Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

RIVERSIDE--When the clock strikes 6 on Friday evening, Nov. 27, thousands of twinkling lights will flood the historic Mission District. The streets will be closed and shops opened for the Festival of Lights, 6 to 9 p.m. Look for carolers, food vendors, entertainment and Santa. Free. (909) 781-7335.

GRASS VALLEY--Dress as a turn-of-the-century miner hailing from Cornwall, England, and you’ll fit right in at the Cornish Christmas. There will be costumed vendors, a music contest, carolers and carriage rides. Mill and West Main streets. Friday, Nov. 27, 5-9 p.m. Also Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Free. (530) 272-8315.

SOLVANG--This Danish village will celebrate its annual Winterfest beginning Friday, Nov. 27 to Dec. 20. Opening-day activities include folk dancing from 2 to 4 p.m., visits from Santa (1-2 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.) and a tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. More than 100 creches will be on display through Sunday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 28, the Village Folk Dancers, from chapters all over California, will keep toes tapping from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Copenhagen Avenue. Call for schedule of upcoming Winterfest activities. Free. (805) 688-6144.

COTTONWOOD--Old-Fashioned Days is a tribute to this community, home to cottonwood trees and what’s claimed to be the largest livestock auction yard west of the Rockies. Merchants offer refreshments and good cheer on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa holds court from noon to 3:30 p.m. An art auction begins at 4 p.m., followed by a tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Free. (530) 347-6800.

OAKDALE--Giddy-up to the Cowboy Capital of the World for the annual Cowboy Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 5. Even Santa will arrive on horseback. Pony rides, arts and crafts and a passel of other attractions are planned. Noon-6 p.m. Where California 120 meets California 108. Free. (209) 847-2244.