San Juan Bautista Hayden Bonfire

 Annual Holiday Bonfire / Hayden Christmas Celebration December 20, 2019, 6 p.m. (sunset)

First Street near the Mission San Juan Bautista
San Juan Bautista, CA
sanjuanbautistaca.com
See Santa Claus at the Community Hall, 10 San Jose Street, starting at 6 p.m.
Sponsored by the San Juan Bautista Service Club 

Each December the townsfolk in San Juan Bautista gather at Annual Holiday Bonfire / Hayden Christmas Celebration beginning at sunset. The annual bonfire is a tribute to the Hayden Family. During the depression era, the family pooled their money to help buy candies, toys and oranges for the community children. They erected a bonfire to bring together the people in town, and celebrated with games and songs while keeping warm. 

Another annual bonfire tradition after Christmas takes place in Solvang where they burn their Christmas trees in a big bonfire in January. This annual holiday event

In many regions of California bonfires are prohibited, but in New Orleans on Christmas Eve a 100-year tradition takes place along the levee. Over 100 bonfire structures made of wood and firecrackers are covered with kerosene, then all are ignited simultaneously to welcome the arrival of Papa Noel. California's bonfire festivals are less dramatic but hold special meaning, nevertheless.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.