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Events in Napa in December 2023: Wine Tasting, Holiday Celebrations, & More
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: November 8, 2023
Events in Napa in December 2023 include the start of Winter in the Wineries, the Reindeer Run, and Calistoga's Holiday Village. Other fun things to do include seeing a show at the Blue Note or the Uptown Theatre.
This month, you will also find some parties at local wineries that feature food, wine tasting, and holiday discounts. Don't miss out on these fun things to do in the Napa Valley.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Napa's Christmas Parade
Date: 12/9
Another one of the annual events in Napa in November is the Christmas Parade, held on Thanksgiving weekend to kick off the joyful season.
You'll see beautifully decorated floats and dozens of other entries in action in downtown Napa.
Afterward, the kids can meet and take pictures with Santa!
The parade starts at 5 pm and runs until 8 pm.
Uptown Theatre Shows in December
You will find a variety of fun events in Napa in December at the Uptown. These are just a few of the top shows this month.
12/02: Felipe Esparza
12/08: JaM Cellars Presents Pink Martini
12/16: JaM Cellars Presents Jake Shimabukuro Holiday Show
12/31: JaM Cellars Presents Dogstar/New Year’s Eve!
Calistoga Holiday Village
Date: 12/01 - 12/02
The Calistoga Holiday Village returns in 2023. It's a fun place to enjoy some holiday cheer, check out the North Pole Wine Garden, and enjoy some holiday treats.
You will also find carolers and a holiday tree lighting ceremony. You can also say hi to the big buy in red along with Mrs. Claus!
All events are at Pioneer Park, on Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade
Date: 12/02
Head to downtown Calistoga for this year's annual Lighted Tractor Parade!
The event features 60 unique tractors, floats, and other farm equipment. It's a great way to celebrate Calistoga's farming history and community.
The event starts at 7 pm and runs until around 8 pm. Dress warm as this event will happen in rain, shine, or snow!
Reindeer Run
Date: 12/2
The annual Reindeer Run features a 5k and a 10k. It's a great way to get outside and into the holiday spirit.
Pre-registered participants will get a T-shirt, digitally recorded time, and a goodie bag. Pre-race festivities begin at 8am, while the main event starts at 9 am (10k) and 9:15 am (5k) at the Wetlands Edge View Area Trailhead in American Canyon.
They also have a virtual option if you prefer to run it on your own.
>> Event information and registration
Winter in the Wineries
Dates: 12/02 - 2/04
For a two-month period in the winter, you can use your Winter in the Wineries Passport to gain access to 14 wine tastings at a variety of selected boutique and well-known wineries in Calistoga.
For $75, each passport is valued at an estimated $400 and includes not only discounts on wine and wine tastings, but shopping, lodging, dining, and more.
>> Get your passport to tour Napa Valley in the winter
Wine Tasting Events in Napa in December 2023
My calendar of wine tasting events in Napa in December includes some of the top options this month. You will find a variety of open houses as well as some that require tickets in advance.
Cuvaison (12/1, 8, 15, 22): Bright Nights at Cuvaison from 4 pm to 6 pm
Elizabeth Spencer: Holiday Open House from 1 pm to 4 pm (12/2)
Hess Persson Estates (12/8): Holiday Open House from 1 to 4 pm
Inglenook: Holiday Season celebration (12/3)
Judd's Hill: Hanukkah Hootenanny (12/3), enjoy traditional laktas, swinging surf sounds, and new releases from 1 - 3 pm
Larson Family Winery: Santa Weekend (12/2 - 12/3), take photos with Santa, make sure to book a tasting before or after your visit with Santa.
Merryvale: Annual Holiday Dinner (12/9), enjoy a wonderful dinner and then dance the night away in their cask room, from 6 pm to 10 pm
Raymond (12/3): Holiday Open House from 10 to 4 pm
Robert Mondavi Winery: Annual Holiday Party (12/2) at 4:30 pm, with food, wine, and entertainment.
Schweiger Vineyards (12/3): Holiday Open House from 1 to 4 pm
Silverado Vineyards (12/2 -3): Holiday at The Estate Weekend
Stag's Leap Cellars (12/2): Holiday Open House from 4:30 to 7 pm
Trefethen (12/2): Holidays at Trefethen
Trinitas Cellars: New Year’s Eve Winemaker Dinner (12/31), 6 pm to 10 pm. Share a toast, dance the night away, and raise a glass of Napa Valley’s famed wine to memories. This event takes place at the Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa.
Up on the Rooftop with Archer
Dates: 11/20 - 12/29
If you're in downtown Napa, check out the annual holiday pop-up "Up on the Rooftop" at the Archer Hotel's sixth-floor Sky & Vine rooftop bar, which offers panoramic vistas of the valley.
Adults will enjoy the holiday-themed cocktails, seasonal small plates, and an exclusive whiskey bar, while there is hot chocolate and other treats for the kids.
The hotel decks the place out with sparkling igloos that seat up to four guests and holiday lights that bring a little warmth to the cold winter nights. However, BYOB (bring your own blanket) is also recommended.
Where to Stay in the Napa Valley
Find some great places to stay in the Napa Valley. You will also find some good deals this time of year at hotels, resorts and bed & breakfasts. Click the links below for recent guest reviews as well as some great options this month.
TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in the Napa Valley? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
Booking.com: Save on your Hotel in Napa with Booking.com, Planet Earth's #1 Accommodation Site. No booking fees ever!
VRBO: Another great lodging option is VRBO. You can stay at a local's house, apartment, or even just rent a room. It's a great way to feel more like a local while visiting. Find a great place to stay on VRBO.
Holidays in Yountville
Dates: 11/19 - 1/01
This holiday season head to Yountville for their six-weeks of activities.
Events include wine tasting, visits from Santa, carriage rides around town, and so much more. Each week offers a variety of fun activities.
>> Visit their site for a full schedule of events
Jingle On Down to First Street Napa this Holiday Season
Dates: TBD
Head over to First Street in Napa for this fun event. For three days in December, you will can enjoy some holiday shopping and listen to holiday carolers.
You can also say hello to Santa and get your picture taken with him.
The event runs from 12pm to 3pm all three days.
>> Visit their site for more details
More Deals on Wine Tasting in Napa
You will also find some good tasting deals around Napa in December. You will find a good selection on Groupon. Click the links below for more information on each offer.
Vintage Sweet Shoppe: Chocolate and Wine Pairing Package for Two or Four at Vintage Sweet Shoppe (Up to 44% Off), check for availability
Envy Wines: Wine Tasting for Two or Four with a Take Home Bottle of Wine (Up to 50% Off), check for availability
*Note: Most deals last for 120 days after purchase, so make sure to check the exact terms before purchasing.
More Tips to Visit Napa
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!