Escapes: Christmas comes early in Nevada
SPARKS
Hometowne holiday in Sparks
Spend the weekend in Sparks, Nev., and expect to see Santa Claus on personal watercraft, a snowman eating ribs and elves driving a vintage Mustang convertible.
It’s the town’s 27th annual Hometowne Christmas Celebration. A traditional tree-lighting ceremony with carolers officially kicks things off at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Saint Mary’s Amphitheater in Victorian Square. But most of the festivities happen in conjunction with the parade on Saturday. Watch floats, animals, vintage cars and cute kids roll by starting at 1 p.m. along Victorian Avenue. Shop the craft faire, which will showcase the work of some of the area’s most talented artists, in the Sparks Museum and Cultural Center. Check out the North Pole – with live music and letter-writing to Santa Claus – at the Great Basin Brewery or go straight to the elves in Santa’s Village, tucked inside the historic Glendale Schoolhouse.
For more information, visit www.cityofsparks.us/christmasparade.
SAUSALITO
Cold War history
What: The Marin Headlands hold the only restored missile site in the entire country. Walk through during its monthly open house, where Cold War veterans, park rangers and volunteers will share their real-life stories from missile sites.
When: 12:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Nike Missile Site, Field Road, Sausalito
Cost: Free
Information: www.nps.gov/goga/nike-missile-site.htm
HALF MOON BAY
Gingerbread houses
What: Entries to the 11th annual Gingerbread House Competition – from children, hobbyists and chefs alike – will be on display all week at the Ritz-Carlton. To hear the winners, attend the holiday celebration next Sunday, when you can also cozy up with eggnog and watch the lighting of a 25-foot tree.
When: 4:30-6:30 p.m. celebration next Sunday; display Monday through next Sunday
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, One Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay
Cost: Free
Information: www.ritzcarlton.com/hmb
WALNUT CREEK
Family teatime
What: Sip fine tea and nibble on treats while the kids enjoy story time and favors to take home at the 19th annual Teddy Bear Tea. Reservations are required, but teddy bears get in free.
When: 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 7
Where: Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek
Cost: $20-$25
Information: gardenshf.org
PLACERVILLE
Christmas parade
What: Placerville’s Christmas Parade has long been a community highlight, with marching bands, stagecoach rides, Santa and festive cheer. Better yet, the 36th annual edition’s theme is “Rockin’ Christmas.”
When: 1 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Main St., Placerville
Cost: Free
Information: www.placerville-downtown.org
SONOMA
Holiday cheer
What: For the past nine years, Sonoma’s holiday kickoff event has been the Lighting of the Snowmen Festival. Along with said snowmen, there will also be live music, a clown, live dance, holiday movie screenings and a visit from Santa.
When: 4 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Cornerstone Sonoma, 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma
Cost: Free, parking $10
Information: www.cornerstonesonoma.com
Bee Staff
This story was originally published November 29, 2014 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Escapes: Christmas comes early in Nevada."