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WELCOME TO MADERA COUNTY . . . California's Gateway to Yosemite
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Celebrate the Holidays with Us!
The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Team
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Yosemite Sustainability Conference at Curry Village
December 8-10, 2014
 For further information, please visit the conference website, or call (209)962-7990.
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Join us for our Open House at Valley Pistachio Country Store on the first weekend in December. All Madera County residents will receive a 10% discount on their purchase.
Try this delicious holiday recipe.
Jam Filled Snow Ball Cookies!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 and 1/8 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
- Cream together softened butter and powdered sugar in a standalone mixer on medium speed, then add the vanilla.
- Whisk flour and salt in a separate bowl, and add slowly to mixer.
- Once blended, add the milk.
- Gather in a ball with hands and wrap in wax paper.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 400 ºF.
- Once chilled, break off 2-inch pieces of dough with your hands.
- Massage into a ball by using your hands and rolling between your palms.
- Slice each ball in half.
- Using your thumbs, make an indentation in the center of each half.
- Add one half of a teaspoon of jam to each half, then press back together and pinch the seam with your index finger and thumb all around the ball.
- Gently roll the ball with your hands to smooth out the ball.
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a cooling rack, then coat each ball with powdered sugar by rolling them around in a shallow bowl.
- Cool for 30 minutes, then roll in the powdered sugar for a second coat.
- Store in an airtight container for 1 week, or up to 6 weeks in the freezer.
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Tree Lighting Events & Holiday Parades
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Photo by Nancy Robbins
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November 29th
23rd Annual Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights at the Pines Village | 5pm-9pm
For details visit: BassLake.com
The Pines Village Holiday Bazaar and Arts & Craft Fair Open the entire Thanksgiving Weekend from Friday-Sunday, 11/28 - 11/30.
For details visit: BassLake.com
Coarsegold Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Coarsegold Community Center | 5pm-8pm
For details visit: Coarsegold Chamber
December 2nd
North Fork Community Tree Lighting at the Crazy Y in front of post office | 5pm
For details visit: Yosemite This Year Events
December 4th
Madera's Annual Christmas Parade & Wine Stroll
Yosemite Avenue | 5pm-8pm
For details visit: Madera Chamber of Commerce
December 6th
Oakhurst Community Christmas Tree Lighting at the World Famous Talking Bear | 5pm
For details visit: Oakhurst Chamber
Chowchilla Lions Club 47th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Veteran's Memorial Park at Robertson Blvd and 6th | 5:30 pm
For details visit: Yosemite This Year Events
December 7th
Christmas at Fresno Flats Historic Park and Village | 11am-4pm
For details visit: Yosemite This Year Events
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An Airport Christmas...Christmas Classics Event
Thursday, December 4th
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Tree Lighting at 6:15 pm
Location: In the Fresno Yosemite International Airport Central Terminal Lobby.
Kick off the holiday season with a breathtaking display of artistically-designed
Christmas trees. Bring the kids out for a visit with Santa Claus!
Holiday music and light refreshments will be served.
RSVP
RSVP by December 1st
*Parking available in the Long-term lot
5175 E Clinton Way, Fresno, Ca 93727
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The Bracebridge Dinner - A Yosemite Holiday Tradition
A spectacular four-hour Christmas pageant, The Bracebridge Dinner is a holiday tradition of grand proportion.
The Ahwahnee Dining Room is transformed into the majestic hall of American author Washington Irving's legendary "Squire Bracebridge" for this 87th annual Yuletide feast, complete with a seven-course gourmet dinner and an elaborate, 18th century musical theatre experience depicting Lord Neville of Bracebridge, his household and guests during the holidays.
Bracebridge Dinner is presented for eight nights beginning on December 13th with the last dinner taking place on Christmas Day. For further information, please go to the event website at www.yosemitepark.com/bracebridge-dinner.aspx .
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Celebrate in Style - Holiday Events at Chateau du Sureau
For Christmas Eve dining in style at Oakhurst's only 5-star restaurant, view menu details here. Reservations are required, and the dinner is priced at $110 per person.
On Christmas Day, dinner is served from 2 pm to 6 pm at a prix fixe of $108 per person. Menu details can be seen here.  Once again Erna's features a festive New Year's Eve celebration in two parts. The first begins at 5 pm, at the price of $125.00 per person. Revelers wishing to celebrate the 'aud lang syne' at the 9:00pm seating will find an elegant menu at $225 per person. For reservations, contact Erna's Elderberry House at (559)683-6800 or visit www.chateausureau.com.
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What would happen if Santa went on Vacation? Enjoy a melodrama for the holidays.
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Quady Winery has a wine for every holiday occasion, from cocktail hour to the dessert course. We invite you to stop in for a wine tasting and enjoy special holiday discounts! Our tasting room is open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm and Saturday - Sunday from 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm. Please call ahead for holiday hours. Freight specials are available by phone at 1-800-733-8068 and online at www.quadywinery.com. Happy Holidays from the Quady Winery Staff! Cheers!
Holiday Recipe: Quady's Holiday Ham
Easily devoured by a hungry winery crew.
1 ham, scored
2 Tbsp cloves
1 cup brown sugar
1 - 750 ml bottle Vya Sweet Vermouth
½ cup rough chopped ginger
750 ml water
Combine all ingredients in a large stainless steel stock pot. Let ham soak in marinade overnight in refrigerator. Cook according to directions on packaging. Pair with Vya Sweet or Quady Electra wine.
Quady's Pinterest page has lots of great ideas for your holiday entertaining.
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The holiday season brings the return of a beloved Tenaya tradition - the Gingerbread House and competition. Adored by guests of all ages, this is a deliciously fun show for everyone. On December 20th, guests can marvel at intricate mansions and colorful cottages or try their hand at a creation of their own.
Families or couples bond over a campfire treat with the S'more Skating Package, which includes lodging, ice skating and a s'mores kit; available Nov. 29 through Jan. 3.
Tiny tots will be aglow when they get to whisper wishes to Santa at the Kids Dinner with Santa. This special experience, featuring dinner with elves and Santa himself, is available a la carte or as part of a package with an overnight stay. Be sure to book early - with his busy schedule, Santa can only stop in on Dec. 22 and 23.
On Christmas Eve, the lobby buzzes with cheerful sounds of live entertainment and excitement when Mrs. Claus arrives to read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas under the tree - the perfect way to send the kids off to bed. After enjoying a spirited trek through the forest or a celebratory spin around the ice rink, Christmas Day tempts taste buds with a Grand Ballroom Christmas Day Buffet and special menus at Sierra and Embers.
To learn more about Holiday events at Tenaya visit http://www.tenayalodge.com/Holiday-Events.aspx.
When it's time to welcome in a New Year, Tenaya caps off the festivities with its extravagant, Vegas-style New Year's Eve celebration. At just $449 per couple, the package includes New Year's Eve fun from start to finish.
The night encompasses:
- A Gourmet plated "surf-n-turf" dinner for two.
- Signature sips at a two-hour hosted bar.
- The musical stylings of everyone from Elvis Presley to Ozzy Osbourne, courtesy of award-winning entertainer and expert impressionist Greg London.
- Dance the night away with live music from the 14-piece band.
- A midnight champagne toast, party favors and a festive balloon drop.
Children 13 and older are welcome at the main party, but little ones will have a fun evening of their own at two kids-only celebrations. The lodge hosts supervised parties for children 4-8 and children 9-12, with a special dinner and age-appropriate entertainment included at $60 per child. On-site child care is also available. To learn more about any of these events, visit TenayaLodge.com/NewYears.
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December Calendar of Events
In Madera County: California's Gateway to Yosemite
- Daily - Purchase Raffle Tickets for the Oakhurst Woodcarvers' Rendezvous Quilt Raffle (drawing on 12/31/14)
- Daily through Dec. 4 - Vintners' Holidays at The Ahwahnee
- Dec 4 - Madera's Candlelight Christmas Tractor Parade of Lights and Wine Stroll
- Dec 4 - Yosemite High School Winter Concert
- Dec 5 - Yosemite Holiday Craft Bazaar at Curry Village Pavilion
- Dec 5 - Santa Goes on Vacation Christmas Holiday Review at Golden Chain Theatre
- Dec 6 - Kiwanis Breakfast with Santa at Oakhurst Community Center & Secret Gift Store
- Dec 6 - Cowboy Christmas Concert at Oakhurst Lutheran Church
- Dec 6 - Oakhurst Community Christmas Tree Lighting
- Dec 6 - Chowchilla Lions Club 47th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Dec 6 - Madera Sunrise Rotary 29th Annual Renaissance Christmas Trees for Charity
- Dec 6 - Santa Goes on Vacation Christmas Holiday Review at Golden Chain Theatre
- Dec 7 - NFL Sunday Ticket at South Gate Brewing Company
- Dec 7 - Christmas at Fresno Flats
- Dec 7 - Santa Goes on Vacation Christmas Holiday Review at Golden Chain Theatre
- Dec 7 - 13th Annual Christmas Tree & Online Auction Event
- Dec 8 - 10 - Yosemite Sustainability Conference at Curry Village
- Dec 13 - Mountain Community Women Collectibles Appraisal, Luncheon & Boutique
- Dec 13 - 25 - Bracebridge Dinner at The Ahwahnee
- Dec 14 - NFL Sunday Ticket at South Gate Brewing Company
- Dec 16 - Santa Comes to Sierra Tel
- Dec 19 - 4th Annual Under the Barn Gymkhana Series
- Dec 21 - NFL Sunday Ticket at South Gate Brewing Company
- Dec 27 - Coarsegold Pancake Breakfast
- Dec 28 - NFL Sunday Ticket at South Gate Brewing Company
- Dec 31 - Vegas-Style New Year's Eve Bash at Tenaya Lodge
- Dec 31 - New Year's Eve Celebration at Yosemite
For further information, visit our
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DECEMBER TRAVEL INCENTIVES
Hampton Inn & Suites December Special Any of our Suites will be 20% off for the complete month of December.
You must call the hotel direct at (559) 661-0910 to get this great discount. Just use the code (Holiday).
The Pines Resort is the place to be for your holiday parties and family gatherings.
THE PINES RESORT:
 Give your loved ones a special gift this Holiday Season! Give them "the Pines." What's better than a relaxing getaway to the Pines Resort with dinner at Ducey's on the Lake? Enjoy a one night stay in a cozy, two story mountain chalet with a $40 dinner credit for $129, or upgrade to a lakefront suite with a jetted tub, $20 breakfast credit and $40 dinner credit for just $189. All certificates can be purchased before December 31st and used from January 4th - April 2nd, 2015. Taxes are not included in the price but due at purchase. Room only options are also available. For more flexibility, ask for our Gift Cards. More information please call 800.350.7463 or visit BassLake.com.
DUCEY'S ON THE LAKE
Let Ducey's on the Lake cater to you and your family this Holiday Season. Enjoy this special  time of the year with your loved ones, while we do all the cooking and cleaning for you. Join us for a traditional Christmas Day Buffet on Thursday, December 25th, presented by our Executive Chef Johnathan Frabotta at Ducey's on the Lake or let us prepare your intimate family Holiday Party or organize your fun Company End of the Year gathering. With our newly added Conference Rooms we have a lot of options for you. Don't forget our annual New Year's Eve celebration with a spectacular firework show lighting up the sky over Bass Lake. For more information, event space availability please call 800.350.7463 or BassLake.com.
Spend Your Holidays at The Redwoods!
Spend your Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years holiday at The Redwoods! This is the perfect time of year for crisp air, cozy fireplaces, wildlife spotting and quiet, quiet, quiet! Call 1-877-221-4904 to book your holiday vacation today! Visit us online at redwoodsinyosemite.com.
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites ~ Affordable Luxury in the heart of Oakhurst
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites is located just miles from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park on Highway 41. We are one of the highest-rated hotels in Oakhurst, offering modernized, well appointed and spacious rooms, modern amenities, and eco-friendly accommodations in a one of a kind location with truly affordable rates. Our warm  and friendly staff looks forward to making your stay here memorable.
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites offers free wifi, a fitness center, heated pool, steam & dry heat sauna, a delicious complimentary continental breakfast and 24 hour coffee bar to start you off energized.
Book your accommodations now through January 15th to take advantage of our Tour de Yosemite Special. Tour de Yosemite offers year round, hassle free, affordable sightseeing with exclusive discount pricing for guests of Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites. Call Tour de Yosemite at 559.658.8687 and mention you are a guest of the Southgate Hotel for discounted pricing.
To check details of this, and our other fantastic discounted Specials & Packages go to:
H  appy 10-Year Anniversary Apple Blossom Inn!
Enjoy the beauty and natural splendor 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. Contact Apple Blossom Inn at appleblossombb.com or call them at (559)642-2001 for further information.
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There's always something exciting going on in the three parks that make up the Majestic Mountain Loop: Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. To keep up with MML activities, watch for the quarterly newsletter to appear in your mailbox. Sign up here if you don't already receive it.
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