The holidays are a great opportunity to take advantage of time off work and plan an overnight trip. Here are some of the best winter holiday getaways that are just a short drive from Silicon Valley.
Yosemite
Winter is an exquisite time to visit Yosemite National Park, as the crowds diminish and a variety of family-friendly winter activities emerge. You can ice skate outdoors at Half Dome Village, with picturesque views of Half Dome, a tradition since 1928. Notably, the Badger Pass Ski Area, California’s oldest ski resort, opens mid-December, providing an excellent venue for beginners to hone their skills on the slopes.
The Ahwahnee Hotel hosts exceptional culinary events throughout the holiday season, including the Bracebridge Dinner, which transforms the dining hall into a Renaissance-era festive celebration, and the Grand Grape Celebration, showcasing a celebrated winemakers’ dinner.
During December, Tenaya Lodge offers a variety of holiday celebrations, such as gingerbread-making workshops, dinners with Santa, and more, all within a luxurious four-diamond resort.
Lake Tahoe
For enthusiasts of snow and winter sports, Lake Tahoe stands out as an idyllic destination. With options like downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice skating, Lake Tahoe offers an array of winter activities. Moreover, the breathtaking views of the deep blue lake framed by snow create one of California’s most recognizable backdrops.
The various resorts in the Tahoe region come alive during the holiday season. Heavenly Resort presents numerous events under their “Heavenly Holidays” theme, featuring holiday-themed happy hours, a magnificent 16-foot snow globe, and intricate ice sculptures. Additionally, MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa hosts its annual Festival of Trees and Lights in late November or early December, with proceeds benefitting local health services.
The Central Coast
The quaint communities along the Central Coast boast numerous attractions during the holiday season. At Hearst Castle’s “Holiday Twilight Tours,” visitors can see the magnificent San Simeon mansion, adorned with extravagant light displays, two impressive 18-foot Christmas trees, and a unique poinsettia tree. These tours are conducted from late November through late December, excluding Christmas Eve and Day.
The Cambria Christmas Market offers an authentic European holiday shopping experience, complete with German foods, fine wines, and over one million twinkling lights.
Historic Downtown Paso Robles features a variety of holiday events, including a Christmas Light Parade, the Vine Street Victorian Showcase, and, for children, the Victorian Teddy Bear Tea event.
San Francisco
The vibrant city of San Francisco, with its festive lights and opportunities for shopping, arts, and culture, makes for an excellent holiday destination. Union Square serves as the retail heart of the city, featuring colorful holiday displays including a massive Christmas tree illuminated by 33,000 lights and a charming mahogany menorah, along with an ice skating rink. Visitors can also savor holiday music and partake in special shopping events.
The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens hosts a seasonal “Zoo Lights” exhibit on weekend nights throughout the holiday season. This charming exhibit showcases flickering holiday lights, provides opportunities to meet Santa (along with his reindeer), and features special holiday events.
The city also hosts a myriad of seasonal arts and music events, so be sure to check out the San Francisco Symphony as they perform Handel’s “Messiah,” and enjoy the American Conservatory Theater‘s rendition of the classic “A Christmas Carol,” both enticing options throughout December.
Napa and Sonoma
Napa and Sonoma encapsulate the essence of holiday cheer in wine country. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers its seasonal “Santa Trains,” allowing children to experience a train ride with Santa Claus while parents indulge in the finest Napa wines.
In Downtown Healdsburg, visitors can enjoy several holiday events, including a Downtown Holiday Party, a model train exhibit, breakfast with Santa, and an appealing holiday home tour.
The charming town of Petaluma provides a unique opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, who make their grand entrance by tugboat during the annual Santa’s Riverboat Arrival.
