The holidays are coming! This time of year, I’m particularly fond of quick trips to the beautiful South Valley wine country where the vineyards explode in color and many wineries roll out the welcome mat with live music, wood-fired pizza and other special events. With the holidays just around the corner, there are lots of festive, family-friendly events happening right here in our backyard.
Here are a few suggestions for getting out and enjoying this special time of year:
- Makers Market in the Park, Santana Row, Nov. 12
Listen to live music and shop local makers at this outdoor, open-air marketplace featuring handcrafted, eco-friendly American-made goods. Even make your own beautiful fall wreath (reservations required). Sip and stroll the Row with a favorite to-go cocktail from one of many Santana Row eateries. For more information, visit santanarow.com
- Pumpkin Floral Workshop, Sarah’s Vineyard – Gilroy, Nov. 18
Fall is here! Take a short drive to the beautiful South Valley wine country to Sarah’s Vineyard for a Fall Floral Pumpkin Workshop. Create a stunning pumpkin centerpiece that will have your home looking festive and beautiful for the holiday season. All materials are included, plus a glass of their award-winning wine, of course! Click here for reservations.
Happy Thanksgiving! Nov. 24
- Enchant, PayPal Park – San Jose, Nov. 25 – Jan. 1
A first in the Bay Area, escape to an illuminated winter wonderland and experience a world of adventure including an immersive walk-thru Light Maze, a 100-foot-tall holiday tree, ice-skating trail, live entertainment, Santa visits, a Village marketplace, and festive treats and cocktails. Visit Enchant, presented by Hallmark Channel for tickets and info.
- Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade, Downtown Los Altos, Nov. 27
This annual parade lights up Downtown Los Altos with illuminated floats, twinkling costumed characters, local high school marching bands, and finally, Santa in his sleigh! losaltosparade.org
- Saratoga Holiday Wine Stroll, & Tree Lighting, Downtown Saratoga, Nov. 25
Stroll through enchanting Historic Saratoga Village and enjoy tastings from some of the best local wineries. Enjoy live music, free horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping, tasty nibbles, and holiday cheer. Purchase tickets in advance. 6:00 – 8:30pm.
- Holiday Tree Walk & Steam Train, Roaring Camp – Felton, Nov. 25-27
Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cocoa with Santa at the summit and enjoy a walk of beautifully decorated holiday trees. Or hop aboard the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train on vintage excursion cars adorned with lights through the colorful city streets. Visit roaringcamp.com for tickets and info.
- Holiday WinterFest & Ice Rink, California’s Great America, Santa Clara, beginning Nov. 25
Immerse yourself into an enchanted wintery world at California’s Great America. With over 60 rides and attractions aglow with millions of lights, including ice skating, sending letters to the North Pole, checking out Santa’s workshop, and taking in one of the Bay Area’s tallest Christmas trees, there’s something here for the whole family. Nov 25 – Jan 1. For more information, visit here.
