Holidays at Lake Almanor

by Jan Cox   photo headline: Decorating cookies for Santa at Gamboni’s, from 4-6 pm on Dec. 11

If you are planning to head a little higher into the mountains this Christmas season, you might want to be in the Chester-Lake Almanor Basin for the special weekend called “An Almanor Christmas.”

From December 9 through the 12th at Lake Almanor, CA you will find something for the entire family.

This long weekend kicks off on Dec. 9 with the Plumas Bank Annual Holiday Mixer, “A Taste of the Basin”  at Plumas Bank 255 Main St. Chester at 5:30 pm.  Here you will have a chance to taste offerings from local restaurant with refreshments provided.  A raffle is included.

B & B Booksellers tells us that “When Santa Signs Books, the Elves will Sing.” Come visit them at 140 Main, Chester on Dec. 10 from 5-7:30 pm for music with Barney and friends, an artist  reception, and Santa Claus.  Kids bring your own book or buy a new one and Santa will sign it for you.

Or you might be looking for the comfort and joy that can be found at  Good Vibrations, 278 Main Street, Chester, where you will find complimentary offerings of organic coffee and tea, chair massage, holiday goodies, music and wine from 4-7 pm, Dec 10-11 and 1-4 pm, Dec. 12. Saturday will include music by the Billhillies providing their favorite holiday mix.

While in Chester, why not try out the Lake Almanor Fitness Center which is offering free use of the facilities from 5 am-8 pm Thursday, Dec. 9 through Sat. Dec.11. This offer is for persons 13 years old and above.  Come have a tour.

How about decorating cookies for Santa at Gamboni’s, from 4-6 pm on Dec. 11 at 401 Peninsula Dr., Lake Almanor. Parents and children are welcome.  They provide six cookies per child plus plenty of decorations and hot cider for all. The regular menu and bar are available for the rest of Santa’s team. Please RSVP so they can have your cookies ready by calling 530-596-3538.

During these chilly days, you might want to warm up with free samples of the soup and chili at the Pizza Factory, 197 Main in Chester, Friday, Dec 10 through Sat, Dec 11 from 11 am to closing.  Just drop in!

Planning on bringing the dog?  How about joining the team at Treats, 525 Main St. for an afternoon of 4-footed fun! Take a picture with Santa Paws, enjoy holiday goodies, and enter their wonderful raffle drawing benefiting the Lake Almanor chapter of PAWS.

And while in Chester, the Bidwell House at 1 Main is giving tours of their rooms from 11 am-4 pm, Dec. 10-12. Come in for some refreshments and enjoy the ambiance of this beautiful bed & breakfast.

For more information on this great getaway weekend, go to www.lakealmanor.com/calendar of events.