Are you looking for a holiday event combining history, tradition, and festive cheer? The 56th Annual Cornish Christmas in Grass Valley, California, is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Located about 50 miles northeast of Yuba City, California, this beloved event transforms downtown Grass Valley into a magical winter wonderland every Friday night from November 29 to December 20, 2024, between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This enchanting celebration is part of our Christmas Guide 2024, so make sure to mark your calendar and bring your holiday spirit!
A Christmas Tradition Rooted in History
Grass Valley’s Cornish Christmas is more than just a street fair—it’s a nod to the town’s rich heritage. In the late 19th century, Cornish miners flocked to Grass Valley during California’s Gold Rush. By 1890, an impressive 85% of the town’s population had Cornish ancestry. This annual event began in 1967 as a tribute to those miners and their traditions, blending history with holiday festivities.
What to Expect at Cornish Christmas
The streets of Main and Mill in downtown Grass Valley come alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of a vintage Christmas. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Live Entertainment: Carolers dressed in Victorian attire serenade visitors with classic holiday tunes while jugglers, musicians, and even clog dancers add to the lively atmosphere.
- Santa Claus and Holiday Characters: Kids will love meeting Santa Claus and other festive characters, such as Mrs. Claus and the Tree Lady.
- Handcrafted Gifts & Local Treasures: Stroll through stalls offering unique handmade crafts that are perfect for finding unique gifts.
- Delicious Treats: Indulge in Cornish pasties, roasted chestnuts, spiced cider, and other holiday favorites.
- Community Spirit: Enjoy the warmth of fire pits while mingling with locals and visitors alike.
The event also features extended hours for local shops, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms. It’s a great opportunity to explore Grass Valley’s historic downtown while soaking up the holiday cheer.
Free Shuttle Service for Easy Access
This year, getting to Cornish Christmas is easier than ever with a free shuttle service. The shuttle runs from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on event nights (December 6th, 13th, and 20th), making stops at key locations:
- Tinloy Street Transit Center (starting point)
- Fairgrounds (Gate 8)
- Pine Creek Shopping Center (Raley’s parking lot)
- McKnight Crossing Shopping Center (near Papa Murphy’s)
- Broad Street Bridge–Union Street
The full loop takes about 30 minutes, so you can park conveniently and enjoy hassle-free transportation to all the action.
Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
- The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: The festivities kick off on November 29 with a parade featuring local groups like Beale Air Force Base personnel and Cornish Pageant Queens. The evening culminates with the lighting of the town’s sparkling Christmas tree.
- Cornish Carol Choir: Don’t miss this cherished tradition, in which descendants of the original Cornish miners sing carols from their homeland.
- Period Costumes Encouraged: Feel free to dress up in Victorian or holiday attire to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Make It a Holiday Tradition
Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fire or shopping for handmade ornaments under twinkling lights, the Cornish Christmas in Grass Valley offers something for everyone. It’s a family-friendly event that captures the magic of an old-fashioned Christmas while celebrating community and tradition.
So gather your loved ones, hop on the free shuttle if needed, and head to Grass Valley for an unforgettable holiday experience!
Source: downtowngrassvalley.com
Header Image Source: JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
