The holidays are a magical time of year in the Napa Valley and fall at the height of Cabernet Season (November through April), the perfect season to enjoy Napa Valley’s famous red wines with seasonal hearty fare. The valley's towns, resorts, restaurants, wineries and activities are open for business and offer many festive events planned in November 2018 through the New Year. Below is a highlight of what the Napa Valley has to offer this holiday season.
Thanksgiving Feasts (Thanksgiving is Nov. 22, 2018)
Angele Restaurant & Bar in Downtown Napa presents a special pre-set Thanksgiving menu from 1- 8:15 p.m., featuring choices with each course. Wine pairings are available to complement the menu.
Website: angelerestaurant.com
PR Contact: Kelly Mitchell-Jacks. kelly@angelerestaurant.com
The Meritage Resort and Spa offers Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 6 p.m. Enjoy Executive Chef Vincent Lesage’s seasonal favorites, including roasted turkey, honey glazed ham, prime rib, assorted sushi and rolls, California wine country salads, desserts, and more. Children are invited to join the special kids buffet, cookie decorating and puppet shows.
Website: meritagecollection.com
PR Contact: Andrew Bradley, abradley@meritageresort.com
Acacia House in St. Helena offers a festive Thanksgiving menu designed by Chef Chris Cosentino with dishes such as roasted turkey breast with confit roulades of legs (sausage & oyster stuffing, giblet gravy, Robuchon mashed potatoes, and cranberry jelly); roasted butternut squash soup (pumpkin seed pesto & fried sage); choice of sides including rutabaga meuniere, brulee sweet potatoes, and others, and choice of desserts including apple crostata, persimmon pudding or pumpkin pie. Seating is limited and reservations may be made via OpenTable.
Website: marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/sfola-las-alcobas-a-luxury-collection-hotel-napa-valley/
PR Contact: Yasemin Sussman, Yasemin@afandco.com
Holiday Events and Experiences
American Canyon:
The City of American Canyon hosts an annual Holiday Parade, Tree Lighting and Marketplace Nov. 30, 2018 at Shenandoah Park, located at 100 Sonoma Creek Way. The festivities include a parade, tree lighting, a special appearance by Santa, and a crafts table for kids. The Marketplace is hosted by the American Canyon Chamber of Commerce.
Website: AmCanChamber.org
PR Contact: Mandy Le, mandyle@amcanchamber.org
The American Canyon Art Foundation Holiday Boutique, Dec. 1 through 23, 2018, is a great way to support local artists, purchase unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays, and allow the ACAF to further its charitable goals, including student scholarships and public art.
Website: visitvallejo.com/events/event-details/
PR Contact: info@amcanart.org
The 8th Annual Reindeer Run is Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. This family-friendly 5k and 10k run is held at the Thompson's Trail at Wetlands Edge View Area Trailhead in American Canyon. Registration includes t-shirts for all participants. Runner check-in is at 8 a.m. and the run starts at 9 a.m.
Website: AmCanChamber.org
PR Contact: Mandy Le, mandyle@amcanchamber.org
Napa:
The city of Napa marks the start of the season with its annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Veterans Park on Main Street in downtown Napa, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018 at 6 p.m. Join the mayor of Napa in this traditional community event and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, cookies and entertainment as local youth groups perform and the 20-foot-tall Christmas tree is illuminated. Website: www.donapa.com
Media Contact: Lindsay Moore, lmoore@augustineagency.com
Napa’s 55th Annual Christmas Parade, is Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018 at 5 p.m. in downtown Napa. The parade begins and ends at Second and School streets. Since becoming an evening parade, locals have creatively decorated parade entries, including cars, horses and even children, with bright, festive lights. Following the parade, Santa Claus will be in the “Big Chair on the Riverfront” to hear Christmas wishes.
Website: www.donapa.com
Media Contact: Lindsay Moore, lmoore@augustineagency.com
The Ackerman Heritage House offers an afternoon of baking traditional holiday cookies on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 from 2 to 5 p.m. Guests will learn new techniques and discover unique ingredients which classically trained pastry chef Jennifer Smith uses to make her highly sought-after baked goods, including a few recipes from the Victorian era. Bakers will take home a cookie tin filled with freshly baked goods and recipe cards signed by Chef Jennifer.
Website: ackermanfamilyvineyards.com
PR Contact: events@ackermanfamilyvineyards.com
The Napa Valley Wine Train announces the return of its Santa Train, an interactive musical adventure for the entire family. The Santa Train runs Nov. 19 through Dec. 28, 2018 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. and 7:15 – 9:15 p.m. (trains do not run on Dec. 24 or 25, 2018). Guests will experience games, sing-alongs, and a fun cast of holiday-inspired characters, all while enjoying hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies. For the third consecutive year, the Napa Valley Wine Train has partnered with the Ticket to Dream Foundation to invite hundreds of Northern California foster children aboard the Santa Train free of charge.
PR Contact: Marie Touraev, marie@glodownead.com
Vista Collina Resort’s inaugural Tree Lighting Ceremony is Nov. 30, 2018 from 4 - 6 p.m. Both locals and visitors are invited to enjoy complimentary holiday cookies and hot cider, sing along with professional carolers and enjoy local children’s performances throughout the evening as they light the resort’s 40-foot Christmas tree. The resort will also operate a holiday-themed artisan market, where guests may purchase farm-to-table treats and ingredients to enhance any holiday meal.
Website: meritagecollection.com/vista-collina
PR Contact: J Public Relations, vistacollina@jpublicrelations.com
Hess Collection is hosting a holiday open house and toy drive Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring music and a raffle. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for the toy drive.
Website: hesscollection.com/hess-events/
PR Contact: Cesar Ramirez, cramirez@hesscollection.com
The Chimney Rock Winery Holiday Open House is Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests will enjoy a day of wine tasting, bites prepared by Oak Avenue Catering, and live music by “Lewis and James.” Festive seasonal performances will take place in the barrel room between 2 and 3 p.m. by the Napa High School Chamber Choir and, this year, the winery is partnering with Napa Emergency Women’s Services (NEWS). Donations received during the open house will help provide NEWS with much-needed food, clothing, and holiday gifts.
Website: cellarpass.com/holiday-open-house-tickets-3838?w=1
PR Contact: Benjamin Rotnicki, rotnickib@twg.com
Napa Valley Wine Trolley’s “Holiday Light Tours” returns to Downtown Napa for three weekends in December 2018. The tours are Friday through Sunday, Dec. 7, 8, and 9; Dec 14, 15, and 16; as well as Friday and Saturday, Dec. 21 and 22, 2018 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The vintage cable car departs from Oxbow Public Market and takes guests through historic Downtown Napa and its Victorian neighborhoods.
Website: NapaValleyWineTrolley.com
Media contact: Mark Leonardi, mark@napavalleywinetrolley.com
Yountville:
The Napa Valley Museum Yountville presents Walt Disney’s Trains Nov. 10, 2018 through March 2019. This family-friendly exhibition, organized with The Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio in San Francisco, explores the influence that railroad trains had on Walt Disney's life and work, and tells the story of how his railroading legacy lives on to this day in Disney films and theme parks around the world. The exhibition includes a wide variety of artifacts, firsthand accounts, archival videos, images of Walt and his trains, and one-of-a kind items, including Walt Disney's own Carolwood gondola railroad car, a light-up model of Disneyland, and a custom model train created in partnership with the Napa Valley Wine Train by the Napa Valley Model Railroad Historical Society.
Website: napavalleymuseum.org
PR Contact: Laura Rafaty, laura@napavalleymuseum.org
The Town of Yountville presents Holidays in Yountville Nov. 18, 2018 through Jan. 1, 2019. During the six weeks of holiday-related events, activities and performances, visitors and locals may take in the thousands of twinkling holiday lights while exploring Yountville’s many shops, tasting rooms, restaurants and hotels.
Website: yountville.com/events/holidays-in-yountville
PR Contact: Tom Fuller, tom@fullerandsander.com
Oakville:
Robert Mondavi Winery's 8th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Celebration is Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 from 3 to 5 p.m. Join the Robert Mondavi Winery team for horse and buggy rides through the To-Kalon vineyard, wine tasting, hot apple cider, carols with the Vintage High School Chamber Singers, Italian cookies, cheese and charcuterie. New this year is Jingle Bell Jazz in the To-Kalon Reserve Room. Reservations are not required.
Website: https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com/events-calendar
PR Contact: Christina Mitchell, christina@folsomandassociates.com
Rutherford:
Rutherford Hill Winery presents its fourth annual "Holiday on the Hill" Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy this annual open house featuring Rutherford Hill wines paired with festive bites and seasonal sounds across the property and in their holiday decorated cave. RSVP required.
Website: rutherfordhill.com/event/annual-holiday-hill
PR Contact: Benjamin Rotnicki, rotnickib@twg.com
St. Helena:
Join the City of St. Helena and the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce for the inaugural Jingle All the Way, Dec. 1 – 28, 2018 at Lyman Park in St. Helena, featuring an ice-skating rink, food trucks, music, wine, holiday parties, an appearance by Santa, and more.
Website: sthelenajinglealltheway.com
PR Contact: Joaquin Razo, joaquin@sthelena.com
St. Helena welcomes the holiday season with the Little Book of Big Experiences, the ultimate passport to Napa Valley. The book includes VIP access to 20 unique experiences at Napa Valley wineries, hotels and restaurants, as well as spa services, guided tours, and more. The Little Book of Big Experiences is valued at more than $1,500 and may be purchased on-site at participating venues or at the St. Helena’s Welcome Center, located at 1320 A Main St. in St. Helena, or online at StHelena.com starting Nov. 1, 2018. Each book is $150 and may be used for up to two guests. Offers are valid November 2018 through March 2019.
Website: sthelena.com
PR Contact: Joaquin Razo, joaquin@sthelena.com
V. Sattui Winery creates a holiday wonderland November 2018 through January 2019 with decorations adorning the estate grounds, buildings and antique truck. Guests may also take photos next to the Christmas tree in the Barrel Aging Cellar, enjoy seasonal wine and food pairings, and guided tastings including Cheese and Chocolate Fondue, Coq au Vin, and Short Rib Stew, along with a variety of specialty deli offerings. Ring in 2019 with complimentary sparkling wine splashes on New Year’s Day.
Website: vsattui.com
PR Contact: Ali Paterson, ali@vsattui.com
The Charter Oak restaurant offers a “Giving Tree” throughout the month of December 2018. The 15-foot tree will serve as a collection point for visitors to drop off unwrapped children’s toys that will be distributed to children in the community by way of local fire departments.
Website: thecharteroak.com
PR Contacts: Martina Kostow, mkostow@thecharteroak.com, or Marie Masyczek mmasyczek@thecharteroak.com
Throughout the month of December, Meadowood Napa Valley lights up the holidays with decorations gate-to-gate beginning with lighted trees along the pathways into the forests, and handcrafted holiday cookies by Meadowood’s Pastry Chef, complete with recipes. Hot spiced cider will be offered each day by the fire in the Reception Lodge. Guests staying on the estate may also enjoy a “Peppermint Wonderland” spa experience in the Meadowood Spa as well as special holiday-themed cooking, cocktail and sparkling wine classes led by Meadowood chefs, sommeliers and master mixologist.
Website: meadowood.com
PR Contact: Jennifer Chiesa, jchiesa@meadowood.com
Calistoga:
The start of the holidays in Calistoga is marked by the Annual Lighted Tractor Parade on Dec. 1, 2018 from 7 to 8 p.m. This parade is the ultimate small-town holiday celebration in celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage. Vintage and modern tractors, antique trucks, and construction equipment bedecked with dazzling lights parade down Calistoga’s charming main street to kick off the holiday season.
Website: visitcalistoga.com/lighted-tractor-parade/
PR Contact: Charlene Peters, charlene@visitcalistoga.com
Calistoga launches the holiday season with the 9th Annual Winter in the Wineries Passport. Passport holders will be treated to complimentary wine tasting flights at 17 Calistoga wineries, complimentary corkage at participating restaurants, and discounts at Calistoga lodging, spas and shops. The passport is valid Dec. 1, 2018 through Feb. 3, 2019.
Website: visitcalistoga.com/winter-in-the-wineries-passport
Media Contact: Charlene Peters, charlene@visitcalistoga.com
Holiday Treats and Feasts
Maison Fleurie and Lavender Inn in Yountville, and Milliken Creek Inn & Spa in Napa will offer holiday hot chocolate "bars" for guests of the inns, beginning Nov. 18 through Dec. 30, 2018. Each bar will feature hot chocolate and various toppings for guests to customize their cocoa, including marshmallows, cinnamon, whipped cream, chocolate, peppermint candy cane stir sticks, and more.
Website: maisonfleurienapa.com, lavendernapa.com, millikencreekinn.com
PR Contact: Sharon Rooney, sharon@foursisters.com
Acacia House at Las Alcobas Napa Valley in St. Helena will host the second annual Feast of the Seven Cultures dinner series during the weeks leading up to the holidays. The special series will feature six guest chefs who will each create a one-night-only tasting menu based on the country they represent. A portion of proceeds from the dinners will go to Chefs Cycle: No Kid Hungry. The dinners, which are Nov.29 through Dec. 20, 2018 will feature a five-course menu with both plated and family-style dishes. Tickets may be purchased via OpenTable.
Website: marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/sfola-las-alcobas-a-luxury-collection-hotel-napa-valley/
PR Contact: Yasemin Sussman, Yasemin@afandco.com
During the month of December, Clif Family Winery in St. Helena will offer the Oh! What Fun Chocolate Bar and Wine Tasting, featuring decadent chocolate flavors paired with small-production Napa Valley wines. At Clif Family, their bean-to-bar chocolate is crafted using the highest quality and sustainably farmed cacao beans from around the world. Executive Chef John McConell and winemaker Laura Barret have worked together to create unique flavor profiles to be paired with just the right wine. This tasting is available daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Website: cliffamily.com
PR Contact: Patricia Denci - pdenci@double-forte.com
This holiday season marks the tenth anniversary of The Twelve Days of Christmas at The Restaurant at Meadowood. Hosted by Chef Christopher Kostow and Director Nathaniel Dorn, the twelve-day charitable celebration Dec. 7 through Dec. 22, 2018 invites influential chefs from around the world to collaborate with Chef Kostow and the culinary team, sourcing and utilizing products from in and around the Napa Valley. This year’s dinner series will benefit the Saint Helena Preschool for All, Inc., a local non-profit that provides scholarships to children. The Restaurant at Meadowood will donate $2,000 in honor of each participating guest chef, plus ten percent of every dinner ticket sold.
Website: exploretock.com/therestaurantatmeadowood/
PR Contact: Martina Kostow, mkostow@meadowood.com or Marie Masyczek, mmasyczek@meadowood.com
Merryvale Vineyards annual holiday dinner is Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Cask Room will be decorated for the holidays, while proprietors René and Laurence Schlatter host the dinner catered by The Girl & The Fig, complemented by large format and library wines. Special etched bottles will be available for purchase along with a selection of gift packs, perfect for holiday giving and music will be provided by Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers.
Website: merryvale.com/experience/winery-events/
PR Contact: Casey Curiel, events@merryvale.com
Hanukkah Events
Join Judd’s Hill Annual Hanukkah Hootenanny on Dec. 9, 2018 from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sip current vintages and library wines, enjoy beef brisket sliders, a latke bar and traditional jelly donuts. Guests are encouraged to bring unwrapped new toys and canned (non-perishable) food items for donation to local Napa charities.
Website: juddshill.com
PR Contact: Devin Joshua, devin@juddshill.com
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Celebrations
The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa offers two celebrations. The Winemaker’s Dinner featuring Trinitas Cellars (6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner), features a candlelight dinner held in the Estate Cave. This annual tradition highlights the resort’s culinary team’s talents, paired with Trinitas wine. The New Year’s Eve Celebration Dinner & Jazz in the Carneros Ballroom is 6 to 9 p.m., and features an extensive Wine Country-inspired buffet, live music, party favors, a balloon drop and Champagne toast at midnight. Each experience includes complimentary admission to the after-party with the band Entourage in the Meritage Ballroom. Reserved for guests 21 and over.
Website: meritagecollection.com
PR Contact: Andrew Bradley, abradley@meritageresort.com
River Terrace Inn in Napa offers a New Year’s Eve Party at Alba Restaurant along the Napa River from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Pricing includes a Champagne toast, late night snacks, and a balloon drop at midnight.
Website:riverterraceinn.com
PR Contact: Audrey Hardy-Lenhart, ahardy@riverterraceinn.com
Ring in the New Year at Acacia House in St. Helena where Chef Chris Cosentino and his team offer a menu featuring classic fare with a modern twist, paired wines from Napa Valley. Guests will also enjoy live music from a local band in the Living Room. Acacia House also offers a New Year’s brunch menu on Jan. 1, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations may be made via OpenTable.
Website:marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/sfola-las-alcobas-a-luxury-collection-hotel-napa-valley/
PR Contact: Yasemin Sussman, Yasemin@afandco.com
Goose & Gander in St. Helena welcomes all flappers and dappers for their annual New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Dec. 31, 2018 with cocktails and ragtime music provided by Bob Ringwald. There are two dinner seatings at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., with dancing with DJ Rotten Robbie at the after party.
Website: goosegander.com
PR Contact: Elizabeth Naylor, elizabeth@goosegander.com
For more information about travel to the Napa Valley, including special offers and a full calendar of holiday season events, visit www.visitnapavalley.com.