YOUNTVILLE - NAPA VALLEY, CA. - Forget the urban holiday stress and head to the vineyards of Napa Valley for a country-style celebration boasting world-class food, wine and the arts. Kicking off Friday, November 28, 2008, Yountville's 20th Annual Festival of Lights delivers home-spun fun throughout the month of December. Add to the mix the town's six Michelin stars and 20-plus wineries tucked within four square miles and the season just became a bit brighter.
Go off grid with the kids and tap into a full line-up of holiday fun. The season hits a high note with a procession of thousands of twinkling lights transcending the town into a show-stopping winter wonderland complete with carolers, elves, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice carving and a visit from the big guy in red. Admission is free; Tasting tickets for food and wine are $1 each.
Visitors can tap into a variety of activities and off-season hotel rates starting November 28th with a block party certain to pique all of the senses. At 2:00 p.m., Santa arrives at his West Pole post where children can mix, mingle and pose for posterity. Street side, 20-plus wineries and the region's top tables (Bouchon Bakery, étoile, Redd, 25º Brix, Bistro Jeanty, Hurley's Restaurant & Bar, Bouchon, Pacific Blues, Mustards and Napa Valley Grille) serve up tastes along Washington Street while galleries, boutiques and restaurants open their doors for late night shopping and dining. At day's end, two lucky couples will win a luxury weekend getaway in Yountville, including accommodations, spa treatments, balloon rides, bike tours, dining, wine tasting and much more!
Yountville's annual holiday celebration is a magnet for visitors seeking the real deal. The town's charming European ambiance mixed with a classic California wine country beat is a perfect ticket for urbanites seeking an escape from the hectic shopping season. Throughout 
December carriage rides (weekends), late-night shopping and festive events unfold. For the avid oenophile, go green and grab a bike for a tasty trek of the area's wineries meriting Napa Valley's official 11th AVA. Key stops include Cliff Lede Vineyards, Domaine Chandon, Goosecross Cellars, Bell Wine Cellars and newcomers Girard Napa Valley, Blackbird Vineyards' Ma(i)sonry tasting room, Tamber Bey, Keever Vineyards, Gemstone and Morningside.
Other options abound including caroling above the clouds on a hot air balloon adventure, hammering down that handicap at the Vintners Golf Club, visiting the Napa Valley Museum or slipping into the Spa Villagio for a decadent mind/body experience. Nearby, the Lincoln Theater gears up with live performances. For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at (707) 944-0904.
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