crafts on sale. Admission is free. (530) 538-2219. noon-4pm
Battle Day, San Pasqual Battlefield SHP, 8 miles South of Escondido on Hwy 78
December 2, 2007
Marvel at the re-enactment of the 1846 Battle of San Pasqual. Enjoy period music, entertainment, military encampment, period craft demonstrations, story telling and food sales. Call for date and time. (760) 737-2201
Holidays in Old Town San Diego, San Diego SHP
December 7, 2007 - December 8, 2007
The annual Candlelight tours return Old Town! Tour Old Town and learn how the residents prepared for the holiday season in the 1800s. Holiday singers and entertainment perform throughout the evening while State Park concessions provide complimentary refreshments. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Old Town all decked out for the Holidays.
Pioneer Christmas, Bale Grist Mill SHP, 3 miles North of St. Helena on Hwy 29
December 8, 2007
This event allows you to experience an old fashion Christmas. Enjoy a fun-filled day of caroling, decorating cookies and the Mill’s Christmas tree. Take part in craft making, taking your handy work home. Enjoy free treats and hot cider. This historic park is located in the heart of the wine country. For more information call (707) 938-1519. 10am-4pm
Candlelight Sing-Along Tour, San Juan Bautista SHP, take Hwy 101 to Hwy 156 to San Juan Bautista, on the corner of 2nd and Washington St.
December 8, 2007
Meet at the Mission San Juan Bautista at 6:30pm for a walk through town while singing carols. Refreshments will be served at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park. Cancel if rain. Free. Dress warmly. (831) 623-2454
Christmas in Coloma, Marshall Gold Discovery SHP, 8 miles North of Placerville on Hwy 49
December 8, 2007 - December 9, 2007
This annual event features an old-fashioned Christmas, with period crafts, music, strolling musicians, historic trade demonstrations, 19th century Christmas programs and plays, and wreath making. A visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus is a colorful highlight of the day. Do a bit of shopping as venders will offer hand-made crafts as well as a variety of foods. Snow is guaranteed! The Park’s historic buildings will be open for visitor’s enjoyment. Call the events line at (530) 295-2162 or visit www.marshallgold.org 10am-4pm
Holiday Time on the Ranch, Wilder Ranch SP, 2 miles North of the Santa Cruz city limits off Hwy 1
December 15, 2007
Celebrate the winter holidays as folks did in California, Victorian, and early 20th century Santa Cruz with crafts to do, games to play, cookies to decorate, and more. For more information, please call (831) 426-0505. 11am-3pm
Santa Visits Railtown, Railtown 1897 SHP, Jamestown, corner of 5th and Reservoir
December 15, 2007 - December 16, 2007
Just before Christmas climb aboard our steam-powered excursion train, departing on the hour from 11am to 3pm and ride along with the Jolly Gentlemen! Free hot chocolate and cookies in the Carriage Room. Regular ticket prices apply. Call (209) 984-3953.
Elephant Seal Walks, Nuevo SR, 30 miles South of Half Moon Bay on Hwy 1
December 15, 2007 - December 31, 2007
Visitors are guided on a 3-mile, 2.5-hour walk through sand dunes, to watch elephant seals in their natural environment. Walks take place every day, rain or shine. Call for any exceptions. Reservations for the December 15, 2007-March 31, 2008 breeding season are necessary. (800) 444-4445. No tours on December 25, 2007. December 15, 2007 through March 31, 2008 between 8:45am and 2pm
A Miner’s Christmas, Columbia SHP, 4 miles North of Sonora via Hwy 49
Celebrate an array of Gold Rush style activities. The town is dotted with many living history scenarios and family oriented activities. St. Nick arrives in town each day at 11am via stagecoach. Call for more details. (209) 588-9128. Visit www.columbiagazette.com for more holiday activities in the park. December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 15 & 16, 10am -4pm
Santa’s Yuletide Express! , California State Railroad Museum, Old Town Sacramento
Steam-powered Santa’s Yuletide Express trains depart hourly 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Santa aboard! Specially priced train tickets include Railroad Museum admission. Throughout Old Sacramento, enjoy additional Heritage Holidays activities. For more information about Old Sacramento's planned activities, visit www.oldsacramento.com or call the Old Sacramento Events Hotline at (916) 558-3912. December 1 & 2, 8 & 9
