Nestled at the foot of Mount Shasta in Northern California, McCloud Vintage Christmas—formerly known as Winterfest—transforms the historic town into a heartwarming Victorian holiday wonderland each December. Over select weekends, the streets and storefronts of downtown McCloud become twinkling backdrops for festive traditions and family-friendly fun.​ Expect charming carriage rides, cookie decorating, face painting, and delightful crafts ranging from rock painting to ornament making. Kids can drop off letters to Santa and meet him in person at the Mercantile or local museum.​ Activities often include a Victorian tea hosted by the McCloud Hotel, decorated houses, church tours, and seasonal craft bazaars. Visitors enjoy tree-lighting ceremonies, carolers, choir performances, and themed character breakfasts featuring Santa, Frosty, the Grinch, and more.​ McCloud Vintage Christmas delights guests with its nostalgic charm, creative seasonal events, and small-town hospitality—perfect for families or anyone seeking a sprinkle of old-fashioned holiday magic.

McCloud Vintage Christmas Schedule

Friday, December 5 - FESTIVITIES COMMENCE!

• Lighted Parade on Main Street at 5:30 (call the Chamber to enter) - meet at the Calvary Christian Church at 5:15

• Christmas Tree lighting immediately following the parade

• Christmas music provided by our own McCloud Carolers

• Santa arrives in the parade and will be available for a meet & greet after the tree lighting, at the McCloud Heritage Museum until 9pm.

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Saturday, December 6 - CHILDREN'S DAY

• Crafts, cookie decorating, hot cocoa and face painting at the Mercantile on Main, 12-3

• Visits with Santa 1-4 inside the Mercantile

• Kid's Bingo at the American Legion, starting at 3:30

• Holiday Teen Skate at the McCloud Dance Hall, 5-7

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Friday, December 12 - MAIN STREET OLD-STYLE RUSTA AND BONFIRE

• Rusta-Style Barbecue - Menu: Salsiccia & Peperoni, Brisket di Grigliate, Faglioli Peruvian Ranchero, Mais di Estrada, and choice of cider or water (Italian Sausage with Peppers, Onions, & Zucchini, Slow Cooked Chicago Style Brisket, Ranch Style Beans, and Italian Street Corn) BUY MEAL TICKETS HERE

• Bonfire, specialty hot cocktails, mocktails, Christmas vendors, hands-on craft making, festive music under the lighted tents

• Prize for the ugliest holiday sweater

• Fun from 3-9; dinner served 5-8

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Saturday, December 13 - VICTORIAN DAY

• Victorian tours - maps will be provided with times and locations

• Victorian Tea at the McCloud Hotel at 11:00am, by reservation only

• Retail vendors in the Mercantile, 11-4

• Enchanted Theatre in the Mercantile; one hour long shows starting at 11:30am

• Horse carriage rides, 11-3; purchase tickets in the Mercantile

• Voena Choir - "Voices of Winter Lights" in the Mercantile, 6:30pm - BUY TICKETS HERE

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Thursday & Friday, December 18-19 - LIGHT UP McCLOUD CHRISTMAS DECORATION CONTEST

• Click here for details and to enter: LIGHT UP MCCLOUD ENTRY FORM

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Friday, December 19 - CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY

• Food, crafts, visits with Santa

• Squaw Valley Riding Club at 6pm

• Children 0-12 welcome; must be accompanied by an adult

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Saturday & Sunday, December 20-21 - MORE FESTIVITIES

• Character Breakfast at the McCloud River Inn by reservation only. See website for details.

• A Christmas Carol Dinner at the McCloud Hotel by reservation only. See website for details.

• Special event at the McCloud Mercantile - stay tuned!