The shortest day of the year promises a long list of memory-making experiences in Tuolumne County, Yosemite Gold Country.
Make plans to visit on December 21 – and enjoy some of these activities – or visit any time this season.
Tuolumne, part of California's Gold Country region, is located two and a half hours southeast of San Francisco, and encompasses more than 50% of Yosemite National Park.

1. Experience life as an early gold miner during the holidays at “A Miner's Christmas” in Columbia State Historic Park (4 p.m.)
2. Snow shoe in the pristine forest wilderness of the Stanislaus National Forest.
3. Hop on board the area's first POLAR EXPRESS train ride offered by Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown this holiday season, daily at 4, 6 and 8 pm. Pajamas are accepted attire.
4. Go tubing and make snow angels and snowfolks at Leland High Sierra Snowplay Park.  
5. Join other families making memories at the Long Barn Lodge Ice Skating Arena open daily until 9 pm during the holidays.
6. Shop Main Street local shops for unique gifts that cannot be found in malls.
7. Downhill ski or snowboard for a day at Dodge Ridge Winter Sports area.
8. Tour an historic organic apple farm transformed into the Indigeny Reserve hard cider distillery in Sonora for sample tastings and beautiful walking trails.
9. Discover Santa on the steps of the Sonora courthouse, getting last minute wish lists.
10. Plan an overnight stay in a cabin, rental home, historic hotel, bed and breakfast, brand hotel or casino resort. December 22 will be a few minutes longer – more time to enjoy Tuolumne County.