Winter in Walla Walla Wine Country: Holiday Events, Tasting Weekends & Cozy Seasonal Getaways

Winter in Washington’s wine country is a season of cozy charm and bold flavor. As the vines lay dormant for the season, the place slows, but the experiences shine as some of Walla Walla’s most enchanting highlights come to life. Beloved events and twinkling lights set a festive tone throughout the charming downtown, winemakers share their newest releases, and the area’s acclaimed restaurants serve up some of their finest seasonal dishes. From captivating festivities and outdoor adventures to cozy lodging and fireside dining, Walla Walla is alive with festive spirit, special promotions, and holiday cheer.

Holiday Happenings

A perfect pairing of holiday joy and winemaking tradition, Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend (Dec. 5–7) gives wine lovers an insider’s look at the craft and creativity that make each vintage special. Local wineries open their cellars for behind-the-scenes tours, delicious food pairings, and the opportunity to sample future releases straight from the barrel. This beloved three-day celebration also features holiday markets highlighting the valley’s local vendors and artisan goods, a community-focused auction, and more.

The cornerstone community event of the weekend, the annual Holiday Parade of Lights returns on the first Saturday in December (Dec. 6), filling the streets with holiday cheer. Festive floats, sparkling lights, and a strong sense of small-town community spirit set the tone for a joyful start to the season.

Winter in Wine Country

While the vineyards lie dormant, the valley’s winemakers stay busy crafting perfectly balanced wines and welcoming the community to a season of festive, family-friendly experiences.

The pinnacle of winter winery fun is the Southside Snow Day (Jan. 31), a retro ski lodge–inspired celebration in Walla Walla’s Southside Wine District featuring a grand tasting event filled with wines to sip and sample.

 From November through March, one of the valley’s newest wine highlights, Echolands Estate, transforms its tasting room into a cozy cinema every Friday night, offering classic film screenings paired with wine and light bites. Recently named one of Sunset Travel Awards’ Top Tastings, the winery also hosts a Movie Night Dinner Series on select Tuesdays, featuring locally crafted dishes to enjoy with the show as the floor-to-ceiling windows frame the wintry night scene outside.

Culture, Cuisine, and Charm

During the winter season, Walla Walla’s arts, culture, and culinary scenes truly take center stage. In January, the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival hosts its annual Winter Music Festival, filling the town with intimate performances by world-class musicians. The Gesa Power House Theatre offers a full lineup of holiday-themed shows and winter entertainment, including performances by Amelia Day & The Cloves, Andrew Allen, and guitarists from around the world for International Guitar Night.

The theatre is also home to the “Almost” February Film Feast (Jan. 31), where the perfect pairing of food, film, and wine kicks off Walla Walla Restaurant Month. This month-long culinary celebration highlights the region’s acclaimed chefs and fine dining scene through prix fixe menus, curated wine pairings, and special lodging packages. Visitors and locals alike are invited to take a seat at the table and savor the flavors of the season.

For those who prefer hops over grapes, Walla Walla BrewFest (Feb. 14) transforms downtown into a lively taproom, showcasing the best breweries from Washington and Oregon. Beer lovers can sample craft brews that celebrate the valley’s rich history of growing hops, barley, and grains.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy nearby at Ski Bluewood, located just an hour from downtown. With Washington’s second-highest base elevation (4,545 feet) and more than 300 inches of annual snowfall, Bluewood offers exceptional tree skiing, off-piste terrain, and famously dry, powdery snow. Its family-friendly atmosphere and uncrowded slopes make it the perfect playground for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

A variety of lodging options offer cozy winter escapes, many featuring special rates and seasonal packages. From historic downtown hotels and luxurious vineyard stays, to charming B&Bs and hip stays, the Walla Walla Lodging page has everyone covered.

For a full calendar of Walla Walla’s winter events, visit wallawalla.org/events/calendar. To learn more or plan a visit to Walla Walla, visit wallawalla.org.