By Kathy Chin Leong
The holidays are upon us. And in Northern California, not everyone gets snow. But we don’t despair. Four hotels are conjuring up experiences so you and your loved ones can huddle comfortably under the stars and in a magical setting of trees, lights, and wonder. If you want to curate a magic memory, book now to reserve your spot as slots are filling up.
San Jose
Santana Row Valencia Hotel
Cielo Rooftop Holiday Experience: November 28 to January 10. High above the lights of Santana Row shopping center, Cielo ‘s rooftop bar morphs into a refined open-air winter escape, surrounded by frosted Douglas fir trees, glowing fireplaces, and plush lounge seating that invite guests to linger under the stars. Guests are greeted with a holiday-inspired welcome drink and invited into an experience that captures the magic of a snow-dusted evening in the heart of Silicon Valley which is elevated and cozy. This event will feature an exclusive collaboration with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, offering a bespoke Champagne cocktail, caviar pairings and champagne by the glass or bottle. You can also order off the holiday menu. Guests must order at least $50 per person.
- Open from 5- 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
- Address: 355 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.551.0010.
- See www.hotelvalencia-santanarow.com
San Francisco
Photo Credit Anna Blake
1 Hotel
Winter Greenhouse: December 1 to January 9. Terrene’s Patio at 1 Hotel in San Francisco transforms into a covered and heated Winter Greenhouse, a glowing winter lounge lavished with fairytale lanterns and evergreens. The boutique hotel is already themed with green plantings throughout year round. But this season, it’s all amped up. While there, toast with mulled wine, seasonal cocktails, and zero-proof designer drinks. Open up to signature Cowgirl Creamery fondue served with Acme bread. Choose from the a la carte menu for your favorite nibbles.
- Families are welcome.
- Open daily 4 – 10.
- Address: 8 Mission St, San Francisco; 415.278.3700.
- Visit www.1Hotel.com/sanfrancisco
Palo Alto
Four Seasons Silicon Valley:
Apres Village. November 21 until January 4. It is a festive European-styled ski escape in a re-imagined urban patio of Quattro Restaurant. Lounge under twinkling lights and atop furry blankets. Priced at $95 per guest, your mini village vacation includes four shared wintery savory plates for the table and one dessert per person. For an extra $150, private chalet booths are available for up to six people for 90 minutes. Cozy up by the firepits, and imbibe mulled wine and seasonal cocktails. Take photos by the snow globe poster and sit on the ski-lift chair for more picture-worthy moments. New this year is a food truck on the premises serving groumet hot chocolate and marshmallows. This is a totally family-friendly event.
- Hours 4:30-9:30 daily. Well, 2026, here we come!
- Address: 2050 University Ave. Palo Alto; 800.819.5053.
- Click on www.fourseasons.com/siliconvalley.
Sonoma
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
Sonoma Swiss Chalets. November 10 until February 29. Cocoon in blankets – outdoors – beneath holiday lights – in a cozy nook you can call your own. At least for two hours. These three retreats, each seating up to six guests, are brimming with festive cheer and perfect for seasonal celebrations. Savor holiday-inspired cocktails and dishes from the à la carte Chalet Menu. A $50 per-person minimum applies; additional beverages are available for purchase. Heat lamps are provided, though layers are recommended during winter evenings. Kids’ menus are available upon request.
- Hours: 3:30 to 6:30 daily
- Address: 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma; 707.938.9000.
- Reservations can be made at www.fairmont.com
