You won’t find snow-covered trees and below-zero temperatures in American Canyon. However, there are still plenty of holiday events and activities to get you in the festive mood—even when it’s 50 and sunny in December. From tree lightings and silent discos to lighted parades and reindeer runs, our list of the city’s best events and things to do this season will help make AmCan a winter wonderland all month long.
American Canyon Community Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 6, 2019, 6:30-10 p.m.
Bundle up with friends and family as illuminated floats, tinsel-strewn trucks, and colorful carolers transform American Canyon into a magical scene from the North Pole where Santa Claus and friends will light up Downtown at the annual American Canyon Tree Lighting. Festivities include the lighting of the tree, an old-fashioned sing-a-long, performances by local youth singers, and more!
Following the tree lighting, enjoy the Parade of Ornaments along Shenandoah Drive, dance and listen to music in the silent disco, take a photo with Santa, visit with holiday characters, enjoy holiday marketplace shopping, and more! While you’re here, visit the City of American Canyon booth and pick up your Magic Express Passes for Snow Day! Magic Express passes will allow you to jump the lines for the inflatable jumper, bungee jump, reindeer races, and trackless train rides at the Snow Day event. The Community Tree Lighting is a family-friendly event and is FREE to attend.
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Runner Check-In at 8 am | Race Start at 9 am
Wetlands Edge Trailhead
Be there with your Bells & Antlers on for FUN at the Reindeer Run! Register online, at the Parks & Recreation Office (100 Benton Way), or on-site the morning of the event. Kick-off the holidays in a fun and healthy way, while also raising money for the American Canyon Community & Parks Foundation and KHOPE! Register for a 5K or 10K walk or run. You are encouraged to come dressed in festive holiday clothing/costumes. There will be various opportunities for photographs!
The most scenic 5k/10k in the Bay area! The course is flat and fast on paved roads and well-groomed gravel trails. Beautiful wetlands views are visible from every turn, and participants can expect to see wildlife, including birds, owls, swans, or raptors. You may even catch a glimpse of the playful river otters that live in the area.
Saturday, December 7, 2019
12pm – 5pm
Shenandoah Park (100 Sonoma Creek Way)
Play in the snow at American Canyon Snow Day! There will be a snow play area, themed villages, a giant slide, train rides, photos with Santa, and more. Join friends and neighbors and experience the ultimate holiday celebration as we magically transform our town into a winter wonderland full of cheer and classic family fun. Don’t forget to buy your Fast Pass before the event online or at the Parks and Recreation Office. Fast Passes are $2 each and allow you to skip the line for the snow play area. This family-friendly event is FREE to attend.
Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15, 2019
6pm – 9pm
Walmart Parking Lot (7011 Main Street)
Santa Claus is coming to town. Christmas cheer will roll through the streets the second weekend in December with AmCan’s own Mr. Claus traveling by sleigh to go through his naughty and nice list. Here’s your chance to visit with Santa and take a photo with him! This family-friendly event is FREE and presented by the American Canyon Fire Protection District. Please note that Santa and our firefighters may need to leave early, arrive late, or cancel if they need to tend to an emergency.
I Spy A Holiday Tree Competition
Wednesday and Thursday, December 18 and 19, 2019
6:30pm – 9pm
Senior Multi-Use Center (2185 Elliott Drive)
Call (707) 648-7275 to pre-register your team
There is so much beauty throughout the holiday season — the lights, the greenery, the colors, all things shiny and shimmery. One of the most beautiful elements of the season is the Christmas tree. There is just something about the way the lights reflect on the ornaments, against the backdrop of an evergreen tree that gets us every time. Now, find them! Form a team and look for holiday trees around American Canyon. Start your self-guided tour at the Senior Center. Clues are included! You just might win prizes and bragging rights. This family-friendly event is FREE to participate in. However, pre-registration is required. Register online, at the Senior Center, or at the Parks and Recreation Office.
Monday – Friday, December 16 – 20, 2019
Lights must be on during the hours of 6 pm – 9 pm
Homes located around American Canyon
While we all know, getting into the spirit of the season is not a competition, you also want to create a festive home that captures the magic of the holidays. And also, it wouldn’t be so bad if everyone you knew raved that your decor looked straight out of a Hallmark movie. Win 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place or People’s Choice for best decor in our community! Vote for your favorite online or via paper ballot available at the Senior Center and Parks and Recreation Office. Registration is FREE. You must be registered to enroll in the contest. Register at the Parks and Recreation Office, where you will also receive a gift bag for participating. Winners will be announced and prizes distributed on December 20.
Breakfast with Santa at DoubleTree Hotel
Saturday, December 21, 2019, at 8:30 am – 11:30 am
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Napa Valley – American Canyon, 3600 Broadway St.
Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s paying a very special visit to the DoubleTree Hotel. Secure your reservations today before we are sold out! Join jolly old Saint Nick and his merry band of elves for a classic Breakfast with Santa experience.
Guests are invited to feast on a decadent family-style spread from Bistro 29, take lots of pictures with Santa Claus and enjoy this magical time with your whole family. Spread love and happiness at this wonderful time of the year!