A step into Columbia State Historic Park is a step back in time.

Like many of the towns in the area, Columbia has its roots in the gold rush era. What makes this one different is the volume of costumed participants and active businesses that make a visit feel like a walk through a time portal.

Located three miles north of Sonora off Highway 49, Columbia boasts a gold mine, Victorian-era hotels, an old fashioned ice cream parlor, theater and plenty of personality.

There is plenty of holiday spirit as well.

On Dec. 2 and 3 there is a docent lamplight tour, which is by reservation only. Docents dressed in period costume guide visitors through town by lantern, while performers act out scenes from daily life in 1855.

For those who miss out on the lantern tour, Columbia holds A Miner's Christmas during the first two weekends of December. Though activities are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Nick arrives at 11 a.m. while costumed miners roast chestnuts and offer family-oriented activities.

In addition, a flourish of activity is scheduled throughout the month. Santa visits almost every weekend through Christmas and a Victorian Christmas craft is offered at the museum. An equestrian parade and nativity procession are offered on Dec. 11.

For those seeking an extra special Christmas, the local hotels - City Hotel and Fallon Hotel - offer a Victorian Christmas Feast at the City Hotel. In its 22nd year, the feast is a cross between dinner theater and elegant banquet, as guests are invited to enjoy a Christmas meal with Margaret Morgan and her "ne'er do well" brother Milo.

"It's fun to dress up in 19th century clothes and have a nice, fun, formal dinner," says Geoff Ferguson, whose family attends the show annually. "It's nice to go somewhere that is cold and Christmassy without having to deal with the snow. It's a fun little escape and a good family event."

Cost is $90 per person for dinner, wine, entertainment, tax and gratuity. Those who book a room are guaranteed a spot at dinner. Seating for 60 guests per evening is available but with many visitors returning each year, the hotel is quickly booking up.

"I would say that 75 percent of the guests are return visitors," says Susan Julian, employee of the Columbia City Hotel. "Those who stay in the hotel rooms, book for the following year when they leave. There are a few guests who have been here for all 22 years."

But, even if you don't make it out during the holidays, Columbia is booming with activity. According to Senior Park Aid Steven Bechtold, there is always something going on at the park, including weekend tours throughout the year.

"There is always a tour at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, but sometimes we have additional tours. It's best if you call ahead," he says, "We are pretty good about updating the recording on the phone line."

He adds that the chamber of commerce Web site (www.columbiacalifornia.com) is also a wealth of information about the historic site.

During the year, the 19th century schoolhouse up the hill is open to student groups, who are treated to a two-hour program. The programs are very popular, however, so scheduling well in advance is recommended.

The town also has a theater - the Fallon - where family plays such as "Honky Tonk Angels' Holiday Spectacular" and "A Winter Night's Yoew" are performed Thursday through Sunday.

In addition to the theater and hotel offerings, Columbia itself offers Victorian era reenactments and demonstrations, including a working stagecoach. In fact, Bechtold says the town is planning to reenact an infamous town murder next year.

In October 1855 an intoxicated John H. Smith sauntered into Martha Barclay's saloon and verbally abused her. As Smith began to get physical, Martha's husband John S. Barclay entered the room and shot Smith dead. A hasty trial was conducted, ending in the lynching of John Barclay.

"It's for mature audiences," Bechtold says. "If it's successful we may do it again."

In the meantime, more family-oriented activities, such as candy making, candle-dipping, gold-panning and blacksmithing demonstrations await visitors on any given day.