Discover Ukiah's Magical Holiday Traditions: Embrace the Festive Spirit! | JOIN THE FUN!

It's the most magical time of the year, and I am going to talk about my favorite holiday traditions that we celebrate in Ukiah, California. Kicking it off with number one, the store that's open all year round but, most importantly, in December, the Christmas Dreams and Gifts store. At any time of the year, you can hop into this store, and your mind will explode with endless ornament opportunities and Christmas dreams. I am starting a new tradition this year now that one of my daughters is old enough to have an opinion, which she very much has. Taking her to get her ornament each year will be a fun little way to shop small, support our community, and have a nostalgic place to visit. They've been family-owned and operated for over 25 years, and I hope to see them open another 20-25.

Next up, on the first Saturday of the month, we have the light parade, typically the starting point for the tree lighting and skating rink opening. The light parade happens every first Saturday of December in Ukiah, from the fairgrounds to Clay Street on State Street. It's super fun, whether your business is participating and having your family ride through the parade, or if you visit my office for some hot cocoa and to stay warm before heading out in the cold weather. This year, even in the rain, the crowds kept growing, making it more magical each year. The tree lighting occurs right after the parade, with Santa getting off the fire truck to turn on the plaza's tree lights. It's a special time of year with the plaza fully decorated with gingerbread houses and an ice skating rink, originally brought here by Adventist Health, continuing to be operated by the City of Ukiah for a magical month, usually extending into January.

The trolley, decorated with Christmas lights, is a cozy free ride that goes around town, making different stops. It takes about an hour for the full circle, but there's a map below. It's a wonderful, fun tradition; you can have someone park their car at the Par Tree Center, and someone else pick them up to stop downtown or vice versa. Talking about rides, we move on to the Skunk Train and the Magical Christmas Tree from Willet. Riding the Skunk Train lets you experience a magical Christmas tree, singing carols, and buying hot chocolate and popcorn. It's a fun ride, but remember to bundle up, especially if someone opens the windows.

The Santa photos are a must; support your local Santa and visit places like Trips or the Red Valley Fire Department's Santa setup. Additionally, Gather Events will host Santa photos this year. Tree farms, whether at Elliot's or the Red Valley Fire Department, are a magical experience. Elliot's, with free hot chocolate, coffee, and popcorn, lets you pick a tree or just enjoy the aroma. Nelson's allows you to cut your tree with the provided equipment or get a cutting permit from the Mendocino forest for a more adventurous experience.

Lastly, a new tradition for hardworking women is the Women in Business Gala - a glamorous event where you can dress up and enjoy the night. Thank you for watching, and I hope your holidays are magical. Ukiah is indeed a magical place, so get involved and embrace the festivities! Thank you so much for watching! This is Kasie Gray, signing off from the Holiday Transition Traditions Channel. Don't forget to subscribe and like!

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