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How to Spend a Holiday in Napa Valley

Everybody loves a holiday weekend away from home and a much-deserved vacation.  

If you’re looking to make a holiday extra special this year, take a trip down to Napa Valley for some fine dining, wine tasting, and an infinite number of wonderful and unforgettable activities. Also, there’s no need to worry about your favorite wineries being closed – majority of them stay open during the holiday weekends. Whether you’re traveling alone, with a significant other, or the family – you can bet that there’s going to be an event that will be enjoyed by everyone. Therefore, you have no choice but to come back to Napa Valley each year to celebrate a different holiday!

In this list, we’ve narrowed down the best of the best places to spend a holiday in Napa Valley. Get your bucket list ready and write these events down!

  1. New Year’s Eve: Blue Note Napa (New Year’s Live Performances) 

Here’s to another year full of exciting adventures, refreshing experiences, and unexpectedly fantastic moments! Toast to the upcoming new year at midnight with live musical performances at Blue Note Napa, located right inside the Napa Valley Opera House. This music venue is a jazz club and gourmet restaurant all in one, complete with a full bar ready to serve you all the finest liquor and cocktails. Most importantly, Blue Note Napa transports you to a Greenwich Village-esque atmosphere complete with the intimacy of a band performing inches from your table; an authentic musical experience like no other. Fun fact, Blue Note has multiple venues in the world, the most popular being in New York. There, the most notable names in jazz made their marks. Just to name a few, Etta James, Dave Brubeck, and Cab Calloway have graced the stages.

  1. Valentine’s Day: NVA Loft Hot Air Balloons + a stroll through V Marketplace

If you happen to be a pair lovebirds venturing down to Napa on Valentine’s Day, expect to be literally swept off your feet. Take your sweetheart to new heights by treating them to a hot air balloon ride from Napa Valley Aloft. Established in 1978, Napa Valley Aloft has been the most beloved source for hot air balloon adventures in the sky. You can take a trip at either sunrise or sunset, when the winds are perfectly calm and sight-see the panoramic valley and historical V-Marketplace where the hot air balloons take off. The V-Marketplace below features art galleries, clothing and jewelry shops, a chocolate shop, and of course, wine. It’s famous for guests that you “come for the shopping, but stay for the wine”!  Last but not least, it’s imperative to bring a camera to capture not just your darling’s face, but the breath-taking views and window shopping scenery once you land. To top it all off, you’re able to toast champagne during your flight to signify another year of love. What more could you ask for?

  1. Fourth of July: Napa Lights the Valley Fourth of July 

Fireworks, picnics, and live music? Oh my! Napa Lights the Valley is one of the most anticipated events of the year in downtown wine country. The outdoor celebration comes full-force with a dazzling fireworks, free and live musical performances, kid-friendly activities, alcohol stands for the adults, food trucks, and even splashing activities down by the Napa River. Groups of all ages can look forward to something fun and engaging at Napa Lights the Valley! This Fourth of July event ends with a classic fireworks display that will be an unforgettable and bright moment for the books. Since Napa Lights the Valley was a major hit last year with both tourists and locals alike, it can only get more popular! The location changes by year, but usually you can expect to find it in large parks with open spaces and a beautiful sky.

  1. Halloween: Napa Farmer’s Market Tour and Cooking Class 

While there are normally plenty of things to do in Napa Valley with your family, Halloween offers even more options. While trick-or-treating is a classic activity during Halloween for kids, adults can take part in their own relaxed activity during this spooky holiday by intimately exploring the Napa Farmer’s Market with Napa’s wonderful “Cooking with Julie” host, Julie, to stock up on fresh ingredients, peruse the produce from local farmers, and take part in the kitchen to create a delicious feast! Don’t feel intimidated by the idea of cooking your own meal. Under the guidance of Julie, you will be able to learn new culinary techniques and recipes that will inspire you to be as creative and spontaneous in your kitchen back home. Think of it this way: every future meal you prepare for friends and family can include that special Napa Valley touch. The cooking class can either be one-on-one with Julie or with a group. We recommend the group because cooking is a lot more fun when everyone is learning and laughing together!

  1. Thanksgiving: Pope Valley Winery

Spending Thanksgiving in Napa Valley is a refreshing twist from your classic sit-down family dinner with turkey and potatoes. Drive down Highway 29 to roll into one of the most beloved and oldest wineries in Napa: Pope Valley Winery. Established in 1897, this family-run winery has devoted itself to treating visitors with the utmost warmth and hospitality – as well as impress you with its 100-year old hand-made cave. Furthermore, for all you animal lovers out there – the winery dog, Gus, hangs out in the vineyard ready for anyone willing to play fetch and bocce! Now, during Thanksgiving, the folks at Pope Valley host a harvest party for adults, complete with special wine tastings, food, and a tour around the stunning vineyard. Without doubt, we guarantee you will love them just as much as their wine and adorable dog.

  1. Christmas: Napa Illuminations Festival (Downtown Napa)

Last but certainly not least, the most wonderful and magical time of the year: Christmas! Napa is decorated with rows of Christmas trees, colorful ornaments, and twinkling lights for miles. Forewarning: be prepared to sing along to Christmas songs in almost every store and tap your foot to jazz renditions of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” in the fine restaurants during the late night. In Downtown Napa, through the Oxbow District, take a stroll through the Napa Illuminations Festival. Here, you’ll find art that celebrates the medium of light and its imaginative expression. Be sure to dress warmly in your coats and sip on some mulled wine as you enjoy this outside showcase. The festival features between 10-15 handpicked innovative pieces to the public, all of which seek to inspire and uplift the viewer who interacts with them. Regardless if you’re an art buff or not, anyone can appreciate the dedicated souls that have put their time and efforts into this exhibition.  The Napa Valley Art Scene will never disappoint!

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We hope that your following year will be filled to the brimmed with activities and memories in wine country. Napa Valley isn’t just great for wine tastings and strolls through vineyards, it’s place that can be a home away from home for the holidays! No matter the time of year you visit, Napa will always welcome you with open arms and of course – a glass of wine. See you soon!

The Best Luxuries that are “Treat Yourself Worthy” in Napa Valley

Every now again, it doesn’t hurt to indulge in the activities, events, and things that have a sprinkle – or grandiosity – of an opulent touch to them. Since you’re planning your next “treat yourself” getaway, make sure that Napa Valley is at the top of the list of places that need a visit. There’s something for every person’s taste and personality in Napa! Whether you like to have a classic “wine and dine” evening, socialize with artists, spend the evenings dancing away, breathe fresh air outdoors, or having that well-deserved massage in your tranquil hotel – you will find exactly what you’re looking for in wine country.

These are the best luxuries in Napa Valley that are “treat yourself worthy” and that you should experience at least once – or actually, multiple times in life.

  1. Book a gorgeous room at Calistoga Ranch

At the peak of Upper Napa Valley is the stunning Calistoga Ranch Auberge Resort, located in an exclusively private canyon. It’s designed to ease you into a tranquil and meditative space that nurtures the soul. Nature is perfect for that mindset, don’t you think? The Calistoga Ranch is beloved by couples because it is a complete and utter getaway from the world around them – perfect for honeymoons or anniversaries (hint hint). If you were planning on also treating your partner along with yourself, it’s guaranteed that the both of you will find that couples massages, special dinners for two, and taking walks next to the private lake will surely put you in the mood for romance.

  1. Eat a decadent meal at Napa’s Michelin-starred restaurants

If you want to eat a deliciously exquisite dinner, you must get a reservation at any of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Napa. We recommend The French Laundry in Yountville – titled one of the “finest dining experiences” in the world. At this restaurant, you will be floored by the meticulous and delicately crafted cuisine from Chef Thomas Keller. The menu consists of two choices: “The Chef’s Tasting Menu” and the “Tasting of Vegetables”. Regardless of the menu you choose, Keller has made sure to never repeat a single ingredient throughout all the courses, and puts care into taking you on a journey of the senses and telling a story with the food. He focuses on creating his cuisine that heightens and excites the senses and tastebuds, stirs emotion within you, and brings you sadness once it is over. Once you have a taste of Keller’s cuisine, you will always want to come back and fight for the next opportunity to sit down at their tables.

  1. Snap some panoramic photos of the valley…by hot air balloon

Soar to new heights by booking a hot air balloon ride with Napa Valley Aloft. From your designated hot air balloon, you can bask in the sights of the valley at either sunrise or sunset when the winds are just right. Whether you’re a photographer or someone who wishes to capture their lovely memories, it is imperative to bring a camera. No matter what angle the light catches, the photo will be stunning – we promise. From your view in the sky, you can look down at the V-Marketplace where the hot air balloons rise and fall, the speckles of hotels and wineries, and even the San Francisco Bridge.

  1. Take a leisurely stroll through the marketplaces, boutiques, and stores in V Marketplace

If you’re in the mood to go shopping, you have quite a number of places to visit. Napa is infinitely decorated with shops and markets, so prepare yourself to walk all day! Stop by the beloved V Marketplace (right under Napa Valley Aloft hot air balloons), and indulge your sweet tooth in the Kollar Chocolates shop, pamper yourself at the Sisters Beauty Bar, gaze at the intricate fine art and sculptures in galleries, and of course – have a wine tasting! Your will be absolutely delighted at the number of activities and places in this historical place. Their motto is “Come for the wine. Stay for the shopping!”. We wholeheartedly agree that is the case.

  1. Visit the Huess Collection Winery and Art Museum

The Huess Collection Winery and Art museum is unique, considering it offers not only a chance to taste their fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon – you can also peak into the art collection of Donald Hess, the commander-in-chief of this elegant winery. Hess limits his collection of art from only 20 artists, each one possessing a special relationship with him in which they share and exchange their passion for art and creation. This is an incredibly intimate space to visit that welcomes you to take your time exploring it.

  1. Watch a show at the Uptown Theater

Besides massages and expensive hotel rooms, entertainment is definitely a “treat yourself” event. Buy a ticket to watch live performances at the Uptown Theater! There is always a show happening almost every evening, letting you ponder over if you should see a dance troupe, bands, speakers, or comedians. Furthermore, The Uptown Theater has an epic reputation for featuring entertainment legends such as BB King and Chris Cornell.

  1. Change up the vineyard scenery and take an olive oil tour

Napa is not just home to the finest wine in the country, they also produce incredible olive oil! Get your sun hat ready and attend an olive oil tour at Lucero Olive Oil. Their tasting room is to die for, considering you can also experience their unforgettable balsamic vinegars, mustards, and additional gourmet specialties. The ultimate indulgence comes with booking a reservation to one of their tasting packages, all of which include the opportunity to try olive oil with fresh bread or the oil in its purest form. Depending on which package you choose, you can engage in all of the following: experience a simple tour through the olive mill, watch the cultivation of how their olives are processed from orchard to bottle, or enjoy a lovely meal paired with your olive oil favorites from the tour. Last but not least, you can also take home as many bottles of olive oil that your heart desires after your visit.

  1. And of course, take a classic wine tour!

Did you know that Napa Valley is home to over 400 wineries? We know, that’s an overwhelming number! Despite the fact, rest assured that no matter which wine cellar or vineyard you visit, you will never be disappointed by the quality of the wine, the hospitality from the owners and winemakers, and how refreshing it is to stroll through rows and rows of lush vineyards. To make your vacation easier to plan, here’s our personal favorite: Pope Valley Winery, established in 1897. Take things nice and easy over at this historic winery that treats guests like family. Pope Valley’s tastings and wine tours are guaranteed to satisfy your palette with their crowd-favorite wines such as the delightful and sweet 2011 Sparkling Blanc de Blancs or the rich and dark 2013 Faultine. Fun fact: they also encourage you to bring lunch to enjoy at their picnic tables with your wine. They have wonderful views of their garden from them and the scenery is absolutely serene. If Pope Valley could be described in one word, it would have to be “exceptional”!