Tag: Holiday Traditions in Colfax

Experience the Magic of the Colfax Holiday Light Tour

The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and community, and there’s no better way to celebrate it than by exploring the festive lights of Colfax, California. This year, the City of Colfax is excited to host its 1st Annual Holiday Outdoor Light Contest alongside the enchanting Colfax Holiday Light Tour. Get ready to immerse yourself in a wonderland of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and joyful cheer. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, this event promises to bring smiles, awe, and holiday spirit to all who attend.

What is the Colfax Holiday Light Tour?

The Colfax Holiday Light Tour is a community-driven celebration where homes and streets come alive with dazzling holiday lights and creative displays. The tour features various decorated locations throughout the city, carefully mapped out for easy navigation. Whether you want to walk, drive, or bring the family for an evening adventure, the Colfax light tour ensures you experience the holiday magic from start to finish.

With a city map highlighting key display locations, visitors can enjoy breathtaking decorations that showcase creativity, holiday spirit, and friendly competition among Colfax residents.

Holiday Outdoor Light Contest

As part of the festive season, the City of Colfax is hosting its 1st Annual Holiday Outdoor Light Contest. Residents have been invited to join the fun by decorating their homes with holiday lights and submitting their entries to the city. Participating council members will tour the homes from December 18th through December 24th to vote on the most captivating displays.

Winners will be announced on January 8th at the City Council Meeting, with awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. It’s a friendly competition that fosters creativity, brings the community together, and spreads the joy of the season.

How to Follow the Colfax Holiday Light Tour

Navigating the Colfax Holiday Light Tour has never been easier, thanks to a detailed map available on our website. VisitHistoricColfax.com provides a comprehensive list of addresses and an interactive map to ensure you don’t miss any of the stunning displays.

Must-See Stops on the Holiday Light Tour

If you’re wondering where to start your journey, here are some highlighted addresses that feature spectacular light displays:

48 Grass Valley Street
121 S. Auburn Street
55 West Oak Street
125 East Oak Street
314 N. Main Street
145 Culver Street
44 W. Church Street
110 W. Church Street
105 W. Oak Hill Drive
1105 Hillcrest Blvd
1125 Hillcrest Blvd
1150 Hillcrest Blvd
24071 Grand View Ave
22099 Placer Hills Road

These homes are beautifully lit, offering a perfect mix of holiday charm and creative decorations. Each stop provides an opportunity to snap photos, create memories, and share in the holiday cheer with loved ones.

Why Attend the Colfax Holiday Light Tour?

The Colfax Holiday Light Tour isn’t just about lights—it’s about community, tradition, and the joy of coming together during the holiday season. Here’s why you won’t want to miss it:

A Family-Friendly Experience

The light tour is perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking for a magical evening adventure. Kids will be mesmerized by the twinkling lights, while adults can appreciate the effort and creativity of each display. It’s a wonderful way to bond with loved ones and create lasting memories.

Celebrate Local Creativity

Each decorated home represents the heart and soul of the Colfax community. Residents have poured their time and energy into creating stunning displays, showcasing their holiday spirit for everyone to enjoy.

Free and Festive Fun

The best part? The Colfax Holiday Light Tour is completely free! Simply grab the map from VisitHistoricColfax.com, hop in your car or put on your walking shoes, and enjoy the festive magic the city has to offer.

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!