Winter in the parks. Holly's favorite time of year is quieter, with fewer visitors, a little fall color still hanging on and snow among the sequoias. Snow in the Sierra is unpredictable, so check the weather, dress in layers and find out whether you'll need tire chains before you go.

Snowshoeing. Ranger-led snowshoe programs run in Grant Grove and at the Giant Forest Museum once there are at least eight inches of snow on the ground. Call a visitor center ahead of time to see if they're running.

Pear Lake Winter Hut. Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the parks' nonprofit partner, offers the Pear Lake Winter Hut experience with a ranger on site. It tends to sell out fast, and reservations are expected to open November 12.

Winter camping. Azalea Campground in Grant Grove and Potwisha in the foothills stay open year-round, and Potwisha rarely sees snow. One loop at Lodgepole stays open a little longer, likely closing in November or early December.

Visalia goes all out. Ballpark Lights at Rawhide Stadium runs from Thanksgiving weekend past New Year's with light displays, a European-style market and private igloos for families. The 80th Candy Cane Lane Parade, billed as the largest nighttime parade in the Central Valley, rolls on November 30 with an eighties theme. Downtown, twinkly lights line Main Street and families can window-shop with a hot chocolate.

Kaweah Oaks Preserve holiday market. Sequoia Riverlands Trust hosts a holiday market December 4-6 under the lit-up oaks, with fire pits for s'mores and a train ride through the trees.

Experience Exeter. Shannon shares Exeter's small-town charm: Just Dough With It for a sweet tooth, Stafford's for chocolate and coffee on the couches, Exeter Raceway & Hobbies, murals with hidden artwork and little hidden gems all over town. Chamber gift certificates work at most local merchants, and Book Garden on Pine Street is the place for a good book.

Christmas Thursdays in Exeter. December 3, 10 and 17 from 5 to 8 PM, downtown businesses decorate their windows, fire trucks give rides and Santa is there for photos. Santa also visits the Exeter farmers market on November 18, and the market runs through November 25.

North Pole Market. On December 12 the International Agri-Center in Tulare hosts more than 150 local makers, cozy eats, live music, Santa and a letter-writing station.

Gifts that give back. Sequoia Parks Conservancy's shop is 25% off through December 31, with maps, books and sweatshirts that support the parks. Crystal Cave tours have ended for the 2026 season and are expected to return in late spring 2027.

Christmas Bird Count and sandhill cranes. The Christmas Bird Count is December 19, with an early start for owls and the rest of the day open to join. Suzanne suggests making a birding weekend of it with a visit to Pixley Wildlife Refuge for the winter sandhill cranes.

Trek to the Nation's Christmas Tree. December 13 at the General Grant Tree in Grant Grove, the nation's Christmas tree and a dedicated living shrine to service members who gave their lives for the country.

Cozy holiday weekends. Shannon's wish list is a blanket, hot chocolate and a good book, plus chocolate meringue pie. Suzanne looks forward to family cookie recipes and the Marriott's gingerbread house contest, and Holly takes visiting friends and family to the big sights in the parks and warms up with soup after a winter hike. Lisa wants the æbleskivers at Valhalla and a stop at the Vintage Press.

November 12: Pear Lake Winter Hut reservations expected to open

November 18: Santa at the Exeter farmers market

November 25: Last Exeter farmers market of the season

November 30: 80th Candy Cane Lane Parade, Visalia

December 3, 10 and 17: Christmas Thursdays in downtown Exeter, 5-8 PM

December 4-6: Holiday market at Kaweah Oaks Preserve

December 12: North Pole Market, International Agri-Center, Tulare

December 13: Trek to the Nation's Christmas Tree, General Grant Tree

December 19: Christmas Bird Count

Through December 31: 25% off at the Sequoia Parks Conservancy shop