Ahh, winter in Northern California. It's the perfect way to dive into a wonderful mix of indoor and outdoor fun, creating a memorable season for visitors and residents alike. It doesn't matter whether you're an adventure lover or someone who adores cozy indoor activities; there are a ton of fun things to do in winter in Northern California. Personally, I love the chance to read by the fireplace, take a road trip up to the mountains, or head out to various state parks like Yosemite National Park.
One of the absolute must-tries in this season is hitting the slopes. Northern California boasts some fantastic ski resorts like Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain that offer a blast of excitement with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing amid the most breathtaking mountain scenery. And guess what? If you're on a budget, you can still have a fantastic time by heading outside into nature! Winter has this amazing way of transforming the region's natural wonders into even more magical places, like the iconic Big Sur and the pristine Lake Tahoe. There are plenty of cheap things to do in Northern California in winter that involve nature and not breaking the bank.
With a snowy touch, the famous waterfalls, such as Yosemite Falls, turn into something straight out of a fairy tale, with their graceful cascades surrounded by glistening snow, making it a mesmerizing sight for everyone to enjoy. So, whether you're speeding down the slopes or taking a leisurely stroll through places like Sacramento, Santa Cruz, or near the Pacific, Northern California winter activities offer a little something wonderful for everyone to enjoy.
Holiday Events In Northern California
It's the attractions that provide some of the best family things to do in Northern California in winter. NorCal's holiday season weaves a spell of enchantment, offering a rich array of festive events and adventures. From the mesmerizing lights of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom to beautiful holiday markets like San Jose's Christmas in the Park, there's a world of merriment waiting to be explored during the winter season. You can fully immerse yourself in the cozy embrace of community celebrations of Mendocino, go ice skating near the Golden Gate Bridge, or savor the lights from various botanical gardens. It doesn't get much better than this...
1. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Location: 1001 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo, CA 94589
Popularity: Popular year-round, as it is an amusement park.
Price: Six Flags ticket required for entry.
Winter at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom offers a unique twist on the typical theme park experience. During the winter months, the park transforms into Holiday in the Park, a festive wonderland filled with holiday lights, decorations, and seasonal entertainment. Visitors can enjoy holiday-themed shows, meet and greets with Santa Claus, and the thrill of riding roller coasters in the crisp winter air. It's a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends.
2. Napa Valley Wine Train
Location: 1275 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559
Popularity: Popular year-round for various train excursions.
Price: Ticket prices vary depending on excursion. Reservations encouraged.
The Napa Valley Wine Train is a delightful excursion through the picturesque Napa Valley during the winter months. Passengers are treated to a scenic journey aboard a beautifully decorated vintage train, enjoying gourmet meals and, of course, wine. With wintry vineyard views and cozy interiors, it's a unique way to savor the region's renowned wines and culinary delights while taking in Napa Valley's serene beauty during the colder season.
3. Christmas in the Park
Location: History Park in San Jose
Popularity: A very popular event every year.
Price: Price per car varies.
Christmas in the Park is a cherished holiday tradition. Each year, Plaza de Cesar Chavez transforms into a magical wonderland of festive displays, animated exhibits, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Families can stroll through this enchanting park, enjoying the twinkling lights, holiday music, and visits with Santa Claus.
4. San Rafael Lighted Boat Parade
Location: San Rafael, California
Popularity: A popular town year-round.
Price: Free to view from various spots around town.
The San Rafael Lighted Boat Parade is a beloved annual event in Northern California. Set against the backdrop of the San Rafael Canal, this festive spectacle features a colorful flotilla of boats decked out in dazzling lights, creating a magical display. Families and spectators gather along the waterfront to enjoy the twinkling vessels as they cruise through the night, spreading holiday cheer and a sense of community.
Christmas Towns In Northern California
As far as free things to do in Northern California in winter are concerned, visiting a small town certainly tops the list. Northern California becomes a magical place during the holiday season, and its Christmas towns embody the true essence of festive charm. Whether you're strolling through the historic streets of Sutter Creek, aglow with enchanting lights, or immersing yourself in the beauty of the Bay Area, there's a magical Christmas experience tucked away in every corner of the region.
5. Nevada City, California
Location: Nevada City, California
Popularity: Popular year-round as a Gold Rush town.
Price: N/A
Nevada City, California epitomizes Christmas charm. This Gold Rush-era town dons a festive cloak of lights and holiday decorations, creating a magical atmosphere on its historic streets. Visitors can explore quaint shops offering unique gifts and partake in seasonal events and celebrations. Nevada City's timeless ambiance and spirited festivities make it a cherished destination to revel in the true magic of Christmas.
6. Sutter Creek, California
Location: Sutter Creek, California
Popularity: Very popular during Christmastime. Also popular year-round for wine tasting.
Price: N/A
Sutter Creek, California transforms into a Christmas haven during the holiday season. Its historic Main Street lights up with Christmas decor, evoking a cozy yuletide atmosphere. Local shops and boutiques offer an array of special gifts for the season, and the community gathers for joyful events, parades, and celebrations that make Sutter Creek a magical destination to experience the true spirit of Christmas.
7. Ferndale, California
Location: Ferndale, California
Popularity: Very popular during winter, as the whole town comes to life with decorations.
Price: N/A
Christmas in Ferndale, California is a heartwarming experience. Its picturesque Victorian streets twinkle with enchanting lights and seasonal decorations. Community events and festive gatherings bring neighbors together to share in the joy of the season. Ferndale's blend of old-world charm and holiday spirit makes it a truly magical place to celebrate Christmas, adding in a dose of nostalgia, too.
Outdoor Activities
Out of all the best things to do in Northern California in winter, outdoor activities top the list. It’s no wonder really, with such beautiful destinations like Sequoia National Park, Mammoth Lakes, and Muir Woods in the neighborhood. Spending time outside can mean ice skating with family and friends, or simply heading out to San Francisco’s Union Square for the annual tree lighting ceremony.
8. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Popularity: Very popular all year long.
Price: Park entry fees at minimum.
Did you know you can take a guided snowshoe tour at Lassen Volcanic National Park? As winter blankets the park, it offers a serene and pristine landscape for snowshoers to explore. With well-marked trails and breathtaking views, visitors can meander through snow-covered forests, around frozen lakes, and even past steaming hydrothermal features. It doesn't get much more magical than this!
9. Soda Springs Ski Resort
Location: 10244 Soda Springs Rd, Soda Springs, CA 95728
Popularity: Popular during skiing season when the mountains open.
Price: Lift tickets, rentals, tubing packages vary.
Soda Springs Ski Resort located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California, is a thrilling destination for snow tubing enthusiasts. With dedicated tubing lanes and a magic carpet lift, visitors can zoom down the snowy slopes for an exhilarating ride. The resort's winter wonderland backdrop and the joyous laughter of tubers create an unforgettable experience, making it a must-visit spot for winter fun in the region.
10. Folsom's Historic District Ice Rink
Location: 905 Leidesdorff Street, Folsom, CA 95630
Popularity: Very popular on weekends during winter.
Price: Cost of rink use and skate rental.
Folsom's Historic District Ice Rink, a cherished wintertime attraction in Northern California, offers an incredible skating experience. Located in the heart of the charming historic district, the ice rink beckons visitors of all ages to glide on the ice beneath twinkling lights and historic facades. Surrounded by the town's unique shops and dining, it creates a festive and spirited atmosphere.
11. Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe
Location: Nebelhorn, Hwy 50 El Dorado Fwy, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96155
Popularity: Very popular during skiing season.
Price: Lift tickets, rentals, skiing packages vary.
Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe is a winter wonderland, offering an array of snow-filled activities for all ages. Located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, the resort boasts groomed snow play areas, perfect for snowball fights and building snowmen. Visitors can also enjoy exhilarating snow tubing, making it an ideal destination for family fun in the winter. The stunning alpine scenery enhances the experience, creating cherished winter memories.
Winter Getaways
Sometimes the most romantic things to do in Northern California in winter involve ditching the Los Angeles scene and heading up into the mountains to a remote cabin covered in snow. Northern California's winter accommodations provide a snug escape within the region's seasonal splendor. Do you prefer enchanting lodges tucked amidst the mountains? Or do you seek a touch of luxury with ski resort stays? The area's historic inns, charming boutique hotels, and rustic cabins exude a welcoming ambiance, while city hotels in San Francisco and other urban hubs offer urban comforts. In Northern California, winter lodgings cater to diverse tastes, promising an unforgettable seasonal delight.
12. Sierra Hot Springs
Location: 521 Campbell Hot Springs Rd, Sierraville, CA 96126
Popularity: Very popular during winter when hot springs and hot tubs are open.
Sierra Hot Springs in Northern California's serene Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a tranquil oasis of rejuvenation. This natural geothermal wonder boasts a variety of mineral-rich pools and saunas, each with its own unique healing properties. Visitors can immerse themselves in the healing waters, surrounded by the beauty of the forested landscape. Sierra Hot Springs offers a peaceful retreat where relaxation and natural therapy harmonize in perfect balance. In fact, it's one of the best winter attractions in Northern California.
13. Inn Town Campground
Location: 9 Kidder Ct, Nevada City, CA 95959
Popularity: Very popular all year long.
Price: Price depends on room accommodations.
Winter at Inn Town Campground in Nevada City, California, is a cozy escape into nature. With heated restrooms and hot showers, it's a comfortable camping experience even during the colder months. Visitors can gather around fire pits to roast marshmallows and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Surrounded by pristine forests, it's an idyllic destination for winter camping, providing both adventure and seclusion.
14. Inn at Mount Shasta
Location: 710 S Mount Shasta Blvd, Mount Shasta, CA 96067-2532
Popularity: Very popular all year long.
Price: $169+ per room
The Inn at Mount Shasta offers a charming alpine retreat. With stunning views of the majestic Mount Shasta, this cozy inn provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests. Its comfortable rooms, tranquil gardens, and easy access to outdoor adventures make it a perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of the area and experiencing a peaceful mountain getaway.
15. The Cabin in Sierraville
Location: Sierraville, California
Popularity: Very popular no matter the season.
Step into the enchanting beauty of the Sierra Nevada with a stay at this delightful Sierraville cabin available for rent on Airbnb, providing the perfect escape from the daily grind. This mountain haven exudes warmth and comfort, recently updated with new furniture and fixtures, offering everything you require for a memorable mountain getaway. The cabin accommodates two guests comfortably, featuring a queen-sized bed with a luxurious mattress for a peaceful night's rest. With a cozy gas fireplace and premium wool blankets, even chilly winter evenings are a breeze. This sounds like the perfect winter escape to me!
Want to know what's winter like in Northern California? Winter is somewhat mild but yet with an average temperature around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, the mountains will experience snowy weather which is perfect for those of you who enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. If you need some new winter gear, take a look at our Ultimate Winter Packing List for all your cold-weather essentials.
Have you started planning your itinerary of things to do in winter in Northern California yet? I know, I have. I’m going to visit handfuls of wineries, sip on rich red Syrahs, and find the best state park hiking I can. The Golden State truly comes alive as the temperatures drop, making it an ideal vacation destination in America. Whether you’re choosing a day trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park or an overnight getaway in wine country, you’ll surely have a rewarding experience. Even with hiking trails blanketed in snow during winter in Northern California just add an extra layer of socks and enjoy! This time of year sure is special.
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