The holidays are right around the corner, and it’s almost time for Temecula Chilled, a magical season of celebration during the holidays. Visitors and residents alike can slow down and savor the best of the season with a fantastic line-up of activities and events for all ages.

Travelers can celebrate with an extended stay at one of Temecula Valley’s many hotels, short-term rentals, or Inns in Wine Country. Pechanga Resort Casino also offers an exclusive Holiday Hideaway package, which combines the benefits of the resort’s amenities with savings on stays.

For a complete list of holiday events, go to the Events calendar at www.visittemeculavalley.com. Here’s a list of recommended activities and experiences:

Old Town Charm & Live Entertainment

  • The annual Holiday Taste of Old Town will be held on Wed. Dec. 3. During this ticketed event, visitors can indulge in an evening featuring savory restaurant samples, wine tasting discounts, and live music while strolling through historic Old Town.
  • Gold Crown Farms will debut its first-ever Old Town Temecula Christmas Tree Lot on Friday, Nov. 28. Located on 6th St., shoppers will find a hand-picked selection of premium Noble and Douglas Fir Christmas trees. Families seeking a high quality, family-friendly experience can get photos with a festively decorated 1950 Chevy Truck (red, of course!).
  • Pennypickle’s Workshop will once again host Santa for one-on-one visits. The Professor lets his old friend borrow a comfy, cozy cottage so kids can visit him in an old-fashioned setting. After his big entrance on Friday, November 28th at 6pm, Santa will be in his cottage on weekends. Details here. 
  • Temecula will host the spectacular Santa’s Electric Light Parade on Friday, Dec. 5th, where floats, bands, and Santa will light up the night. The parade will begin at 7pm at the intersection of Jefferson Ave. and Del Rio Rd. and travel south into Old Town Temecula.
  • For a great holiday entertainment experience, visitors can catch a live performance of A Christmas Carol: The Musical or White Christmas at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater or enjoy Christmas performances at The Merc and The Vibe, which features at least six live shows every week.
  • Old Town shoppers will find specialty items and gift sets at local favorites like Temecula Olive Oil Company, Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants, or Temecula Lavender Company. Ford and Elm offers a collection of rare goods and vintage finds, often from local makers. Weld + Wool is a custom hat bar located in the Hotel Temecula building in Old Town Temecula. Shoppers can create the perfect hat to reflect their unique style – from finding the correct size and color, to adding custom embellishments. The Old Town Sweet Shop offers retro candy, fudge, and gourmet apples made fresh on site as well as retro gifts and tins.
  • Join the Temecula Valley Symphony for its holiday performance with selections from ”The Nutcracker” featuring the Temecula Ballet, on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4pm.
  • Ring in 2026 in Old Town Temecula at the Civic Center on Main Street with live music, food vendors, and family activities. A large grape cluster will be on display at the City Hall clock tower with a spectacular drone show and illuminated grape drop in the sky over Main Street at 9pm.

A Culinary Holiday Journey

  • Local restaurants will create special “Temecula Chilled” food or drink items during Season’s Eatings, available from Nov. 28-Dec. 31. Visitors can get special cocktails, bites, or desserts that are unique to the season.
  • The Holiday Taste of Old Town returns on Wed. Dec. 3, indulge in an evening featuring savory restaurant samples as you stroll through historic Old Town.
  • The Miracle Pop-Up Holiday Bar at Coin-Op in Old Town offers kitschy holiday décor, expert crafted cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the world’s best office party, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.
  • At Pechanga Resort & Casino, guests who dine at one of the property’s 11 restaurants can indulge in seasonal cocktails and Christmas desserts.
  • Get a taste of Temecula by visiting the Farmers’ Market in Old Town on Saturdays, Vail Headquarters on Tuesdays, and the Promenade mall on Wednesdays for local, fresh produce and artisan foods to complement your holiday meals. More here.
  • E.A.T. Marketplace offers pre-cooked dinners for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pechanga Resort Casino’s Pechanga Holiday To Go offers pre-cooked Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings and easy curbside pickups.

Holiday Shopping Outside of Old Town

  • On Dec. 14, Vail Headquarters will transform into a winter wonderland during the Temecula Chilled Holiday Market with boutique vendors, food, live entertainment, and Mr. & Mrs. Claus on hand for photos. Guests can also visit Marshall Stuart Wines for a tasting or have lunch at Tiki Burger.
  • Promenade Temecula will host a special tree lighting ceremony Nov. 15 followed by Santa’s arrival. Shoppers can get photos with Santa and enjoy several pop-up holiday markets and events throughout the season.
  • The Shops at Pechanga Resort Casino offer designer apparel, upscale athletic wear, and fashionable golf apparel and accessories.

Wine Country Holiday Happenings

  • The popular Santa Paws + Ugly Sweater Extravaganza at Akash Winery will be held Dec. 7 from 11-4pm. Guests and their pets can enjoy photos with Santa and participate in an Ugly Sweater contest. There will also be treats for pups, live entertainment, ornament painting, and wood-fired pizza.
  • At Vienza Winery’s Igloo di Vino, up to eight guests can enjoy a cozy dining experience in a private igloo. Located at the Giardino del Cielo in Europa Village, guests will enjoy a prix-fixe family-style menu and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. Reservations will be open Nov 25 – Dec. 30.
  • Santa’s Wine Country Workshop at Temecula Carriage Company offers a private horse-drawn carriage ride that takes groups on a drive-thru experience in Santa’s Workshop. The Big Guy will be on hand to give kids an opportunity to let him know what they’d like for Christmas. To find additional Temecula Carriage Company holiday events, go here.
  • For a stress-free getaway, visitors can enjoy wine tasting, dining, and a beautiful room with a vineyard view, all under one roof. Full-service winery lodging is available at Carter Estates, Europa Village, Inn at Churon Winery, Ponte Vineyard Inn, and South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.
  • Beginning Nov. 14 through Jan. 19, ice skaters can take a spin at Peltzer Winery Ice Rink. This state-of-the-art outdoor rink features 8,400 square feet of skating space. Visitors can also enjoy hot cocoa, snacks, local food trucks, and a bar serving Peltzer wine.
  • Take a break from the holiday hustle with a spa day at GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. A heated saltwater pool is set to an inviting 84 degrees throughout the year for poolside relaxation, including food & beverage service.
  • On Nov. 27-28 from 5-8pm, visitors can shop at the European Holiday Market at Europa Village and wander through a marketplace filled with unique vendors, warm treats, spiced hot chocolate, and more. Activities include cookie decorating, writing letters to Santa, and getting photos alongside Saint Nick.
  • Lorimar Vineyards & Winery will host its annual Hanukkah Celebration on Dec. 14 with Menorah Lighting, Latkes, and more. Dinner, wine, beer, and sangria will be available.
  • Each year, South Coast Winery & Spa delights the community with its Tree Lighting Ceremony. The festivities include a Santa Claus meet and greet, petting zoo, face painting, horse drawn trolley and tractor rides, carolers, winter crafts for kids, and holiday refreshments. More here. 
  • Several wineries and restaurants will host New Year’s Eve celebrations. For updated information go to www.visittemeculavalley.com and check the Events calendar.

Outdoor Adventure

  • Vail Lake Resort will host several holiday events at the Temecula KOA during December 2025, including a "Holidays in the Park" event from Nov. 28-Dec. 21. With over 100,000 sparkling lights on display, there will be festive activities like a golf cart parade, holiday-themed crafts and games, Santa visits, and special dining options.
  • Starting Dec. 4 and continuing through December, Galway Downs will host its first WinterFest every weekend starting at 4pm. Guests will enjoy live music, holiday lights, holiday movies, and Santa on Saturdays. In addition, an ice rink will be open every weekday at 4pm and at 10am on weekends (closed on Christmas Day).
  • There are plenty of things to do for outdoor fun during the holiday season, including hot air balloon flights, equestrian events and trail rides on horseback through the vineyards, hiking, golfing, and more.

The holiday season is a great time for a memorable and magical stay in Temecula Valley. For continuous updates on special events, finding things to do, and booking the best lodging options, go to www.visittemeculavalley.com.