OFFICIAL GUIDE
SECTION SPONSORED BY:
& Tree Lighting Festival
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5TH & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
Visitors can line up along Main Street to view the 11th annual Winters Holiday Tractor Parade. The parade route map indicates the starting point as Haven Street with the parade offically ending at Morgan Street. Courtesy graphic
Holiday magic rolls down Main Street this weekend Express staff Get ready to kick off the holiday season in style as the 11th annual Winters Holiday Tractor Parade and Festival returns this weekend, bringing festive lights, small-town charm and plenty of cheer to downtown Winters. The beloved two-day celebration, set for Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6, promises to once again light up the streets and the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Thousands are expected to flock to Winters to take in the glow of decked-out tractors, enjoy seasonal treats and soak up the community spirit that makes this event a regional favorite. This year’s festival is once again a collaboration between the city
of Winters and Bay Area Pop-Up Events, who have teamed up to create a fun, safe and family-friendly weekend experience. From festive vendors to holiday activities, organizers say the goal is to make it easy for families to relax, celebrate and enjoy the start of the season. Full event details — including schedules, parking information and tips for planning your visit — can be found at winterstractorparade.com and discoverwinters.com/holidays.
Friday, Dec. 5 Winters Wonderland The festivities start on Friday, Dec. 5, with the fourth annual Elf Hunt and Cocoa Crawl, a delightful scavenger hunt through par-
ticipating downtown businesses. Armed with an Elf Hunt passport, visitors will embark on a quest to track down mischievous elves hiding throughout town while sipping on delicious cocoa samples. While elf hunters scour the shops, Rotary Park transforms into a bustling Holiday Marketplace, offering unique gifts, local crafts, and plenty of seasonal cheer. At the Gazebo, Winters High School bands will perform for the crowd with holiday classics, filling the crisp evening air with festive tunes. And don’t miss the big moment — the Winters Mayor will lead the countdown for the Winters Tree Lighting Ceremony, illuminating the town’s magnificent tree with over 6,000 twinkling lights. It’s a
sight that brings gasps and cheers from locals and visitors alike. And, Santa and his friends will be at the Gazebo to greet local children.
Road closures
For the Winters Wonderland event on Friday, Main Street will be closed between Elliott Street and First Street. Railroad Avenue will be closed between Abbey Street and Russell Street. According to Steven Restivo, event coordinator, the roads will be closed from 1 to 10 p.m. The Railroad Avenue and Main Street intersection will reopen when it is safe for pedestrians to cross safely unassisted.
See EVENT, Page T3
The 11th Annual
Winters Tractor Parade & Festival Downtown Winters, CA
EXPRESS
Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 4 pm to 9 pm Tree Lighting at 6 pm Holiday Marketplace: 4 pm to 9 pm Hot Cocoa Crawl & Elf Hunt: 4 pm to 7 pm Local School Bands: 5 pm to 5:45 pm Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 pm to 6:30 pm Santa & Friends: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 1 pm to 9 pm Parade at 6 pm Holiday Marketplace: Tractor Parade: Santa & Friends:
WINTERSTRACTORPARADE.COM
1 pm to 9 pm 6 pm to 7 pm 7 pm to 9 pm