Christmas in Napa Valley

The Napa Valley Wine Train's holiday program is mainly a family and children's experience: a station visit with Santa, cookies and cocoa, and four ride options ranging from a short cookie car to holiday dinner seatings. It departs the McKinstry Street station in downtown Napa. Adults planning a wine-focused ride should look at the regular wine tour options instead.

Seatings, prices and daytime departures vary by date; check the official calendar before planning around it.

Downtown Napa's long-running evening parade brings lighted floats, live music and Santa to Second, Brown and Third streets, and organizers note it is canceled in bad weather. Make a night of it with dinner from our Napa Valley restaurant guide. Confirm the 2026 date and any related tree-lighting activities with the Downtown Napa Association.

The Yountville Chamber's six-week holiday season lights up Washington Street, starting with the town and tree lighting. It is an easy evening stroll between tasting rooms, shops and the dining that makes Yountville a strong base for a romantic winter getaway. Individual event dates are published on the Chamber's site.

Tractors, vintage farm rigs, utility vehicles and floats decked in lights roll down Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga, a nod to the town's farming roots. Arrive early for curbside space, then warm up afterward; our spas and wellness guide covers the town's hot-spring soaks for the next morning.

The Meritage Resort and Spa sets up an outdoor ice skating rink on its Village Lawn, with ticketed 90-minute sessions, a holiday village with an artisan market, and an annual tree lighting that opens the season. It is one of the more family-friendly options in the valley; pair it with ideas from Napa Valley with kids. Check the resort's calendar for 2026 session hours and the tree-lighting date.