Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite's Holiday Events Promise High Sierra Winter Wonderland

All things the stuff holiday dreams are made of, and all things that just begin to scratch the surface of the magic in store this season at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Nestled amongst snow-dusted mountain peaks and towering forests, this Four Diamond resort is a ready-made winter wonderland in and of itself – it's the lodge's dedication to all things merry and bright, one-of-a-kind celebrations and roster of wintry activities that make it the perfect place to start an unforgettable holiday tradition.

After turkeys are carved and pumpkin pies devoured on Thanksgiving, Tenaya Lodge puts holiday spirit into high gear. On Nov. 27 and 28 and Dec. 19, guests and locals alike are invited to test their creative chops – and the resist the urge to snack on their masterpieces – at the lodge's wildly popular Gingerbread House Workshop and Competition. For $75, cookie and candy architects get all the fixings to build the ultimate dream house, as well as expert guidance from Tenaya's culinary team, while onlookers are welcome to browse the “neighborhood” free of charge. Hundreds gather for this event each year, so early arrival is advised.

To deck the halls at home, crafty visitors are invited to a Holiday Decorating Workshop on Dec. 19, 21 and 23. Holiday lovers of all ages can take part in this two-hour session, during which participants can customize a set of six ornaments or personal stockings with a store of festive décor worthy of Santa's workshop. Interested guests can claim one of just 60 spots by calling the concierge at 559-692-8985.

Two of Tenaya's favorite holiday packages make an on-demand return this season. Perfect for bringing the whole family together, the S'mores Ice Skating Package include s a one-night stay, an ice skating session and rentals for two at Tenaya's onsite rink and a fully stocked s'mores kit to roast by the outdoor fire pit. Exclusively offered on Dec. 22 and 23, the beloved Kid's Dinner with Santa Package brings little ones age 4-12 face-to-face with the hero of the holiday season – Santa Claus himself. Kids will have the chance to spend a special dinner with Santa and his elves and participate in a holiday adventure before tucking into a cozy overnight stay with visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads. Families can also opt to reserve the dinner a la carte. With great popularity and limited openings, this package sells out each year – be sure to book in advance to catch Santa before he makes his rounds on Christmas Eve!

No Christmas Day is complete without a meal with loved ones, and Tenaya has three options for festively filling up. If an earlier feast is on the agenda, guests can gather at the Grand Ballroom Christmas Day Buffet, complete with live entertainment, then dash out for a spin on the ice rink, a twirl down the lodge's sledding hill or even a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Those who opt for a later dinner bell can choose between afternoon and evening offerings at Sierra Restaurant or the upscale Embers, both of which will be serving special menus for the occasion.

Finally, celebrators can finish off the holiday season – and 2015 – at Tenaya's silver-themed New Year's Gala. Featuring an evening of live music courtesy of Dueling Pianos and The Valley Cats, a performance by two-time “Comedy Musician of the Year” Chipper Lowell, a fabulous gourmet dinner and more; revelers can partake with a la carte party tickets, available for $150 each, or make a night of it with the Yosemite New Year's Eve Package, starting at $559499 per couple. Kids can also join the party with two separate, supervised and age-appropriate parties for just $65 per child, and childcare is available for little ones under age 4. Full New Year's packages can be booked online or by calling 866-467-0874 with promo code NEWYEARS. 559-683-6555To book a NYE kids experience or a la carte tickets, contact the Tenaya concierge.

To learn more about spending the holidays at Tenaya Lodge, visit TenayaLodge.com/HolidayEvents.