Tuolumne County Brims with Holiday Cheer: Events Guide for December 20-21
A vibrant array of holiday events and community gatherings are planned across Tuolumne County this weekend, offering something for residents and visitors of all ages. From festive performances to charitable drives, the region is embracing the spirit of the season.
Supervisor Griefer Hosts Town Hall Meetings
Tuolumne County District Four Supervisor Steve Griefer will be holding two Town Hall Meetings this week to connect with constituents. The first is scheduled for today, Thursday, December 18th, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Groveland Resilience Center on Ferretti Road. A second meeting will follow on Friday, December 19th, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Tuolumne County Governance Building in Sonora.
Performing Arts and Entertainment
The performing arts scene is alive with holiday spirit. studio 4 School of Dance presents their annual holiday show today, Friday, and Saturday at 7:00 PM, with an additional 2:00 PM matinee on Saturday.
Friday also brings a party of athletic achievement.At 5:00 PM in san Andreas,the Calaveras Redhawks football team will be honored with a rally on Main Street following their Division 5A championship win.The event will include players, cheerleaders, and the school band.
Community Spirit and charitable Giving
The spirit of giving is strong throughout the county. this Friday at noon, Mutt’s Bean Feed will offer a free community lunch in Downtown Sonora, followed by Christmas music at the Pop Hudson Memorial Sing in courthouse Park.
Several organizations are actively working to support those in need. Nancy’s Hope, Compassion Outreach, and Tuolumne County indivisible are hosting a Stuff the Bus event this Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Walmart parking lot, collecting winter wear, camping gear, pet food, and monetary donations for unsheltered individuals. Vets Helping Vets and Harvest Ministries are presenting a Christmas Flea Market in Tuolumne Memorial Hall, running Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with music on Saturday and various food vendors.
Festive Experiences for All
Families can enjoy a variety of festive experiences this weekend. The Holiday Shopping Market at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora will feature over 60 vendors offering handcrafted wares, with a $3 admission fee for guests aged 13 and older. A raffle will benefit the Friends of the Animal Community (FOAC). The Women of the Moose are hosting their annual Breakfast with Santa, a free and open-to-the-public event.
For a unique holiday tradition, the 8th annual Drive-thru Living Nativity in sonora will take place this Saturday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring actors, a live choir, and farm animals. Donations of non-perishable food items for the ATCAA Food Bank will be gratefully accepted. Sierra Bible Church is also offering a free live Nativity experience on Friday and Saturday at 6:30 PM.
Lights, Music, and The Arts
The nightly Holiday Light Show in Crystal Falls continues to dazzle visitors with it’s display of lights and Christmas songs, located on Eel River Drive from American River Drive.Another Christmas Light Show can be found on Joyce Court off Phoenix Lake Road. Christmas Tree Lane in courthouse park, featuring over 50 non-profits, will also host Santa and mrs. Claus on Saturday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, courtesy of the City of Sonora and the Sonora Chamber of Commerce.
Those seeking theatrical entertainment can catch the last weekend of performances of million Dollar Quartet Christmas at Sierra Repertory’s East Sonora Theater, featuring holiday hits from music legends. Performances of “A Christmas Carol” continue at Sierra Repertory’s Fallon House Theater.
Heritage Park at Black Oak Casino Resort is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, offering photo opportunities and a visit from Santa on Sunday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, along with hot chocolate, cider, and treats. Dramatics Family Theater/Winters Haven Resource center is also selling christmas trees to raise funds at the old Red Church Thrift Store location in Tuol