Holiday Events at a Glance

SANTA’S RIVERBOAT ARRIVAL

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the Turning Basin aboard a Lind Marine tugboat November 29, 2025. Beginning at 11:30 am, the Pacific Empire Chorus will sing carols as Budderball the Clown paints children’s faces. Escorted by “Nutcracker”-costumed dancers from the Petaluma School of Ballet, the Christmas couple will dole out smiles and candy canes to the eager children on their way to their thrones at River Plaza Shopping Center where photos begin at 12:00 pm. Santa’s Riverboat Arrival concludes at 1:30 pm.

SHOP SMALL SATURDAY

On November 29, for Shop Small Saturday, the Petaluma Downtown Association and Petaluma Visitors Program will hand out Small Business tote bags filled with goodies and offers from local retailers while supply lasts. Across the city, many Petaluma merchants will have special deals and activities in honor of American Express’ support-local initiative.

FIRST ANNUAL HOLIDAY HEN HUNT

The first annual Holiday Hen Hunt runs November 29 – January 4. Hidden “Holiday Hens” await discovery across participating downtown businesses. Official Hen Hunt maps will be available at participating stores, the Petaluma Visitor Center, and at petalumadown.com. Hen hunters record the hens’ names on the map and return them to the Visitors Center to enter to win a $200 Shop Petaluma Gift Card, plus other valuable prizes from downtown merchants.

LIGHT UP THE SQUARE

On Friday, December 5, Santa makes an appearance at Theatre Square for Light Up the Square, the annual tree lighting. This 6-8 pm event also features live music, a laser show, and other holiday performances. The tree will be lit at 7:00 pm.

HOLIDAY DOWNTOWN SHOPPING STROLL

On Saturday, December 6, the PDA presents its Holiday Downtown Shopping Stroll on Kentucky Street, which features special deals in shops all decked out for the holidays. The event runs from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Entertainment includes Pacific Empire Chorus, Budderball the Clown, Apple Tree Morris Dancers, and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

LUMA ICE INDOOR SKATING RINK

Returning to the Petaluma on December 10, Luma Ice will be entertaining people of all ages on real ice in the Petaluma Fairgrounds Expo Hall with vendors and holiday cheer. The ice and fun will last through January 6.

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

Saturday, December 13, the river lights up when the Petaluma Yacht Club presents its popular Lighted Boat Parade. The boats leave the Petaluma Marina at 5:30 pm and arrive at the Turning Basin at 6:00 pm. The date is subject to change due to tides.

CITY OF LIGHTS DRIVING TOUR

The City of Lights Driving Tour spans the entire month of December. Homes and businesses that go all out with holiday lights and decorations are listed on free maps available at the Petaluma Visitor Center and on the PDA site on December 1.