Vacaville Holiday Guide

Celebrate the holiday season with festive activities in Vacaville! From classic Christmas music concerts to dazzling light displays, artisan crafts and shopping. Read our guide and learn about the best Vacaville holiday events and activities that will keep you joyful throughout the season.

Very Merry Craft and Gift Fair

November 4&5

Uptown Fox Events is hosting its Second Annual Very Merry Craft & Gift Fair. This festive, FREE two-day event will run from 9AM - 3PM on Saturday and Sunday, November 4th and 5th in the Ulatis Cultural Center Parking Lot (rain or shine) at 1000 Ulatis Drive in Vacaville.

Falling into Santa's Workshop

November 11

Falling into Santa's Workshop at Sonesta Essential Vacaville-Napa Valley!

Saturday, November 11th from 12:00pm to 5:00pm there will be vendors, a scavenger hunt, raffles, food & more.

Visit with Santa Claus from 2pm-4pm.

Cocktails for a Cause with Festival of Trees

November 16

Festival of Trees, benefitting the Opportunity House, needs your help in choosing their signature drink to be served at this years Gala held on November 27th.8 local bartenders will battle it out with their own personal creation for the chance to be crowned this years “FOT Bartender of the Year”.Come join the fun by sampling each contender’s drink while enjoying some delicious appetizers by Back Door Bistro and music by DJ Ed.Will your choice be the chosen drink served at this years Gala?Event will be held in the courtyard at the Vacaville Museum from 5:30-7:30pm on Thursday, November 16th. Only 125 tickets will be sold.

Holiday Sip & Shop

November 18

On Saturday, November 18 from 9am-3pm the Saturday Club of Vacaville will host a Holiday Sip and Shop Craft & Gift Fair. The event is the forth in the Sip and Shop series and is a fundraiser for the Club. It will take place at their clubhouse located at 125 W. Kendal Street in Vacaville.The event will feature 30 local vendors selling handmade and custom items inside and outside the Clubhouse. The first 100 guests who are 21 and older can receive a complimentary cranberry mimosa at the door. (must show ID).

Additional mimosas will be available for purchase. There will also be a drawing featuring items from the vendors at the event.Admission to the Holiday Sip & Shop is FREE. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome in the outside portion of the event. Street parking will be available on the blocks surrounding the event. A FREE public parking lot is located two short blocks away on the corner of Main and Cernon Streets (in front of Maximum Fitness).

More info

Mäksē Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner

November 23

Join us for a special Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner at Mäksē. We will be offering a Traditional Family Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner.

• House-made Focaccia Bread
• Salad
• Green Been Casserole
• Mac and Cheese
• Mashed Potatoes
• Stuffing
• Cranberry Sauce
• Roast Turkey w/Turkey Gravy
• Dessert

$60 per person, $18 for kids under 12, Free for kids under 5.

Seating is limited, and we will be ordering the Turkey at least 2 weeks in advance.

Please make your reservations early so we can prepare for you! We are looking forward to spending our Thanksgiving serving our friends!

Make a reservation

Christmas in My Hometown at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre

November 25

This year marks the 18th anniversary of “Christmas in My Hometown”. From its debut, it has become a truly wonderful holiday tradition. The variety show is fashioned after the holiday specials of TV’s early days, where stars were joined by their families in a cozy front room setting. “We are trying to recreate what we remember of the old Andy Williams Christmas programs, that feeling of being invited into their home for a warm and cheerful holiday gathering,” says Ron George, the show’s creator

8th Annual Christmas On The Farm

November 25 & 26

Join us Saturday, November 25, 9am-3pm and Sunday, November 26, 9am-1pm.

The Holiday Season is fast approaching and what better way to find that unique and one of a kind gift than at the 8th Annual Christmas On The Farm, Solano Counties Premier vintage, antiques and holiday show. Come spend the day shopping with our collection of select sellers who bring out only the best finds.

Come on out and support small businesses and local people with a weekend of first rate holiday shopping and kick off the season with some Christmas cheer.

Free Admission, Free off street parking, public restrooms.

Complimentary hot apple cider and coffee.

Ron George's Big Band Christmas

November 26

If you're a fan of Jazz music and enjoy the excitement of a Big Band, then this is a show you don't want to miss! Backed by a 17 piece orchestra, Ron George and his group will entertain you with some of the greatest holiday classics ever written. Joining Ron onstage will be Emily Jessen, along with Zach and Aaron George.

Festival of the Trees Gala

November 27

Merriment on Main

November 28

The City of Vacaville is privileged to carry on the Merriment on Main tradition and legacy beginning this November 28.

Join us the Tuesday after Thanksgiving at 5:00 PM for a festive evening full of cheer in Vacaville's downtown at Merriment on Main. Vendors will line Main Street offering free sweets and goodies, and performers and crowd entertainers will captivate even the smallest kiddies.

With eager anticipation, the beautifully adorned fifty foot tree will be lit promptly at 6:30 PM.

Thousands of event goers will gather to experience the holiday extravaganza with music, lights, and plenty of holiday spirit. Mark your calendars, ready your ride, and get ready for a jolly good time!

More info

Mäksē Merriment on Main Family Buffet Dinner Special

November 28

Seating is LIMITED, reserve your table early! The Tree Lighting is scheduled at 6:30pm, plan your evening accordingly.

We are offering a Special KIDS Buffet Section that includes: Fries, Chicken Tenders, and Mac & Cheese. (we know you adults will want some of that too!)

The Main Buffet will include:

• Salad
• Mashed Potatoes
• Chicken Breast in a Champagne-Raising-Mushroom Cream Sauce
• Roasted Tri-tip
• house-made Focaccia Bread

$55 per adult, $18 for kids under 12, Free for kids under 5.

Make a reservation

United States Air Force Band of the Golden West

December 1&2

Kick off the holiday season with this much anticipated annual event. Celebrate the sounds of the season as VPAT welcomes the Air Force Band of the Golden West Holiday Concert on Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2. Led by Commander and Conductor, Lieutenant Colonel Cristina Moore Urrutia, this acclaimed 50-piece ensemble will deck the hall with familiar and classic melodies guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit.

We will be taking a wait list starting one hour before each show time. Any unused seats 15 minutes prior to show start time will be filled based on the Wait List.

Tickets distribution will be Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5 at the VPAT Box Office, 9am – 3pm.

Tickets are free, but required. Limit 4 per family.

*All tickets are first come first serve until supplies run out.*

Tickets

An American Nutcracker

December 1-3

Presented by Majesty Ballet Theater Company

Cassandra Kamakeeaina, Artistic Director

“Solano County’s original full length Nutcracker returns set in the 1940’s! Featuring the same original choreography our community has known and loved for the last decade by Artistic Director Cassandra Kamakeeaina. Don’t miss this timeless family tradition!"

Floor Seat: $25, Loge Seat: $35, Balcony: $30, VIP Table of 4: $250 w/bottle of champagne

15% discount on all single seats for Military and Seniors 65+(Select Veteran/Sr Seat on the seating chart below for discount)

Lap Kids 2 and under Free

Buy tickets

Breakfast with Santa

December 2

Do you hear the sleigh bells ringing? Then come on over as we celebrate the season with a Santa Breakfast! Enjoy an all you can eat pancake breakfast along with two sausage links, and your favorite beverage. Each child will have the chance to visit with Santa and create winter themed crafts.

Children under two years eat free with a paying adult! All adults must purchase a ticket.

Register early - seating is limited! Must be pre-registered, no onsite registration will be taken.

Register

The Main Grape Winter Wine Festival

December 2

Enjoy a delightful afternoon of wine tasting 14+ different wines, games, live music, raffle prizes and charcuterie.

A portion of money raised for the event will be donated to the non-profit organization, Neurofibromatosis Inc. of California. NF is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in or on the body at any time. We will also have a shoe bin on site to collect shoes (new or gently used) for NF.

Cost (includes entry wristband, wine tasting, live music & food):

• Now- Nov 15: $60

• November 16- 30: $65

• Dec 1 & 2: $75

Purchase your tickets in-person at The Main Grape or online.

Buy tickets

This event is for 21+ only

For more information call 707-305-5332.

Christmas Fair hosted by Morningsun Herb Farm & Soul Food Farm

December 2

Vendors, treats, music, donkeys and fun!

Vendors:

• Solano Community Animal Response Team
• Dolly Farms
• Hierbas y flores
• Morningsun Herb Farm
• DI Knives
• Crystal Lynn Collins
• Sherri Gallagher Designs
• Napa Valley au Naturel
• Vacaville Stave Company
• Lockewood Acres
• Erickson Ranch
• Half Acre Farm
• Noble Coffee Company

Solano Symphony Orchestra - Holiday Celebration

December 3

With selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker along with holiday favorites from Irving Berlin, Percy Faith and others, this annual tradition is sure to kick December off on a festive note. It’s the perfect performance to bring the whole family, especially as an introduction to the symphony.

​Buy tickets

Santa at the Sanctuary

December 3

You can visit over 200 animals that call the sanctuary their home. There will be pictures with Santa, Farm Animals to feed, kids holiday crafts, live music, and hot apple cider... there will be a raffle, and an auction, so you may want to bring some cash to buy some raffle tickets. One raffle ticket will be given per adult ticket at the gate for free.The event is open to the first 75 adults to purchase tickets.We will not have a photographer onsite...please bring your camera for pics with Santa.No tickets will be sold at the gate. Everyone attending must have a ticket.

Purchase tickets

A Very Grinchy Christmas Cookies & Sip Class

December 6 & 14

The holidays have arrived and so has the first Cookies & Sip class!Join us for this exciting beginner friendly class as we take you step by step in the decorating process of (3) fun and whimsical cookies from our Very Grinchy Christmas set. Participants will receive all the supplies needed to decorate their set of cookies along with two drink tickets to enjoy their choice of wine, beer, or bubbly while decorating their cookies. No experience is needed and having fun while decorating cookies is the objective in this class.

About this class: Participants will receive: (3) Cookie Designs including: Grinch Santa, Whoville Christmas Tree & a Grinch Ornament, icing bags, (2) drink tickets, a goodie bag, a raffle ticket for our door prize and a box to take your cookies home in. All cookies will be our classic Vanilla Bean flavor.

WHEN: December 6 & 14

WHERE: The Main Grape at 444 Main Street, in downtown Vacaville

Have a question? Please email us at crumbdelacookie@gmail.com

Buy tickets

Vacaville Ballet Company presents Nutcracker

December 7-10

As part of the 29th season celebrations, VBC presents the Nutcracker.

Audiences can expect the same beautiful costumes and sets they have come to know and love, with an all new dash of magic. Based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann story, The Nutcracker Clara on Christmas Eve. After her magical Uncle Drosselmeyer gifts her with an enchanted nutcracker doll, she dreams her Nutcracker takes her on a magical journey to the Candy Kingdom. Clara enjoys confections from all around the world before awakening from her dream.

This new production runs approximately 1 hour, with no intermission, the perfect length for children of all ages. The Nutcracker is a great way to introduce young kids to live performances and the art of ballet.Bring your family and kick off your holidays with VBC!

Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 8 at 10am, come enjoy a student matinee with special student pricing. Please call the Box Office for group purchasing.

Buy tickets

Sweet Pea's Winter Wonderland Market

December 9

Come and celebrate the season at Sweet Pea’s 10th Annual Winter Wonderland Market. Sip on hot chocolate as you stroll through Winter Wonderland filled with holiday merchants. Santa's Helpers have been hard at work to create an old time shopping market, with carolers, elves, candy canes and Santa himself.

December 9th 10am-2pm

• Christmas Shopping
• Santa & Elves
• The Majesty Ballet Theater Nutcracker Ballerina's
• Holiday Desserts
• Merchants
• Musical Guests: The Live Music Center and Music by Alan

891 Alamo Drive

707-474-9807

Rain or Shine

Sweet Peas Winter Wonderland is Pet-Friendly.

Winter Craft Fair at Will C. Wood High School

December 10

• Crafts and Gifts from over 70 vendors
• Door prizes
• Food trucks
• Santa's Village

An Irish Christmas

December 14

Experience the joy of An Irish Christmas as seen on PBS! Enjoy all the holiday carols you know and love plus a spectacular high-energy display of Irish dancing at its very best.

“… Genuinely astonishing … electric!” – The Village News

An Irish Christmas is a celebration of family and community that showcases some of the great Irish holiday traditions and features award – winning dancers from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Celtic Wings. “Magical…glorious Irish music…remarkable…pure joy…a great Irish night!” – The Irish Herald

Come and be Irish for the Christmas holidays!

Vacaville Ice Sports Winter Wonderland

December 15-January 7

Watch as our ice rink transforms into a magical Winter Wonderland! Festive lights and Christmas trees will set the tone for an unforgettable family experience! Open everyday between 12/15 - 1/7 from 12 - 10pm. ALL DAY SKATE PASS for $18 per person with skate rental included. Extra activities will include On-Ice Tree Lighting on 12/15, Pictures with Santa on 12/17 and Themed Fridays!

For more information and to buy tickets, visit here.

Group rates are available; please email vacavilleevents@iceoplex.com.

Shop with a Cop

December 16

The time is here! We are very excited to announce that Vacaville PAL is hosting the 2023 Shop with a Cop event on December 16th!

If you are new here, Shop with a Cop is an event where selected youth, ages 7-18 will have an opportunity to shop for gifts for their family with the help of Vacaville police officers.

If you know a child who would benefit from this event, please nominate them. Nominations will close on November 19th at 8:00pm.

Nominate a child

¡La temporada de los dias festivos se aproxima! ¡Estamos muy emocionados de anunciar que Vacaville PAL organizará el evento "Compras de dias festivos con policias del 2023" el 16 de diciembre!

Si eres nuevo aquí, este evento es donde jóvenes seleccionados, entre 7 y 18 años, tendrán la oportunidad de comprar regalos para su familia con la ayuda de los oficiales de policía de Vacaville.

Si conoce a un niño que se beneficiaría de este evento, nomínelo. Las nominaciones se cerrarán el 19 de noviembre a las 8:00 p.m.

Nominar a un niño or niña

Holiday Home Tour

December 16

Seven lovely homes will be featured this year, from the historical to twenty-first century builds, and from cozy to grandiose to a winter wonderland. All will be decked out and ready for the holidays.

Tour participants will pick up their Holiday Home Tour brochure and self-guided map, beginning at 9:30am, at the Vacaville Museum, 213 Buck Avenue, Vacaville. Complimentary light refreshments and holiday treats will be served at that time and raffle prizes will be displayed.

Tickets are $30 and are now on sale at the Vacaville Museum, Thursday-Sunday, 1:00-4:30 pm. You may also call the Museum at 707-447-4513, or go online at vacavillemuseum.org, and click on News or Events. There will be a slight additional charge for credit card purchases. All those who attend must have a ticket, including children, and all sales are final. Please note that photography is prohibited inside the homes and that neither strollers or wheelchairs can be accommodated.

Buy tickets

Sweet Gingy Holiday Cookie Class

December 17

It's the most wonderful time of the year for decorating gingerbread inspired sugar cookies.Join us for this beginner friendly class where each participant will learn how to decorate Christmas cookies with a gingy theme. All supplies needed to decorate will be provided. No experience is needed and having fun while decorating cookies is the objective in this class.

About this class:Participants will receive six (6) different cookie designs to decorate; (5) cookies will be our signature Vanilla Bean and (1) cookie from the set will be a featured flavor (Gingerdoodle) or you may indicate you would like all cookies to be Vanilla Bean in "note to seller" at check out.

WHEN: Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 11:00am - 1:00pm or 3:00pm - 5:00pm

WHERE: Courtyard by Marriott in Vacaville

Have a question? Please email us at crumbdelacookie@gmail.com

Buy tickets

Lonestar Christmas & Hits!

December 17

Lonestar is one of country music’s most celebrated groups. Recently celebrating a career milestone—30 years in 2022—they have amassed sales in excess of ten million albums and achieved ten #1 country hits including “No News,” “Come Crying To Me,” “I’m Already There,” “What About Now,” and their crossover smash “Amazed.”

They are coming to the VPAT with their Christmas and Hits show, which will mix holiday favorites with the band’s hits as reimagined and re-recorded for their forthcoming Ten to 1 album. Come see why these Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association award-winners are famed for their rousing, high energy concerts!

Skynnrd Lynnrd with ZZ Tush New Years Eve

December 31

Celebrate New Year's Eve with Skynnrd Lynnrd and ZZ Tush at Journey Downtown.

Candy Cane Lane - Lollipop Lane

Arlene Drive and Shady Glen Avenue

Stroll or drive down these two festive streets in Vacaville (Arlene Dr. and Shady Glen Ave.) and be swept into a world of lights, Christmas music, and holiday spirit. Residents along these two streets go to great lengths to make sure all who take in their light displays are not disappointed each and every year. Lights usually go up the weekend/week after Thanksgiving.