As the largest resort in Napa, The Meritage Resort and Spa is always aglow. But come the holiday season, The Meritage dazzles and sparkles.
This year marks the fourth consecutive season of the resort’s Merry Meritage programming, bringing with it a sprawling outdoor ice skating rink, an enchanting winter village centered by a 40-foot tree, and daily “snow” showers.
As in its past iterations, Merry Meritage will offer daily activities during its official popup dates—this year runs from November 18 to January 11—but also special happenings throughout the season, beginning with the first all-ages event, which took place on November 23: the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Several thousand people came together to celebrate the evening, complete with live music, igloos, festive foods, and ice skating performances.
Other exclusive experiences include Storytime with Santa, which is only offered on Saturdays and Sundays through December 22. Merry Meritage On Ice by Redwood Ice Theatre Company will showcase “Olympic-style stunts,” according to the property, but only on November 23, December 21, and January 4. Princesses Belle, Elena, Jasmine, and Isabela will make appearances at kid-friendly high tea and story time on December 7, 14, 21, and 28.
At the property’s newly opened Ember Steak—which opened this past summer to instant local acclaim for its selection of Library Cuts, including a 20-day aged Porterhouse, 14-20 day aged New York Strip, and A5 Miyazaki Japanese Wagyu—guests can reserve a table for Christmas or New Year’s Eve. There will also be holiday dining reservations available in the ballrooms, which will be a highlight for the most prominent meals of the holiday season, including Thanksgiving Brunch and Christmas Dinner.
“Due to our size and location at the gateway to the valley, The Meritage is perfectly suited to be Napa’s host for the holidays. We wanted to create a magical destination that would draw visitors from afar and serve as a gathering place for our surrounding community,” said The Meritage’s managing director, Joe Leinacker, who emphasized that their holiday season programming is not just for out-of-towners.
“Many of our returning locals are booking a night at the resort this year so they have more time to experience all the events. We have staycation packages that include unlimited ice skating and winter village view rooms for the first time for the ultimate holiday escape,” he said.
The season’s festivities culminate with an expanded New Year’s Eve Party, previously hosted in a single ballroom with a live band. To usher in 2025, The Meritage is adding a second ballroom with a DJ. The events will be ticketed separately, or guests can opt for the experience of both with a Party Hopper ticket that allows them to bop between ballrooms for an unforgettable evening. Heads Up: Book early as this party consecutively sells out (hence the additional venue this year).
