Holiday Season in Lodi
Sparkling Nights and Seasonal Traditions
The holiday season in Lodi unfolds like a carefully wrapped gift—each layer revealing something new, every experience designed to connect you deeper to the warmth and spirit of this remarkable place we call home. As the days grow shorter and the evenings crisp, we invite you to discover why holiday season here isn't just about the festivities—it's about the community, the traditions, and the countless ways this wine country continues to nurture extraordinary moments of togetherness and joy.
When Lights Paint the Evening Sky
There's something magical about December evenings when thousands of twinkling lights transform downtown Lodi. The Lodi Parade of Lights on December 4 draws nearly 30,000 people to celebrate with sparkling floats, marching bands, and the arrival of Santa himself. For our guests, this beloved tradition captures what we love most about Lodi—genuine warmth, authentic celebration, and the simple pleasure of sharing the holidays as part of a cherished community.
The season brings additional festive gatherings throughout December—the Catalan Holiday Fiesta at Bokisch Vineyards with Spanish flavors and live music, the Festival of Trees at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum with local performances and seasonal celebrations, and the Toys for Music Annual Toy Drive supporting local causes. Each event reflects how our community weaves holiday spirit, cultural traditions, and authentic togetherness into the fabric of the season.
When Moonlight and Twilight Guide Your Journey
As December unfolds, Lodi Lake offers experiences that exist nowhere else but here. Full Moon Paddles and Sunset Paddles on the Mokelumne River transform the season into moments of serene beauty. Whether gliding across water under moonlight's radiant glow or watching the sky paint itself in burnished orange and crimson, these guided journeys become meditations on place—the quiet rhythm of paddle strokes, the crisp winter air, the natural beauty that defines our wine country landscape.
Seasonal Bounty Meets Wine Country Tradition
December in Lodi brings an abundance of ingredients perfectly suited to holiday celebrations. Citrus at its peak—persimmons, pomegranates, and fragrant citrus—joins winter greens, root vegetables, and the rich proteins that define festive dining. At the heart of our seasonal menus lies Lodi's most celebrated varietal—Zinfandel.
Our region's heritage Zinfandels—some from vines over a century old—are the perfect companion to holiday flavors. Their bold fruitiness and subtle spice echo the warmth of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg that define the season. Pair our Old Vine Zinfandels with heritage pork preparations, roasted root vegetables, and dark chocolate desserts. The wine's natural elegance transforms a simple holiday meal into something memorable, embodying Lodi's wine country spirit with every sip.
This is what terroir truly means—place expressing itself through food and wine, season after season.
When Holiday Spirit Meets Culinary Excellence
Everything about the holiday season at Appellation Lodi—Wine & Roses Resort & Spa reflects our core belief that experience of place begins and culminates with food and togetherness. Our seasonal menus showcase holiday flavors and local ingredients at both Americana House and Maison Lodi, while festive Crafted classes from holiday pie making to festive centerpiece decorating invite you into the creative process.
With this approach and our Seasonal Offers, the holiday season influences everything from the moment you arrive to your final evening. Whether you're gathering for an artisinal Thanksgiving feast at Americana House, "Savoring The Night" with a luxurious stay after your wine country festivies, celebrating under twinkling lights in our "Holidays in Bloom" experience, or raising a sparkling glass on New Year's Eve—every detail is designed to embrace the joy of the season with luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining, and a festive atmosphere.
The Appellation Holiday Experience
When you stay with us during the holiday season, you're not just visiting wine country—you're becoming part of a story that celebrates community, tradition, and the undeniable magic of place wrapped in winter charm.
Surrounded by sparkling lights, inviting spaces, and the cozy spirit of the season, you'll experience holiday magic as it should be—deeply rooted in authentic local tradition, genuinely welcoming, and crafted with the highest regard for both quality and connection.
This is the holiday season as we believe it should be experienced—not as observers, but as participants in a seasonal celebration that has defined this region and continues to evolve with grace, generosity, and the timeless warmth of gathering together.
From Lodi, with all our holiday spirit, we invite you to make memories that will last a lifetime.
*Select images courtesy of our partners.