12 Days Of Cheer In Healdsburg: Making This A December To Remember

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Healdsburg feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

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1. Share holiday moments with Santa at Costeaux French Bakery.

Costeaux French Bakery welcomes families for its cherished Breakfast with Santa series, where children can meet Santa, share wish lists and take home a complimentary digital photo. New additions this year include The Nutcracker’s Holiday Feast, a festive prix-fixe dinner set among the bakery’s famous nutcracker collection, and a cozy Milk & Cookies Hour offering fun treats for kids and happy-hour specials for adults. Guests are also invited to explore the annual Nutcracker Contest and write letters to Santa, adding even more cheer throughout the season.

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2. See the holiday lights glow at Healdsburg Plaza.

Healdsburg Plaza shines brightly during the holiday season, with a large decorated tree and sparkling lights that illuminate its walkways and gazebo. Locals and visitors can gather to enjoy the festive atmosphere, take leisurely strolls and soak in the charm of one of the community’s most beloved spots. It’s an easy, scenic stop for anyone exploring downtown Healdsburg.

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3. Shop local makers at the Healdsburg Holiday Craft Market.

On Saturday mornings, the Healdsburg Farmers Market expands into a Holiday Craft Market, bringing in dozens of local artisans alongside its regular farm vendors. Shoppers can browse handcrafted ceramics, jewelry, textiles, woodwork and other one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for thoughtful gifting. Vendors rotate through mid-December, promising something new to discover just a block west of the Plaza.

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4. Lace up for winter fun at Snoopy’s Home Ice.

About 20 minutes away, Snoopy’s Home Ice in Santa Rosa offers a storybook winter experience, blending Swiss-Alpine architecture with nostalgic Peanuts charm. Built in 1969 by Charles M. Schulz, the rink is known for its towering redwoods, cozy chalet ambiance and welcoming atmosphere for skaters of all ages. Public skating sessions run throughout the week, and visitors can check the daily schedule online before heading over. After time on the ice, the Warm Puppy Café provides the perfect finish with sandwiches, soups and a full hot cocoa menu overlooking the rink.

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5. Find unique gifts at the Crane Christmas Boutique.

Just 20 minutes away in Santa Rosa, the historic Crane Melon Barn transforms into the Crane Christmas Boutique, filled with handcrafted goods, vintage finds, jewelry and festive décor. Shoppers can also browse local food specialties like walnuts, jams, candy and honey for regionally inspired gifts. With new items added weekly and a warm, old-fashioned market feel, the boutique is a charming stop for anyone hunting for one-of-a-kind holiday treasures.

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6. Follow the Healdsburg Holiday Shopping Trail for art-inspired gifts.

The Healdsburg Holiday Shopping Trail guides visitors through a curated list of galleries offering artwork priced under $300, making meaningful gift shopping delightfully simple. The map highlights more than a dozen creative spaces showcasing paintings, ceramics, photography, art glass, jewelry and textiles. Many galleries stay open late on ArtNite evenings, inviting visitors to sip, stroll and shop under the plaza’s festive lights.

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7. Sip expertly crafted coffee at Black Oak Coffee Roasters.

Black Oak Coffee Roasters brings exceptional coffee to Healdsburg, offering pour-overs, espresso drinks and seasonal specialties crafted with a focus on origin character and quality. Their bright, welcoming café just off the Plaza makes it perfect for settling in with a pastry or meeting up with friends during a busy holiday week. With beans sourced for their depth and sweetness and roasted to highlight each coffee’s story, it’s a go-to stop for anyone who values a perfectly brewed cup.

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8. Stop in for pastries and treats — made in-house — at Downtown Bakery & Creamery.

Voted one of the favorite bakeries in Sonoma County, Downtown Bakery & Creamery has been a Healdsburg favorite since 1987, known for its scratch-made pastries, breads, cakes and ice cream. Holiday visitors can enjoy warm breakfast items, festive baked goods and seasonal specials perfect for gifting or savoring on the spot. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the cozy, bustling space offers a classic small-town bakery experience to round out the winter season.

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9. Warm up with thoughtfully brewed coffee at Avid Coffee.

Avid Coffee in Santa Rosa, about 20 minutes from Healdsburg, is a great winter stop, offering ethically sourced, carefully roasted coffees alongside a full menu of breakfast and lunch items. Visitors can relax with rich espresso drinks, single-origin pour-overs or warming matcha while taking a break from holiday errands. Guests can also browse the café’s rotating selection of fresh roasts and brewing essentials, which highlight Avid’s small-batch approach and make great additions to any winter pantry.

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10. Enjoy a festive afternoon tea at Dry Creek Kitchen.

Dry Creek Kitchen hosts its annual Holiday Tea at Hotel Healdsburg, promising a refined afternoon of house-made pastries, finger sandwiches and holiday sweets. Guests can choose from custom-blend teas or opt for cocktails or wine, all served in a beautifully decorated setting with live piano music. The tea service runs Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00–2:30 p.m., Dec. 6–21, and reservations can be made online.

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11. Browse whimsical gifts at Mr. Moon’s.

Mr. Moon’s has been delighting shoppers since 1982 with its playful mix of gifts, toys, clothing, cards and accessories. Located directly on Healdsburg Plaza, the shop is open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and is curated with a keen eye for the imaginative and unexpected. Its colorful displays make holiday browsing especially fun, offering something unique for loved ones of all ages.

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12. Wander the twilight magic of Gardens Aglow.

The 40-minute drive from Healdsburg is well worth it for Gardens Aglow, which transforms the Sonoma Botanical Garden into an evening landscape of glowing trails and festive activities. Visitors can stroll through the shimmering light tunnel, explore craft stations, play lawn games and warm up with hot chocolate or local wine as they move between the displays. Timed-entry tickets are required, and most guests spend about an hour enjoying the event at a relaxed pace.

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Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Healdsburg!

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