The holidays are special no matter where you celebrate, but when the grandeur of Yosemite becomes your backdrop, the season transforms into something truly extraordinary. In Yosemite Mariposa County, celebrations shimmer with quiet sophistication, where winter’s hush only heightens the sense of wonder. This three-day itinerary was crafted to elevate your holiday escape, culminating in the renowned Bracebridge Dinner, a glittering tradition that transforms the historic Ahwahnee into a stage of revelry, refinement, and timeless holiday enchantment.
Arrival & Indulgent Welcome
A winter journey into Yosemite Mariposa County is as scenic as it is effortless. All-season highways like 140 and 41 sweep you from California’s metropolitan hubs through classic ranch lands and rolling foothills before delivering you to Sierra splendor.
Your holiday haven awaits. From the legendary Ahwahnee Hotel to the amenity-rich mountain lodge at Tenaya at Yosemite, to stylish vacation retreats such as Moonstone Retreat and boutique stays in Mariposa, every option offers its own charm. Winter’s quieter season makes it even more inviting, with greater availability and refined experiences at a more leisurely pace.
Yosemite Valley Splendor & Bracebridge Dinner
Serene, sparkline, and dressed in its winter finery. Iconic granite icons like Half Dome and El Capitan gleam under crystalline light, while waterfalls revive into silver cascades framed by frost-tipped pines. Yosemite Valley in winter is pure snow-globe wonder.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, perhaps a fireside spread at the Ahwahnee Dining Room, or a cozy café in Mariposa before setting out to explore. Short winter trails offer some of the Valley’s most enchanting experiences. The Lower Yosemite Fall loop trail leads to a wooden bridge with dramatic views of Yosemite Falls’ upper and lower cascades. While the falls in Autumn tend to be dry, winter restores the falls with high-country snow melt and rain. Take care along the way, icy patches along the trail make for a slower, more deliberate stroll.
Another effortless treasure is the half-mile loop to Bridalveil Fall, flowing year-round in a graceful wind-swept veil. With its renovated parking area and restrooms, it’s one of Yosemite’s most convenient and rewarding stops.
For a festive twist, lace up your skates at the historic Curry Village Ice Skating Rink, where Half Dome and Glacier Point loom thousands of feet overhead. It’s tradition dating back nearly a century. Pre- and post- skate, wrap up in your favorite sweater, then warm your hands by the Curry Village fire pits with a drink and conversation.
Looking to fill out a few holiday gift lists? Shopping here carries its own holiday magic. The Ansel Adams Gallery is a curated trove of Yosemite treasures, from fine art photography, signed prints, Native-crafted jewelry and exclusive Ansel Adams Gallery photography. Just steps away, the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center offers thoughtful souvenirs and outdoor essentials, perfect for finishing a holiday gift list with a sense of place.
Then, as night falls, the pinnacle of your holiday journey begins. The Bracebridge Dinner at the storied Ahwahnee Hotel is a spectacle unlike any other. Since 1927, this seven-course feast has been paired with pageantry, live music and Elizabethan revelry. Candlelit tables, sumptuous fare, and costumed performers transport guests to Washington Irving’s “Squire Bracebridge” manor for an evening of merriment and grandeur. Formal attire, sparkling conversation, and a setting that rivals Europe’s grand dining halls ensure this is an occasion to savor for a lifetime.
Bracebridge Dinners run from mid-December to Christmas Eve. Event tickets are in high demand, with a highly anticipated on-sale at the end of December for the following year’s season. In addition to the dinners, the Bracebridge Holiday Concerts are offered free during the run and open to the public with first-come, first-served seating. Attire at the Bracebridge Dinner is formal, befitting the occasion!
Pro tip: If you are not overnighting in Yosemite Valley, bring your evening attire with you in the morning and change before the show.
Golden Foothills & Seasonal Charm
As much holiday glee as you will find inside Yosemite Valley, there’s even more ringing through the surrounding Sierra foothills. Charming country towns pop up around many a turn, and spending your getaway day in this golden realm is a holiday highlight reel.
Before bidding Yosemite Mariposa County farewell, spend a leisurely day wandering the charming town of Mariposa for a bit of holiday shopping. Begin with brunch at a local café, then browse boutique shops in the historic downtown for artisan treasures and fine wines. Check out the Mariposa Marketplace for an ever-changing inventory of antiques, arts and crafts, books, gifts, and souvenirs. On-trend depots like Anahata Fair Trade offer local finds as well as fair-trade world imports.
As twilight settles, twinkling lights and festive décor cast the town in a romantic holiday glow. Main Street storefronts sparkle and the ambience amps up. Happy hour wine tasting anyone? Casto Oaks and the Local Grape both offer local AVA bottle stock and are open for low-key tastings.
For an ideal finale, toast over dinner at Frederick’s of Savourys or the Charles Street Dinner House, both serving contemporary menus of steak, seafood, pasta, and vegetarian/vegan options. Sink into your cozy booth and feel the holiday cheer. It’s the perfect way to closer your Sierra sojourn.
After dinner, check out the Mariposa County Courthouse on Bullion Street where the town’s Holiday Tree sparkles with lights and love. Holiday pictures, anyone? And if you happen to be in Mariposa the weekend of the Merry Mountain Christmas Festival & Parade, taking place annually in early December, even better. Follow the floats to the tree lighting!
Bonus Day Option: Ski Yosemite
If departure feels too soon, extend your stay with a quintessential winter adventure at Badger Pass Ski Area, California’s very first ski resort. Nestled just off Glacier Point Road within Yosemite National Park, this alpine gem has been welcoming snow lovers since 1935 and remains delightfully unpretentious while offering an unforgettable mountain experience.
Open from December through March (conditions permitting), Badger Pass relies solely on natural snowfall, creating an authentic Sierra winter playground. With five lifts servicing 10 runs, most of them gentle green and blue terrain, the resort is perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking to enjoy easy-going turns under Yosemite’s wide-open skies. For those seeking variety, Badger also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and guided Nordic tours that wind through silent forests to breathtaking Glacier Point vistas.
Après-ski comes naturally here: pause at the cozy day lodge for hot cocoa by the fire, swap stories with fellow adventurers, and soak up the rustic charm that sets Badger apart from the high-octane bustle of larger resorts. And yes, don’t forget to flop into the snow and craft that perfect snow angel, a playful holiday memory framed by Yosemite’s timeless granite peaks.
Higher Love Holidays
Yosemite Mariposa County offers the perfect season’s escape. Chill winter, austere seasonal scenery, and the delicious pomp and pageantry of the Bracebridge Dinner will transport you to another realm of holiday cheer. Yosemite – it’s the perfect reset before the New Year rolls in!