Holiday magic rolls down Main Street this weekend
Get ready to kick off the holiday season in style as the 11th annual Winters Holiday Tractor Parade and Festival returns this weekend, bringing festive lights, small-town charm and plenty of cheer to downtown Winters.
The beloved two-day celebration, set for Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6, promises to once again light up the streets and the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Thousands are expected to flock to Winters to take in the glow of decked-out tractors, enjoy seasonal treats and soak up the community spirit that makes this event a regional favorite.
This year’s festival is once again a collaboration between the city
of Winters and Bay Area Pop-Up Events, who have teamed up to create a fun, safe and family-friendly weekend experience. From festive vendors to holiday activities, organizers say the goal is to make it easy for families to relax, celebrate and enjoy the start of the season.
Full event details — including schedules, parking information and tips for planning your visit — can be found at winterstractorparade.com and discoverwinters.com/holidays.
Friday, Dec. 5 Winters Wonderland
The festivities start on Friday, Dec. 5, with the fourth annual Elf Hunt and Cocoa Crawl, a delightful scavenger hunt through par-
ticipating downtown businesses.
Armed with an Elf Hunt passport, visitors will embark on a quest to track down mischievous elves hiding throughout town while sipping on delicious cocoa samples.
While elf hunters scour the shops, Rotary Park transforms into a bustling Holiday Marketplace, offering unique gifts, local crafts, and plenty of seasonal cheer. At the Gazebo, Winters High School bands will perform for the crowd with holiday classics, filling the crisp evening air with festive tunes.
And don’t miss the big moment — the Winters Mayor will lead the countdown for the Winters Tree Lighting Ceremony, illuminating the town’s magnificent tree with over 6,000 twinkling lights. It’s a
sight that brings gasps and cheers from locals and visitors alike. And, Santa and his friends will be at the Gazebo to greet local children.
Road closures
For the Winters Wonderland event on Friday, Main Street will be closed between Elliott Street and First Street. Railroad Avenue will be closed between Abbey Street and Russell Street. According to Steven Restivo, event coordinator, the roads will be closed from 1 to 10 p.m. The Railroad Avenue and Main Street intersection will reopen when it is safe for pedestrians to cross safely unassisted.
See EVENT, Page T3
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pedestrians to cross safely unassisted.
Schedule of events
Holiday Market Place, Rotary Park and Main Street (Elliot Street to Second Street)
From 4 to 9 p.m. enjoy food vendors and food trucks featuring a variety of cuisines, the Holiday Marketplace with more holiday-themed exhibitors.
Friday is the fifth annual Winters Wonderland Elf Hunt and Cocoa Crawl from 4 to 7 p.m. First, check-in at the Winters Collective (41 Main St.) to grab a Cocoa Crawl Passport. Get ready to explore downtown Winters to discover hidden elves and sample hot cocoa at multiple local businesses.
Back at Rotary Park, from 5 to 5:45 p.m., the WHS bands will perform at the Gazebo. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 6 p.m.
Families can attend a meet-and-greet with Santa and friends at the Gazebo immediately following the Tree Lighting Ceremony from 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Holiday Tractor Parade
On Saturday, the fun con-
tinues with the Holiday Marketplace and food vendors returning to Rotary Park, setting the stage for the main event — the Winters Holiday Tractor Parade.
This dazzling spectacle pays homage to Winters’ rich agricultural heritage, as tractors adorned with thousands of sparkling lights roll down Main Street. From glowing reindeer to shimmering snow machines, the creativity and holiday spirit of the community are on full display.
Fan favorites like the Turkovich Family Wines and Yolo Ballooning Adventures’s flame-breathing display, the Grinch’s hilarious antics, and the whimsical floating “reindoor” from Mariani Nut Company are back to delight crowds
of all ages. Santa himself is expected to make a grand appearance, waving merrily from a decked-out tractor sleigh.
Road closures/detours
For Saturday’s Tractor Parade, Main Street from Cody Street to Morgan Street and Morgan Street to E. Baker Street and all cross streets will be closed. A detour for north/south traffic will be open on Fourth Street to facilitate traffic between Russell and Abbey Streets. This intersection will close just before the start of the parade. All north/south streets will be closed to through traffic until after the parade and cleanup has finished.
Main Street will be closed between Haven Street and Grant Avenue from 3 to 5:45 p.m. for parade staging, and
will open up following the end of the parade.
From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Main Street will be closed between Elliot and First Streets, and Railroad Avenue will be closed between Abbey and Russell Streets.
From 3 to 9 p.m., Main Street and E. Main Street will be closed from Haven to Morgan Streets. Morgan Street will be closed from E. Main Street to E. Baker Street for the parade and dispersal.
Fourth Street will remain open until 5:45 p.m. for cross-traffic to flow across town during the staging portion before the parade.
On Saturday, Winters Police Chief John P. Miller said there will be a detour for north/south traffic on Fourth Street to facilitate traffic between Russell and Abbey Streets. This intersection will close at the beginning of the parade. All other north/south streets will be closed to through traffic until after the parade and cleanup have finished.
Because of the limited parking, narrow streets, and single detour, it is highly recommended the public visiting from outside Winters enter the downtown core from Grant Avenue (Highway 128) and not from Putah Creek Road.
Exit route options include:
• Grant Avenue (Highway 128) to I-505. Expect delays
of up to an hour to exit this route.
• Northbound Railroad Avenue (County Road 89) to County Road 29A to I-505. It is highly recommended that vehicles parked north of Grant Avenue and west of Railroad Avenue consider this alternate exit route.
• Grant Avenue (Highway 128) to Pleasants Valley Road
If parked south of Main Street, the only exit is southbound to Putah Creek Road, as all north/south cross streets will be closed until after the parade and cleanup.
The lights at the intersection at Grant and Railroad Avenues will be set to flashing red, and traffic control will be established by law enforcement officials. All other controlled intersections on Grant Avenue (Hwy. 128) will remain functioning as normal.
Whether you’re sipping cocoa, hunting for elves, or marveling at Rudolph leading a team of flying reindeer, the Winters Holiday Tractor Parade and Festival is a holiday tradition that captures the heart of the season.
Bundle up, grab your loved ones, and head to downtown Main Street this weekend for a festive celebration you won’t forget. You won’t just see tractors — you’ll experience the magic of the Winters community.
Logan Chrisp/Winters Express
A fan favorite, Rudolph and Santa’s reindeer crew delight the crowd as they seem to soar down Main Street during the Winters Holiday Tractor Parade.
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First responders deliver holiday magic beyond the call
By Angela Underwood Express correspondent
Saving lives is not just physi cal.
The Winters Police and Fire Departments prove that, be yond immediate danger, there are times of the year when the two groups serve the spiritual side of life. If it were not for the police and fire, many Winters families would do without.
That is when the agencies step up, transforming their depart ments into holiday hubs of fun and presents. Just like any annual holiday event, the police and fire officials began the annual philan thropy a while back.
“(We started) Shop with a Cop about five years ago,” Police Chief John P. Miller said, adding the Winters Police Officers Associ ation now oversees the 501(c)(5) since they are better suited to han dle donations.
Leave it to Chief Miller to make his program unique from any other.
“We are quite proud of our ‘twist’ to have them shop for their parents and siblings,” Miller said. “I think that makes it unique and helps reinforce some valuable lessons.”
Humbly, the chief adds, “although I lit the spark, officers and Community Services Officers have stepped up since to see it through See GIFTS, Page 14
Courtesy photo
Winters Fire Department crew and volunteers hand out gifts to families and treat them to sweet treats and warm beverages at the station.
Courtesy photo Winters Police Department officers and volunteers work together to wrap gifts that children picked out for their family members.
‘Tis the season for cookie swaps, gifts and gatherings
Special to the Express
The holidays are synonymous with family, friends, and festive gatherings. It’s also peak cookie season — when kitchens everywhere fill with the scent of sugar, spice, and oven-fresh joy. One of the most delightful ways to share that joy is with a cookie swap, where friends and family exchange their homemade creations. It’s an easy, cozy tradition that spreads cheer, encourages creativity, and builds a diverse cookie stash without baking a dozen different varieties yourself.
This year, mix up your go-to lineup with fun twists on classic favorites, plus giftable recipes that travel well and wow at first bite.
Why host a cookie swap?
A cookie swap is more than just a get-together — it’s a celebration of community. Participants show off their signature treats, discover new recipes, and go home with an assortment of cookies perfect for gifting, snacking, or holiday entertaining. It’s also an excellent excuse to gather loved ones for an afternoon of laughter, sweetness, and warm beverages.
Tips for a festive cookie exchange
Set the guidelines: Ask each guest to bring a set number of cookies — a dozen per person typically works well. Encourage festive but practical packaging such as tins, bakery boxes, or clear bags for easy swapping. Create a cookie display: Dedicate a table for arranging cookies. Add light décor — garland, twinkle lights, recipe cards, and allergen notes — to make the spread feel inviting and organized.
Prep for take-home treats: Provide boxes, reusable containers, or gallon-sized bags for guests to pack up their cookie haul. Include plates and light snacks so everyone can sample treats during the event. Set the mood:
Soft music, warm lighting, seasonal décor, and a beverage station with milk, tea, coffee, or hot cocoa all help create a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Cookie lineup inspiration
Whether you’re hosting, attending, or preparing edible gifts, these recipes from Lines+Angles offer crowd-pleasing flavors with a seasonal twist.
Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Soft, chewy, and studded with tart dried cranberries. Makes approximately 16 to 18 cookies
Ingredients:
3/4 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 small eggs 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
4 cups rolled oats
1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Melt the butter in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Once melted, pour into a large bowl and add the brown sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla, and continue to mix until incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, spices, and oats. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and
mix well. Add cranberries and stir until thoroughly incorporated. Drop scant tablespoons of the batter onto the cookie sheet, spaced apart. Press down slightly in the centers.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and set. Remove from the oven and let cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before moving to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Chocolate Star Cookies
Deep-cocoa cutouts perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles.
Makes 4 dozen
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1/2 cup Dutch processed cocoa powder, unsweetened
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg white
1 pinch cream of tartar
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions:
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Beat butter and sugar in a separate bowl with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 2
minutes, then beat in yolk and vanilla. On low speed, beat in flour mixture just until a dough forms. Divide dough in half, flatten each piece into a disc, and chill wrapped in plastic wrap until firm, 2–3 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out 1 piece of dough between parchment sheets into a 14-by-10-inch rectangle (1/8-inch thick). Cut out as many stars as possible, reserving and chilling scraps. Transfer cookies to baking sheet, 1/2-inch apart.
Bake until firm and slightly puffed, about 10 minutes. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Reroll scraps only once.
For icing, beat egg white and cream of tartar until foamy. Sift in half the sugar and beat until smooth, 1–2 minutes. Gradually add remaining sugar and beat on high until icing is thick but pipeable. Pipe onto cookies and decorate before icing hardens.
Ginger Cookies
Classic, warmly spiced, and irresistibly soft.
Makes 48 cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup shortening 1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground
cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Granulated sugar, for rolling
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly grease baking sheet. In a large bowl, beat brown sugar, shortening, molasses, and egg until light and fluffy. Stir in remaining ingredients except granulated sugar. Shape dough by rounded teaspoonfuls into balls. Dip tops into granulated sugar and place 3 inches apart on cookie sheet.
Bake 10–12 minutes until just set. Remove immediately to wire rack to cool.
Tip: Spray measuring cup with cooking spray before measuring molasses to prevent sticking.
Iced Cinnamon Star Cookies
Almond-flour stars with a cinnamon kick and sweet, glossy icing.
Makes 24 servings
Ingredients (cookies):
2 1/2 cups almond flour
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients (icing):
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk, more if needed 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Whisk almond flour, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add egg whites and vanilla and mix to soft dough. Wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 300 F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough 1/3-inch thick, cut out stars with 3-inch cutter, transfer to cookie sheet.
Bake 12–15 minutes until edges lightly golden. Cool
ABOVE: The Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies feature sweet and salty twists with a traditional peanut butter cookie. LEFT: Iced Cinnamon Star Cookies use almond flour and a sweet icing..
5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to wire racks. Mix icing ingredients, adjusting milk to reach desired consistency. Once cookies are fully cooled, spoon or pipe icing onto stars. Let set 6–8 hours before packaging or gifting.
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
Fun, whimsical, and perfect for gifting. Makes 48 cookies Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup peanut butter 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1-inch broken pretzel pieces (as many needed for each cookie)
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, ~2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir into wet ingredients. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, at least 1 inch apart on cookie sheet. Refrigerate dough between batches. Bake 7–9 minutes until just set. Immediately press 1 M&M in the center (nose), 2 mini chocolate chips for eyes, and 2 pretzel pieces for antlers. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Courtesy photos
Courtesy photo
Soft, spiced, and rolled in sugar, these Ginger Cookies are perfect for swapping, gifting, or enjoying with a warm drink this holiday season.
and keep it going.
Miller pointed out particular department elves, including CSO Andrea Gonzalez, Officer Gordon Brown, and former Officer Brandon Kenney, among others.
Seeing through the chief’s eyes makes the holiday sentiment even sweeter.
“We have never had a kid act even remotely upset, and to see them genuinely give thought, care, and concern in their gift selection for their parents and siblings, then to see them light up when they receive their unexpected gift is heartwarming,” Miller said.
According to Fire Captain Cheyne Baumgart, Winters Fire Department’s
tradition dates back decades, beginning in 1985 under the name Toys for Tots, directed by Fire Chief Vernon Bruhn.
“At the start of the program, presents were delivered to families in the old Grass 3 rig, and Winters Fire Department put together a parade float consisting of a big rocking horse with a teddy bear riding it to raise money,” Baumgart said.
“Over the years, the program has changed to adapt to the needs and wants of families, but the ideal and mission are still the same. Help our community members who are in need,” the fire captain added.
The Winters Fire Department opted for a straightforward rebrand with “Gifts For Kids,” a program sponsored and man-
aged by the Winters Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Baumgart said the nonprofit organization, made up of career staff and volunteers, “assists members of our immediate community with address requirements, keeping the benefits of this program here in town.”
“We try to make the experience personal to each family, with gifts being fully wrapped, after being selected for each child, and name tags printed on each gift on a custom-made sticker,” the fire captain added. “These are the little details that make us so proud of the program.”
The fire department uses the group RISE, Inc. to identify families within Winters who could use a little extra help around this
time of year.
“RISE helps us get information about the children included in these families, like their interests, favorite colors, and shoe and jacket sizes,” Baumgart said, adding the list goes to Santa, who then provides brand new wrapped gifts to the families the week before Christmas with a gift handout.
Miller points out that RISE also recommends two adopted families to the police department each year. But the police do things a little differently. While Baumgart said gifts are handed at the family’s door with hot chocolate and doughnuts by fire officials and volunteers, law enforcement switches things up.
“Our Shop with a Cop differs from other similarly titled programs in that we take the kids shopping for their parents and siblings, not shopping for the kids themselves,” Miller said.
“We think this is important to reinforce the significance of the holiday and season of giving.”
After shopping, the fun begins.
“We then have a wrapping and pizza party,” Miller said, referring to the gifts also provided by Vacaville Target. “However, we ‘secretly’ go back and get the kids their gifts and deliver those gifts the day before Christmas.”
to invite members of the community to our house at Station 26,” Baumgart said.
Gifts get handed out while families enjoy morning refreshments and snacks with Santa, who is always up for a picture with Winters’ smallest residents. Every year brings new memories and connections.
Miller said two families stand out in his memory.
“One family lost everything in a house fire, and a child in another family suffered a medical condition,” Miller said. “Both families welcomed us into their homes, and the children were so thoughtful and humble, often shopping for their parents and siblings for basic items like special ‘smelly’ shampoo.”
That Christmas connection is felt all year through, according to the chief.
nual popcorn and hot chocolate tent provided at the Christmas Tree Lighting and the boots that follow the department’s tractor through the parade.
“Both new toys and monetary donations keep the tradition alive,” Baumgart said, adding, “They are the biggest fundraising events we have that solely support our GFK Program.”
The fire captain said some may have noticed changes in the application process over the last two years.
“Our goal was to make the greatest impact on our community members who needed help most,” Baumgart said. “We are now co-hosting this event with our partners at RISE.”
The fire captain added, “This year, families have already been selected; however, anyone with an interest in applying to the program in the future should contact RISE.”
The fire department also makes the experience special.
“One of the favorite memories of this program that all of us in the department share is the gift handout, and how we got
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“We have seen them in the community since, and there has been a lasting impact and connection,” Miller said.
The everyday connection is key, according to the fire captain, noting the never-ending giving happens at the department’s an-
This year, the Baumgart said county resources include Toys for Tots and information on other programs that can assist families for the holidays.
Courtesy photo
Winters Police officers and cadets deliver the gifts.
Sweet treats for your holiday events
Toffee
Combine flour, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa, and baking soda. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350 F for 12–15 minutes or until set. Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in 3/4 cup toffee bits. Pour over crust and bake 18–22 minutes until the center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining toffee bits. Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
Christmas Tree Cake Pops
Makes 24 cake pops
Ingredients:
1 box vanilla cake mix 3/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp milk
3 1/2 cups green candy melts 24 cake pop sticks
Icing dots and stars for decoration Directions: Prepare cake according to package instructions, adding 3/4 cup canola oil. Once cool, crumble cake into a large mixing bowl. Beat butter, sugar, vanilla, and milk until light and fluffy (about 4 minutes). Mix 3/4 of frosting into cake crumbs until the mixture can hold together. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Shape cake mixture into 24 conical tree shapes. Melt candy melts. Dip one end of each stick into chocolate before inserting into cake pop. Dip cake pops into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
Decorate with icing dots and stars. Stand upright to dry completely. These two desserts offer a mix of creamy indulgence and playful holiday fun—perfect for sharing with loved ones during festive gatherings.
Courtesy photo
