Best time to go to Napa Valley, CA

Napa Valley Christmas 2023

The merriest time of the year coincides with the Cabernet Season in Napa Valley

Dates: December 2023

Napa Valley Christmas
Napa Valley in the winter

The holiday season is a great time to visit Napa Valley. Indulge in its famous red wines and gourmet food while enjoying various holiday happenings around the valley from late November to the end of December. Napa Valley towns are shimmering with colorful lights and decorated Christmas trees, delivering tons of holiday spirit and cheer.

Napa Christmas Parade (December 9, 2023)

The annual Christmas Parade is a beloved Napa tradition, which takes place in late November. Enjoy colorful floats, adorned with light, marching bands, dancers, classic cars, and community groups, passing through the 2nd and 3d Streets in Downtown. Meet Santa and other holiday characters. Go to the Riverfront, which looks especially festive during the holidays. Don't miss the Archer Hotel’s Christmas lights display, which is one of the best in Napa. Stop by the Oxbow District to enjoy a glass of warm wine or something stronger at Winter Wineland & Igloo Bar. Kids can enjoy s’mores and wood oven pizza.

Yountville

Yountville is often called the brightest town in Napa Valley. In addition to beautiful twinkling lights, Yonkville offers about 50 holiday events and experiences, such as wine tastings, wreath making, cooking classes, and demonstrations. A beautiful Santa’s Village at the Yountville Community Center is one of the main venues for these events.

St. Helena

St. Helena is another destination on Napa Valley's Christmas must-see list. Its annual Holiday Wine Barrel Tour showcases 80 wine barrels, lavishly decorated for the holidays. Have a cup of hot choco at St. Helena’s Hunt Street Hub, a beautifully decorated outdoor space with live music and twinkling Christmas lights.

Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade (December 2, 2023)

Calistoga Lighted Tractors are the Napa Valley's kids' favorite holiday event. The small town of Calistoga features over 20 brightly decorated tractors at more than 20 locations. More fun awaits the young ones at the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Village, with a Christmas tree, Santa, and various activities.

During Christmas time, many Napa Valley wineries offer special Holiday Wine Tasting Experiences. They usually include the famous Cabernet Sauvignon and other wines appropriate for the season. In addition, special seasonal menus at Napa's restaurants include holiday treats like a roasted Christmas goose and much more.

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Last updated: by Olga Valchyshen