DECEMBER 2019
Santa Arrives in Old Town Eureka – Annual Event
Dec 1, Sun - Eureka: Bring the kids and your camera. Santa returns every Sat & Sun 11am-3pm till Dec 22nd.
Christmas Celebration in Song – Annual Event
Dec 1, Sun - Ferndale: The Ferndale Community Choir performs an eclectic selection of sacred and inspiring music. 3pm. Ferndale Catholic Church, 546 Berding St. https://ferndalechoir.com/concert-schedule/
Lighting of the Tallest Living Christmas Tree – Annual Event
Dec 1, Sun - Ferndale: The whole town turns out with free hot cocoa and homemade cookies of all kinds. 5:30pm. End of Main St.
Portuguese Linguica & Beans Dinner – Annual Event
Dec 1, Sun - Ferndale: Featuring great food and friendliness. 4-7pm. Ferndale's Portuguese Hall, 355 Ocean Ave. 707.786.4222
Guided Nature Walk at Wildlife Refuge
Dec 4, Wed - Loleta: Guided 2 mile walk with naturalist Louise Bacon-Ogden. 9am. FREE. 1020 Ranch Rd. 707.733.5406
Christmas Bazaar in Willow Creek – Annual Event
Dec 5, 6, 7, 8 & 12, 13, 14, 15, Thu-Sun - Willow Creek: Shop locally this season and pick up some great holiday gifts. Enjoy holiday cider & cookies. 10am-4pm. FREE. China Flat Museum, 38949 Hwy-299.
Willow Creek Holiday Tree Lighting – Annual Event
Dec 6, Fri - Willow Creek: Sing carols, visit with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. 5-7pm. Hwy 299 and 96.
Season of Wonder and Light – Annual Event
Dec 6, Fri - Arcata: Santa arrives on the plaza, live music performance, complimentary hot coco & popcorn. 5-8pm. Arcata Plaza.
Garberville Lighted Truck Parade – Annual Event
Dec 6, Fri - Garberville: Enjoy the holiday lights! 6pm. FREE. Parade starts on the north side of Garberville and ends in Redway.
Tease the Season
Dec 6, Fri - Eureka: A holiday brrrlesque benefit show for SCRAP Humboldt. Va Va Voom burlesque dancers, food and drink specials and silent auction. Doors at 7, show at 8PM. $15. The Booth Brewing Co., 123 W 3rd St. (707) 822-2452
Candlelight Walk in the Redwoods – Annual Event
Dec 6 & 7, Fri & Sat - Orick: A ranger-guided walk through the ancient redwood lit by 400 luminaries, storytelling by North Coast Storytellers, auctions and refreshments. 5-8pm. $15, kids under 12 FREE. No dogs please. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Visitors Center. Tickets at: https://www.redwoodparksconservancy.org/
Eureka Symphony Holiday Concert – Annual Event
Dec 6 & 7, Fri & Sat - Eureka: Celestial Celebrations is a sumptuous feast of music including the Eureka Symphony Chorus. 8pm. Arkley Center for the Arts, 412 “G” St. 707.845.3655
Humboldt Artisans Crafts & Music Festival – Annual Event
Dec 6, 7 & 8, Fri - Sun - Eureka: 130 booths of handmade gifts by north-coast artisans and live music throughout the day. Great food. Fri. 12-9pm, Sat. 10am-7pm, Sun. 10am-6pm. Kids/seniors FREE. Adults free with a toy for the Humboldt Bay Fire Dept toy drive OR $3 admission. Redwood Acres Fairgrounds, 3750 Harris St. https://humboldtartisans.com/
Santa Claus in Ferndale – Annual Event
Dec 7, Sat - Ferndale: St. Nick and his jolly elf bring bags of goodies for youngsters. 10:30-11:30am. FREE. Main Street.
Lanphere Dunes Guided Walk
Dec 7, Sat - Manila: Exploration of a beautiful and diverse dune system. 10am-1pm. FREE. Meet at Pacific Union School, 3001 Janes Rd. Arcata. Call to reserve. 707.444.1397 https://www.friendsofthedunes.org/calendar
Arts Alive
Dec 7, Sat - Eureka: In Old Town & downtown galleries & businesses host artists & musicians. 6-9pm. FREE. 707-442-9054
Holiday Artisan Sale – Annual Event
Dec 7 & 8, Sat & Sun - Eureka: Affordable gifts by local artists. Sat 12-9pm & Sun 12-5pm. Morris Graves Museum of Art. 636 Ft St.
Winter Arts Faire – Mateel – Annual Event
Dec 7 & 8, Sat & Sun - Redway: Bringing holiday cheer to southern Humboldt with handmade artisan booths, musical entertainment and Santa! 10am - 6pm. $5, Kids 12 and under, Adults 65 and over, free. Mateel Community Center, 59 Rusk Lane.
Fortuna Christmas Music Festival – Annual Event
Dec 8, Sun - Fortuna: Enjoy over 5 hours of holiday music. Festival finale conducted by Elisabeth Harrington 12-5:30pm. FREE. 1800 Riverwalk Dr. 707.725.9261
Christmas Celebration in Song – Annual Event
Dec 8, Sun - Eureka: The Ferndale Community Choir performs an eclectic selection of sacred and inspiring music. 7:30pm. Christ Episcopal Church, 15th and H St. https://ferndalechoir.com/concert-schedule/
Birdwalk at Wildlife Refuge
Dec 8, Sun - Loleta: Guided bird hike with Audubon Society leaders, beginners welcome. 9am. FREE. 1020 Ranch Rd. 707.733.5406
Art Talk Sunday
Dec 8, Sun - Eureka: Visiting & local artists. 2pm. $5/$2 members & under 17 free. Morris Graves Museum of Art. 636 “F” St.
Electric Lighted Truck Parade – Annual Event
Dec 13, Fri - Fortuna: Lighted trucks, floats and people parade through town. FREE. Awards ceremony 6:30. Parade at 7:00. Starts at Redwood Village Center, 701 S Fortuna Blvd. 707.725-9261
Arts! Arcata
Dec 13, Fri - Arcata: Galleries & businesses showcase local artists. 6-9pm. Start at Arcata Plaza.
Trucker's Christmas Parade – Annual Event
Dec 14, Sat - Eureka: The nation's zaniest big rig parade with huge trucks adorned in holiday lights. Begins Redwood Acres Fairground, 3750 Harris St. FREE. 6-8pm.
Arcata Interfaith Gospel Choir Holiday Concert – Annual Event
Dec 14, Sat - Arcata: Come enjoy a holiday concert. 7:00pm. $12-$15. Presbyterian Church, 670 11th St. 707-633-8781 https://aigcholiday2019.brownpapertickets.com/
Stocking Stuffer Boutique
Dec 14, Sat - Fortuna: Featuring local artists and crafters. FREE. 10am-3pm. Gene Lucas Center, 300 Newburg Rd. 707.725.3300
Redwood Youth Ballet
Dec 14, Sat - Eureka: Heather and Harmony Sorter and the Morris Graves Museum of Art present a special Christmas Performance. 5:30pm. $15 adults, $10 students/seniors; $5 under 12. 636 Ft St.
Loleta Holiday Craft Fair – Annual Event
Dec 14 & 15, Sat & Sun - Loleta: Over 60 local artisans and craftsman of traditional crafts, modern fashion, and artwork. Indian taco sale. FREE. 9am-4pm. Fireman's Pavilion, 824 Loleta Dr. (707) 273-7425
Bayside Community Hall Holiday Makers Fair
Dec 14 & 15, Sat & Sun - Bayside: Dozens of local artists and craftspeople share their work, live music, food, raffle and wrapping station. Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 10am-4pm. $1 or can for donation to Food for People. 2297 Jacoby Creek Rd. (707) 822-9998
Holiday Craft Market – Annual Event
Dec 14 & 15, Sat & Sun - Arcata: Holiday music, food and great shopping. Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 10am-4pm. $1.00 admission. Community Center, 321 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy.
Ugly Holiday Sweater Run – Annual Event
Dec 15, Sun - Arcata: Wear your ugliest sweater for this 1 mile or 5K course. 8:30 Register/10am race. $15-$20. Begins and ends at the Arcata Marsh - end of South “I” St. https://www.humboldteducare.org/race-details
Breakfast with Santa – Annual Event
Dec 15, Sun - Eureka: Full breakfast, cookie decorating & Santa. 9:30am. $17 - $8, under 2 free. Red Lion Hotel, 1929 4th St. Reservations: 707.441.4712
Lighted Tractor Parade – Annual Event
Dec 15, Sun - Ferndale: Christmas tradition featuring farmers & ranchers driving decorated tractors. Starts at Main St. & Ocean Ave. Judging at 5, parade at 6pm. Free.
Humboldt Flea Market
Dec 15, Sun - Eureka: 180 tables of antiques, toys, jewelry and more! 8am-3pm. Adults $2, kids under 13 FREE. 3750 Harris Street.
Audubon Birdwalk Hikshari' Trail (Eureka Waterfront)
Dec 15, Sun - Eureka: Guided birdwalk on the Elk River trail. 9am. FREE. Meet at foot of W. Del Norte Street. 707.499.1247
Southern Humboldt’s Small Town Christmas – Annual Event
Dec 21, Sat - Garberville: Photos with Santa, face painting, carriage rides, shopping & dinner. 3-6pm. 782 Redwood Dr. 707.923.2613
Wine & Jazz at MGMA
Dec 22, Sun - Eureka: After performance, audience is invited to bring their instrument and jam with the band. 3-5pm. $5/$2, under 18 FREE. Morris Graves Museum of Art, 636 Ft St. 707.442.0278. https://humboldtarts.org/wine-and-jazz
ENJOY THE PERFORMING ARTS
Ferndale Repertory Theatre - Matilda
Dec 1 - 22, Ferndale: Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences around the world. Times and ticket prices vary.447 Main St. 707.786.5483 www.ferndalerep.org
North Coast Repertory Theatre - Jesus Christ Superstar
Dec 1 - 8, Eureka: From the spectacular minds of Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice, comes a radical, rock-opera re-telling of the last five days in the life of Jesus Christ. Fri & Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm. 300 5th St. 707.442.6278 www.redwoodcurtain.com
Dell’Arte - Return to Oz
Dec 1 - 22, Blue Lake: An adaptation of the classic tale by L. Frank Baum. 8pm. Carlo Theatre, 131 “H” St. 707.668.5663 https://dellarte.com/shows-and-events/2018-2019-season/
Arcata Playhouse - Scout’s Honor
Dec 5, 6, 7, 8, 13 & 14, Arcata: The annual holiday show goes to space. 7:30pm. Please see website for tickets. Arcata Playhouse, 1215 9th St. 707.822.1575 https://www.arcataplayhouse.org/events/playhouse-holiday-show/
North Coast Dance - The Nutcracker Ballet
Dec 13, 14, 15, 17, & 18, Eureka: Get swept away by the wonder of this beautiful Christmas classic. Times vary, see website. $15-$40. Arkley Center, 412 “G” St. For tickets call 707.442.7779 or go to http://atlpublishing.com/NCD/company/tickets.html
QUICK LIST OF THINGS TO DO
- Humboldt Ice Skating Rink – Ferndale: Open Nov. 7th thru Jan. 5th. County Fairgrounds, Belotti Hall, 1250 5th St. Will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas & New Year's Day. For tickets go to: humboldtcountyfair.org/humboldt-ice-rink
- Thursday Night Out – Eureka: Weekly extended happy hour drink and/or food specials in Downtown and Old Town. eurekamainstreet.org/thursday-night-out-0
- Countywide Farmers Markets: Fresh food, flowers, live music and community. www.northcoastgrowersassociation.org/
- Arcata Marsh Audubon Guided Bird Tour: Every Saturday 8:30am. Klopp Lake, parking lot at the end of South “I” Street.
- Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Birdwalk Every Saturday, rain or shine. 2pm. Interpretive Center, 569 South “G” Street.
- Hike the Dunes at Humboldt Bay Nature Center – Arcata/Manila: 220 Stamp Lane. 707.444.1397 www.friendsofthedunes.org/
- Humboldt Botanical Garden – Eureka: Wed-Sun 10am-5pm. 7707 Tompkins Hill Road. 707.442.5139 www.hbgf.org/
- Humboldt Bay Wildlife Refuge – Loleta: Download “Discover Nature Apps” to your phone & find wildlife on the trails. 1020 Ranch Rd.
- Humboldt State University Campus Tours – Arcata: 10am & 2pm Mon-Fri / Noon Sat. Student Business Services building. 707.826.6270
- HSU Marine Lab – Trinidad: Call for hours 707.826.3671. 570 Ewing St.
- Outdoor Fun for Kids EdVentures: Go on a scavenger quest in one of the parks throughout the county. www.redwood-edventures.org
- Ride in a Horse drawn carriage – Eureka: 1st & “F” St. Book a ride at 646.591.2058 or www.oldtowncarriageco.com
- Sequoia Park & Zoo – Eureka: Mon 12-4pm, Tues–Sun 10–5pm. 3414 “W” St. 707.441.4263
- Chocolate Factory Tour – Eureka: Dick Taylor Chocolate 4w. 4th St. 707.798.6010 dicktaylorchocolate.com
- Humboldt Bay Oyster Tour – Eureka: Reserve 36hrs in advance. 707.836.3168 205 “G” St. humboldtbayoystertours.com
- Lost Coast Brewery Tour – Eureka: 24hrs in advance to schedule a free tour. 707.267.9651 1600 Sunset Dr.
- Holly Yashi - Jewelry as Art Tours – Arcata: Mon-Fri 11am and 2pm. 1300 Ninth St. 800.274.2714
- Haunted History Tour of Old Town – Eureka: Most evenings upon request. 707.672.5012
- Horseback Tours into Redwood National Park – Orick: 1000 Drydens Rd. 707.499.2943 RedwoodCreekBuckarettes.com
- HumBoats Kayak Adventures – Eureka: Tours and rentals on Humboldt Bay, SUPS Woodley Island, A Dock. 707.443.5157
- Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center – Eureka: Kayaks, canoes & stand up paddle board rentals. 921 Waterfront Dr. 707.443.4222
- Lost Coast Adventure Tours - Take you & your group (up to 10 people) hiking, biking, canoeing, camping, on a ropes course, horseback riding, surfing, diving, on a scenic drive, or to do any other activity our diverse county has to offer. 707. 986.9895
- Pacific Outfitters Adventures Tours & Instruction - Redwood National & State Parks: Hiking, fishing, kayaking and surfing. 844.926.6566
Stop in the Eureka Visitor Center 240 “E” St. Eureka, Open Tues - Sat 9am-5pm & Sun 11am-4pm 707.798.6411
VISIT AN ART GALLERY or MUSEUM EXHIBIT
Arcata Artisans
Arcata - Fine Art & Craft co-operative gallery & gift shop. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun Noon-4pm. 883 “H” St. 707.825.9133 (Artist's receptions 2nd Fri month during Arts! Arcata)
Clarke Historical Museum
Eureka - Art showcase, in addition to an ongoing Victorian period exhibit & impressive display of Native American basketry & regalia. Tue-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. 240 “E” St. 707.443.1947
Chapman's Gem, Mineral Shop & Museum
Fortuna - The Chapmans have traveled to all 50 States and every continent to acquire this vast collection of fossils, rocks & gems. 10am-5pm every day. 4 miles South of Fortuna on Hwy 101. 707.725.2714
Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum
Samoa - Learn about the seafaring heritage of the area. From the first ship to enter the bay to the interesting lives of lighthouse keepers. Tues-Sat, 11am-4pm. 77 Cookhouse Rd. 707.444.9440
Morris Graves Museum of Art
Eureka - Exhibitions from artists, both local and from around the world, as well as a permanent collection of work by Morris Graves. In the historic Carnegie building. Wed-Sun 12-5pm. 636 “F” St. 707.442.0278 humboldtarts.org/visit
Natural History Museum
Arcata - Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm. 1242 “G” St. 707.826.4479 humboldt.edu/natmus/index.html
Old Town Art Gallery
Eureka - The oldest non-profit, cooperative art gallery in Humboldt County showing local artist. 10am-5pm every day. 417 2nd St. 707. 445.2315 eurekaoldtownartgallery.com/ (Reception during Arts Alive – 1st Sat. 6-9pm)
Redwood Art Association
Eureka - A collection of some of Humboldt County’s finest artists. Wed – Sun, Noon-5 pm. 603 “F” St. 707.268.0755
Trinidad Art Gallery
Trinidad – Local artist cooperative. 10am-5pm every day. 490 Trinity St. 707.677.3770 www.trinidadartgallery.com
