Sonoma Valley guide
Sonoma at the holidays: Plaza lighting and December events (2026)
Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza: November 21, 2026
The City of Sonoma lists the Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza 2026 for Saturday, November 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the Plaza (#1 The Plaza). The City describes live music from local performers, food vendors and food trucks, cider and cookies, and the lighting of the holiday tree and thousands of lights. Many visitors stay for dinner around the Plaza afterwards; see our Plaza guide and restaurants.
Lights of Remembrance: December 6, 2026
By The Bay Health's Lights of Remembrance takes place on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. on the Plaza. The City describes it as an annual community tree-lighting to remember friends and relatives, with messages, candle-lighting, music and free hot apple cider.
Other holiday traditions
The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau's list of major annual events names November's Holiday Lighting of the Plaza and Tractor Parade, and December's Holiday Spectacular and Santa on the Plaza. Dates for these are announced by the organizers; check the City's special events calendar before you go.
Before the holidays: late October and November
The City's calendar also lists Sonoma Spooktacular, trick-or-treat around the Plaza, on October 31, 2026, and a Saturday Harvest Market at Sonoma Garden Park on Saturdays through November 21, 2026.
Where to stay
Holiday weekends around the Plaza lighting are popular. Browse hotels and vacation rentals in Sonoma Valley.
Questions
When is the Sonoma Plaza tree lighting in 2026?
Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the Sonoma Plaza, according to the City of Sonoma.
Is the Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza free?
The City's event page lists no ticket; it describes food vendors, food trucks, cider and cookies on the Plaza.
What other holiday events happen in Sonoma?
Lights of Remembrance on December 6, 2026, plus the Tractor Parade, Holiday Spectacular and Santa on the Plaza, which the Visitors Bureau lists as annual traditions.
Sources
Facts in this guide were checked on October 20, 2026 against these sources. Hours, prices and rules change, so confirm with the business or park before you go.
- City of Sonoma: Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza 2026
- City of Sonoma: Lights of Remembrance
- City of Sonoma: Special Events Calendar
- Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau: Major Annual Events in Sonoma Valley 2026
- Wikipedia: Sonoma Plaza (National Historic Landmark District)
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