Always call ahead to make sure events have not changed

Pioneer Christmas, Bale Grist Mill SHP, 3 miles North of St. Helena on Hwy 29
December 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008

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. Call for date and times. (707) 938-1519.

“Butterfly Trees”, Pismo State Beach, located in Oceano off Hwy 1
December 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008

The "Butterfly Trees" of Pismo Beach are one of our most beloved attractions. Docents are on hand everyday from 10am-4pm and docent talks are given every day at 11am and 2pm. Learn the Monarch's life cycle and its incredible migration story. (800) 443-7778 or (805) 773-4382

Polar Express!! , California State Railroad Museum, Old Town Sacramento
December 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008

Experience the magic of a train ride based on The Polar Express™, the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while your very special train rolls along, and listen as the magical story is narrated once again. Watch the joy and excitement on everyone’s face as the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus is waiting to greet the train. As the train begins its return trip from the North Pole, get ready because Santa Claus will be coming through, handing each child a very special gift! Space is limited to only those who truly believe in the spirit of Christmas, and trains sold out well in advance last year—so don’t wait. Tickets go on sale in early October online this website. All Aboard for a magical visit to the North Pole! All during December, "Heritage Holidays" takes place throughout Old Sacramento. For more information about all of the activities throughout Old Sacramento, visit www.oldsacramento.com. For more Polar Express informatio and schedule visit www.csrmf.org.

A Learning Experience! , Donner Memorial SP, Donner Pass Rd., 2 miles West of Truckee
December 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008

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.

Lamplight Tour, Columbia SHP, 4 miles North of Sonora via Hwy 49
December 5, 2008 - December 6, 2008

SELLS OUT FAST This event is a walking play guided by lamplight thru the historic town. Tour groups are led from scene to scene by costumed docents through the play. This year’s story is yet to be decided. It is a wonderful way to begin your joyous holiday season and fun for the whole family. Tours last a little more than an hour and will be handicap accessible. Be prepared for cold weather and sometimes rain. Refreshments are served at the end of the tour in a warm building. Visit www.columbiagazette.com for more information.

“Christmas Memories”, Governor’s Mansion SHP, corner of H and 16th Street, Sacramento
December 6, 2008 - December 13, 2008

Christmas at the Governor's Mansion was a memorable event for many of California's first families in years past. Visit the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park to celebrate "Christmas Memories" with lavishly recreated period decor and costumed docents. Special Event Admission: Adults 18 and over $5.00; Youths ages 6-17 $3.00; Children 5 and younger -- Free 10am-4pm December 6 and 13.

Founding Day, La Purísima Mission SHP, 3 miles Northeast of Lompoc on Purísima Rd
December 8, 2008

400 luminaries lead the way to a musical evening celebrating the anniversary of the founding of La Purísima 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.

Christmas in the Adobes, Monterey SHP, downtown Monterey
December 11, 2008 - December 13, 2008

This community-wide event features 20 of Monterey’s historic adobes lit by luminaries, and a variety of musical entertainment, refreshments, and decorations to get everyone in the holiday spirit. This is the only time of the year that many of these nineteenth century buildings are open to the public and open in the evening. Most of the historic buildings are in close proximity to each other so that visitors are able to walk, using a self-guided brochure, to any or all of the historic houses. Once inside the house or building, staff and docents (many in period clothing) will tell about its history. Christmas in the Adobes is sponsored by California State Parks in association with Old Monterey Preservation Society. Tickets are $17 for adults until November 15, and $20 after; with a paid adult, ages 6-17 years are $2, and 5 and under are free. For more information, please call the Monterey State Historic Park office: (831) 649-7118 December 11 and December 13

Christmas in Coloma, Marshall Gold Discovery SHP, 8 miles North of Placerville on Hwy 49
December 13, 2008 - December 14, 2008

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

A Miner’s Christmas, Columbia SHP, 4 miles North of Sonora via Hwy 49
December 13, 2008 - December 21, 2008

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 13, 14, 20 & 21, 10am -4pm

Victorian Christmas Celebration, Old Town San Diego, San Diego SHP
December 13, 2008

The Heritage County Park & Victorian Village, located at the corner of Juan and Harney Streets, will host a Victorian Christmas Celebration. Need a break from the holiday hustle and bustle? Come enjoy a relaxing holiday celebration where the whole family can make classic holiday decorations and play old-fashioned lawn games. This celebration will take place in conjunction with the annual Fiesta Navidad celebration in Old Town San Diego and Las Posadas Pilgrimage that starts at Heritage County Park at 6pm. For more information phone at 619.291.9784. Noon - 5pm

Santa Visits Railtown, Railtown 1897 SHP, Jamestown, corner of 5th and Reservoir
December 13, 2008 - December 14, 2008

Santa visits Railtown again this weekend, with just slightly over a week to go before Christmas! Climb aboard our steam-powered excursion train, departing on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, and ride along with the Jolly Gentleman! Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in the Carriage Room. Regular ticket prices apply. 11am-3pm.

Ranch Holiday Festival, Wilder Ranch SP, 2 miles North of the Santa Cruz city limits off Hwy 1
December 13, 2008

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

Elephant Seal Walks, Año Nuevo SR, 30 miles South of Half Moon Bay on Hwy 1
December 15, 2008 - December 31, 2008

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, 2008. Between 8:45am and 2pm