Celebrate the Holidays
Experience a holiday celebration like no other at Preston Castle in Ione, California. Explore historic halls, meet Santa, and savor festive treats in an unforgettable early 1900s Christmas setting.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion; suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Preston Castle opened in 1894 as a reform school and is now on the National Register of Historic Places, renowned for its Gothic Revival architecture.
Conservation
The preservation efforts of Preston Castle ensure this historic site remains intact for future generations, with special attention to maintaining the structural integrity while accommodating visitors.
Preston Castle Foundation
Celebrate the Holidays
Preston Castle Foundation stewards Preston Castle, the historic Preston School of Industry in Ione, California. The Foundation facilitates public access to the site through a variety of curated experiences that highlight the building’s architecture, history, and cultural significance.
Public Guided Tours present a docent-led, 1.5-hour exploration of the first and second floors and the basement, offering historical context and documented stories about the institution. Public Self Guided Tours allow visitors to move at their own pace through restored porches, the on-site museum, and notable architectural details of the Romanesque Revival structure while connecting with knowledgeable docents when available. Public Paranormal Investigations are organized as intensive, 7-hour events with limited participation (15 spots), offering a structured investigation of reported phenomena. Seasonal events include The Haunt, a themed haunted attraction run at Preston Castle, and Christmas at the Castle, a period holiday presentation featuring tours, photos with Santa, and seasonal gift shop items.
The Foundation works with trained docents and event staff to deliver consistent visitor experiences and clear pre-visit information, booking requirements, and participant limits. All programming centers on the building’s documented history, architectural preservation, and curated public events that provide educational and experiential access to this distinctive historic site.
Location
Ione, CA
Located in Ione, California
Tour Lengths
1.5–7 hours
Guided, self-guided, and investigation lengths
Small Groups
15 max (investigation)
Limited spots for paranormal events
Tours Offered
5 experiences
Guided, paranormal, self-guided, haunt, holiday
Reserve guided tours, secure limited paranormal investigation spots, or buy tickets for The Haunt and Christmas events — availability varies by event.
Book Tickets Early
Tour tickets are limited and often sell out, so reserve your spot ahead of time or arrive early.
Ground Floor Access
Stroller and wheelchair access is available on the ground floor; plan accordingly.
Bring a Camera
Capture the festive moments with Santa and photos of the historic castle architecture.
Dress for the Weather
The event is rain or shine; wear layers to stay comfortable during your tour.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
The castle grounds involve some walking on uneven surfaces, so sturdy shoes help.
winter
Camera or Smartphone
To capture festive photos and architectural details.
Warm Clothing Layers
Ione's winter weather can be chilly; layering keeps you comfortable outdoors.
winter
Portable Seat or Blanket
Useful if you want to rest during food vendor breaks or photo sessions.
winter