O little towns of Humboldt, when and where do your festivities lie? Our calendar has most of the events but here are some holiday highlights:
In McKinleyville, where horse-drawn carriages have the right of way, the Christmas Celebration takes place Thursday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at in McKinleyville Shopping Center (free). There'll be Christmas caroling on the front lawn, kids' activities and Santa arriving on a fire truck at 5:30 p.m. to do the tree-lighting honors.
Over the hill and through the woods to the eastern part of the county you'll go for the Willow Creek Tree Lighting event Friday, Dec. 7. Join others at the Visitor Information Booth from 5 to 7 p.m. for caroling, hot chocolate and visits with Santa. Tree lighting at 6 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on Arcata Plaza Friday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. during Arcata Main Street's Season of Wonder and Light Holiday Open House (free). Stores stay open late and offer complimentary hot chocolate, popcorn, cookies and cider. Free horse-drawn carriage rides around the plaza, too.
Snow in sunny Fortuna? It's on the forecast Friday, Dec. 7 when parts of downtown will be "snowing" during the Fortuna Winter Wonderland Open House happening from 5 to 8 p.m. Participating businesses will be open late, some serving hot cocoa, cider and holiday treats. Line up for the Al Gray Lighted truck parade at 6 p.m.
Garberville's got a Tree Lighting/Street Lighting party happening Friday, Dec. 7 in the Town Square (free, time TBA) and Trinidad gets jolly on Sunday, Dec. 9 with the Trinidad Holiday Indie Craft Show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Trinidad Town Hall ($2). Boatloads of crafts and handmade gifts plus food and drinks available. Across the street at Trinidad Elementary, more artisan delights await as Santa makes his way through town in his boat to greet kids at the school. At 4 p.m., join Trinidad Art Gallery for Christmas caroling through town and watch as holiday lights on the pier (and your Uncle Bob) get lit at dusk.