The Bay Area has plenty of wonderful activities for the Holidays, from light displays to holiday markets; San Franciscans are busy enjoying the festivities. One activity that is definitely worth adding to your bucket list this holiday season is the iconic Napa Valley Wine Train. Bay Area resident’s love for Napa and its great wine is no secret, so it’s only fitting that the wine train is hit.
The beautiful train journeys are perfectly nostalgic with the vintage train, plush chairs, brass accents, glass etchings, and lux tableware. The getaway takes you through rolling vineyards that Napa is famous for, all while food and wine are served. It’s the perfect day-trip for San Franciscans who want a change of scenery all while partaking in holiday festivities.
Santa Train Jolly Journeys
Gather your friends and family for a holiday voyage on the train with gourmet seasonal food and drink options. Your journey starts at the station with merry carolers, hot cocoa and cider, and even a mailing station for sending cards to the North Pole.
Jolly Journeys is all-new this year, with some memorable experiences on December 2, 7-9, 14-16, and 19-23. We recommend booking tickets early before the sellout.
- Santa’s Cookie Car: Families can enjoy a piping hot cup of cocoa or cider, a fresh-baked holiday cookie, and a visit from Santa.
- Gourmet Holiday Express: Indulge in a gourmet holiday meal with a three-course kid-friendly menu and Santa visits.
- Very Merry Vista Dome: Same as above, but taken up a notch with 360-degree views from the train’s popular observation-style car.
- Jingle on the Rails: Perfect for families, this experience includes a visit from Santa and photos with the jolly Mr. Clause.
Peppermint Tea
This three-hour journey is a nostalgic afternoon tea on the beautiful train, with holiday touches that make it even more unique. The trip includes a selection of tea, with peppermint, of course, and a glass of sparkling wine. You can snack on finger sandwiches, holiday sweet treats, and a salad course. Plus, if you’re really hungry (and feel like treating yourself), you can add on a caviar course. The Peppermint Tea ride is available Friday through Sunday.
If you need New Year’s Eve plans, the wine train is hosting a fabulous Midnight in Paris: A Legacy NYE Celebration. The celebration aboard the legacy train includes a multi-course meal, plenty of wine, and a party at the Grgich Hills Estate. This celebration is perfect for those who hate staying up until midnight because the party will be on Paris time.
A portion of proceeds from Jolly Journeys will be donated to the nonprofit Napa Firewise to “assist in their efforts to reduce the risk and impacts of wildfires through fire fuel reduction and community education in Napa County.” Guests can bring a toy donation to drop off at the station to donate to Expressions of Hope Napa, which serves local foster children.
About the Napa Valley Wine Train
The Napa Valley Wine Train dates back all the way to 1864, and stepping aboard feels like traveling to another century. The antique Pullman rail cars have been carefully restored to their former glory in order to evoke the luxury of early-20th-century train travel. The vintage train is amazingly elegant and luxurious, providing visitors with unique and sprawling views of California’s famous wine country.
The train’s most popular year-round journeys are the Gourmet Express package, which evokes a glamorous, antique dining room or the Vista Dome package, which offers amazing panoramic views via enormous 360-degree windows.
By Jamie Ferrell and Dana Flynn