After proudly unveiling its $25 million renovation this summer, The Meritage Resort and Spa welcomed guests, returning and new, to the iconic Napa resort with a reimagined look that encompasses and reflects the heart of its locale. Now come the winter flurries and with the holidays just around the corner, the property is proud to announce the return of its beloved and famed Merry Meritage season, opening November 18th, operating 7-days a week, and continuing through the new year, January 11th, 2025.
Nestled amongst the Valley’s rolling hills covered in vines, the spectacular winter village located on the property’s Lawn brings a little slice of Santa’s North Pole to the heart of wine country. A gorgeous sparkling Christmastime escape for the whole family to enjoy, the holiday festivities at The Meritage have become a community staple and a tradition to locals and residents from around the Bay Area, even from around the country. The winter village will once again offer the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Wine Country, along with amazing private igloo and fire pit experiences, its Santa’s Tavern pop-up (which serves steamy hot toddies, “spirited” cocktails and creative mocktails), story time with Santa and your favorite princesses, spectacular skating, a faux snow machine that brings North Pole flurries to California’s vineyards, and so much more! There is no jollier place in the Bay than The Meritage for wine-lovers and sober travelers alike.
With live music, festive foods, jolly drinks and plenty of holiday magic, the resort’s unmatched Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will also be returning, officially inaugurating the start of the holidays for Napans on Saturday, November 23, with an expected attendance in the thousands. A dazzling illumination centered around the property’s 40-foot tree (complete with a falling “snow” finale!) will capture the joyous spirit of the most wonderful time of the year and is a “can’t miss” event. For the first time this year, the property will host a “Merry Meritage On Ice” skating performance by Redwood Ice Theatre Company, along with appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus & their cheerful elves themselves, who will be accompanied by their friends Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Cinderella, Alice In Wonderland, Moana and Tiana. The Meritage also knows that the true meaning of the holidays is based on giving thanks and giving back, so attendees are invited to bring a toy to donate to Toys For Tots and pick up locally made gifts for the ones they love most, such as handmade jewelry, candles, chocolate and more from the Artisan Market.
For guests who might be looking for the ultimate wine country destination to spend the holidays or just a fun staycation to enjoy the very merry festivities, check out one of the property’s 322 transformed guest rooms, its brand-new lobby and expanded bar area with their chic new look, refreshed ballrooms, the cool updated 6-lane bowling lounge, the reimagined café and grab-and-go outlet, as well as the resort’s recently opened premier steakhouse and a Champagne lounge — Ember Steak and Sora Napa. For adults looking for the perfect fun setting to toast the holidays and the new year, Sora will also host tipsy Sparkling Tea Parties throughout the season on Saturdays in December, which will include a sparkling wine flight, tea sandwiches, savory bites and dainty desserts.
Admission to the inauguration on the 23rd is free with an RSVP, and for just $25 per person, guests gain access to the resort’s courtyard wonderland and 90 minutes of rink time throughout the rest of the season. To learn more about The Meritage Resort & Spa, Merry Meritage and to plan your stay, visit www.MerryMeritage.com
Photos courtesy of Meritage Resort & Spa