Ring in the Holiday Season with Christmas in Coloma at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Contact:
Jerrie Beard
Marshall Gold Discovery SHP
(530) 295-2174
Newly renovated Emmanuel Church to host a ribbon cutting on Dec. 14
COLOMA – California State Parks invites the public to celebrate the holidays with Christmas in Coloma at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (SHP) on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The park will also host a ribbon cutting at the recently renovated Emmanuel Church on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 9 a.m.
The church has been closed to the public since 2015 for safety repairs. Built in 1855, the Emmanuel Church is the first Episcopal Church built in California. Funeral services for James Marshall, the man who discovered gold in Coloma, were held at this church. It also has hosted more than 1,300 weddings. The restoration project cost approximately $3 million.
Here is what the public can expect at Christmas in Coloma:
- Carriage rides, warming fires, and holiday music set the mood for holiday shopping with local vendors.
- Victorian-era games and holiday crafts to entertain the young and old.
- Fresh greens, ribbons, and bows are available for wreath-making activities.
- Visit with Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
- House tour featuring 14 historic buildings will be decorated for the holidays.
- Hot food and drinks are available for purchase.
- Plus, the Coloma Community Market (farmer’s market) on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Christmas in Coloma is possible thanks to the park’s partnership with the Gold Discovery Park Association. Admission to the event is $10 per vehicle, $5 per person for the house tour, and $3 per person for the carriage ride. Dogs on a 6-foot leash are welcome. For more information or ADA-accessible needs, please call (530) 622-3470 or visit parks.ca.gov/MarshallGold.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is located in Coloma on Highway 49, eight miles north of Placerville and 18 miles south of Auburn, only one hour from Sacramento. The Emmanuel Church is located at 376 Church Street in Coloma.
Clockwise from top left: Enjoy carriage rides for a $3 fee per person. Visitors will be able to make their own wreaths with fresh-cut greens, ribbons, and bows. Visit the Old Coloma Schoolhouse. The recently renovated Emmanuel Church. Historic buildings in the park are hosted by costumed docents. Photos from California State Parks.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.