While awaiting his arrival, the children stay busy with a variety of entertainment options. As might be expected, Santa's first move is to start handing out candy canes. A separate room has been reserved for kids to play, and there is always a visit from Santa. That term is defined at his performances, where he is likely to play two dozen musical devices including dulcimers, pan pipes and psalteries. As you might guess, he specializes in unusual folk instruments, and he brings out the best of each in the flawless acoustic environment of wine caves.
Locations vary from year to year and week to week.
The stroll and open houses are usually in Napa but can turn up anywhere in the county. One recent tour was in the district surrounding St. John's Catholic Church in Napa, with a reception at the Jarvis Conservatory. Expect eight or nine stops, with strolling carolers and glowing luminaries along the way. What you can expect are Christmas carols sung to the accompaniment of mandolin and fiddle. You can string popcorn and cranberries, drink apple cider and, for a nominal charge, decorate gingerbread cookies.