The annual Mad Hatter Holiday Festival, Parade & Tree Lighting in Vallejo, California, scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2024, returns with several new attractions designed to enhance its whimsical holiday experience. Known as California's most whimsical holiday happening, the event transforms the city's historic downtown into an enchanting wonderland with activities for all ages. This year's festival introduces The Queen's Court, which will host costume contests and feature designated Queens for Wonderland, alongside live music, dancing groups, and holiday vendors stationed near a lighted inflatable Unicorn Park.
The Festival Plaza will serve as a central hub, offering holiday craft vendors and popular food trucks from around the Bay Area, with live music performances running from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Art installations play a significant role, including giant flaming feathers by the award-winning Burning Man artists known as the Flaming Lotus Girls, which will encircle an area for unique photo opportunities. Additionally, SOMA, another sculpture by the Flaming Lotus Girls previously displayed at Burning Man and San Francisco's Pier 40, will be featured in the Plaza. This interactive, multi-moveable lighted sculpture, made of stainless steel and spanning approximately 40 feet by 25 feet, is expected to be a crowd-pleaser, highlighting the festival's emphasis on artistic innovation.
LaRussell, a rapper and hip-hop artist recognized as a community leader and pioneer in the industry, has been named this year's Grand Marshal. He is scheduled to perform at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco the day before the festival, adding to the event's cultural significance. The festival's main events are carefully timed, with Wonderland Festival activities beginning at 1:00 PM, Plaza activities starting at 2:00 PM, the Mad Hatter Holiday Parade at 4:30 PM, the Tree Lighting Program at 6:00 PM, and a Lighted Boat Parade at 6:30 PM to conclude the day. For those interested in extending their holiday experience, the Grand Victorian Homes Tour is scheduled for Sunday, December 15, 2024, the week following the festival.
The Mad Hatter Holiday Festival has become a cornerstone event for Vallejo, attracting visitors from across the region and offering a fresh take on traditional holiday celebrations through its blend of whimsical themes, artistic displays, and community involvement. It serves as a platform for local artists, crafters, and performers to showcase their talents, reinforcing Vallejo's position as a destination for creative and family-friendly events. The inclusion of interactive art installations and community participation underscores the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene. For more information, interested parties can visit HatterVallejo.com or check the event's Facebook page for updates and details.
