Ready or not, the holidays are upon us.
Wreaths are being hung, trees trimmed and countless twinkling lights are ready to brighten December nights. If you’re not quite there yet, that’s OK; but if you’re searching for a bit of inspiration to start decking the halls, some of our favorite Wine Country hotels are already serving up festive doses of holiday magic. Visitors shouldn’t be the only ones taking advantage.
Après Ski the Wine Country Way
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is whisking diners away to the Swiss Alps via a cozy trio of wood Swiss chalets that have popped up on the front lawn of the historic property.
A happy hour menu is offered from 3-5 p.m. daily. Choose from cheese or chocolate fondue ($35), bratwurst, potatoes and sauerkraut ($35) and French fries topped with rosemary ham, Raclette cheese and pickles ($18). Warm up with a glass of wine, bubbles or cocktails the likes of spiked eggnog and hot toddies.
A prix fixe dinner menu featuring French onion soup, lightly smoked pork loin and Tarte Flambée is served from 6-9 p.m. daily. Cost is $125 per person. Reservations are recommended for both experiences. Sonoma Swiss chalets accommodate groups of up to eight people.
Also, don’t forget the community Tree Lighting Celebration at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 5. The century-old sycamore tree inn will be lit up with thousands of white lights. Locals and hotel guests are invited to attend the festivities. Santa will be there for photo opportunities and there will be assorted holiday goodies to enjoy. 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, 707-938-9000, fairmont.com/sonoma
Twelve Festive Nights
MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa, Hotel Les Mars and Farmhouse Inn are teaming up for the first annual Twelve Festive Nights. A series of complimentary holiday events kick off from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 29, continuing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 22. The programming is inspired by and replaces MacArthur Place’s former 12 Nights of Marvel festivities that was offered annually before Bill Foley purchased the hotel and it became part of Foley Entertainment Group.
Some activities, like the Espresso Martini Bar planned for Dec. 20, will take place at all three properties. Other events — like a sound bath at Farmhouse Inn on Dec. 1 and photos with Santa at MacArthur Place on Dec. 21 — are exclusive to each property. Some activities are first-come, first-served; others require reservations.
Holiday Alpine Yurt Dinner
Timber Cove Resort is offering a holiday twist on coastal dining in plush heated yurts. The Winter Wonderland Menu selections range from a mezze board and Brussels sprout salad to Black Cod and housemade cavatelli pasta. Reservations can be made by calling Timber Cove at 707-847-3231. Tickets are $125 per person; yurts can accommodate up to six people. 21780 Highway 1, Jenner, timbercoveresort.com
Holiday Tea
Hotel Healdsburg will serve holiday tea on weekend afternoons, Dec. 7-22. Custom-blend teas, wine and cocktails will be served alongside housemade pastries, scones, petite sandwiches, caviar, quiche and other holiday fare from Dry Creek Kitchen. $79 for adults, $93 including wine or cocktail and $49 for children under 12. 317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-431-0330, drycreekkitchen.com
Fa-la-la-mingo Tropical Winter Wonderland
Sippin’ Santa is back. The Tiki-Christmas cocktail extravaganza has popped up once again at Flamingo Resort’s Lazeaway Club. The tropical inspired holiday lineup includes nearly a dozen cocktails. Festivities run through Jan. 6. Make a night of it with a stay in a Santa Suite.