Updated: What to Do in Sonoma for the Holidays?

With Christmas two weeks away and New Years Eve on the horizon, we're right in the heart of the holiday season.

With all the gift wrapping, tree shopping, and light hanging—honestly, it can get a bit grueling. The thing that makes it worth it? Well, obviously the parties.

Gatherings and community celebrations stay with us long after the presents have been unwrapped. But there's so many of them around town, it can be hard to keep track.

So check out our list of holiday gatherings before you tend to your planner. For the full list of events, check out our calendar (you can also add your own event).

We'll be updating this page frequently, so let us know in the comments if we missed your favorite event.

Dec. 10:  Carolers perform in the lobby of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Cookies and cider served. (Ongoing: weekend evenings through Saturday, Dec. 18).

Dec. 11:  "Celebrate Joy" at the , with festive tunes by the Sonoma Hometown Band,  10 a.m. - noon.

Dec. 11:  Santa pays a visit to the Epicurion Connection (18812 Sonoma Highway Suite C) for "Santa in the Springs," from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. There will be apple cider, hot cocoa, and coffee. 10 percent of proceeds go to the .

Dec. 11:  The annual Christmas at the Mission celebration, at the . Musical performances at 5 , 6, and 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 11 - Dec. 19: Every Saturday and Sunday Santa visits Larson Family Winery, 23355 Millerick Rd,  from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Photos are free if you purchase wine. 

Dec. 11-12:  Sonoma Valley Chorale sings "Carols of the Bells" at 7: 30 p.m. at the Veterans Building. Tickets $10-20.

Dec. 11-12: Toast the season as you place your bids at Sonoma Country Antiques' (23999 Arnold Drive--Hwy 121) silent auction to benefit Sonoma Valley Hospice, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Dec. 15: "White Christmas" at the Sonoma Community Center's free holiday film series, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 16 - Dec. 17:  perform their annual Holiday Concerts,   Dec. 16, at 7 p.m.; Dec. 17, 1:30 p.m. Free at Vintage House, 264 First St. East.

Dec. 18:  Santa sighting! From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., he'll be at the Sonoma Marketplace (201 W. Napa St.) in the gazebo. Free Polaroid shots.

Dec. 18: Santa comes to Glen Ellen by Clydesdale-drawn carriage. Meet in Jack London Lodge parking lot (12 noon till 2 p.m.) to ride and sing-along with Santa at this free event. Hot chocolate and Christmas cookies.

Dec. 18: Donkeys, goats, sheep and a camel create the Glen Ellen Community Church's "Live Nativity," 5311 O'Donnel Lane, 6 p.m.

Dec. 19: Valley of the Moon Chamber Ensemble sings holiday songs, 3 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center, 240 East Napa Street. Tickets $20.

Dec. 22: "Miracle on 34th Street" at the Sonoma Community Center's free holiday film series, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 22 - Dec. 23:  Have breakfast with Santa at the Fairmont Inn, 100 Boyes Blvd, from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Dec. 30: "El Dia de Los Reyes Magos," the Spanish festival of the Three Kings, at Gloria Ferrer. Hot chocolate, Kings Day treats, and a choir performance.  

Dec. 31: Last day to judge the Sonoma Valley Gingerbread Winery Competition. (Houses are on display at Larson Family Winery, B.R Cohn Winery, and other participating wineries.)