Year-round, Downtown Napa is beautiful and welcoming, but during the holiday season, they really kick it up a notch. Come to Napa and take in the lights, sounds and feeling of the holidays while you enjoy these various festive events.
The Napa Valley Wine Train presents the Santa Train! Ride the express train and take part in this magical experience with the kids. Whether you are young or just young at heart, you will have a blast with Santa Claus and his friends. These are not the regular three-hour lunch and dinner trains; this trip is only an hour and a half from the City of Napa to Yountville and back, and will be overflowing with excited children lined up to see Santa. The Santa Train runs Monday through Thursday from Dec. 1 to Dec. 18, 2014 and is $25 to $45 per person.
Head over to Judd’s Hill Winery for its Ninth Annual Hanukkah Hootenanny on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Come sip some great wine and munch on delicious food, such as beef brisket sliders and an extravagant latke bar. There will be traditional jelly donuts to nibble on once dessert has settled, and you can enjoy them while listening to great music. This party, held at the winery, is a benefit for Napa Children’s Health Initiative and will also serve as the pickup party for the Wine Club’s December shipment.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 5 through Dec. 25, 2014 from 2 to 6 p.m., everyone can take a free ride on the Napa Valley Holiday Trolley. The festive ride stops at Main & Pearl Street, the Historic Napa Mill, Oxbow Public Market, Second and Coombs Street and First & Randolph. As you travel down the streets of Downtown Napa, the trolley will be playing music of the season to get you in the Christmas spirit.
The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa is one of the premier luxury accommodations of the area, and you are invited to celebrate the magic of the holidays with Christmas dinner. The meal will include a savory four-course menu full of holiday cheer and tasty delights. The special menu includes succulent appetizers, entrees and sweet desserts. The Meritage is throwing in a bonus for the holidays as well: when you book three or more nights for Christmas or New Year’s Eve, you will receive 30 percent off with the discount code CHEERS14. Visit MeritageResort.com to make Christmas dinner reservations and to book your stay in Napa.