Like every year, the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley bring joy and cheer to California Wine Country through their array of family-friendly events and festivities punctuated by cherished wine experiences and mouthwatering seasonal fare.

Let’s take a look at some of the wonderful festivities that you can be a part of in the Napa and Sonoma Valley region.

Cabernet Classic

When: Nov 4, 2022 to Nov 6, 2022

Where: Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa Valley, CA

Before the Christmas festivities start in earnest, the Cabernet Classic offers a great opportunity to enjoy a weekend-long celebration featuring this luxurious red wine. The event will run from Friday to Sunday, morning till night, and will offer you scrumptious wine tastings, gourmet lunches and dinner, five-star spa treatments, and exciting entertainment.

Visitors will have the opportunity to taste rare vintages and mouthwatering food pairings prepared by Napa’s top chefs.

Napa’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree

When: Nov 23, 2022

Where: Veterans Park, Napa Valley, CA

One of the most popular events in Napa Valley is the Christmas tree lighting event held in November — a local favorite. The celebration is intended for the entire family, so bring your kids with you to share in the fun.

The beautiful 20-foot tall tree in Veterans Park will be a sight to behold between 6 pm and 9 pm on November 23. Enjoy the wonderful sight as you sip delicious hot chocolate, eat warm pumpkin spice cookies and enjoy the thrilling live entertainment.

Napa’s Christmas Parade

When: Dec 3, 2022

Where: Downtown Napa, Napa Valley, CA

Join the entire Napa community for this vibrant and fun-filled annual holiday parade. Enjoy the beautiful sites of over-the-top parades decorated with lights, banners, and so much more. Take your children and pets and become a part of the parade by marching down the street in full holiday cheer.

You also get the chance to meet with Santa after the parade for pictures and to talk to kids. Admission is free!

Pioneer Christmas at Bale Grist Mill

When: Dec 3, 2022

Where: Bale Grist Mill Historic State Park, Napa County, CA

The annual event features a wonderful 19^th-century Christmas celebration in the style of the pioneers. The event features fun-filled activities like making wreaths of rosemary and strings of cranberries. Children can write a letter to Santa in calligraphy and seal the envelope with red wax. In addition, they can have lots of fun decorating gingerbread cookies, making leaving dolls from fabric scraps, and cutting paper snowflakes.

You can also enjoy all kinds of demonstrations like wool making, lace making, and waxed egg decorations. Enjoy as many cookies and cider as you want.

Transcendence’s Holiday Spectacular

When: Dec 2, 2022, to Dec 4, 2022

Where: Hanna Center Auditorium, Napa County, CA

Join Transcendence’s Holiday Spectacular for a cozy and immersive experience for the whole family. The event will feature gifted Broadway performers who will toast the holiday season with music and cheer.

Tickets start at $49 plus a fee, and you can enjoy a glass of wine and cookies as you wait for the show to start. Start your holidays with an electrifying event filled with song and dance.

Occidental Holiday Crafts Faire

When: Dec 10, 2022, to Dec 11, 2022

Where: Occidental Community Center, Sonoma County, CA

The annual holiday crafts fair is a fun and family-friendly affair that will open up on the weekend and offer all that charming Occidental has to offer. Over 35 local and regional artisans and craftsmen will come to the fair and display the most beautiful wares.

The event will feature a smorgasbord of delicious baked goods and food to enjoy. Santa Claus will make a special visit to the event, and you will have plenty of opportunities to sing carols. Enjoy the festival for free!

Napa Valley Turkey Chase

When: Nov 24, 2022

Where: Athletic Feat, Napa, CA

The annual Napa Valley Turkey Chase contest starts on early Thanksgiving morning. This fun family athletic event takes place on both a 5K and 10K course along Napa Valley College and the scenic Napa River Trail.

This event is a great way to stretch your legs before the cold season starts in earnest, allowing you to enjoy the stunning fall season and burn some calories before the holiday feasts start.

NBC Pottery Annual Holiday Sale

When: Dec 3, 2022, to Dec 4, 2022

Where: NBC Pottery Gallery and Studio, Angwin, CA

The NBC Pottery Gallery showcases a custom collection of pottery, earthenware, and art ware that cannot be found anywhere else. The annual holiday sale is a great chance for you to get your hands on the most unique and wonderful ceramic, porcelain, and terracotta pieces made by artists Nikki Ballere and William Callnan III to showcase at your Christmas dinner table.

The event will also feature live music, and you can enjoy tasty snacks and refreshments as you browse through this gallery.

Santa Train Jolly Journeys

When: Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from Dec 1 to Dec 24, 2022

Where: Napa Valley Wine Train, Napa Valley, CA

The Santa Train is back this holiday season. The Santa Train Jolly Journeys is a favorite holiday voyage event, and this season, it offers three fantastic and immersive train experiences to journey on.

A portion of the proceeds from each Jolly Journey will be donated to Expression of Hope Napa in the spirit of Christmas. Guests also have the chance to drop off a toy donation at the train stations.

During the journey, you can satisfy your sweet tooth by getting a snack from the Santa’s Cookie Car, enjoying the holiday menu on the Gourmet Holiday Express, or having a delightful evening at the Very Merry Vista Dome. Whichever choice you make, you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun on the Jolly Journey.

Spending your holidays in Napa and Sonoma Valley offers a lot of fun and excitement. You can visit wineries decked out in fairy lights, take part in magical Christmas events, and participate in fun-filled family activities for people of all ages.

Ready to explore the holiday festivities in Napa and Sonoma Valley? Reach out to us today to book your tours!