Christmas in McCloud fills the old mill town at the foot of Mount Shasta over three December weekends in 2026: Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5; December 11 and 12; and December 18 and 19. Once called Winterfest, it is a Victorian-style holiday celebration with carriage rides, Santa, carolers and a tree lighting, with details through the McCloud Chamber of Commerce.
Packing for slow mornings? The Vibes Valuta Winter Drop is six pieces in soft neutrals, embroidered in old gold thread: a ringer tee, rib tank, crew and pant, plus a yoga mat and bottle.
Banner: McCloud Chamber of Commerce, via Discover Siskiyou.
When is Christmas in McCloud?
The Discover Siskiyou listing gives three weekends for 2026:
Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5
Friday and Saturday, December 11 and 12
Friday and Saturday, December 18 and 19
Daily times and which activities fall on which weekend aren't posted yet. Watch the chamber's Vintage Christmas page or call 530-964-3113.
Where is it and how do you get there from Etna?
Most of the celebration is in downtown McCloud. From Blossom it is about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Go over Gazelle: Gazelle-Callahan Road from Callahan to Gazelle, then on to McCloud. It's only a touch longer, but you see gorgeous land and Lovers Leap rock, and it's a nice cell-phone-free drive (there's no service). Come home through Yreka on I-5 and Highway 3. December sunset is about 4:40 PM, so this is a daytime trip: arrive by late morning and start home by about 3:00. If you stay for an evening tree lighting, the drive home will be after dark, so go with someone, stay on the main highways, take it slow for deer and check Caltrans QuickMap for snow and chain controls.
What should you know before you go?
What's on: carriage rides, cookie decorating, face painting, balloon art and magicians, ornament making and rock painting, house and church tours, craft bazaars, carolers and choirs, and a tree lighting.
Santa: visit him in downtown McCloud, and write him a letter. Each letter earns a donation to a children's wish charity.
Special meals: a Victorian tea in town and character breakfasts with Santa, Frosty and the Grinch. These usually need reservations, so check ahead.
Prices: not posted yet. Some activities may be free and some ticketed.
Pack for snow: McCloud sits high on the mountain's south side. Carry chains, warm boots and layers.
Plan a December weekend
See every holiday weekend on our full events calendar.
Blossom Sanctuary is a private house in Etna for up to four adults or a family of up to six, children and infants welcome. Spend the day in McCloud and come home to the wood stove. See open dates and prices.
