Napa Valley is home to several hundred wineries, but there’s only one ice skating rink. Napa The Meritage Resort — think of it as “Merry Meritage” for the holidays — welcomes skaters from Nov. 11, 2021 through Jan. 2, 2022 on the expansive lawn beside its sister property, Vista Collina Resort.
Skating is open until 10 p.m. every night (except 8 p.m. on Sundays) and can be booked online here to include 90 minutes and the ice skate rental. Beer, wine, and hot cocoa set the mood at on-site tasting rooms. Make it an outdoor party by reserving a fire-pit that seats up to eight or a private Veuve Clicquot igloo for up to six.
Staying overnight? Book a suite with fireplace and beautiful French doors opening onto a private balcony with vineyard views overlooking the heated outdoor adults-only pool and hot tub.
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Or bring the whole family for Thanksgiving Brunch in the hotel’s ballroom. The menu features seasonal favorites including truffle turkey breast, crusted prime rib, assorted appetizers, decadent desserts and more. Seating are from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, November 25.
Save the date: November 26 is the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony complete with Christmas carolers and photos with Santa for the kids. Holiday tea is available, accompanied by house-made sandwiches, cookies, storytelling, special princess appearances and more, all happening at the property’s heated outdoor restaurant space from December 4 through December 18. Families can also visit with Santa Claus followed by story reading time at 4:30 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays from November 26 through December 19. There’s even holiday shopping at Fivetown and the Merry Meritage Artisan Market, supporting local artisans. In the spirit of the season, guests are encouraged to bring a toy for the Toys for Tots donation box.
New Year’s Eve Gala at the Meritage Resort is a masquerade-themed evening to bid adieu to welcome in 2022. Enjoy an extensive wine country-inspired buffet, live music by Pop Fiction, party favors, a Trinitas Cellars 20th anniversary balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. Guests can opt to attend Winemaker’s Dinner and join Trinitas Cellars for a candlelight dinner in the beautiful Estate Cave. Lastly, head to the Masquerade after-party for a post-dinner celebration. Special “Take the Elevator Home” rates are offered for overnight guests.
(Photos: courtesy of Meritage Resort)