Have a cup of cheer in SoCal’s wine country this holiday season
When harvest season ends and the weather starts to cool, Southern California’s wine country turns into a dazzling holiday wonderland. Throughout December, events fill the calendar across Temecula Valley in a season that they like to call Temecula Chilled. The month kicks off with an annual tree lighting ceremony and ends with the much-anticipated New Year's Eve Grape Drop. (Fitting for a region with nearly 50 wineries.)
You’ll find bright decor and specialty holiday food and drinks all throughout town. Lace up some skates and hit up the outdoor ice rink for date night. Or plan for a dinner and a show, like the seasonal staple "A Christmas Carol."
Read on to see how you can fill up on holiday cheer and chill out in Temecula Valley this season.
Spirited menus to match the occasion
Around town you'll find Temecula Chilled-inspired menu items, a culinary celebration they're calling Season's Eatings. Participating businesses have creatively concocted cocktails and seasonal menu items to help put you in the holiday spirit.
Delight in a "You go, hot cocoa!" cocktail at Corkfire Kitchen. The specialty drink features the Bailey's, vodka, Crème de Cacao, Chantilly cream, chocolate syrup and some chilled hot chocolate. For a fruity seasonal option, head to Oscar's Brewing Co. Their "On Thin Ice" beverage is a clarified tiki milk punch containing "pineapple-infused rum, Cutwater Bali Hai Tiki Holiday rum, fresh lime juice, blue curacao and cinnamon simple syrup with a crystal candy garnish." Opt for a seat outside for a view of a duck pond and mountains.
Find the ultimate seasonal brunch at E.A.T. Marketplace in Old Town Temecula. The farm-to-table restaurant puts a holiday spin on brunch must-haves, like the "Deconstructed Snowman French Toast" and a "Gingerbread Donut Haus." The Wilson Creek Winery will be serving up a warm, rich pumpkin bread pudding. The pumpkin- and spice-infused bread is topped with Eggnog Semifreddo and is as decadent as it sounds.
A jolly good time all season long
The celebrations commence on December 1 when South Coast Winery hosts its annual tree lighting ceremony. Families will enjoy rides on horse-drawn trolleys, face painting, a petting zoo—and even a meet and greet with Mr. Claus himself. Sip on a selection of hot chocolate, cider, beer, wine and holiday-themed cocktails and peruse the dessert bar.
On December 3, bundle up and ready your appetite for the Holiday Taste of Old Town. Admission includes a wristband and map that leads to delightful samples from local restaurants throughout Old Town. Walk under glimmering lights as you enjoy these sweet and savory concoctions. Return to Old Town on December 6 at 7 p.m. for Santa's Electric Light Parade. Bring your blankets and chairs to settle in for a night of holiday magic.
In addition to offering an array of wines, Peltzer Winery opens a family-friendly ice-skating rink around the holidays steps from the vines. Reserve a skating session on the 8,400 square-foot rink from November 18–December 31. Families can warm up with some hot chocolate and local food truck eats after their session. Those looking for a romantic date night may enjoy a glass of wine, sangria or local beer after unlacing their skates.
There's something about the holiday season that calls for a night at the theater. The Old Town Community Theater will be hosting a performance with the Temecula Valley Players of "A Christmas Carol," adapted from the story by Charles Dickens. Tickets are available on limited dates from November 29–December 8.
Ring in the new year in a wholly new way. While there’s a crab drop (Easton, Maryland) and a conch shell drop (Key West), Temecula Valley’s New Year’s Eve Grape Drop is probably the most festive of the bunch. It all happens at the Temecula Civic Center Quad, where two countdowns are celebrated: one at 9 p.m. for the East Coast, and the official West Coast countdown at midnight.
Make your list and check it twice
As you're planning out your holiday shopping list for this year, consider some one-of-a-kind gifts from local Temecula shops. Old Town will host Holiday Shopping Day on December 3 until 8 p.m. Participating independent and locally-owned shops will display festive decor and offer special incentives.
The Temecula Lavender Co. in Old Town's products are made on a small, local lavender farm. Said to be a scent for relaxation, you'll find lavender bath and skincare products like soap, facial spray and moisturizer.
For any foodies on your list, head to Temecula Olive Oil Company's tasting room in Old Town. Sample locally made olive oils, then take home your favorites for a tasty gift or two. Old Town Spice and Tea Merchants packages gift boxes of its specialty items for different tastes, whether you're shopping for a tea lover, a grill master or a dinner party host-with-the-most.
A few miles north of Old Town is Promenade Temecula. This indoor and outdoor mall features about 170 shops, including restaurants and a movie theater. Enjoy a festive atmosphere as you check things off your shopping list—and for those who haven't yet this season—stop by for a photo with Kris Kringle on Christmas Tree Lane.
Stay where the holiday magic happens
Part of the romance of a holiday getaway is staying in a cozy resort that exudes yuletide cheer. Look no further than the Temecula Creek Inn, which happened to win the Best Decorated Tree in a Hotel category in last year's Temecula Chilled Holiday Decorating Contest. This 4-star resort sits on over 300 acres and overlooks a 27-hole golf course, making for picturesque views throughout.
For an instant boost of holiday spirit, opt for a stay at the Europa Village Wineries and Resort, which took top spot as last year's Best Decorated Winery in the competition. The resort boasts three wineries, each French-, Italian- and Spanish-inspired, respectively. Here you'll find decked-out halls and a European-inspired Holiday Market with seasonal gifts like ornaments for sale.