This year I wanted to actually have a white Christmas and that wasn’t bound to happen in my Northern California town. It hasn’t snowed here in over ten years and when it did it was a slight sprinkle more than a flurry. The answer? Road trip. Christmas in Yosemite Valley would surely bring me the adventurous snowy holiday I was seeking while still keeping me warm in a lodge whilst drinking Hot Toddys.
Yosemite Valley is the centerpiece of Yosemite National Park in Northern California with grand waterfalls, flowing creeks, picturesque hiking and monumental granite cliffs.
Yosemite Valley Will Surely Bring You a Very White Christmas
Though Yosemite Valley is only a four hour drive from my home in Petaluma, we drove for 3 1/2 hours without even a hint of snow. Not even one flake. And I wondered if my new snow boots would be worthless. Which was upsetting because they were cute. But, in the last half hour, as we gained elevation, there was the slightest evidence of a white Christmas in Yosemite, a snowy patch on the ground. And ten minutes later, we were turning on the 4wd while windshield wiping away ginormous snowflakes. Ah. Success.
How to Spend Christmas in Yosemite Valley
The first stop was the Evergreen Lodge which would be our temporary holiday home, just on the outskirts of Yosemite Valley. Hidden away from the crowds.
Peter and I rented a small, cozy cabin with no wifi, cellular bars or television. Quality Christmas time together without everyday distractions. Would we survive?
As soon as we dropped our luggage off in our quaint cabin we drove a few miles to the Yosemite National Park gates, grateful to have 4WD or else we would have been forking over $75 for chains. Once through the gates it was about 16 miles to Yosemite Valley. Our targeted destination.
Yosemite Valley has a 14 mile loop and is where most of the action happens. Amongst numerous impressive attractions, the area boasts the 617 foot Bridalveil Fall, a perfect view of Half Dome and the famous Ahwahnee Hotel.
First stop was an easy, but icy, hike to Bridalveil Fall.
After ogling the fall for a significant amount of time, we stopped at the Swinging Bridge. It wasn’t really swinging. But, it was covered in snow and gorgeous.
In the warmer months this spot is a popular swimming hole. You’d have to triple dare me (and throw in a couple hundred bucks) to jump in there now.
Though the snow and fog kept us from the clearest view of Half Dome, a granite dome over 4737 feet in Yosemite Valley, we still got an acceptable glimpse. Sarcasm. It was stunning.
The entire fourteen mile Yosemite Valley loop was filled with incredible scenery. Every tenth of a mile I would be screaming to Peter, “stop the car. stop. stop! stop.” or simply just saying “wow”. That pretty much explains why Christmas in Yosemite Valley should be on your bucket list.
Have you ever been to Northern California’s Yosemite Valley? Where in the World would you like to spend Christmas?
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
You Might Also Enjoy
US National Parks Bucket List: 61 Beauties to Visit in America
Winter Bucket List: 55 Fun Activities & Things to Do
Christmas Bucket List: 45 Fun Holiday Activities & Spirited Things to Do
A Guide to the Fort Bragg Glass Beach in Northern California
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Vineyards of Northern California
San Francisco Bucket List: 24 Things To Do
California Dreaming: 9 Incredible Winter Stops in the Yosemite Valley
California: 25 Photos to Inspire Your Point Reyes Bucket List
Go Wild Mushroom Hunting in California’s Napa Valley
Spend An Afternoon at Hog Island Oyster Farm in Tomales Bay
Drive the 72 Miles Around Lake Tahoe
I have wanted to visit NYC At Christmas, but now I will be putting Yosemite Valley at the holidays on my list too. Sounds peaceful. I like to be with family at Christmas, but travel at Christmas, so many places around the world, that sounds amazing. Growing up in Canada I have had white Christmas almost every year, but it never gets old. Christmas and snow just go together. I love the snow. It is so silent and smells so fresh and crisp. There is no other silence like a snowy night silence. As the song goes. :-)
Beautiful, what a great time to visit Yosemite without the crowds! The idea of a nice getaway without the distractions of modern life sounds wonderful, how smart of you to arrange a holiday like that for yourselves, and at Christmas, even, which can be so frenetic.
Christmas in Yosemite Valley was one of the most memorable experiences we have had. Simply stunning!
Wow….and I thought Yosemite couldn't get any prettier!! Were the falls frozen over? Just goes to show we have a little of everything in California. Mountains, beaches and even snow!
The falls weren’t frozen over, but I bet that would have been amazing to see. California is such an incredible place to live!