The Towns of Tuolumne County are Bustling with Holiday Excitement and Ready to Welcome You! Check out these Holiday Happenings….

Tuolumne County, California is located in California’s Gold Country and High Sierra Regions, just 2 ½  hours east of San Francisco. With over half of Yosemite National Park within its borders, two outstanding State Historic Parks, and four-season entertainment and recreation, Tuolumne County much to offer visitors of all ages.  It is also the shortest route to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco and all points north.  As the holidays approach, visitors will find lots of Small Town Cheer in the historic Gold Rush towns that are found throughout the area.

At Columbia State Historic Park, located just off Highway 49, reenactments of Christmas’ past take place celebrating both Las Posadas and an interactive Miner’s Christmas taking place December 14^th and 15th, highlighting what Christmas might have been like for the miners of the mid-1800s.  Other interactive activities include candy cane making at Nelson’s Candy Kitchen, a tradition for generations and the Lamplighters Tour on December 6^th and 7^th.  On December 8^th there is a must-see All-Equestrian Christmas Parade.

Throughout the holidays, Santa’s Starlight Express will be at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, located just off Highway 108.  This is perhaps the most magical excursion of the year as the train will be filled with folks bundles up, sipping hot cocoa while listening to carolers and riding down the track! On December 13^th the Christmas train will make its way to Sonora with photo opportunities with Santa for children of all ages.

On December 7, Groveland will host Santa at their Annual Tree Lighting Celebration.  Groveland is located on Highway 120, just 23 miles from Yosemite National Park.  On November 22^nd and 23^rd there will be a Weekend Crafts Faire at the Groveland Community Hall.

Sonora, located just off Highways 49 and 108, hosts the popular Christmas Parade the day after Thanksgiving followed by the Sonora Christmas Craft and Music Festival all weekend long.  From December 6^th-8^th, visitors can enjoy Sounds of the Season at the Sonora Opera Hall, put on by Columbia College.

Twain Harte, located off Highway 108, will host their Christmas House and Parade on December 6^th. – 8^th, with the parade taking place at 5:30 on December 6^th.  Enjoy a quaint Christmas tradition!

Other holiday activities include the traditional opening of the Long Barn Ice Skating Rink on November 15^th and the Sierra Repertory Theatre production  of “It’s a Wonderful Life:  A Live Radio Play.”  Both casinos located in Tuolumne County are also having special holiday promotions.

Please visit www.yosemitegoldcountry.com/events for a complete listing of all holiday celebrations.  Call 800-446-1333 for more information and to order your free Tuolumne County Vacation Planner.