Merry Meritage returns to Napa Valley with new holiday experiences

The Meritage Resort & Spa is bringing back Merry Meritage from Nov. 19, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, with Napa’s largest outdoor ice rink, nightly snowfall and a refreshed lineup of holiday experiences. The event coincides with the resort’s 20th anniversary and adds new attractions for families, couples and holiday shoppers.

Why it matters: - Merry Meritage is one of The Meritage Resort & Spa’s signature seasonal draws in Napa Valley. - The 2026 edition adds new experiences while extending a holiday period that can drive room bookings, dining traffic and event visits. - The celebration also ties into the resort’s 20th anniversary year.

What happened: - Merry Meritage returns to The Meritage Resort & Spa from Nov. 19, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. - The resort will transform into a vineyard-side winter village for the holiday season. - The annual Tree Lighting is set for Saturday, Nov. 21. - The kickoff event will feature live music, falling snow, train rides and appearances by Santa and storybook characters. - Guests who donate a new toy to the Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley will receive 20% off ice skating.

The details: - New activities include Build with Ember the Elf, where children can make cork reindeer, enjoy lunch, dance, skate, hear story time and get a surprise visit. - Sora will become the Holly Jolly Hideaway Bar with holiday décor and cocktails such as a Gingerbread Margarita and Snow Spritz. - Cocoa & Cheer will serve hot chocolate with toppings, warm apple cider, seasonal sweets and spiked options for adults. - Deck the Paws is scheduled for Dec. 17 at Olive & Hay and will include a holiday Yappy Hour for dogs, treats and ornament-making. - The Holiday Market will run every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 20 with local vendors beneath twinkling lights and falling snow. - Rinkside Cabins will replace the resort’s igloos and will fit groups of six or 10. - Each cabin includes a complimentary bottle of Champagne, sparkling cider, or milk and cookies. - More Princess Tinsel Teas are returning by popular demand, combining skating, snacks, story time and a gift for children. - Napa Valley’s largest outdoor ice rink will operate daily. - Nightly tree lighting and snowfall will continue through the season. - Guests can reserve a private fire pit and s’mores experience for up to five people. - Weekend activities include gingerbread house decorating at Santa’s Workshop and ornament making with Picture Present. - Noël & Co will offer holiday shopping, and Sora will host Sparkling High Tea with sparkling wine flights, tea sandwiches and seasonal sweets.

Between the lines: - The resort is broadening Merry Meritage beyond a simple holiday display into a longer, more layered experience with family activities, adult-oriented programming and retail. - The mix of ice skating, food-and-beverage events and overnight packages suggests the resort is using the holiday season to deepen guest stays, not just attract day visitors. - The emphasis on local vendors, toy donations and recurring weekend programming also positions the event as both a community draw and a tourism driver.

What's next: - The Merry Meritage Holiday Escape offers 20% off accommodations and unlimited complimentary ice skating for two. - Stay Golden members also receive complimentary parking. - The package applies to stays from Nov. 19, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027, when booked by Dec. 31, 2026. - More event details are available in the full calendar of festivities. - Images and video are available here.

The bottom line: - Merry Meritage is expanding its holiday footprint with new experiences, while keeping the classic ice rink, snowfall and tree-lighting traditions that make it a Napa Valley seasonal staple.