As the crisp days of autumn give way to the chill of winter, there’s still plenty to see and do in Davis, California. In fact, the winter season is Davis’ hidden secret. There’s a magical spirit in the air and the city comes to life with holiday events, performing arts, and plenty of spots to find the perfect gift for a loved one.
There are also numerous hotels in Davis, each with its own unique personality. Many offer specials during the holiday season, and some even have hot tubs and fire pits to warm you up on chilly winter nights!
So, if you’re thinking of paying a visit to Davis in the winter, the following is our suggestion for the perfect itinerary.
Day One
Arriving in Davis on a Friday, it’s time to unpack your bag and prepare for a night out. Consider a visit to the Mondavi Center, a state-of-the-art performing arts venue that hosts everything from live music to comedy, dance to opera. Part of the University of California at Davis, the Mondavi Center also hosts performances by student musicians such as the U.C. Davis Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Choir.
Another option for the performing arts is the Davis Musical Theatre Company. Founded in 1984, the company produces nearly a dozen musicals each year, including children’s theater. The season runs through the winter, featuring classic musicals such as My Fair Lady, Cabaret, and The Sound of Music.
Before the show starts, consider grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in Davis. A longtime favorite is Paesano’s, a casual Italian spot specializing in gourmet pizza and creative pasta dishes. Another popular pick is Kathmandu Kitchen, which serves authentic Nepali and Indian cuisine.
Day Two
If you’re in Davis on a Saturday morning, there’s no better spot to explore than the Davis Farmers’ Market. Open year-round, rain or shine, the (covered) market has stall after stall of fresh produce, plus local foodstuffs such as honey, wine, nuts, cheese, and chocolate, as well as prepared foods and baked goods. If you’re looking for a one-of-a kind holiday gift, the farmers’ market also has dozens of local artisans selling jewelry, clothing, candles and more. The market also offers free gift basket wrapping during the holiday season!
Speaking of shopping, this afternoon would be a great time to explore the many unique shops in Davis. The city has a number of locally owned spots, including indie bookstores, clothing boutiques, and gift shops. Plus, downtown Davis is aglow with holiday lights and impressive holiday window displays from local merchants.
Following are some local shops in Davis to check out.
● The Avid Reader. This indie bookshop features the latest bestsellers and new releases, plus book-related merchandise and gifts. They also have an adjacent toy store, Avid & Co.
● The Wardrobe. This trendy boutique offers women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry.
● Crème de la Crème. This quirky shop sells unique home décor, kitchen items, holiday decorations, bath and beauty products, and gifts.
● Himalaya Gift Shop. This one-of-a-kind gift shop features gemstone and silver jewelry as well as Tibetan handicrafts, crystals, candles and incense.
● Pence Gallery. From mid-November through December, this art gallery transforms into a holiday market featuring handmade gift items from local artisans.
If you time your visit right, you may be able to participate in Davis’s signature holiday event, the annual Holiday Candlelight Parade and Tree Lighting, which includes live music, photo ops with Santa, and carriage rides. Another holiday tradition is the Davis Children’s Nutcracker, which, since 1977, has welcomed the youngest members of the community to appear in the performance.
Tonight, consider warming up with a hearty meal from one of Davis’s many restaurants. Some popular spots to try include Tres Hermanas, which serves traditional Mexican food in a vibrant atmosphere; Froggy’s, a laid-back spot for burgers and beer; or Symposium, which features Greek classics and pizza.
Day Three
Sadly, your winter getaway to Davis is coming to an end. But you might as well go out with a bang! But first, fill up on a hearty breakfast that will get you through the day. Café Bernardo is a longstanding option featuring seasonal classics with an international touch. Another option is Delta of Venus, a colorful spot showcasing local artwork and menu items such as breakfast burritos, scrambles and omelets.
No trip to the Davis area would be complete without taking in a bit of nature. Winter is the prime season for birding, and the wetlands and grasslands that surround Davis are the ideal locations to spot migrating birds. On the first Sunday of the month, the Yolo Basin Foundation offers guided tours of the Davis Wetlands, which includes more than 400 acres of native ecosystems. On the third Sunday of the month, you can take a tour of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, home to hundreds of species of birds. You can also view owls and hawks at Grasslands Regional Park or get up close and personal with rescued birds at the U.C. Davis California Raptor Center, which is open to the public.
Book Your Winter Trip to Davis Today
Whether you enjoy the performing arts, retail therapy, or bird watching, there’s something for everyone during the winter in Davis, California. Paired with its many great restaurants and outdoor activities, Davis is sure to make for a memorable winter getaway. Check out the many lodging options in Davis and book your winter getaway today!
