Enjoy the Holidays Throughout the Napa Valley in Style

By Lisa Adams Walter

Options for celebrating the holiday season are abundant in the Napa Valley! What a gift for those of us that live in this region. Read on to discover some activities that have been long-standing traditions, as well as some that are new. All take place in the month of December and I encourage you to visit each listed website for more information.

Get out there across the valley, feel merry, share a warm beverage, sip on a glass of wine, make a reservation at one of our many phenomenal restaurants, support our community, spend time with those that you hold close, celebrate, and enjoy!

Townwide Events

American Canyon

Holidays in American Canyon

Events throughout the holiday season in American Canyon include a tree lighting, a snow day with real snow, a reindeer fun run / walk and several visits from Santa in his sleigh. Visit ExploreAmCan.com for complete details, dates and times.

Napa

Downtown Napa Events

Free holiday trolley rides, a traditional tuba concert in Veteran’s Park, tree lighting ceremonies, gingerbread decorating at The Village at Vista Collina and the opportunity to go back in time at Napa’s historic Victorian home, The Ackerman Heritage House, to enjoy a Charles Dickens Christmas are just some of the festive events set for Napa proper. Visit DoNapa.com for complete details, dates and times.

Yountville

Holidays in Yountville

What was once known as the “Festival of Lights” still features tiny white lights that blanket the entire town, yet a schedule of additional events has expanded the holiday season in Yountville with more than 100 holiday-themed offerings such as carriage rides through town, holiday movies, photos with Santa, holiday sign making classes, a Broadway holiday spectacular, ugly sweater parties, SantaCon Yountville and more. Visit Yountville.com for complete details, dates and times.

St. Helena

Jingle All The Way

The holiday season in St. Helena features a holiday trolley, and is centered around a winter wonderland roller rink with a vibrant line-up of food trucks, wineries and other participants such as DJs and themed events to keep it festive every Thursday through Sunday at Lyman Park throughout the month. Visit StHelena.com for complete details, dates and times.

Calistoga

Calistoga Holiday Village

At the northern end of the valley, Calistoga kicks off the month with the Calistoga Holiday Village December 6-8 all over town. Highlights include a tree lighting, street fair, holiday shopping, wine tasting, Santa at the Calistoga Welcome Center, holiday brunch menus all around town and the signature event of the season, the 24th annual Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade (which takes place the evening of Saturday, December 7 right down Lincoln Avenue, the main street in town). Visit VisitCalistoga.com for complete details, dates and times.

Longstanding Traditions

Pioneer Christmas at Old Bale Mill

3369 St Helena Highway, St. Helena

Dec. 7 • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A 19th century Christmas celebration is hosted by the Old Bale Grist Mill annually, in the style of old-fashioned pioneers. Attendees can make a clove pomander or wreath of rosemary for the home, string popcorn and cranberries for decoration, decorate cookies, cut paper snowflakes or even make dolls out of fabric scraps while sipping on cider and savoring cookies! Demonstrations throughout the day will include lace making, wool spinning, waxed egg decorating and milling. This event, which is almost a living history experience, is affordable too at $5 per person, and free for kids 5 and under. Visit NapaValleyStateParks.org for more info.

Santa’s Helpers and Holiday Gift Faire

Napa Valley Exposition - 575 Third Street, Napa

Dec. 14 • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 15 • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hot cider will be served at the Napa Valley Exposition for attendees who can shop and mingle with artisans that will fill more than 90 booths at this free annual event where gifts for everyone can be found including holiday-themed goods, art, crafts, home décor, gourmet items and jewelry. Santa is expected to stop by and there may be some treats served. Save some room for the cuisine at Santa’s Helpers Café as the banana cream pie is delish! Visit SantasHelpersNapa.com for more info.

Fun for All

Napa On Ice