For Parking Maps and Activity Map of Downtown Grass Valley during Cornish Christmas scroll towards the bottom of the page.  During the days of the event, if we are not in the office we are setting up the event: Call 530-798-9690

Recapture the spirit of Christmas past amid the charming surroundings of historic downtown Grass Valley, California during the annual Cornish Christmas Celebration.  Started in 1967 as a way to preserve Grass Valley’s Cornish heritage and holiday traditions, Cornish Christmas remains one of our most popular events. Mill and West Main Streets are closed to motorized traffic and filled with the sights and sounds of an old fashioned Christmas; carolers, jugglers, musicians, magicians, the Grass Valley Cornish Carol Choir, Tommyknocker Cloggers and of course, Santa Claus. Handmade arts and craft from artists throughout California are displayed on our historic downtown Grass Valley streets. Delicious food and drink can be purchased from a number of Grass Valley restaurants and specialty food vendors.

 

Pause at the steps of the historic Union Building as the Cornish Carol Choir performs traditional homeland Christmas carols. A long-standing Cornish tradition, some members are actually descendants of original Grass Valley Cornish Miners.  Enjoy the wide selection of holiday music offered by local Grass Valley musicians amongst the trappings of an historic gold rush town. Imagine life in another era where men and women worked hard, had little, but cherished the simple pleasures of hearty food and drink, a good song, and a warm fire with family and friends.

 

 

 

At the Grass Valley Cornish Christmas you’ll see kids and adults dressed in period costumes while you discover one of California’s best kept secrets as you shop the amazing collection of merchants that call downtown Grass Valley their home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dine in one of the many world-class restaurants found in downtown Grass Valley. Sample local wines at one of three wine tasting rooms in downtown Grass Valley or just enjoy the simple pleasures of chestnuts roasted on an open fire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cornish Christmas celebration is truly an overload of the senses. Stroll down the bustling historic downtown Grass Valley streets as Christmas music fills the air. Hear young and old alike play their rendition your favorite holiday tunes as buildings dressed in Christmas lights sparkle in the December night air. Smell the aroma of your favorite dish while you browse the multitude of gifts and decorations made by some of California’s best crafters and artisans

 

 

 

Activities and spots to see:

• Santa will take up residence at Three Lilies Photography
• Mrs. Clause and elves will be handing out candy canes throughout the area
• Cornish Cousin history booth by The Union steps
• Annual Downtown merchant ornament and Cornish Christmas button at Foothill Mercantile.
• Kids’ crafts at the Artists Workshop and the Holbrooke Hotel
• Holbrooke Hotel will host a fire pit and ac tivity to be announced.
• Letters to Santa that receive a reply at Tofanelli’s Gold Country Bistro
• Bounce house will be a part of the festivities on Main Street
• Chestnuts by Cecil Snow of Snowden drafting on Main Street across from Foothill Flowers
• Fire pit by Old Town Cafe and at top of Main by the Holbrooke Hotel
• Toys For Tots will be taking donations at the Clocktower at the Marine Corps Booth
• Cornish Connection at M3Mall includes free gift wrapping, Cornish Trivia, and Cornish King and Queen photo opportunities & Salvation Army Red Kettle
• Mulled wine at Lucchesi Winery, Avanguardia and Cork 49
• Face Painting and Balloons on Mill street
• Kano police dog ornaments for sale at the GVDA booth at Clocktower on Mill and Main/ a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Rüdiger Foundation

Public bathrooms will be at the Elizabeth Daniels Park-125 Neal -Street.   

 

 

2019 Sponsors 

Thank you for your time and donations! We can only do this event with your help!

Click on their logos for links to their websites.  Help support these businesses who support us in producing free community events

 

Title Sponsor, the City of Grass Valley