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Community Corner

Yuletide in the Foothills

Nevada County's old-fashioned Christmas festivals are a throwback to simpler times.

As the holidays approach, you might be feeling a bit anxious.

Maybe it’s because the gifts still need wrapping.  Or perhaps you’re dreading another trip through swarms of week-before-Christmas traffic.

Relax, my friend.  Elk Grove Patch has a plan to ditch your inner Scrooge and celebrate the less commercial side of the season. 

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Head for Nevada County, where two of the region’s historic Gold Country towns each host old-fashioned Christmas street fairs.  Located in Grass Valley and Nevada City on Highway 49, the festivals—like Elk Grove's Dickens Faire—are less Old West and more Old England, perfect for those who missed the Dickens Faire or are hankering for another dose of nostalgia. Get ready for street performers in top hats and frock coats, local artisans selling homemade wares and plenty of seasonal food and drink (think roasted chestnuts and mulled wine).

All you need is some holiday spirit and a good pair of walking shoes.  We’ve got your guide to Nevada County’s old-timey Christmas right here.

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Cornish Christmas

Friday nights until Dec. 23, 6 PM to 9 PM, in downtown Grass Valley.

What’s so Cornish about this Christmas?  During the Gold Rush, English miners from Cornwall immigrated to Grass Valley to work in the mines here.  Starting in the late 1960s, the town has celebrated its 19th-century roots with an English-themed street party in December.

The best place to start is at Mill and Neal Streets.  Take a moment to gaze up at the Del Oro Theater, one of the oldest movie houses in California, before heading north up Mill Street.  You might hear bagpipers playing somewhere in the crowd or catch a glimpse of Santa.

Keep strolling along Mill Street.  Stop at Union Square Restaurant if the Cornish Carol Choir is performing.  Talk about historic—the Choir was formed in the 1870s.  Some of the current carolers are descendants of Grass Valley’s first Cornish miners.

By now, you might be feeling a little thirsty.  Look for booths selling hot cider and mulled wine along the street.  Need something sweeter instead?  Drop into Confectionately Yours, a candy shop across the street from Union Square, and try some holiday fudge.

Back on the street, try browsing some of the many artisan craft booths lining Mill and E. Main Streets.  If you hear wooden shoes pounding the pavement, the Tommyknocker Cloggers might be performing just around the corner.  Take a moment and watch them stomp in their holiday costumes.

Watching clogging probably made you hungry. Time to eat, but where? Grass Valley’s downtown has plenty of gourmet restaurants, but this is Cornish Christmas and you want something, well, Cornish.  Follow E. Main Street to South Auburn Street and visit Cousin Jack’s Pasties at what the town calls the Most Cornish Spot in America.  A “Cousin Jack” was slang for a Cornish miner, whose favorite meal was the piping-hot pasty—basically a Cornish homemade Hot Pocket.  Get two of the turkey pasties and call it a day because you’ll be stuffed.

Victorian Christmas

Sunday, Dec. 18, 1:30 PM to 6 PM; Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 5 PM to 9 PM; both events are in downtown Nevada City.

Any fan of “A Christmas Carol” would recognize the gaslights and the horse-drawn carriages.  But the setting isn’t 19th-century London.  It’s the historic foothill town of Nevada City, just ten minutes north of Grass Valley on Highway 49.

Similar to Cornish Christmas, Nevada City’s street fair is packed with costumed street minstrels and craft booths.  You might pick up a distinctly quirky vibe in this town—Nevada City is famous for its bohemian characters ambling down the street.

If you’re truly feeling the Christmas spirit, heed these Victorian clothing tips  from the festival committee and get spiffed up like Oliver Twist. Once in town, start at the National Hotel on Broad Street nearest Highway 49. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this Old West saloon and hotel is where carriages line up for romantic tours of Nevada City.

Keep walking up Broad Street past the homemade craft booths and wave to Cecil Snow, who dresses up every year as a chimney sweep. He’ll be roasting chestnuts over (what else) an open fire if you’re hungry.

What, you already finished those chestnuts? Hey, you’ve been good this Christmas, so pop into the Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe on the corner of Broad and South Pine Street. Grab some fudge if you didn’t get enough in Grass Valley and wander back out onto the street. 

Heading uphill on Broad, check out the costumed storytellers and note their dapper clothes.  Chances are they’re wearing a top hat from The Hat Shop on Broad, so head inside and find a festive topper that would make Abe Lincoln proud.

Wait, Abe Lincoln just passed by outside. Must be the Marching Presidents of the Victorian Era parading down Broad.  After they pass, cross the street and duck into the Tanglewood Forest.  A Nevada City institution, this magical gift shop is filled with handmade Christmas elves and fairies dangling from a sprawling manzanita tree inside the store. 

By now, the festival is winding down and it’s time to head home.  Pack in those Victorian clothes, the top hats and the chestnuts—and keep that old-timey cheer until the New Year.

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