January to February
Chefs' Holidays. Yosemite hosts nationally renowned chefs, who share their culinary secrets with participants. Cost is $155 per person for a five-course dinner. Packages that include accommodations at The Ahwahnee are available. Call tel. 559/252-4848 for reservations.
March
Heritage Holidays. Started in 2002 to celebrate The Ahwahnee's 75th birthday, this is a nostalgic treat for visitors and many events -- concerts, lectures, and movies -- are free and open to the public. Lodging packages are $699 to $899 double at The Ahwahnee. There is a similar package at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls for $399 to $499. A gala dinner is $99. Call tel. 559/252-4848 for more information.
November to December
Vintners' Holidays. California's finest winemakers hold tastings in The Ahwahnee Great Lounge. Each session concludes with a Vintners' Banquet. The four-course gala event, held in The Ahwahnee Dining Room, pairs four wines with specially selected food. Cost is $149 per person, including gratuities and wine. Two-, 3-, and 5-night packages are available. Call tel. 559/252-4848 for reservations.
December
The Bracebridge Dinner. Held on 8 evenings from December 15 to the day after Christmas, this event transports diners to 17th-century England, with music, food, and song. The Ahwahnee Dining Room is the setting for the festivities, bedecked with wreaths, banners, and traditional yuletide decorations. This popular event requires reservations, which are secured by lottery. Applications are available from December 1 to January 15 and are due February 15 for the coming year. Prices change from year to year, but expect to pay around $375 per person. Call tel. 559/252-4848 for more information.
