Sonoma & Napa Wine Country Family Holiday Fun

Ice Skating at Merry Meritage, Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa

One of the benefits of living in the North Bay is having the Wine Country of Sonoma and Napa right in our own backyard. It's a short trip from Marin but a world away, especially during the holidays, when the area does itself up in style.

Here are some selected family-friendly holiday events and happenings in Sonoma and Napa, as well as a few of our favorite places to visit in the Wine Country. Some of these events require tickets or advance reservations, so make sure you check for availability before you go.

Sonoma Valley Holiday Events

Lighting of the Historic Sonoma Plaza
Downtown Sonoma
Saturday, November 22, 5–8 pm
The kick-off to the popular Holidays in Sonoma, join thousands of residents and visitors as we fill the historic Sonoma Plaza with the bright glow of a quarter-million lights. The evening will include music, performances, food trucks and the chance to visit the holiday displays around the 8-acre Sonoma Plaza. Event details

Cirque de Bohème: "La Belle Époque"
Cornerstone Sonoma
November 28, 29 & 30, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28, 2 & 4 pm
Created in Paris during a period called “les Années Folles,” this old-style show is based on the French tradition of a 1920s Circus. Cirque de Bohème transports audiences back in time for an hour of mystery and entertainment. Delight in the work of world-class performers including a Magician, Hand Chair Balancing, Hula Hoop, Mime, Spinning Plates, Slack Rope, Jugglers, and more! Event details

Lighting of the Historic Sonoma Plaza

Sonoma Lighted Tractor Parade
Sonoma Plaza
Saturday, November 29, 6:30 pm
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance, in partnership with the City of Sonoma, is excited to host its 2nd Annual Lighted Tractor Parade. As the sun sets on the Sip-n-Shop, gather for an enchanting Lighted Tractor Parade. This new tradition in Sonoma Valley will fill your heart with warmth and holiday spirit. Watch as decorated tractors adorned with sparkling lights spread joy and holiday cheer around the Sonoma Plaza. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, engage with the community, and create unforgettable holiday memories. Event details

Santa Soirée at Songbird Parlour
Songbird Parlour, Jack London Village, Glen Ellen
Sunday, November 30, noon–2 pm
Join Songbird for their annual celebration of all things merry and bright. Santa himself will be here for photos and stories with the little ones — completely free and open to all! Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies while the kids enjoy holiday crafts and festive fun. Adults can warm up with bubbles, wine, or coffee available for purchase. No reservations or tickets required. Event details

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Tree Lighting Celebration
Thursday, December 4, 4:30 pm
Join Sonoma Mission Inn as they light up the iconic sycamore tree and celebrate the holiday season, Sonoma style! Santa Claus and special guests from Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area and El Verano School will flip the switch on our colorful display, kicking off the holidays with a fun and festive celebration. Event details

Santa on the Sonoma Plaza
Sonoma Plaza
Friday, December 5, 4:30–6:30 pm
Join the Soroptimist International of Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association for a cup of hot chocolate as you wait for Santa to arrive at the Historic Sonoma Plaza in an antique fire truck with the help of local firefighters. Santa will light the tree on City Hall and be available for pictures and to listen to children’s wishes for a Merry Christmas. Event details

Santa Weekend at Larson Family Winery

Santa Weekend at Larson Family Winery
Larson Family Winery, Sonoma
Saturday & Sunday, December 6 & 7, 11 am–4 pm
Tickets for a professional Santa photo shoot cost $60 or $48 for wine club members. Make a separate reservation if you would like to enjoy a tasting while you're there. Larson Family Winery is located at 23355 Millerick Road in Sonoma. Event details

Christmas with Santa at Little Vineyards Family Winery
Little Vineyards Family Winery, Glen Ellen
Saturday, December 7, 11 am–2 pm
Join Little Vineyards for a festive celebration with family and friends! Bring your camera (and your Christmas list!) for a special opportunity to meet Santa and capture holiday memories. Children of all ages are welcome! The entrance fee is $10 per adult and $5 per child, which includes Christmas crafts, holiday cookies, hot cocoa, and a photo and storytime with Santa. Event details

Holiday on the Norther Frontier & Holiday Carols Sing-Along 
Sonoma State Historic Park
Saturday, December 13, 5–8 pm
Join the community at this festive, traditional holiday event! Family-friendly activities take place throughout the historic park in downtown Sonoma. Experience living history, a campfire, caroling, live music, craft activities, and more. Four ticketed candlelight sing-along sessions take place in the Sonoma Mission Chapel. Tickets for the Mission Chapel performances will be distributed on Saturday November 22 at 10 am in front of the Mission. A donation of $2.50 per ticket is suggested, maximum four tickets per person, first come first served. More information

The North Pole Express
Cline Family Cellars, Sonoma
Sunday, December 14, 1–3 pm
All aboard Cline's Polar Express, a "wine-derful" holiday event that's sure to get you in the spirit! Get cozy on an old train car decked out with festive decor, while sipping on hot cocoa and cookies. Meet Santa and gather around for a reading of some holiday favorite children's books. Take photos with Santa, and enjoy activities for kids and jingle bells for all. Wine by the glass available for purchase. $16 per person aged 3 and up. Event details

Other Sonoma Valley Destinations for Family Fun

While you're in Sonoma Valley, check out some of our favorite family destinations, including Sonoma Train Town (open Saturday and Sunday and "Black Friday" November 28, 10 am–4 pm, weather permitting), Jack London State Historic Park, and the historic Sonoma Plaza.

Merry Meritage at the Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa

Napa Valley Holiday Events

Merry Meritage
The Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa
November 26–January 1
Step into a world of shimmering lights and festive spirit — glide across the region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, marvel at a glowing 40-foot Christmas tree, and experience nightly snowfalls that transform the village into a sparkling holiday escape. Cozy private igloos, fire pits, Princess Tinsel Teas, Santa’s Reading Corner, and seasonal specialties at Santa’s Tavern invite you to savor every moment. Celebrate the season surrounded by Napa’s timeless beauty. Tree lighting ceremony, with live entertainment, takes place Saturday, November 29. Event details

Downtown Napa Christmas Tree Lighting
Wednesday, November 26, 6–8 pm
It’s just not the holidays without the trimmings—30 feet of them, to be exact. Grab your fam, grab a friend and head bright this way for hot chocolate, cookies, singing and dancing before the tree lighting. Plus, get some face time with the local mayor as he leads the countdown to the big event. Event details

Napa Valley Wine Train Santa Train Jolly Journeys
November 28–December 23
Get into the holiday spirit on a merry adventure with Old Saint Nick through Napa Valley. Each magical journey begins at the station, where cheerful carolers, a photo opportunity with Santa, and much more await. A portion of proceeds from select experiences are donated to local charitable causes. Event details

Napa Christmas Parade
Downtown Napa
Saturday, December 6, 5 pm
Napa’s annual holiday parade, with floats, live music, dancing horses, Santa, and more, will circle downtown district on Second, Brown and Third streets. After the parade, take the kids to visit Santa in the Napa Valley Welcome Center in First Street. Event details

Holidays in Calistoga
Downtown Calistoga
Friday, December 5, 5–7:30 pm & Saturday, December 6, 7–8 pm
This small town holiday celebration features Calistoga's famous Lighted Tractor Parade, with vintage and modern tractors and other vehicles decked out in dazzling lights. Holiday festivities with Santa, seasonal music, activites, and tree lighting on Friday; parade on Saturday. Admission is free. Event details

Old Mill Holidays at Bale Grist Mill
Saturday, December 6, 10 am–2 pm
Experience the warmth and wonder of the season surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of a 19th-century mill in motion. Old Mill Holidays is a beloved community tradition where history and holiday cheer come together for a day of festive fun. As live folk music drifts through the park and the scent of warm apple cider fills the air, guests of all ages can enjoy hands-on crafts, traditional demonstrations, and the cozy charm of a holiday gathering at one of Napa Valley’s most cherished historic landmarks. Event details