Each winter, Calistoga pairs a Lighted Tractor Parade with the Winter in the Wineries Passport, a tasting program that lists 25 participating wineries for 2026–2027. Those two events anchor things to do in Calistoga in winter, with downtown dining filling the hours in between.
This guide covers how the passport works, what to know about the parade, where to eat, and how to plan your transportation. For current listings, keep the Calistoga events calendar open as you plan.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Calistoga in Winter?
Three experiences define a Calistoga winter visit: winery tastings through the Winter in the Wineries Passport, the Lighted Tractor Parade, and meals in downtown Calistoga. The events calendar lists the passport from December 5 through February 7, and the 2026 parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026. For outdoor trails and other seasonal ideas, browse things to do in Calistoga.
How Does Winter in the Wineries Work in Calistoga?
Winter in the Wineries is a Calistoga passport program that includes complimentary wine tastings at participating wineries, plus discounts on lodging, dining, and spa experiences. The 2026–2027 passport lists 25 participating wineries, and presale begins October 23, 2026, at 12 p.m. PDT.
Which Wineries Participate?
The 2026–2027 list includes Benessere Vineyards, Bennett Lane Winery, Charles Krug, Clif Family Winery, Clos Pegase, Sterling Vineyards, Tamber Bey, Tank Garage Winery, Tedeschi Family Winery, and V. Sattui Winery, among others. Review the full list on the passport page before you choose a route. Some participating wineries, such as V. Sattui Winery and Clif Family Winery, are in St. Helena, so grouping stops by location keeps driving time down.
How Should You Plan Passport Tastings?
The passport page does not list redemption rules, tasting limits, or reservation requirements. Call each winery before you go to confirm hours and availability. Questions about the passport can call the Calistoga Welcome Center at (707) 942-6333.
What Is the Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade?
The Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade is an annual holiday parade featuring lighted and decorated vehicles, including tractors, construction and utility vehicles, and floats (City of Calistoga). The 2026 parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
What Else Happens during Parade Weekend?
The parade page encourages visitors to stay for the weekend and mentions live music, food, and activities for all ages. Check the events calendar for details as they are posted.
Where Should You Eat in Calistoga During Winter?
The Calistoga dine directory organizes listings into Breakfast and Brunch, Lunch and Dinner, Bakeries and Coffee Shops, Happy Hours, Outdoor Dining, and Picnic Supplies and Caterers. Four listings make a useful starting point: Calistoga Inn, Restaurant and Brewery; Bricco Osteria; Evangeline; and Local Q at Lincoln Avenue Brewery. All four are on Lincoln Avenue or Washington Street. Check each listing for current hours, menus, and reservation policies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calistoga in Winter
What is the Winter in the Wineries Passport in Calistoga?
It is a passport program with complimentary wine tastings at participating wineries and discounts on lodging, dining, and spa experiences. The 2026–2027 passport lists 25 wineries. Confirm redemption details with each winery before you visit.
When is the Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade?
The 2026 parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., according to Visit Calistoga. Dates change by year, so check the events calendar for the current schedule before booking travel.
When does passport presale begin?
Presale for the 2026–2027 Winter in the Wineries Passport begins October 23, 2026, at 12 p.m. PDT, per the passport page. The page does not list a purchase method, so call the Welcome Center at (707) 942-6333 with questions.
Is there parking for the tractor parade?
No reliable source found. The parade page does not publish parking or route details. Contact the Welcome Center at (707) 942-6333 before you travel, and review the transportation page for shuttle and driver options.
How do I get around Calistoga after wine tastings?
The Calistoga Shuttle offers on-demand, door-to-door service within town limits, and lodging guests ride free, per the transportation page. The page also lists wine tour and designated driver providers. Call (707) 963-4229 for the shuttle.
Plan Your Winter Visit
Start with the events calendar for current winter listings, then review the transportation page to plan your rides. Browse things to do for more seasonal ideas, choose your meals from the dine directory, and explore the spa directory if you want to add a soak to your itinerary.
References
- City of Calistoga, Lighted Tractor Parade 2025: www.calistogaca.gov/Events/Tractor-Parade-2025
