Christmas in Napa Valley transforms wine country into a festive wonderland. From the Calistoga tractor parade’s twinkling lights rolling down Lincoln Avenue to sparkling wine barrel trees and ice skating under the stars, Napa Valley events during the holiday season combine small-town charm with wine country elegance.
If you’re planning a holiday escape, there’s no better home base than a Calistoga bed and breakfast. Cozy up by the fire, sip local wine, and step right into the heart of the valley’s most charming celebrations. Here’s your guide to the best Christmas events, tree lightings, and festive experiences happening throughout Napa Valley this season.
Calistoga: Small-Town Holiday Magic
Calistoga Holiday Village and Christmas Faire
Always the first Saturday in December, Celebrate! Napa Valley brings you the Annual Calistoga Christmas Faire, also known as the Bazaar, featuring many of your favorite artisans and crafters, live performances, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
Festivities begin Friday night with an evening of community performances, delicious food, local wines, and warm hospitality. After dark, gather around as the town lights up the night, the Christmas tree, and everyone’s spirits. Both Friday and Saturday offer plenty of holiday shopping, festive treats, and activities from local businesses and community groups.
Images courtesy of Visit Calistoga
Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade
The excitement builds all weekend and culminates with the beloved Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade on Saturday night, a USA TODAY 10Best nominee for Best Holiday Parade. More than 50 tractors, trucks, and farm vehicles decked in thousands of twinkling lights roll down Lincoln Avenue in a dazzling display of creativity and community pride. Local farmers, businesses, and families spend weeks preparing their entries, turning everyday equipment into glowing works of art.
This highlight of the holiday season draws 12,000 to 14,000 visitors each year. Families line the streets with hot cocoa, couples bundle up under blankets, and kids cheer as each tractor passes by. The parade celebrates Calistoga’s agricultural roots and closes out the weekend with heartwarming small-town joy and sparkle.
Holiday Shows at the Brannan Center
Throughout the season, the Brannan Center hosts special holiday performances, concerts, and community events that bring even more sparkle to downtown Calistoga. From cheerful musical productions to family-friendly shows, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy local talent and get into the holiday spirit.
St. Helena: Wine Barrel Tree & Snowfall Magic
Winter Farm & Tree Lighting Ceremony
St. Helena’s holiday centerpiece is impossible to miss: a 36-foot tree constructed entirely from 109 repurposed Beringer Vineyards wine barrels. Weighing 10,500 pounds and adorned with 232 feet of garland, over 1,500 ornaments, and thousands of lights, this one-of-a-kind creation celebrates Napa Valley’s winemaking heritage in spectacular fashion. The tree lighting ceremony kicks off the season with live music, Beringer wine tastings, hot toddies, culinary delights from local restaurants, and photos with Santa. The barrel tree remains on display through January 2, making it a perfect photo opportunity throughout the holidays.Yountville: The Brightest Town in Napa Valley
Holidays in Yountville
Yountville lives up to its reputation as the “Brightest Town in Napa Valley” with a six-week celebration of holiday-related events, activities, and shopping in the heart of Napa Valley. Beyond the scheduled activities below, Yountville invites visitors and locals alike to simply stroll through the charming, walkable town, taking in the holiday lights while exploring unique shops, tasting rooms, and world-class restaurants.
Yountville Town & Tree Lighting
Yountville lives up to its reputation as the “Brightest Town in Napa Valley” with thousands of twinkling lights illuminating the entire town from November 23 through January 1. The season kicks off with the Town & Tree Lighting ceremony, featuring family-friendly activities from 4:00 to 5:45 PM in the community center, followed by special performances on the outdoor stage, and the lighting at 6:00 PM.
12 Days of Yountville Cheer
New for 2025, Yountville launches the inaugural 12 Days of Yountville Cheer, featuring special offers on wine, food, wellness, lodging, and shopping. Throughout the six-week celebration, you’ll find dozens of events including:
- Wine tastings and pairings
- Holiday wreath-making workshops
- Christmas karaoke and holiday trivia nights
- The Annual Latke Throwdown
- Holiday Artisan Faire with nearly 40 unique vendors
Special Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s menus
Napa: Parades, Trolleys & Ice Skating
Napa’s Christmas Parade
Napa’s “Home for the Holidays” Parade brings First Street, Brown Street, and Third Street alive with lighted floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer. The Grand Marshal leads the procession, and afterward, families can visit Santa at the Napa Valley Welcome Center at 1300 1st Street for photos and warm wishes.
Images courtesy of Visit Calistoga
Napa Valley Wine Trolley Holiday Lights Tour
See Napa Valley’s most spectacular holiday light displays from the comfort of a festive trolley. Tours depart from Oxbow Public Market and wind through neighborhoods and landmarks decorated for the season.
Local tip: If you’re exploring on your own, drive through the residential displays on Paradise Drive (tune your radio to 90.1 to sync the light show with music) or Penny Lane. These families go all out with coordinated displays that rival professional installations.
Meritage Holiday Ice Rink & Winter Village
Merry Meritage at the Meritage Resort offers a complete winter wonderland. Skate on Napa Valley’s largest outdoor ice rink, surrounded by a 40-foot Christmas tree, icicle lights, and nightly artificial snowfall. Cozy fire pits and private heated igloos provide warm spots to rest between skating sessions.
Open Monday-Thursday 4:00-10:00 PM and Friday-Sunday 11:00 AM-10:00 PM. Weekend events often include live music and Santa visits.
Napa Lighted Art Festival
Once the Christmas trees come down, Napa keeps the lights going with the annual Napa Lighted Art Festival, featuring illuminated art installations throughout downtown.
Napa Valley Wine Train’s Santa Train
The Wine Train’s “Santa Train Jolly Journeys” offers a Christmas experience on wheels. Board at the station where carolers, hot cider, and elves set the festive mood. Santa himself greets passengers before the train rolls through vineyard landscapes while guests enjoy cookies, cocoa, and carols.
Upgrade options include gourmet dinner service in the Pullman car or panoramic views from the Vista Dome. A portion of the proceeds supports local foster youth and fire safety initiatives, so your holiday fun helps the community.
Winery Holiday Events Across Napa Valley
The holidays are also a magical time to visit Napa Valley’s wineries, where tasting rooms glow with twinkling lights and every glass feels like a celebration. Throughout December, many wineries host festive events ranging from elegant winemaker dinners to casual open houses, holiday markets, and wreath-making classes.
In Calistoga, the Cowboy Christmas Party at Tamber Bey Vineyards blends Western spirit with wine country charm, while in Rutherford, Elizabeth Spencer Winery and Rutherford Hill Winery host cheerful open houses and dinners. Merryvale, Raymond Vineyards, JCB Yountville, and CHANDON add their own sparkle with signature holiday soirées and themed tastings.
The Winter in the Wineries Passport is the perfect way to experience the season. This annual program includes tastings at more than a dozen Calistoga wineries for one price, running from December through early February. It’s an easy way to discover new favorites while enjoying the festive spirit of Napa Valley.
Make It a Holiday Getaway
The best way to experience Christmas in Napa Valley is to stay for more than just an evening. At the Craftsman Inn and Wine Way Inn in Calistoga, you’re minutes from the legendary Calistoga tractor parade and downtown holiday shopping, while St. Helena, Yountville, and Napa are all within easy driving distance.
The holidays are about spending time with the people you care about most, and wine country during Christmas offers exactly that. Enjoy festive celebrations without the frenzy, twinkling lights among the vines, and the genuine warmth of small communities welcoming visitors to share in their traditions.
Book your holiday stay and experience Christmas in Napa Valley. From tractor parades to wine barrel trees, ice skating to trolley tours, these are the holiday memories you’ll treasure for years to come.