Lodi really shines once the holidays roll around. School Street gets strung with lights, Santa sets up shop downtown, and our wineries dress up their tasting rooms for the season. If you are planning a trip between Thanksgiving and Christmas, here is what we are looking forward to this year and how to make a weekend of it.
Thanksgiving Weekend: Small Business Saturday and the Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 28 kicks off the season downtown. Free carriage rides roll through town from noon to 4 p.m., and the Downtown Tree and Street Lighting happens at 5 p.m. with live music and hot chocolate.
It is also Small Business Saturday, so it is a great day to knock out some gift shopping at the downtown boutiques, then grab dinner and a glass of local wine a few steps away. One more nice perk: downtown street parking limits stretch from 90 minutes to four hours from November 28 through December 24.
The Lodi Parade of Lights: Thursday, December 3
This is one of our favorite local traditions. The 31st annual Parade of Lights, presented by Lodi Kiwanis, brings more than 80 lighted floats, bands and dance groups through downtown. The City Hall tree lighting starts around 5:30 p.m. and the parade steps off at 6:17 p.m., with Santa riding along on a Lodi fire truck. It is free and happens rain or shine. Bring a blanket or folding chairs and come early to grab a curbside spot.
Festival of Trees at Micke Grove: December 4 to 6
Just south of town, the San Joaquin County Historical Museum at Micke Grove Park fills up with dozens of decorated trees, holiday crafts, live entertainment, shopping and a visit from Santa. A senior preview runs Friday, December 4 from 1 to 4 p.m., and the main event is Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are sold in advance only, so grab yours before you come. My family's favorite craft from the Festival of Trees is the Tin-Punch Ornament, our tree is filled with the ones we've made over the years!
More Downtown Holiday Fun in December
- Saturday, December 5: Photos with Santa from 2 to 6 p.m., a scavenger hunt for Archie the Bear through downtown shops from 2 to 5 p.m., and carriage rides from noon to 4.
- Saturdays, December 12 and 19: Free carriage rides from noon to 4 p.m.
- Friday, December 18: After Hours Shopping Night, with stores open until 8 p.m., holiday specials and live music. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit from 4 to 8.
- December 5 to 18: Stroll downtown and vote for your favorite storefront in the Decor Contest.
Holiday Cheer at the Wineries
Plenty of Lodi tasting rooms deck the halls this time of year, so a day of wine tasting feels extra festive in December. One of the biggest seasonal events is the Christmas Stroll at Oak Farm Vineyards, where the grounds glow with holiday decor and local makers set up shop. Adult nights are December 4, 5, 17 and 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. Family nights are December 11 and 12, and you can arrive anytime from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets go fast, so book ahead.
Where to Stay for a Holiday Weekend
Our downtown homes put you close to the lights, the parade route and Santa's Village. Bordeaux Bungalow is one block from downtown, with an electric fireplace and a beverage bar for hot cocoa or a nightcap. American Oak Cottage and French Oak Cottage sit side by side about three blocks from downtown, which makes them a great pair when two families or a group of friends travel together. Port Place is just minutes from downtown and the wineries, with a cozy gas fireplace, a private pool and hot tub, and room for six. All four of these homes are pet friendly, so the family dog can join the festivities.
Out in the country, Villa Vino and Vineyard Vista give you room to spread out for a holiday gathering, with views over neighboring vineyards and quiet country roads. Villa Vino sleeps six and has a family room with a baby grand piano, a game table and an electric fireplace, so carols and card nights come easy. It is also about five minutes from Oak Farm Vineyards. Vineyard Vista sleeps up to ten, with a large hot tub, a Great Room with dining for ten, an electric fireplace for family movie nights, and wheelchair-friendly space throughout.
Tips for a Holiday Visit
- Book early for parade weekend and the first two weekends of December.
- Pack layers. December evenings in Lodi get chilly, especially along the parade route.
- Buy tickets for the Festival of Trees and the Oak Farm Christmas Stroll ahead of time.
- Make dinner reservations downtown for parade night and Small Business Saturday.
Come Celebrate the Season With Us
We would love to host you for the holidays. Book your stay direct and you deal with us, your local hosts, from your first question to checkout. Here's to a merry holiday season in Lodi!