Photo: Europa Village

The holidays are almost here, and Temecula Chilled is back with a magical winter season that captures the warmth and beauty of Temecula Valley. Running from the day after Thanksgiving through Decemer 31, this year’s lineup features festive holiday performances, pop-up markets, ice skating and holiday celebrations in Temecula Valley Wine Country, and an Old Town holiday window walk. Visitors and residents alike are invited to slow down and savor the best of the season.

Temecula Valley is less than two hours by car from every major metro area in Southern California, making it an easy getaway. Here are several suggestions to celebrate the season during Temecula Chilled:

Old Town Charm & Live Entertainment

  • Holiday Taste of Old Town: This annual ticketed event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 5-8:30 p.m. Visitors can indulge in an evening of savory restaurant samples, wine tasting discounts, and live music while strolling through historic Old Town Temecula.
  • A Very Temecula Christmas Window Walk: Beginning Dec. 1 and running through the holiday season, visitors can take a self-guided tour of Old Town’s beautifully decorated storefront windows while supporting small businesses by shopping and dining in festive holiday settings. More here.
  • Miracle Holiday Pop-Up Bar: At Coin-Op Game Room in Old Town, Nov. 26-Jan. 1, guests can enjoy kitschy holiday décor, expertly crafted cocktails, and the nostalgic energy of the world’s best office party. More information here.
  • Gold Crown Farms Holiday Trees & Wreath Workshops: Gold Crown Farms, which offers guided macadamia nut farm tours, will also offer choose-and-cut holiday trees at its De Luz farm Nov. 27-Dec. 20. Holiday wreath-making workshops will take place Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 from 10am-noon.
  • Santa at Pennypickle’s Workshop: Pennypickle’s Workshop will once again host Santa for one-on-one visits in a cozy cottage. After his big arrival on Friday, Nov. 27 (6-9 p.m.), Santa will be in his cottage on weekends from Saturday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 20 (Saturdays 10-1pm; Sundays 1-4 pm). More here.
  • Santa’s Electric Light Parade: Temecula will host the spectacular Santa’s Electric Light Parade on Friday, Dec. 4, where floats, bands, and Santa will light up the night. The parade begins at 7 p.m. at the intersection of Jefferson Ave. and Del Rio Rd. and travels south into Old Town Temecula.
  • Cookie Time: Cookie Time at the Christmas Tree in Old Town Temecula is part of the annual A Very Merry Temecula Christmas and Temecula Chilled holiday celebration. At the corner of Main & Front Street, Mon-Thurs. at 2pm.
  • Live Entertainment: Catch A Christmas Carol: The Musical at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, Dec. 5-13, or enjoy a variety of live performances at Baily’s Old town, The Merc, or The Vibe.
  • Specialty Shopping: 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. Weld + Wool is a custom hat bar located in the Hotel Temecula building in Old Town Temecula, where shoppers can create the perfect hat, from finding the correct size and color to adding personalized embellishments. The Old Town Sweet Shop offers retro candy, fudge, and gourmet apples made fresh on site, as well as retro gifts and tins.
  • Temecula Valley Symphony: Join the Symphony for its holiday performance with selections from “The Nutcracker” featuring the Temecula Ballet, on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m. at the Temecula Valley High School Golden Bears Theater. Renowned cellist Ruslan Biryukov will take center stage for Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, bookended by the sheer power of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. Tickets and more information here.

Season’s Eatings:

Season’s Eatings invites locals and visitors alike to sip, savor, and celebrate the holiday season. Running from late November through December 31, this festive culinary experience brings together nearly two dozen Temecula Valley wineries and restaurants, along with Pechanga Resort Casino, each serving up seasonal specials that capture the spirit of the holidays. From exclusive winter-inspired dishes and indulgent holiday treats to creative seasonal cocktails, guests can discover the delicious flavors of the season as part of Temecula Chilled.

Holiday Shopping Outside of Old Town

  • Holiday Markets at Vail Headquarters: On Nov. 13 and Dec. 13, visitors can shop for holiday gifts from boutique vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and take photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus. There are plenty of food and beverage options as well, including Marshall Stuart Fine Wines, Local Provisions, Bare Knuckle Brewery, and Nora’s Empanadas. More here.
  • Promenade Temecula: Look for Santa’s arrival and tree lighting on Nov. 7, with festivities starting at 6 p.m. Several holiday pop-up markets and seasonal craft events will be held in the outdoor plaza area throughout the holiday season. Visit the shopping center’s events calendar throughout the season for updated information: https://www.promenadetemecula.com/en/events/
  • The Shops at Pechanga Resort Casino: Shop at the resort for upscale athletic wear, designer fashion, and golf apparel and accessories. More here.

Wine Country Holiday Happenings

  • Peltzer Ice Rink: Now in its ninth season, the outdoor rink at Peltzer Winery is open Nov. 19-Jan. 15, 2027, with hot cocoa, snacks, food trucks, and a bar serving Peltzer wine. Peltzer also hosts its Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 28-29, with ice skating, holiday shopping, and a visit from Santa, and Christmas on the Farm on Dec. 13.
  • Callaway Barrel Tree Lighting & Holiday Market: On Nov. 27-28 from noon-6 p.m., Callaway Vineyard & Winery will host two festive days of shopping, wine, and holiday cheer at its annual market. Santa will be on hand, too. More here.
  • Santa Paws + Ugly Sweater Extravaganza: The popular pet-friendly event at Akash Winery returns on Sunday, Dec. 6, with photos with Santa, an ugly sweater contest, treats for pups, live entertainment, ornament painting, and wood-fired pizza. More here.
  • Europa Village Igloos and Holiday Festivities: For a unique holiday dining experience, a private igloo at Europa Village accommodates up to eight guests for a cozy, family-style dinner at Vienza Winery’s Giardino del Cielo. Before dinner, guests can enjoy a cocktail at the Naughty List Lounge’s pop-up speakeasy. For more information including an extensive list of holiday events and experiences at Europa Village, visit the Europa Village events calendar.
  • Santa’s Wine Country Workshop: Temecula Carriage Company offers a private horse-drawn carriage ride through Santa’s Workshop, where kids can tell the Big Guy what they’d like for Christmas. A variety of holiday experiences and events can be found here.
  • Hanukkah Celebration: Lorimar Vineyards & Winery hosts its annual Hanukkah celebration on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 5-8 p.m., with a menorah lighting, latkes, live music, and more.
  • South Coast Winery Tree Lighting Ceremony: On Saturday, Nov. 28, from 5-8 p.m., South Coast Winery’s tree lighting ceremony will feature 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 information here.
  • Spa Day: Take a break from the holiday hustle at GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, where a heated saltwater pool is set to an inviting 84 degrees throughout the year.
  • Stress-Free Getaway: 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. More information on wine country stays here.

Pechanga Resort Casino Goes All Out for the Season

Pechanga Resort Casino transforms into a festive winter wonderland for the holiday season with over 100,000 sparkling lights and dozens of decorated Christmas trees in the main lobby. Guests can get photos with Santa near the casino entrance and enjoy a beautiful holiday village display in the hotel lobby. A life-sized Candyland-inspired gingerbread house, painstakingly crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Deden Putra and his team, was created with over 1,500 pounds of real gingerbread, hundreds of pounds of chocolate, hundreds of decorated éclairs, and dozens of pounds of cinnamon sticks. Pechanga Resort Casino is offering exclusive holiday dining specials across its restaurants as well as its popular Holiday Meals to Go packages. Guests can also take advantage of festive casino promotions and gaming giveaways throughout December.

Holiday Meals to Go

Whether you’re staying at a short-term rental with family or looking for a little help this season, you can order ready-made meals, side dishes, and desserts from top Temecula chefs.

  • E.A.T. Marketplace Holiday Meals to Go: Chef Leah Di Bernardo supports local farmers and food artisans with an ambitious holiday carryout menu that features a variety of delicious and locally sourced ingredients. Thanksgiving menu here; Christmas/Holiday menu here.
  • Pechanga Resort Casino Holiday to Go: It’s possible to skip kitchen chaos with Pechanga Resort Casino’s Holiday to Go feasts. Ready-to-serve meals are prepared by Pechanga’s acclaimed chefs for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. Call 951-770-2307 or visit Pechanga.com/Holiday-to-go for more information.
  • Farmers’ Markets: Get a taste of Temecula at the Farmers’ Market in Old Town on Saturdays, Vail Headquarters on Tuesdays, and the Promenade Temecula mall on Wednesdays for local, fresh produce and artisan foods to complement holiday parties and meals. More details here.

Outdoor Adventure

  • Holidays in the Park: Vail Lake Resort hosts holiday events at the Temecula KOA, with more than 100,000 sparkling lights, a golf cart parade, holiday-themed crafts and games, Santa visits, and special dining options. Updated information will be available here.
  • Winterland at Galway Downs: Live music, holiday lights, holiday movies, Santa, and an ice rink. Go here for event updates.
  • Year-Round Fun: Hot air balloon flights, equestrian events, trail rides on horseback through the vineyards, hiking, golfing, and more. There’s plenty of outdoor adventure in Temecula Valley all year long.

Ring in 2027 in Temecula Valley

  • New Year’s Eve Spectacular Drone Show: On Thursday, Dec. 31, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Civic Center Quad, visitors can count down to 2027 with live music, food vendors, and fun activities for all ages. At 9 p.m., a colorful drone show featuring an animated grape drop will light up the sky for the East Coast countdown. More here.
  • Winery and Restaurant Celebrations: Several wineries and restaurants across Old Town and Temecula Valley Wine Country, as well as Pechanga Resort Casino, will host dinners, parties, and countdowns. Check the Events calendar at www.visittemeculavalley.com for updated information and reservations.

Holiday travelers can celebrate with an extended stay at one of Temecula Valley’s many hotels, short-term rentals, or B&Bs/Inns. Pechanga Resort Casino also offers luxurious accommodations, 11 restaurants, and entertainment headliners from rock to pop and jazz to country. Named the Best Casino in California and on the West Coast, Pechanga Resort Casino offers 200,000 square feet of smoke-free gaming space.

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