Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Newsletter
December,  2012
Madera Tractor Parade
Madera Tractor Parade


While any time in California's Gateway to Yosemite is special, Christmas is truly magical. With all sorts of holiday-themed events, event the Scroogiest of people will find themselves getting in to the spirit.

Read on for events, activities and of course travel deals and incentives that will help you stay and play for less.


Also, don't forget you can now "watch" our newsletters on Youtube! We are now broadcasting this information in easy-to-view consumer video format, no reading involved. Find us at www.Youtube.com/yosemitesierra

 Sincerely,
 Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
In this issue
:: Christmas Tree Lightings
:: Celebrate Syrah
:: Christmas Comedy
:: Majestic Mountain Loop
:: Christmas Tree Auction
:: Holiday activities at the Tenaya Lodge
:: Christmas at Fresno Flats
Christmas Tree lighting
Oakhurst Christmas Tree Lighting
 
If you love a beautiful Christmas Tree, you're in luck as the communities of Madera County have plenty of lighting ceremonies planned.

 

Coarsegold will be lighting their tree at the Coarsegold Historic Village on November 30. The ceremony also includes Christmas Carolers, holiday craft vendors and more.

Both Chowchilla and Oakhurst will be lighting their community Christmas Trees on Saturday, December 1.  

 

The Chowchilla Lions Club 45th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting takes place at 5:30 at the corner lot near Ride Aid on Robertson Boulevard. The event, co-sponsored by the Chowchilla Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department,  also includes a visit from Santa Claus. Call 559-665-8615 x110 for more information.

 

Oakhurst's celebration starts at 5 pm and is located at Ditton's Talking Bear Corner, at the intersection of Highway 41 and Road 426. There will be hot coffee and cider, hot dogs, Christmas Caroling and a chance to chat with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event is sponsored by Sierra Tel and Century 21 Ditton Realty. For more information, call 559-642-0313.

 

North Fork starts the season on Tuesday, December 4 at 4:30 pm in the Pizza Factory Parking lot. Guests can even bring their own ornament to add to the tree.   

Celebrate Syrah on the Madera Wine Trail    

 

Fasi Wine
Join fellow wine lovers on December 1st between noon and 4 p.m. for a special showcase of award-winning Madera County wines.

The participating wineries below will be featuring their Syrahs. Some wineries will have wine production information, education on Syrah wines and winemakers available to discuss the techniques that go behind making such a delicious product.

Visit the following wineries using your Passport or Ticket for Syrah winetasting on December 1:

 

Birdstone Winery

Fasi Estate Winery

Idle Hour Winery

Papagni Wines

Quady Winery 
For a full list of Madera Wine Trail Wineries, visit www.MaderaWineTrail.com.   
 
Golden Chain Theatre hosts Christmas comedy 
 
 
The Golden Chain Theatre debuts their Christmas Comedy on December 7. The showruns the entire weekend, with performances at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday.

Called Rock N' Roll Santa, the play is  family-friendly, featuring a Elf rock band, Elvis, Santa and more.   
Tour the Majestic Mountain Loop 
 
roaring falls in King's Canyon
Roaring Falls in King's Canyon  

Explore the unrivaled beauty of Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks, in as little as 3 days.

 

Try this itinerary for a high sierra vacation full of all the adventure you can imagine.  Trek to the largest living tree, explore underground caves, hike to stunning waterfalls and discover the best vistas in all three parks.  You'll enjoy snowshoeing, canoeing, hiking, swimming and more.  

 

Do all three parks and you will have completed the Majestic Mountain Loop. Learn more at 

 MajesticMountainLoop.com

 
Christmas tree auction to benefit local charities
  Christmas Tree Auction  

 

The Annual Christmas Tree Auction  takes place December 2 at the Bass Lake Events Center.

This is your chance to take home an amazing Christmas Tree with proceeds going to one of several charities in the region.

There is also an online auction, with numerous prices up for grabs. To see what gifts you can take home from the auction, go here
Holiday activities at Tenaya Lodge
Santa Skating at Tenaya

The Tenaya Lodge has a whole host of Christmas events and activities going on throughout December.

Santa Claus will be making regular appearances at the skating rink on Sundays at 1 pm.

They are also holding a Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop, Dec. 22 and 23 at 11:00 a.m. Winners will be announced in the lobby at 5:00 p.m. The Sugar Pine Trio will be in the lobby at 5 pm on the 22nd and Santa Claus visits the lobby at 5 pm on the 23rd.

Other events include:

Monday, December 24

  • 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Sierra Restaurant Christmas Eve Dinner Specials
  • 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Embers Christmas Eve Dinner Menu 
  • 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Live Entertainment in Lobby
    Complimentary hot holiday beverages
  • 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Christmas Eve Cookie Decorating Workshop
    Kids get into the creative holiday spirit decorating cookies. Afterwards you can take them with a glass of milk up to the room to leave for Santa.
  • 8:30 p.m. | Mrs. Claus's Bedtime Story
    Enjoy a reading of "T'was the Night Before Christmas" in the Lobby under the Tree.  Then it's off for the kids, to get all snug in their beds.

Tuesday, December 25

  

2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Grand Ballroom Christmas Day Buffet 

For Reservations, please contact our Concierge or call 877-247-9241.
Complimentary Holiday Hot Beverage-Chef's Creation in Lobby  | 5:00pm-8:00pm

 

 
Christmas at Fresno Flats
 
Fresno Flats Historic Park
 

The public is invited to come to see Father Christmas at Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park on December 2 from 11 to 4 pm when his antique car comes over Deadwood at 18 miles an hour  once again. There  will  be a   Christmas food contribution for Manna House  for those who wish to  participate.

     

Visitors to the Park will enjoy tasting a variety of delicious soups with drinks and  Christmas cookies.  The 100 year old buildings of long ago  will be open and decorated for Christmas, a Bake Sale in the Nathan Sweet Museum and candle making in the Gazebo. Miniature horses from  Weinert's Diamond W Ranch will  be corralled in the Park.  

There will also be a choir, raffle and much more. For more information, call 559-642-3518 or visit http://www.fresnoflatsmuseum.org/  

Fun events and travel incentives 

Businesses offer discounts and other travel incentives

Appellation California hosts craft fair Appellation California
The Christmas season is here, and that means finding the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list. ApCal is here to help! Besides all of our fine local wines, delicious gourmet foods and beautiful gift baskets, we will have a collection of the area's best arts-and-craft vendors showcasing great handmade goods. Jewelry, candles, clothing, art, gifts, kids' stuff, wine stuff, fun stuff - just to name a few - will be on hand to help you finish that holiday list. Got the kids with you? NO PROBLEM! We'll have a bounce house, tricycle track, farm train rides and hot chocolate to keep the kids busy while you shop - all FREE - to help get you in the Holiday spirit!

Apple Blossom Inn offers picnic package
Apple Blossom Inn, Yosemite Area Bed and Breakfast

Enjoy the beauty and natural splendors of Yosemite National Park for a two-night stay at the award-winning Apple Blossom Inn. Ask for the picnic package to enjoy Yosemite National Park, luxurious accommodations and a delicious picnic lunch for a great price.  

 

Free comedy show at the Lakeview Room at Bass Lake Bass Lake Event Center
Five comedians will be featured at a free show on Dec 28 from 7-9 pm in the Lakeview Room in The Pines Village at Bass Lake. There will be food and cocktails to go along with the laughs.  

   

The Blue Heron hosts Santa Claus The Blue Heron at Yosemite Lakes Park

Head to the Clubhouse at Yosemite Lakes Park on December 8 to meet Santa Claus. There will be free cookies and hot cocoa for kids, as well as photos with Santa Claus in the beautifully- decorated Club House. Call 559-683-6969 for more information.  

   

Discounts on Bass Lake Vacation Rentals  Century 21 Ditton Realty Bass Lake Vacation Rentals

 Rent a home and treat your family to a relaxing Holiday week (or weekend) at Bass Lake.  Plan a family fun day in Yosemite or hiking around Bass Lake.  We have many homes to choose from and they will fit into any budget.  You may view our homes on our website at www.BassLakeVacations.com. We welcome your call should you wish to book a home or have any questions.  1-866-914-3888.

 

 Sensible Celebration at ECCO

The Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO) is a relaxing and rejuvenating site for all to enjoy. Join us on New Year's Eve for a wine social, prime rib or lemon herb salmon dinner, a 9:00 pm New York Midnight toast, and music, games, and dancing until midnight. Come just for the evening or stay in one of our comfy lodge rooms. Overnight guests will enjoy a late check out and a New Year's Day brunch. $29 per person for New Year's Eve festivities only. $77 per person for a two-person room, which includes all festivities and New Year's Day brunch. $99 per person for a private room. Contact Kristen for more information: 559-683-8162. 


Have your Holiday gathering at Hampton Hampton Inn Madera  

Have your holiday meetings, parties and gatherings at the Hampton Inn & Suites. Get 25% off our meeting room, which holds up to 45 people, until January 31, 2013.

Studio rooms are a great Winter savings $99.00 or an in-room Jacuzzi Suite at $109.00. These prices are good from Dec.1 to Jan. 31. You must call 559-661-0910 to get these amazing prices. 

      

Holiday Inn Express: Royal Romance Package

What could be more romantic than arriving to a Jacuzzi Suite to find a bottle of champagne and delicious chocolates on the bed waiting for you? After a night of romance you will enjoy a hearty hot breakfast-in-bed. It's a perfect way to rekindle the flames. For couples who prefer, sparkling cider will be provided in lieu of champagne. We would love to help set the mood and are willing to work with you to fulfill any special requests. Please contact us at 559 665 3300 if you would like to add any other special touches to your romantic getaway. This package must be reserved 3 days in advance and once booked there will be no refunds or changes to the package, which includes the room and its amenities.       

 

Quady Winery has great gift ideas. Quady Winery logo  

Visit Quady Winery in Madera now until Christmas and surprise your family and friends with Electra (375ml) in their stockings! Electra's effervescent, sweet, light and refreshing apple and strawberry notes will enhance Christmas brunch or dinner (unless Santa finds it first). Electra 375ml special: $5.99. Special valid 12/1/12 - 12/23/12  www.QuadyWinery.com  

  

Fall Special at The Redwoods in Yosemite The Redwoods in Yosemite

Yosemite This Winter ~ *One FREE Night!

December 1, 2012 - March 23, 2013

20% off your 1st night stay
20% off your 2nd night stay
50% off your 3rd night stay
*4th night FREE!

Offer is not valid with any other discount or during holiday periods. Not valid on existing reservations. Offer expires March 23, 2013. Call 866-470-3720 or visit  www.RedwoodsInYosemite.com  

       

Sierra Meadows RV Park offers 3 nights for price of 2  

Visit Sierra Meadows RV Park in December and get 3 nights for the price of 2. Ask about our special discounts on golf at Sierra Meadows Country Club when staying in the RV park.

Call (559) 642-1340 or visit us online 

Sierra Tel hosts Santa  Sierra Telephone  

Santa Claus will be at the Sierra Tel Business Office on Tuesday, December 11 from noon until 4 pm. Parents are encouraged to bring their kids to meet with Santa and bring their cameras as well.  

 

Off-season rates at Sierra Mountain Lodge
As the summer crowds leave, you can now enjoy the peace and serenity of the beautiful surroundings of Sierra Mountain Lodge in Ahwahnee for less. The popular B&B now offers Off-Season Lodging Only rates $75-$105 a night. Visit Sierra Mountain Lodge online for more information and to check out their new virtual tour.  

 

Planning on visiting? You can book your stay right on our website! Visit http://www.yosemitethisyear.com/where-to-stay, browse our properties and book your stay right there on the site!

You can also book your room on our Facebook page now as well.

 

Sincerely,

Jarrod Lyman
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau