Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SUTTER CREEK--Saunter along the wooden walkways of this historic five-block town during the Currier and Ives Christmas Open House. Nibble on free refreshments and visit street vendors and shops while carolers, bell choirs and children’s groups perform holiday tunes. Dec. 4, 6-9 p.m.; Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (209) 267-1344.

FORT BRAGG--Townsfolk string lights on every type of vehicle imaginable--from semitrucks to lawn mowers--for the annual Hometown Christmas/Lighted Truck Parade. Beginning at 6 p.m., Dec. 5, hear Christmas carols and see the lighting of the official Christmas tree, followed by the parade at 7 p.m. Free. (800) 726-2780.

VICTORVILLE--Share “The Magic of Christmas,” the theme of this desert community’s Children’s Holiday Parade, on Dec. 5. The floats, bands and horses will travel down 7th Street, from Plaza Drive to B Street, beginning at 10 a.m. Free. (760) 245-6506.

INDIO--Stock up on tamales, a holiday tradition for many Southern Californians, at the 7th International Tamale Festival. About 60 vendors will sell traditional tamales, plus gourmet versions with dates and blueberry cream cheese. Festivities in Old Town include arts and crafts and entertainment, Dec. 5-6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. Free. (760) 342-6532.

LONE PINE--This town with rugged rock formations, a film location for many Hollywood westerns, is also the locale of the Old-Fashioned Main Street Christmas Parade, at 1 p.m. Dec. 12. This year the theme is “Christmas Through the Eyes of Children.” Horses, tractors, community groups will parade down Main Street. Free. (760) 876-4444.