California Corner

DESERT HOT SPRINGS--Santa Claus will stop in the desert Dec. 9 for the Christmas Parade. Kids can visit with him during the awards ceremony after the parade. Palm Drive. 11 a.m. Free. (800) 346-3347.

COLOMA--Old-fashioned holiday traditions at the Christmas in Coloma celebration Dec. 10 will include music; demonstrations of quilting, spinning and pioneer cooking; carriage rides; and children’s games. There will also be tours of the historic town. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, California Highway 49. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Parking $5 per vehicle. (530) 622-3470.

OXNARD--Hometown Holidays, Dec. 9-10, will feature the 35th annual Parade of Lights and Victorian Holiday House Tours. The boat parade gets underway at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 in Channel Islands Harbor. The house tours ($8) will take place at Heritage Square, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. (800) 269-6273.

SAN FRANCISCO--Tours of a historic ship, caroling, hot cider and a visit from Santa will be among the holiday festivities Dec. 9-10 at the Hyde Street Pier. The Old-Time Maritime Christmas on Dec. 9 is geared more to adults; the Christmas at Sea on Dec. 10 includes holiday crafts for kids. San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, Hyde Street Pier. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 9; 2-4:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Admission $5; free for 12 and under. (415) 561-6662.

NEVADA CITY--Brass bands, hayrides, food and vendors will fill the downtown historic district Dec. 13, 17 and 20. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20; 1-5 p.m. Dec. 17. Free. (800) 655-6569.

Schenden’s e-mail address is [email protected].