Every year after Thanksgiving, holiday movies take over our screens with their snow-dusted towns, warm lights, and feel-good stories. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to step inside one of those scenes, Calistoga in Napa Valley is about as close as it gets to a real-life holiday movie set.
Stay Somewhere Cozy
Start your getaway at The Bungalows at Calistoga, where everything feels calm, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. The bungalows have plush beds, inviting corners for reading or daydreaming, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind. It’s the kind of place that feels like the opening scene of your own holiday story.
Experience the Town’s Festive Traditions
Calistoga and the surrounding Napa Valley lean fully into the season, with events that bring the whole community together.
There’s the Calistoga Community Tree Lighting, the charming Calistoga Christmas Faire, and of course, the Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade, where locals cover tractors and floats with twinkling lights and roll them through downtown. The celebration keeps going afterward with live music, comforting food, and the kind of neighborly warmth holiday movies are built on.
Wander Downtown With Something Warm in Hand
Take a stroll through downtown Calistoga as the lights glow in shop windows. Stop for a cup of hot cider or cocoa, browse local boutiques, and slow down enough to enjoy the little moments. Like any good movie scene, you never know what surprise or who you might stumble upon.
Let the Pace Shift
Give yourself permission to take it slow. Read by the fire. Reflect on the year and the upcoming new year. Linger over breakfast on your bungalow porch. Breathe in the crisp winter air. Calistoga’s gentle pace has a way of reminding you what the season is really about.
Holiday Events That Bring the Movie Magic to Life
If you’re planning a December trip, these Calistoga and Napa Valley traditions are local favorites.
Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade
Saturday, December 6 at 7 p.m.
A parade of tractors, trucks, and floats wrapped in lights, drawing thousands each year.
Calistoga Christmas Faire
First Saturday of December, Napa County Fairgrounds
Local artisans, live music, kids’ crafts, and a visit from Santa.
Calistoga Community Tree Lighting
Friday, December 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Carols, sweet treats, local wine, and the town tree lighting downtown.
Holiday Lights Tour via Trolley (Napa)
Tours Available Throughout December
A joyful trolley ride through decorated neighborhoods and wineries, complete with holiday music and cocoa.
Napa Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Christmas Tree Lighting: Wednesday, November 27 at 6 p.m.
Parade: Saturday, December 7 at 5 p.m.
Festive parades and family-friendly celebrations throughout December in downtown Napa.
Santa Train Jolly Journeys
Tours Available Throughout December
A cozy ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train with cookies, cocoa, and vineyard views.
