The holidays in Napa Valley bring a magical transformation to wine country. November and December usher in a festive season of gratitude and celebration, from Thanksgiving's feasts to Christmas events twinkling with vineyard lights. Special winery dinners, holiday markets, and cozy tasting experiences capture the warmth of the season.
CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING ACROSS WINE COUNTRY
Thanksgiving Meals
Napa Valley Wine Train
Lunch 10:30 AM – 3 PM
Gourmet Express or Vista Dome
TMR - Ember
Thanksgiving Prix-Fixe Dinner
First seating 6:30 PM
Auberge Resort
Prix Fix 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Stanly Ranch - The Bear
Annual Turkey Trots
Napa Valley Turkey Chase
Starting 8 AM | Napa Valley College
Fieldhouse Turkey Trot
9 AM | Auberge Resort - Stanly Ranch
St. Helena Turkey Trot
8:30 AM – 11 AM | Crane Park
WINTER EVENTS IN WINE COUNTRY
4th Annual Northern Lights: Art Walk | Nov 20 – Jan 19
Daily till dusk to 9:30 pm • Luther Burbank Center - Sculpture Garden: 50 Mark W. Springs Rd #500, Santa Rosa
FREE and open to the public | Ample on-site parking
Our 4th annual Northern Lights is a walk-through wonderland! Here, artistic expression illuminates and transforms the winter night in the LBC Sculpture Garden, filling you and your family with surprise and awe.
-
A self-guided tour along lighted paths
-
Magically illuminated sculptures
-
Trees full of twinkling color
-
Dazzling holiday displays
-
Designed for all ages and ideal for festive photo ops!
Please observe! Art exhibits are not interactive. For the safety and comfort of all visitors, pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets, adults, and children must stay on the pathways to avoid disturbing electrical cords and exhibit elements.
Yountville Town & Tree Lighting | Nov 23
Sunday from 4 – 7 PM • Yountville Community Center: 6516 Washington St, Yountville
Join us for a festive kick-off to the holiday season as we light our holiday tree and the Town with 1000s of holiday lights! Families are encouraged to join us from 4 – 5:45 PM for holiday crafts and activities inside the Community Center. Shortly before 6 PM, we will move outside for special performances on the outdoor stage, followed by the lighting of the Town.
Merry Meritage | Nov 25 – Jan 04
Times vary • The Meritage Resort and Spa: 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA 94558
A cherished holiday tradition returns with Merry Meritage, wine country’s most enchanting winter village. Step into a world of shimmering lights and festive spirit—glide across the region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink (90 min session), marvel at a glowing 40-foot Christmas tree, and experience nightly snowfalls that transform the village into a sparkling holiday escape. Cozy private igloos, fire pits, Princess Tinsel Teas, Santa’s Reading Corner, and seasonal specialties at Santa’s Tavern invite you to savor every moment. Celebrate the season surrounded by Napa’s timeless beauty. Reservations are required for different experiences. Check the website and book your spot today.
Winter Farm & Tree Lighting Ceremony | Nov 26
Wednesday from 5 – 7 PM • Hunt Ave & Main St, St. Helena, CA 94574
Kick off the holidays as the Mayor lights the spectacular 36-foot Beringer Holiday Wine Barrel Tree. Enjoy live music, a snow show spectacular, winter farm animals, Beringer wine, hot toddies, and delicious bites from local favorites. Santa arrives at 6:10 PM!
Tree Lighting Schedule
-
5 p.m.: Market opens, winter farm, food, and wine
-
5:30 p.m.: Live music begins
-
6 p.m.: Welcome by Mayor and Chamber CEO
-
6:10 p.m.: Santa arrives
-
6:15 p.m.: Tree lighting, live snow, photos with Santa, live music, and food
-
7 p.m.: End of event
Before the event, swing by Sam’s General Store, located off Oak Ave. & Adams St. Open daily from 7 am to 4 pm.
Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration 2025 | Nov 28
Friday from 4 – 7 PM • Old Courthouse Square: 600 4th St.., Santa Rosa
Join Downtown Santa Rosa's Courthouse Square the day after Thanksgiving for FREE family festivities including live performances by School of Rock, Santa Rosa Ballet, and Transcendence Theatre Company, plus the official holiday tree lighting. Meet Santa, Snoopy, and Reddy the Redwood for photos, enjoy local vendors, crafts, holiday games, and participate in food donation and Secret Santa programs. Ride free with Redwood Bikeshare using promo code WINTERLIGHTS for two 45-minute rides.
Santa’s Riverboat Cruise | Nov 29
Saturday from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM • River Plaza Shopping Center: 54 E. Washington St., Petaluma
Free entertainment starts at 11:30 am with the Pacific Empire Chorus and Butterball the Clown. Cheer on Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive by tugboat at Noon. Stay for photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus (get in line early, Santa & the Mrs. leave at 1:30pm) and then head downtown to support Small Business Saturday.
Annual Winter Art Market | Dec 5 – 7
Times vary, Fri – Sun • Sonoma Community Center
The Winter Art Market is one of Sonoma Community Center’s most lively and talent-filled annual fundraisers and community markets! Once a year, the center is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, filled to the brim with handmade goods – many of which have been made inside the very walls of the Center.
Browse over 60 juried artist vendors, ranging in medium and including, but not limited to, ceramics, fiber arts, painting, photography, jewelry, metalwork, woodwork, and more. This 3-day market is filled with fantastic crafts and handmade goods, as well as delicious food and a magical atmosphere.
30th Annual Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade | Dec 6
Saturday starting at 7 PM • Downtown Calistoga
Don't miss this dazzling tradition! Over 20,000 spectators gather to see beautifully decorated tractors, trucks, and floats aglow with festive lights. A unique celebration featuring local farmers and businesses, plus live music, food, and activities for all ages. Come for the weekend and book a stay at my family-owned and operated Brannan Cottage Inn or Brannan Lofts. Visit BrannanHotels.com or contact me for more info!
