Sonora, CA…The 42nd Anniversary of the legendary Sonora Christmas Festival will be held Thanksgiving weekend. This highly regarded festival features over 150 great quality craft artists, up tempo and varied music, street performers, costumed elves and twinkle trees, carolers, a wide selection of home-cooking style festival kitchens and bake shops, all in festive, brightly colored craft halls. The “Spirit of Christmas” is definitely present here! Also, don’t miss the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Sonora on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

A plethora of Craft & Graphic designers will be featured at this “top rated” West Coast festival ~ a definite Christmas shopping destination for thousands of thoughtful shoppers since 1975. This popular event draws over 10,000 quality craft purchasers and music lovers. As you enter the halls, you will feel wrapped in the season, as you stroll through approximately 150 high caliber artists, displaying and selling their fine wares, and all makers of their own craft & art pieces ~ weaving, Christmas ornaments & decorations, blown, etched, and stained glass, fabricated gold & silver jewelry, watercolors, photography, pottery, folk art, metal work, soaps and lotions, garden art, wooden walking sticks, hand woven baskets, clothing & tie dye, hats, belts & buckles, custom signs, kids toys, pet items, back & health products ~ great holiday shopping!

Among the crafts, the fair has many gourmet food booth as well. Sonora Christmas Festival continues to be one of California’s finest arts festivals. Santa will be there all three days, as well as bounce houses and the Knights Express train! Don’t forget the face painter! Located to the right of the Main Stage, next to Santa.

The popular Doggie Stockings by Tuolumne County Humane Society are back, next to Main Stage.
Sonora Cat Rescue will be seeking homes for rescued kitties.

Live Entertainment (so far):

All Weekend:
Joe Craven (www.joecraven.com)
Mirth & Glee Singers/Carolers
Captain Jack Spareribs (www.pirate4hire.com)

Friday Only:
Sourdough Slim with Robert Armstrong
Little Fuller Band
Katrina & Scotty Comedy Jugglers (www.ComedyIndustries.com)
Hattie & Joe Craven

Saturday Only:
Sourdough Slim & The Saddle Pals
Fun Strummers Ukelele Orchestra (www.funstrummers.com)
Joe Craven & The Sometimers
Jungle Joe Variety Act

Sunday Only:
Sourdough Slim
The Brothers Strong & Co.
Coyote Hill
Hattie & Joe Craven

Just past the second building, nestled among artists of all kinds, are artists of their own, designing foods to nourish not only our bodies, but our souls as well. We have hand picked vendors from all over the state, and strive to provide our clientele with quality food and drinks.

– Road Dog Cafe – Sandwiches – Tri Tip, Chicken, Pork, Sausage – Seafood Chowder, Hot Dogs.
– Old Skool Wood Fired Pizza Pie – Local favorites, these pizzas take the cake… or pie!
– S&B First Cook – Chinese – Rice, Chicken & Beef sticks, Egg Rolls, etc…
– Peppe’s Mexican Meals – Tacos, Burritos, Nachos, etc…
– East Indian Food
– The Chocolate Factory – Serving Chocolate Dipped Goodies – Bacon, Cheesecake, Fruit, Ice Cream, etc…
– Sierra Waldorf School – Serving Beer, Wine, and Drinks of the Season. Come get your Hot Toddy!
– Romaine Enterprises – Kettlecorn, Lemonade
– Le Petite Donut – Mini donuts with your choice of toppings!

Festival Dates, Times, Locations
The 42nd Anniversary of the Sonora Christmas Festival 2016 will begin on Friday, Nov 25 10am to 5pm, Saturday, Nov 26, 10am to 5pm, & Sunday, Nov 27, 10am to 4pm.
Location is Mother Lode Fairgrounds, downtown Sonora, Hwy 49 exit off the bypass.
Address: 220 Southgate Dr, Sonora CA 95370.
Admission: Friday thru Sunday is $8 Adults, $5 Seniors & Students, $2 kids 6 to 12 yrs, under 6 yrs old kids are Free w/ Adult Admission. Parking at the fairgrounds property is $5 Per vehicle.
$1.00 off one admission discount cards are located in most downtown Sonora businesses, county wide motels & restaurants, and are downloadable from our website www.fireonthemountain.com.
Senior admission is already discounted. Shuttle Bus service, compliments of the Black Oak casino are planned, details will be announced on website www.fireonthemountain.com

Info phone during show hours only on Nov 25-27 is 209-743-4202

Canned Food Drive:
On Sunday only – An Extra Special $1 Discount off Adult & Senior Admission will be given for a canned food donation (still edible & in good condition) to the Christmas Can Tree & other organizations.

The 36th Winter Wonderland Christmas Parade, in historic downtown Sonora, will be ready to roll at 5:30pm Friday (Parade details 209-532-7725, www.sonoraca.com/visitsonora/events.htm).