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Temecula Valley is the perfect getaway for embracing the holiday spirit, whether sipping wine beside a warm fire, shopping for locally made treasures in Old Town, or lacing up and gliding across a festive ice rink. Visit Temecula Valley celebrates the season in a big way during Temecula Chilled from December 1-31 – a month filled with holiday-themed special events, unique culinary celebrations, fun outdoor activities, and plenty of live entertainment.
“Temecula is like a Hallmark movie during the holidays, with quaint shops in Old Town and festive decorations that bring a magical charm to the season,” said Scott A. Wilson, CEO of Visit Temecula Valley. “Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and beautiful landscapes, Temecula sets the perfect stage for romance and holiday cheer, making it an idyllic getaway.”
Here are a few spirited suggestions for visitors to consider during December. Continuously updated information regarding lodging, holiday dining, and seasonal activities can be found here.
Temecula Chilled: Things to Do
Santa’s Electric Light Parade: On Friday, Dec. 6, Old Town Temecula is decked with holiday lights and décor in time for the highly anticipated annual parade. Santa will make his big debut!
Old Town Temecula: Old Town becomes a nostalgic, charming small town during the holidays with its outdoor ice rink, holiday décor and music, and friendly hospitality. Look for someone in a Temecula Chilled apron giving away free cookies every Monday through Thursday at 2:00 p.m. Find unique gift ideas at the specialty shops, discover made-in-Temecula products like olive oil and lavender-infused items, and enjoy delicious seasonal food and beverages.
Southern California Wine Country: Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or first-time visitor, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country wows guests with gorgeous views, rolling hills, nearly 50 wineries, and 20-plus places to dine. Throughout the holiday season, wine country is transformed into a holiday destination with special tastings and tours, stunning decorations, holiday markets, special performances, and more.
Pechanga Resort Casino: From handmade gingerbread houses ready for purchase to a giant gingerbread display, Pechanga Resort Casino has all the picture-perfect elements to make the season special. An array of holiday decorations adorns the entire property inside and out, with dazzling displays perfect for holiday photos. Guests can also enjoy a variety of dining options at their eleven restaurants.
Temecula on Ice: Lace up your skates and hit the ice in Old Town, directly in front of City Hall. This seasonal attraction is fun for skaters of all ages and skill levels and makes for a perfect family activity!
Holiday Performances: Catch colorful and festive performances at venues like the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, Old Town Blues Club, The Merc, Europa Village, and Pechanga Resort Casino, among others. From holiday music to beloved stage plays and traditional favorites, live entertainment is offered all month long.
New Year’s Eve Grape Drop: Families can ring in the New Year with the annual Grape Drop celebration in Old Town Temecula with ice skating, live music, food vendors, and a countdown at 9:00 p.m. A dazzling Temecula-themed drone show will begin at 8:50pm.
Several Temecula Valley wineries will host New Year’s Eve parties. Please visit the VTV Events Calendar for more details.
Each day in December, special holiday celebrations and events will be held throughout Temecula Valley. Here are 31 ways to enjoy the season during Temecula Chilled:
Dec. 1 – European Holiday Market, Europa Village
Dec. 2 – Holiday Lights & Christmas Tree Lighting, Temecula Duck Pond & Veterans Memorial
Dec. 3 – Holiday Taste of Old Town, Old Town Temecula
Dec. 4 – A Christmas Carol, Temecula Old Town Community Theater
Dec. 5 – Wreath Making Workshop, Ponte Family Estate Winery
Dec. 6 – Santa’s Electric Light Parade, Old Town
Dec. 7 – The Nutcracker Performed by The Ballet Studio & Norris Performing Arts Center, Europa Village
Dec. 8 – Candlelight Classics, The Merc in Old Town (California Chamber Orchestra)
Dec. 9 – Winter Wonderland, KOA at Vail Lake
Dec. 10 – Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown Exhibit, Temecula Valley Museum
Dec. 11 – Gingerbread House Display and Holiday Decorations, Pechanga Resort Casino
Dec. 12 – Frosty Festivities, Bailys Old Town Holiday Fest
Dec. 13 – Mark Erickson’s Nutcracker Ballet, Old Town Community Theater
Dec. 14 – Christmas Around the World, Temecula Valley Museum
Dec. 15 – Temecula Valley Symphony Holiday Concert with Temecula Ballet
Dec. 16 – Ice Skating, Peltzer Ice Rink at Peltzer Winery
Dec. 17 – Hot Air Balloon Flight at sunrise
Dec. 18 – StoneSoul – A Motown Holiday Show, Old Town Blues Club
Dec. 19 – Santa’s Workshop, Temecula Carriage Company
Dec. 20 – Temecula On Ice, Old Town
Dec. 21 – Trail Ride on Holiday Horses at CRC Ranch
Dec. 22 – Last minute Holiday Shopping
Dec. 23 – Santa at Pennypickle’s Workshop or Promenade Temecula
Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Dinner, The Gambling Cowboy
Dec. 25 – Christmas Dinner in Wine Country
Dec. 26 – See the Christmas Decorating Contest Winners, Old Town and Wine Country
Dec. 27 – Indulge in a Spa Treatment, Grapeseed Spa, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Dec. 28 – Holiday Brunch Buffet, Bolero Restaurante at Europa Village
Dec. 29 – Hanukkah Celebration, Lorimar Winery
Dec. 30 – Festive Lights & Décor, Wine Country
Dec. 31 – Old Town New Year’s Eve Grape Drop, Temecula-themed drone/light show at 8:50pm and Grape Drop at 9pm
For more information on holiday events and activities in Temecula, go to TemeculaChilled.com.
