By Emma Krasov. Photography by Yuri Krasov.
Winter holidays, and all the snowy weather activities associated with them aren’t off limits in sunny California! True, our Christmas trees oftentimes stand surrounded by fan palms, our snowdrifts are made of absorbent polymers, and our Santas wear shorts under their red robes, but in the spirit of the season we do our best to make believe it’s Winter Wonderland all around!
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa Swiss Chalets
Après-ski in our latitude doesn’t necessarily include skis. It’s the spirit that counts! New this year, three cozy little Swiss Chalets, decorated with Alpine blankets, snowshoes, lanterns, and myriads of flickering color lights, sprung around a historic century-old sycamore tree at the hotel entrance on the campus of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, the iconic resort of the California Wine Country.
Sonoma Swiss Chalets are all set up for your party of 2-8 guests to indulge in holiday-inspired cocktails during Happy Hour or a delicious thematic dinner. A signature a la carte Chalet Menu includes festive winter beverages, like Lyle’s Famous Egg Nog, Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice, and Tarragon Hot Toddy along with Veuve Clicquot champagne, Aperture Chenin Blanc and Filla Pinot Noir.
On the food menu there are quite a few typical ski resort dishes that would immediately transport you into the snowy Alps. Some standouts include Winter Chicory Salad made with grilled pear, pomegranate kernels, spiced pumpkin seeds, and citrus Dijon dressing; Steak Tartar Tartine on rosemary lemon sourdough toast, garnished with cornichons, cured egg yolk, aioli and pecorino cheese, and Alpine Fries, topped with rosemary ham, pickles, and raclette—a semi-soft cheese, originally from the Swiss Canton of Valais, named after the French word “racler” (to scrape), and traditionally melted and scraped over fried potatoes for its creamy texture and piquant taste.
Chocolate Hazelnut Profitrole for dessert has a delicate cream filling, and is served on a bed of caramel and chocolate sauce with crème Anglaise, and sprinkled with candied hazelnuts.
While celebrating at the Chalet, we’ve learned that our favorite Lyle’s Famous Egg Nog cocktail has been created and served to us by Matt Jetson whose middle name is Lyle.
The Chalet is warmed with an outdoor gas heater, and has blankets inside, so you won’t get cold, especially if you dress for the occasion in your winter best.
The seasonal Chalets accept guests through the end of winter, February 28, and are open for reservations for both hotel guests and the general public. Seatings at the Chalet are from 3 to 6:30 pm daily, and a reservation is good for 2 hours. A $50 per-person food & beverage minimum applies. There is no additional fee to reserve the space, and kids menu is available upon request. A 20% service charge is applied to each reservation along with a 9.25% sales tax.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is located at 100 Boyes Blvd. Sonoma, California. More information at https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/sonoma/fairmont-sonoma-mission-inn-spa/offers.html.
Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco
The most luxurious downtown hotel in San Francisco, established in 1875, Palace Hotel, exquisitely built, furnished and decorated, with two iconic restaurants—the Garden Court and the Pied Piper, celebrated its 150th anniversary at the end of 2025. Famous for its designer grandeur, 5-star level of service, and the original Maxfield Parrish’s mural, “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” installed in its namesake bar in 1909, the landmark venue is known around the world as an epitome of California’s timeless elegance and warm hospitality.
The Palace Hotel Anniversary Celebration evening started with a populous private reception featuring Champagne and caviar, savory bites, fantastic desserts, and live entertainment in the glamorous Ralston Ballroom. Then a ceremonial tree lighting ceremony unfolded in the historic Garden Court, hosted by the Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, who greeted the public in front of the enormous Christmas tree that sparkled under crystal chandeliers.
Daniel Lurie, the Mayor of San Francisco, and Angie Clifton, the first woman General Manager in the Palace Hotel’s history, spoke at the event, where the guests were treated to hot beverages, sweets, and a live band music with a singer.
Filled with holiday magic, Palace Hotel is a true symbol of the City by the Bay, offering historic charm, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable experiences.
Palace Hotel is located at 2 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, California. More information at https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sfolc-palace-hotel-a-luxury-collection-hotel-san-francisco/rooms/.
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