Come enjoy Yosemite during the Christmas season for an experience you will never forget. Crystals of snow glitter from the mountaintops and dust the sprawling landscape. Sip on some of the country’s finest wine, fresh from the annual harvest and feast on hearty, seasonal meals in a picturesque dining hall. With the excitement and cheer of the holidays filling the refreshing, crisp, country air, this is an occasion to be cherished.

When you come to enjoy the beauty of Yosemite, why not choose accommodations as extravagant as the natural landscape itself? The Ahwahnee Hotel offers a comprehensive experience that cannot be found anywhere else. Constructed to serve as more than a mere place of lodging for guests, the Ahwahnee is a unique piece of architecture that visually enhances the surrounding landscape. It is a spectacle in itself thanks to the unique design that blends multiple styles. Among the numerous forms of design that have inspired each aspect of the hotel, both large and small, are Art Deco, Native American, Middle Eastern and the Arts & Crafts Movement. You can find the refined, stylized characteristics of each form of design manifested in the stenciling, woodwork, light fixtures and china patterns.

The Ahwahnee was built in the 1920s after the Director of the National Park Service recognized the park’s need to establish accommodations better suited for the affluent traveler. The Ahwahnee’s location was chosen specifically for its exposure to the sun and all-around captivating views of Yosemite. The hotel offers the chance to vacation amidst both the beauty of nature while enjoying luxury accommodations. No expense was spared in the hotel’s conception, built to captivate the imagination and enfold you in a peaceful, enchanting sense of comfort.

Lodging Options.

At the Ahwahnee, you are eating and sleeping right next to some of Yosemite’s most beautiful and well known landmarks. Open up a window or step outdoors and find yourself greeted by the bright, cascading water of the Yosemite Falls. Dine on the outdoor patio next to a one-of-a-kind view of the granite Half Dome that towers over you, rising 4,000 feet into the sky. Start your days at Yosemite by traveling down from your room and into the hotel’s grand entrance. Enjoy your morning coffee in the Great Lounge filled with stone fireplaces, colossal hand-stenciled beams, vibrant and impressive artworks and eloquent stained glass.

When staying at the Ahwahnee, you can choose from three different types of rooms, all boasting amenities like flat screen TVs, hair dryers, laundry service, and more. Featured Hotel Rooms come with a balcony or deck that allows you to enjoy the captivating views of Yosemite just outside your bedroom door. Classic Rooms provide similar views of the Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls. Standard Rooms offer limited views, but still afford guests the benefits of location, activities, and aesthetics the Ahwahnee proudly offers.  

Enjoy the Holidays at the Ahwahnee

The Bracebridge Dinner

One of the most highly anticipated seasonal events at Yosemite is the annual Bracebridge Dinner. This grand evening features hours of holiday fun with a magical journey back in time to celebrate Christmas to the fullest. Feast inside the extravagantly decorated grand dining room with its high ceilings and tall windows that offer a glimpse of snow-covered mountains. Enjoy course after course of decadent food as you are transported to an 18th century English manor. Over 100 actors perform songs, sketches, telling the story of Lord Neville Bracebridge and his  household. Celebrate the holidays with a ceremony that offers a rich, joyful, and mystifying experience.

Holiday Season Activities

The Ahwahnee Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day so you can eat and relax amidst the beauty of Yosemite. In the afternoon, you can enjoy the guided hour long Ahwahnee Historic Hotel Tour or head to the Winter Club Room for a 45 minute talk on the History of Bracebridge. You can also enjoy the Naturalist Stroll for a glimpse of scenic wildlife while your children enjoy an hour of stories and activities. If you brought along the whole family, you can schedule an appointment to have your Holiday Portraits taken by Nancy Robbins in the Solarium. Each evening before dinner, piano music graces the Great Lounge to provide you with a gentle, elegant ambiance before a peaceful and delicious dinner.

Vintners’ Holidays

Come to the Ahwahnee to enjoy a lavish evening of fine wines and decadent food. California’s most acclaimed winemakers attend the event, showcasing rare and limited-release wines that are perfectly suited for the crisp Autumn air and specially prepared dishes. Meet the vintners after enjoying the 5-course dinner and wine pairings. The Vintners’ Holiday allows you to experience both the beauty of Yosemite and a chance to try some of the finest Californian wines.

When you spend the holiday season at The Ahwahnee Hotel, you can escape to the secluded paradise of Yosemite where you are free from noise and crowds, but without sacrificing any of the comforts or amenities you enjoy. There is an abundance of holiday cheer and many unique experiences that aren’t easily found elsewhere. For a vacation that you and your family will never forget, book your Yosemite trip at the Ahwahnee today!