Tag: Colfax Christmas Tree

Festive outdoor holiday light display in Colfax, CA

Experience the Magic of the Holiday Season in Colfax!

Looking for a joyful way to embrace the holiday spirit? Colfax, a charming town steeped in history and community warmth, invites you to join in its 1st Annual Holiday Outdoor Light Contest. This festive event, celebrated alongside Winterfest, transforms the city into a glittering wonderland. Residents and visitors alike will revel in dazzling light displays, cozy small-town charm, and the warmth of shared celebrations.

The Holiday Outdoor Light Contest: A Community Tradition in the Making

The Holiday Outdoor Light Contest put on by the City of Colfa x, offers an open invitation to Colfax’s residents and businesses to spread holiday cheer through vibrant, creative outdoor decorations. Whether your style is classic holiday charm or avant-garde whimsy, this event is the perfect platform to showcase your creativity and love for the season.

How to Participate: Submit your name, phone number, and address to the City of Colfax by December 17th. You can call (530) 346-2313 or email [email protected] to join the festive fun.
Judging Process: From December 18th to 24th, participating City Council members will tour the light displays, evaluating each on creativity, execution, and overall holiday magic.
Announcement of Winners: Awards for the top three displays will be announced during the City Council Meeting on January 8th, with prizes to honor the best of the best.

Colfax Light Tour: A Bright Guide to Holiday Wonders

One of the highlights of this event is the Historic Colfax Light Tour, an expertly curated map of all participating homes and businesses. The City of Colfax ensures every must-see display is included, making it easy for families, friends, and visitors to enjoy the spectacle.

Add Winterfest to Your Holiday Plans

While the light displays take center stage, Winterfest offers another layer of festive delight. Known for its cheerful ambiance, Winterfest features local crafts, delectable treats, and family-friendly entertainment. Incorporating the light tour into your Winterfest visit ensures a truly immersive holiday experience.

Why the Holiday Outdoor Light Contest Matters

Beyond its twinkling lights, the contest underscores the heart of Colfax—a community rooted in connection and celebration. It’s a chance for locals to showcase their creative flair while visitors witness the town’s unity and charm.

Picture this: streets aglow with multicolored lights, the hum of holiday tunes in the air, and the joy of neighbors and newcomers sharing smiles. The event reflects Colfax’s essence, reminding us that the holiday season is about more than decorations; it’s about coming together.

Visit Historic Colfax: A Historic Gem

As you navigate the light tour, take time to experience what makes Colfax unique:

Local Shops: Discover quaint boutiques offering one-of-a-kind gifts and holiday treasures.
Dining Experiences: Enjoy a hearty meal or seasonal treats at local restaurants.
Historic Downtown: Walk through Colfax’s storied streets, rich with the charm of a bygone era.

The 1st Annual Holiday Outdoor Light Contest isn’t just a festive spectacle—it’s an opportunity to experience the soul of Colfax.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Holiday Outdoor Light Contest?
The contest celebrates the holiday spirit in Colfax. CA, inviting residents and businesses to create stunning light displays that can be enjoyed by the entire community.

Who can participate in the contest?
The contest is open to all Colfax residents and businesses. You can call (530) 346-2313 or email [email protected] to join the festive fun.

How do I get the Colfax Light Tour map?
Here is the Colfax Light Tour Map that will guide you to all participating locations. View the map now>>

What else can I do while in Colfax for the light tour?
Explore historic downtown Colfax, shop at local businesses, enjoy Winterfest, and savor the charm of this delightful town.

Holiday celebrations and activities in Colfax, CA.

5 Fun Things to Do This Holiday Season in Colfax, CA

In the Sierra Nevada foothills, Colfax, CA, transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season, offering charm, festivities, and community spirit. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, Colfax is packed with unique activities perfect for creating lasting memories. From heartwarming parades to cozy pancake breakfasts, here are five fun things to do this holiday season in Colfax.

1. Attend Winterfest in Downtown Colfax

Winterfest is a cornerstone of the Colfax holiday season, filling the downtown area with festive lights, live music, and a jubilant atmosphere. This annual celebration features a tree-lighting ceremony, holiday markets, and fun activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy delicious food from local vendors while children immerse themselves in crafts and games.

One of the highlights of Winterfest is its sense of community. Residents and visitors alike gather to celebrate the magic of the season, making it a must-attend event. Check out Winterfest details here.

2. Watch the 6th Annual Santa Tour Parade

Nothing says holiday cheer like the Santa Tour Parade in Colfax. This annual event is a delightful display of festively decorated floats, cheerful music, and, of course, Santa himself! The streets come alive with colorful lights and holiday joy, captivating attendees of all ages.

Perfect for families, the Santa Tour Parade ensures that everyone leaves with a smile. Stake out your spot early to get the best view of the procession. To learn more about the event schedule click here.

3. Pick the Perfect Tree at Little Bear Christmas Tree Farm

Located a short drive from Colfax in Alta, CA, the Little Bear Christmas Tree Farm is a hidden gem for those seeking a classic holiday experience. Wander through rows of fresh, fragrant trees to find the one that will light up your living room this season.

The farm offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, complete with hot cocoa and friendly staff to help you with your selection. It’s an enchanting outing that sets the tone for holiday decorating. Plan your visit by checking out their offerings at Little Bear Tree Farm.

4. Shop Local in Downtown Colfax

Colfax’s downtown area is brimming with charming local shops and boutiques, perfect for holiday shopping. From handcrafted goods to unique antiques, you’ll find one-of-a-kind treasures for everyone on your list.

Supporting small businesses not only adds a personal touch to your gift-giving but also strengthens the local economy. Plus, downtown Colfax’s picturesque streets, decked out in holiday decorations, make shopping an enjoyable and festive experience.

5. Enjoy Pancakes with Santa at the VFW Hall

What could be better than starting your morning with pancakes and Santa Claus? Hosted at the VFW Hall, this family-friendly event combines a delicious breakfast with the excitement of meeting Santa himself.

Children can share their holiday wish lists while parents enjoy a warm, hearty meal in a festive setting. The casual, community-focused event is a great way to kick off a day of holiday adventures in Colfax. Find our more >>

Colfax, CA, offers an array of festive activities that capture the magic of the holiday season. From the enchanting Winterfest to the wholesome tradition of cutting your Christmas tree, there’s something for everyone in this charming foothill town. Whether you’re exploring downtown shops or waving to Santa in the parade, these experiences will leave you with cherished memories and a hearty dose of holiday spirit.

AL FIRE firefighters preparing the Colfax Christmas tree in Yuba Gap forest.

The Colfax Christmas Tree: Lighting Up Winterfest Traditions

Every winter, the town of Colfax, CA transforms into a festive wonderland during its beloved Winterfest celebration. At the heart of this cherished event is the lighting of the Colfax Christmas tree, a tradition that brings families, friends, and neighbors together in a shared moment of holiday joy.

This year, the Colfax Christmas tree, selected with care by CAL FIRE and the Placer County Fire Department, takes center stage once again. From its origins in the Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit’s Demonstration Forest to its grand lighting ceremony downtown, the tree represents more than holiday décor—it’s a beacon of community, hope, and togetherness.

The Role of CAL FIRE in Preserving Tradition

Each year, CAL FIRE plays a critical role in the Christmas tree tradition. This year’s tree was sourced from the Nevada-Yuba-Placer Demonstration Forest, where CAL FIRE ensures sustainable forestry practices. Selecting the perfect tree isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also a way to highlight the importance of environmental care and stewardship.

The partnership between CAL FIRE and the community of Colfax underscores how local traditions can coexist with sustainability. Their work ensures that while holiday memories are created, the surrounding forests remain healthy for future generations.

The Winterfest Celebration and Tree Lighting

The lighting of the Colfax Christmas tree is the cornerstone of the town’s Winterfest celebration. This joyous occasion begins with festive activities such as live music, holiday markets, and visits from Santa Claus, culminating in the moment everyone eagerly awaits—the illumination of the Christmas tree.

As the countdown ends and the tree lights up the night, a wave of cheer spreads through the crowd. The lights are more than decorations; they symbolize the warmth of the holiday season and the spirit of unity that Winterfest fosters.

Why the Colfax Christmas Tree Matters

The Colfax Christmas tree represents more than just holiday cheer. Here’s why it holds a special place in the hearts of the community:

A Sustainable Tradition: By sourcing the tree from CAL FIRE’s demonstration forest, the event supports sustainable forestry while showcasing natural beauty.
Community Engagement: The lighting ceremony is a gathering point where locals connect and celebrate together.
Winterfest’s Centerpiece: As the focal point of Winterfest, the tree becomes a backdrop for countless holiday memories.

Behind the Scenes: Preparing the Christmas Tree

The journey of the Colfax Christmas tree begins in Yuba Gap, where CAL FIRE and the Placer County Fire Department carefully select a tree that embodies the season’s magic. Transporting and setting up the tree downtown requires precision and teamwork, ensuring that it arrives in perfect condition for the festivities.

Once in place, the tree is decorated with sparkling lights and ornaments, ready to dazzle the town. The lighting ceremony itself is a magical moment, bringing the community together in shared awe and celebration.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 14th, and join us in Colfax for the much-anticipated Winterfest celebration! Witness the magic as the Colfax Christmas tree comes to life in a dazzling display of lights and festive cheer. Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit to downtown Colfax to enjoy an evening of community, celebration, and joy. Don’t miss this unforgettable event that will kick off your holiday season in the most heartwarming way—see you on December 14th!