10 min readDec 5, 2025

Best Christmas Towns to Visit in California this Year

It’sssss tiiiime… oh oh oh oh! To sing like Mariah, dance like nobody’s watching, declare your Christmas wish list out loud and sprinkle a little extra magic on your holiday season!

California is about to turn into a sparkling wonderland. Where palm trees wear fairy lights, mountains glow with snow and coastal towns shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose. Whether you’re chasing snowfall in Big Bear, waving to Santa in Solvang, or catching fireworks with Mickey, the Golden State knows how to make Christmas unforgettable.

From family adventures to romantic getaways, 2025 is packed with events that promise sparkle, music and all the heartwarming memories you can handle. So grab your Santa hat, fuzzy socks and maybe even a sleigh (okay, a car or Van works too), because we’re about to unwrap the best Christmas towns and holiday happenings in California this year.

Each town has its own flavor of holiday cheer, from Disneyland’s fairy-tale sparkle to Solvang’s Danish charm, Temecula’s community magic and Big Bear’s snow-capped North Pole vibes. As they say, “Christmas isn’t a season, it’s a feeling” - and in California, you can feel it in every corner.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter & Grinchmas

Ready to see Hogwarts like you’ve never seen it before? From November 24, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood turns into a full-on winter wonderland. Hogsmeade is draped in twinkling lights, festive garlands and magical decoration that makes you half-expect a Hippogriff to slide down Main Street. Nighttime is extra special: Hogwarts Castle comes alive with a holiday light show, syncing spellbinding projections to Harry Potter music. Meanwhile, Grinchmas is taking over Universal Plaza with holiday mischief. The Grinch himself prowls the park, Cindy-Lou pops in for selfies and the 65-foot Who-ville Christmas tree dazzles like a giant glitter bomb. There’s live shows, tree-lighting ceremonies and enough fake snow to make you forget your own winter boots are wet.

No extra tickets are needed beyond standard park admission and the decorations stay up the entire holiday season. Crowds can get lively, especially in the evening, so plan ahead if you want prime photo ops with Hogwarts or a high-five from the Grinch. Whether you’re sipping Butterbeer, snapping magical photos, or just soaking in the holiday chaos, Universal’s Wizarding World and Grinchmas deliver festive fun with a side of magical mayhem.

Holidays at Mickey Mouse’s House

Ready to jingle all the way? Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is basically Disney’s way of saying, “Let’s turn holiday magic up to 11!” In 2025, this merry bash runs select nights from November 7 through December 21, giving you endless chances to catch Mickey and friends in Santa hats, twirl through festive parades, sip free cocoa, munch unlimited cookies and watch fireworks that make your jaw drop. Tickets range from $169 to $229 for adults (ages 10+), kids 3-9 get a slightly cheaper pass and toddlers under three are basically free magic dust. Guests can sneak in as early as 4 PM to get a head start, with the party officially kicking off at 7 PM and running through midnight. Ride lines shrink, classics like Space Mountain get holiday overlays and the whole park glows with lights, music and that trademark Disney sparkle. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or just someone who considers Olaf their spirit animal, MVMCP is your ultimate holiday cheat code-fun, festive and guaranteed to make you laugh, gasp and maybe even shed a happy tear or two.

Temecula Christmas Parade

December in Temecula transforms the city into a sparkling holiday wonderland and the Temecula Christmas Parade is the crown jewel of the season. This commonly loved event lights up Old Town Temecula on Friday, December 5, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM, showcasing dazzling floats, energetic performers, marching bands and twinkling lights that kick off the holiday spirit. Parade-goers are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for prime viewing along the route, which begins at Jefferson Avenue & Del Rio Road and winds through the heart of Old Town.

But the festivities don’t stop at the parade. Temecula doesn’t stop at the parade, December turns the whole city into a holiday playground. Santa pops into town, the giant tree lights up the night, local markets buzz with gifts and goodies and family-friendly fun fills every corner. With plenty of free parking from the Old Town Garage to the lots on 1st and 6th Streets, jumping into the festivities is as easy as “ho-ho-go!” Just remember that the road closes along Main Street and nearby streets during the event and arrive early to grab a great spot. Between the lights, music and magical floats, Temecula’s Christmas celebrations provide a perfectly festive outing for families and visitors of all ages.

Solvang's Leading Christmas Event

Solvang is the most Christmassy town in CA. They say “good things come in small packages,” and Solvang Julefest is living proof! From November 28, 2025, through January 4, 2026, this tiny Danish village in the heart of California packs more holiday cheer than a stocking stuffed with candy canes. The festivities kick off with the tree lighting ceremony on December 5 at 5 PM in Solvang Park-think carolers, ballet dancers and enough holiday sparkle to make even Scrooge crack a smile.

The Julefest Parade rolls through the streets the very next morning at 11 AM, with floats, horses and over 400 performers. It’s a “see-it-to-believe-it” kind of spectacle that proves even small towns can throw a big holiday bash. Hungry? The Maker’s Market pops up every Wednesday with local crafts and festive treats, because nothing says “holiday spirit” like cookies and a little retail therapy.

For the little elves in your life (or the big kids who refuse to grow up), there’s a mischievous Nisser elf hunt, Santa’s pop-up village and holiday carolers on Saturdays that will have you singing in the streets. Feeling fancy? Take a July Daylight or Candlelight Tour and stroll the twinkling streets with stories and songs that’ll warm your heart faster than a cup of cocoa. And if you want to “ring in the new year with bells on,” don’t miss the Copenhagen Countdown on December 31, a family-friendly celebration with food, music and fun - because why wait until midnight to start the party?

From sparkling lights to parades, elf hunts and even Danish holiday traditions, Solvang Julefest proves that when it comes to Christmas magic, good things come in small, twinkling packages. Whether you’re snapping Instagram-worthy photos, hunting elves, or sipping cocoa under the lights, this is one California Christmas you won’t want to miss - after all, “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” in Solvang!

Santa’s Village & Mountain Trips

If you’ve ever wondered where Santa hangs out when he’s off-duty, look no further than Southern California’s two festive wonderlands: Santa’s Village Irvine Park in Orange County and Santa’s Village at SkyPark near Big Bear. Both deliver Christmas cheer, but in very different flavors.

Santa’s Village Irvine Park is the cozy, family-friendly classic. Children

can meet Santa, ride the miniature train, enjoy holiday-themed activities and explore the brightly decorated park. It’s the perfect spot for families in the Los Angeles area looking for a quick dash of Christmas magic without leaving town.

Meanwhile, SkyPark at Santa’s Village near Big Bear takes the holiday experience to a whole new level, think North Pole meets mountain adventure. From late November through early January, the entire park transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with Santa’s workshop, forest light displays and an immersive “North Pole village” vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a storybook. Guests can glide across the ice skating rink, enjoy live shows and savor festive treats while exploring the snow-dusted forest paths. Add in zip-lining, climbing towers, mountain biking and other adventure activities and you have a holiday destination that’s both magical and exhilarating.

SkyPark’s location near Big Bear also means visitors can enjoy other winter activities like cozy cabin stays, scenic mountain hikes and even sledding if the snow decides to show up. For planning purposes, Big Bear is nearly two hours from Los Angeles, making it a manageable getaway for a day trip or a full winter weekend.

Whether you’re looking for a quick festive outing in Orange County or a full-blown snowy adventure in Big Bear, Santa’s Villages deliver unforgettable holiday fun, twinkling lights and plenty of “ho ho ho” moments to make your Christmas season truly magical.

Knott’s Merry Farm

If you’ve ever wanted to step inside a snow globe filled with gingerbread, cowboys and holiday cheer, Knott’s Merry Farm is your winter wonderland. From November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, Ghost Town gets a festive makeover: snow magically falls on Main Street (yes, fake but fabulous), carolers in Victorian outfits belt out holiday classics and the whole town glows like it’s auditioning for a Hallmark movie. Entertainment is on point: the Home for the Holidays show has dancing toys, singing and yes - even a little stage snow that will make you reach for your cocoa. Snoopy and the Peanuts gang glide across the ice in the ice skating show, proving that even beagles know how to rock a sequined scarf.

Shopaholics, rejoice! The Christmas Crafts Village is packed with handcrafted gifts that scream “I put thought into this,” from carved wood to sparkling glass ornaments. Hungry? Feast like a festive cowboy with holiday treats like meatballs with cranberry sauce, cookies galore and hot cocoa that may or may not come with a grown-up twist. Santa’s Cottage is basically the VIP lounge of Christmas: meet the man himself, snag some cookies and maybe even decorate one with Mrs. Claus if your inner elf is feeling ambitious. Knott’s Merry Farm is perfect for families, couples that want a cozy, nostalgic holiday spirit without losing their theme park thrills. Think of it as your one-stop-shop for snow, sweets and seasonal smiles - where the only thing missing is Rudolph riding a roller coaster.

Winter Fest OC

Winter Fest OC is one of Orange County’s biggest and most dazzling Christmas events, running from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026, at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Picture this: real falling snow, glowing lights, a Forest of Lights walk, ice skating sessions, a 150-foot ice tubing slide and the Holiday House light show all in one place - plus Santa, Jack Frost and even a Yeti or two roaming around. Guests can cozy up in Fireside Igloos with private fire pits and holiday cocktails, or let loose on carnival rides, mini‑golf and bounce houses. The park opens afternoons and evenings , with parking at $12 per vehicle. Winter Fest OC is perfect for families hunting snowball fun and character meet-and-greets, couples seeking a romantic ice-skating or light-stroll moment, and groups of friends looking for rides, live music and festive treats - basically, it’s a holiday wonderland where SoCal sunshine meets full-on winter magic, giving everyone a chance to make merry memories.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

If you thought Christmas lights were just for your neighbor’s front yard, think again -Newport Beach takes a holiday sparkle to the high seas! The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is the crown jewel of coastal holiday celebrations, running December 17–21, 2025, where decked-out yachts, sailboats and even kayaks glide through the harbor like festive, floating Christmas trees. Expect twinkling lights, holiday music, drone shows and enough sparkle to make Rudolph jealous. For those craving more maritime merriment, Dana Point Harbor hosts its own boat parade and the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach decks its halls with holiday cheer, while up north, Monterey keeps the tradition alive with its own Christmas boat parade and festive waterfront events. Whether you’re a landlubber grabbing a blanket on the pier or a cruise-loving captain aboard a boat, Newport Beach proves that the best way to say “Merry Christmas” might just be with a little saltwater sparkle.

California in 2025 isn’t just celebrating Christmas - it’s throwing a full-blown holiday extravaganza that would make even Santa trade in his sleigh for a convertible. From magical parades and fireworks at Disneyland, to Danish charm in Solvang, sparkling streets and floats in Temecula and snowy mountain adventures in Big Bear. So grab your Santa hat, your stretchy holiday pants and maybe even a cup of hot cocoa to-go- because this Christmas, California is serving up magic, laughter and memories by the sleigh-load. After all, they say the best way to spread Christmas cheer is… well, experiencing it all in one unforgettable Golden State holiday road trip!

What Is the Prettiest Lake in California?

There is no objective answer. California's lakes offer very different types of scenery.

Lake Tahoe is probably the strongest choice for travelers picturing dramatic alpine views. Its deep blue water is framed by Sierra Nevada peaks, forests, beaches, and rocky shoreline. Big Bear Lake offers a more compact pine-covered mountain setting, while Bass Lake combines emerald-green water with tall Sierra pines. Clear Lake has broad open water beneath the volcanic landscape of Mount Konocti, and Shasta Lake is known for its long, winding shoreline and forested coves. For sheer alpine drama, though, Lake Tahoe is hard to overlook. Visit California describes the lake as 22 miles long with 72 miles of shoreline and ranks it as the second-deepest lake in the United States after Crater Lake.

Lake Tahoe

Straddling California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is one of the most famous lakes in the West, and for good reason.Its combination of mountain scenery, unusually clear blue water, beaches, trails, lakeside towns, and year-round recreation gives it more variety than almost any other destination on this list. The lake stretches about 22 miles and has 72 miles of shoreline. Summer brings hiking, biking, boating, paddling, and beach days. Winter completely changes the experience, with skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, and other snow activities available throughout the region.

Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

If you are researching things to do in Lake Tahoe, start with the water. Kayaking and paddleboarding are among the most accessible Lake Tahoe activities, with rentals, tours, and public launching areas around the shoreline. The 72-mile Lake Tahoe Water Trail also helps paddlers plan routes and find launch and landing points. Away from the water, hikers can explore sections of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, while paved trails around communities such as Tahoe City offer easier cycling options. The Truckee River provides another experience altogether, including relaxed rafting from Tahoe City. Different shoreline communities also create different trips. Kings Beach has a casual beach-town atmosphere, while Tahoe City combines lake access with trails, shops, restaurants, and access to the Truckee River.

Big Bear Lake

For Southern California travelers who want a mountain escape without heading all the way to the Sierra Nevada, Big Bear Lake is an easy standout.

Located in the San Bernardino Mountains about two hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear sits at roughly 6,759 feet and centers around a 7-mile lake. Its biggest advantage is that it works as a year-round destination rather than simply a summer lake trip.

Big Bear Lake Activities

During warmer months, visitors can kayak, paddleboard, boat, waterski, jet ski, hike, bike, and fish. The lake contains trout and bass, while surrounding trails range from short, relatively easy paths to longer mountain routes. Winter changes the focus to skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tubing. The area is also home to nesting bald eagles, adding wildlife viewing to the list of Big Bear Lake activities.That four-season flexibility makes Big Bear particularly useful for travelers who want both a lake and a mountain-town experience.

Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake is the place to consider when the water itself is the main attraction. California's largest reservoir covers roughly 30,000 acres at full pool and has about 370 miles of shoreline. Its many arms and coves create an enormous amount of space for boating, fishing, jet skiing, camping, and exploring. Houseboating is especially closely associated with Shasta Lake, while some recreation areas and campgrounds around its complicated shoreline are most easily reached from the water. The scale is what separates Shasta from the other lakes to visit in California on this list. Instead of one compact lakeside community, the shoreline branches into long arms surrounded by forested hills, with views toward the mountains of Northern California.

Lake Shasta Caverns and Dinner Cruise

One of Shasta's most unusual attractions begins with a boat ride. Lake Shasta Caverns sits roughly 900 feet above the lake and is recognized as a National Natural Landmark. The two-hour cavern experience begins with a boat ride across the McCloud Arm, followed by transportation up toward the cavern and a guided underground tour. Visitors can also combine the cavern experience with a dinner cruise on Shasta Lake. For travelers planning both on the same day, check the current tour and cruise schedule before booking so there is enough time between experiences. The combination makes Shasta unusual: you can spend part of the day exploring underground formations and finish it back on the open water.

Clear Lake

Clear Lake California offers a very different Northern California lake experience. It is the largest natural freshwater lake located entirely within California and is widely associated with its long geological history. Clear Lake covers about 43,000 acres and is surrounded by communities, parks, vineyards, and the volcanic landscape around Mount Konocti. Fishing is one of the main reasons people come here. Clear Lake has a strong reputation for largemouth bass, but visitors can also go boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, camping, and bird-watching. Lake County has developed more than 50 miles of water trails for paddlers as well. For travelers asking about California's hidden gems, Clear Lake deserves consideration. It receives less national attention than Tahoe but offers significantly more open-water space and a strong fishing and boating culture.

Bass Lake

Bass Lake California combines a classic mountain-lake vacation with easy access to Yosemite country.The lake sits about 17 miles from Yosemite National Park's southern entrance, surrounded by tall pines at roughly 3,415 feet elevation. Its summer water can warm considerably, making swimming and watersports a major part of the experience. Boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and swimming are all popular. The area also has marinas, public boat launches, lakeside lodging, and campgrounds. Bass Lake even has a Hollywood connection. Parts of the 1988 comedy The Great Outdoors were filmed here, including scenes at a lakeside bar that still operates today. Its location is probably the biggest advantage. Travelers can build a relaxed lake day into a longer Yosemite trip instead of choosing between the two.

What Is the Cleanest Lake to Swim in in California?

There is no official statewide ranking that identifies one definitive "cleanest lake to swim in." But Lake Tahoe is one of California's strongest answers when exceptional water clarity is the priority.

UC Davis has monitored Tahoe's clarity for nearly 60 years. In 2025, the lake's average annual Secchi clarity was 69.2 feet, meaning a white monitoring disk remained visible at that depth on average. Researchers emphasize that clarity changes by season and remains an active focus of restoration work.Swimming is popular around Tahoe, including at areas such as Pope Beach, Emerald Bay, Commons Beach, and Sand Harbor on the Nevada side. The water can remain cold even in summer, so conditions should always be checked before getting in.

Visitors bringing boats or other watercraft should also pay attention to invasive-species rules. Tahoe requires inspection procedures for watercraft to help protect the lake's ecosystem.Maintaining Tahoe's clarity takes ongoing work involving sediment, pollution, invasive species, shoreline conditions, and broader watershed restoration. The lake may look remarkably pristine, but protecting that clarity is an active process rather than something that can be taken for granted.

Which of the Best Lakes in California Should You Visit?

The best lakes in California are definitely not competing for the same kind of weekend. Lake Tahoe brings the big mountain drama, Big Bear makes an easy Southern California escape, and Shasta Lake is where you go when “let’s rent a boat” somehow turns into a full vacation. Clear Lake is a favorite for fishing and slower days on the water, while Bass Lake combines swimming and watersports with the bonus of having Yosemite nearby.

So don’t just pick the lake with the most famous name. Pick the one that matches your idea of a good day. Kayak? Fishing rod? Hiking boots? Houseboat? Beach towel? California has a lake for all of them. Pick one for now. You can always make the others your next excuse to hit the road.

Is September California Wine Month?

Yes. California Wine Month runs from September 1 through September 30, 2026, placing the celebration right in the middle of harvest season for many California wine regions.

There is no single California Wine Month festival. Instead, the month brings together events across a state whose wine regions stretch hundreds of miles.

That variety is part of the fun. One weekend might mean a walk-around tasting in a city, while another could include wandering through a vineyard, talking with a grower, attending a winemaker dinner, joining a harvest activity, or listening to live music with a glass in hand.

Visit California lists special tastings, vineyard tours, winemaker dinners, grape-harvest experiences, seminars, blending workshops, festivals, and food-and-wine pairings among the experiences offered during the month.

California Wine Month 2026 dates

The simple answer is September 1–30, 2026. The more useful answer is that every festival has its own calendar. Some of the biggest California Wine Month 2026 events happen on a single day. Others fill an entire weekend or stretch across a full week. That makes September a good month for anything from a quick Saturday outing to a longer road trip through several California wine regions. If you are building a multi-stop itinerary, check the official event schedule before booking. Special dinners, tastings, tours, and limited-capacity experiences may have completely different hours from the main festival.

California Wine Month 2026 food

Come for the wine, but do not overlook what's on the plate. Food is a major part of many California Wine Month experiences. Depending on where you go, that could mean a formal winemaker dinner, a curated food-and-wine pairing, small bites during a tasting, or festival food enjoyed between live performances. California Wine Month programming across the state includes both winemaker dinners and food-and-wine pairings, but offerings differ significantly by destination.Before attending, check whether food is included with admission or sold separately. For smaller dinners and winery experiences, reservations may also be required. Travelers with allergies or other dietary needs should confirm available options directly with the organizer or participating venue.

LAWineFest 2026

Wine tasting in L.A. without the drive to wine country? LAWineFest 2026 makes that an easy weekend plan. The 21st annual festival takes place September 12–13, 2026, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank. Expect California and international wines, craft brews, ciders and other drinks alongside live music, food trucks, and local vendors. The event is 21+ only.

Saturday, September 12: General Admission runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., while VIP ticket holders get early entry at 1 p.m.Sunday, September 13: General Admission and VIP entry run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Standard gate prices are listed at $100 for General Admission, $150 for the VIP Garden, and $25 for a Designated Driver ticket. Advance and promotional tickets may cost less. For example, current partner offers show discounted single-day tickets starting around $55–$60 for General Admission and $90–$95 for VIP, so it is worth checking the official LAWineFest ticket page before paying at the gate. General Admission includes festival entry, unlimited wine and craft brew tastings, and a commemorative LAWineFest glass. VIP tickets include the General Admission experience plus access to the separate VIP Garden, where guests can sample boutique and premium wines, enjoy bites, and use additional seating and dedicated restrooms. VIP attendance is limited to 400 guests per day. Food is not an afterthought either. Food trucks and other vendors will be serving throughout the festival, making it easy to break up the tastings with something to eat while catching live music or browsing local exhibitors.

If you are looking for wine events in Los Angeles that feel more like a relaxed weekend festival than a formal tasting, LAWineFest is one of the easiest California Wine Month events to add to your September plans.

LAWineFest Tickets, Parking, and Transportation

Planning to drive? LAWineFest offers offsite parking for $16 at Providence Hospital/Providence High School, about one mile from the festival venue. A free shuttle will run between the parking area and LAWineFest throughout both event days. Groups also have another useful option: the Designated Driver ticket. It is intended for guests who want to attend LAWineFest without participating in the wine tastings, such as the person driving the group home. The ticket provides festival admission beginning at 2 p.m., but does not include alcoholic tastings.

This makes it possible to enjoy the food, entertainment, and festival atmosphere even if you are skipping the wine or volunteering to be the responsible one for the day.

Two Harbors Wine Fest 2026

There are wine festivals, and then there are wine festivals where your tasting room comes with sand and an ocean view. The Two Harbors Wine Fest takes place September 12, 2026, on the beach in Two Harbors on Catalina Island, with General Admission tasting from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets start at $106.25 and include tastings from participating wineries, a souvenir wine glass, complimentary appetizers, live entertainment, and access to the Avalon Rotary Silent Auction. The event is 21+ only. Since the festival is literally on the beach, the organizer recommends comfortable shoes, layers, sunscreen, and a hat. Wine in one hand and sand under your feet? Not a bad Saturday.

Getting there takes a little more planning. Boat transportation is not included with a regular ticket. Catalina Express runs from San Pedro to Two Harbors, while visitors staying in Avalon can take the Cyclone. Transportation-and-event packages are also available.And because the event can sell out, this is one California Wine Month plan you probably should not leave until Friday night.

Lodi Grape Festival 2026

Wine gets the spotlight in September, but in Lodi, the grape gets the whole festival. The Lodi Grape Festival 2026 runs September 17–20 with carnival rides, food, live entertainment, vendors, exhibits, and the festival’s famous grape and commodity murals. It’s a four-day celebration built around San Joaquin County’s grape-harvest tradition.

Regular admission is $15 for ages 13+, $10 for ages 6–12, and free for kids 5 and under. Even better, the festival has some wallet-friendly deals: guests 16 and under get in free Thursday, everyone gets free admission Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday you can bring two cans of food and get in for $2 before 2 p.m. Want to plan ahead? The official ticket page currently lists 2026 presale admission for $9.50 and an unlimited-ride carnival wristband for $33, both valid for one day. Parking is $12 in official festival lots and is credit/debit only. So yes, you can come for California Wine Month, but staying for carnival rides and $2 admission is completely understandable.

Alexander Valley Wine Week 2026

Prefer wine country without the giant festival crowds? Alexander Valley Wine Week takes a more flexible approach. Running September 21–27, 2026, the event spreads across wineries in Alexander Valley and Healdsburg. There is no single festival ticket or all-access wristband. Instead, each winery handles its own reservations, tours, tastings, and special experiences. That means you can build your week around what actually sounds fun, think vineyard hikes, tractor tours, wine-blending sessions, sensory seminars, winemaker tastings, and harvest celebrations. Some local lodging partners also offer special Wine Week stays.

Just remember: this is not a “show up and wander in” kind of event. Pick the wineries and experiences you want, then book directly with each one in advance.

Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival 2026

If your ideal September weekend includes wine, food, live music, grape stomping, and a little Sonoma history, the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival checks a lot of boxes.

The festival runs September 24–27, 2026, with events spread across Sonoma Valley. Friday features a $125 Harvest Immersion Experience at Sangiacomo Family Wines, followed by the Sonoma Valley Harvest Dinner, where individual tickets are $250.

Saturday is the big festival day on Sonoma Plaza. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the daytime festival is free to attend, with live music, food, artisan vendors, kids’ activities, a vintage car show, wine, and beer.

Registration costs $75 per team of two and includes the grape stomp plus a T-shirt. Participants can request a preferred time slot -10 a.m. - noon, noon - 2 p.m., or 2–4 p.m. although exact times are not guaranteed. Registration closes September 22, 2026.

So yes, for $75 you and a friend can literally stomp grapes in Sonoma. Shoes may never be the same.

Plan Your California Wine Month 2026 Experience

California Wine Month is basically September giving you five very good excuses to make weekend plans. You can sip your way through L.A., trade the city for a beach tasting on Catalina Island, celebrate harvest season in Lodi, go behind the scenes in Alexander Valley, or finish the month surrounded by Sonoma traditions. Better yet, the dates are spread out enough that choosing just one is completely optional. Just match the event to the kind of day you actually want. Beach and wine? Two Harbors. Big festival energy? Lodi. Winery experiences? Alexander Valley. Sonoma classics? Valley of the Moon. Then handle the less exciting part before you go: tickets, transportation, hotel rooms, age requirements, and reservations. A little planning now means more time enjoying the wine later and less time standing in a parking lot wondering where the shuttle went.