On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson learns about a few jolly ways to enjoy the holidays in the Golden State, from embracing the snowy vibes of the High Sierra to taking in the sparkling lights—and sparkling wines—of Sonoma County.
First, Johnson talks to Sonoma Magazine Dining Editor Heather Irwin, who highlights four distinctive towns that boast all sorts of holiday fun. In Santa Rosa, for instance, visitors can skate on Snoopy's Home Ice and then nosh on a seasonal favorite: tamales. Healdsburg, on the other hand, is a fantastic place to shop for hard-to-please people on your list and Petaluma is a Mayberry-like city that features abundant craft fairs and festive decorations.
Next, Johnson connects with Vincenzo Giammanco, who is bringing actual snow—and more than one million twinkling lights—to Ventura and Del Mar. The producer of the Snow n Glow Holiday Festival says 70-degree temps and sunshine won't melt the fun, so visitors can enjoy traditional winter activities like snow tubing and sledding, and they can even reserve a private igloo.
Finally, Johnson chats with Brendan Madigan, who owns the Tahoe City outfitter Alpenglow Sports. Madigan notes that though downhill skiing and snowboarding reign supreme in the region, there are plenty of other activities to consider—from window shopping in quaint villages to snowshoeing in the back country.
California Theme Parks Summer 2024
The Beach Boys: Fun, Fun, Fun
Exploring Tuolumne County
A Local’s Guide to Orange County
Discovering Lake County
Ways to Play in California
Local’s Guide to Marin County
Margaret Cho’s Iconic California
Samin Nosrat’s California Love
Locals Guide to San Jose
3 Award-Winning California Authors
Insider’s Guide to Inyo County
Exploring San Luis Obispo County
Humboldt County Travel Guide
Discover Yolo County
Antonia Lofaso’s L.A. Guide
Exploring San Francisco’s Neighborhoods
California Theme Parks Summer 2023
Canadians in California
Exploring Ventura County
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Modern West
Concrete Pastures Podcast
The Atlas Obscura Podcast
Travel with Rick Steves
Frequent Miler on the Air
پادکست رادیو ماجرا