The following content is created in consultation with Hyundai. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC BAY AREA’s editorial staff. To learn more about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, visit Hyundaiusa.com/sonata.
From the snowy ski slopes of Lake Tahoe to the festive Christmas traditions of Sonoma County, California is the place to be during the Holidays.
So whether you like a mild locale or something cold and cozy, there are plenty of options this Christmas season. All you need to do is get out of the house and hit the road for an impromptu getaway with friends and loved ones.
And speaking of options, you’ve got plenty when you opt for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. From the sporty mid-size Sonata to the fuel-efficient Sonata Hybrid and the Sonata Hybrid Plug-In, you’ll find the ideal vehicle for the roads ahead. Add best in class safety features, elegant interiors and touchscreen technology (not to mention a 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty), and the Sonata will get you to your destination in supreme style and comfort, no matter the driving conditions.
But enough with the specs, it’s time to hit the road and celebrate the Holidays. Read on for a few of our favorite December destinations.
Skiing and Snowboarding in Northstar
With El Nino poised to bless us with abundant snowfall this winter, Tahoe tops the list for ski and snowboard destinations. Schussing options abound, but we like Northstar for its variety of terrain (from corduroy cruisers to crazy terrain parks), on-mountain food and charming Christmas spirit. Santa meet-and-greets and sleigh rides kick off from the village beginning December 19, while s’mores and ice skating are a must once the lifts shutdown for the day. Feel like splurging on lodging? Pamper yourself with a stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, where rustic mountain charms and unrivaled luxury make for the perfect winter weekend.
Dickens Dinner in Healdsburg
Thanks to its mix of country charms (friendly locals, quaint streets, bucolic surroundings) and urban amenities (galleries, Michelin-starred restaurants, boutique lodging), this Sonoma County gem is a perennial favorite. But Healdsburg ups the ante for the Holidays. Take in Christmas charms aplenty like carolers, decorations, horse-drawn carriages and the plaza’s enormous tree via a Holiday Wine Walking Tour, which pairs local wine, savory food and fantastic shopping. Feasting is de rigueur in this gourmand enclave, but we suggest going light at lunch at Campo Fina (where the meatball ciabatta sandwich is the perfect appetizer to a spirited round of bocce) so that you can save room for a Dickens Dinner at Madrona Manor. Tuck into the Lobster shepherd’s pie, plus plenty of puddings, then head upstairs to one of the luxury appointed guest rooms, where you’ll receive 25 percent off thanks to your dinner reservation.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
This glamorous SoCal beach town might be a hike, but the unparalleled lights and warm weather make it worth the road trip. Starting on December 16 and running for five consecutive nights, 100 decorated boats (some boasting upwards of $50,000 in Holiday decorations) hit the 14-mile parade route for the annual Newport Beach Boat Parade. Watch as they set the harbor ablaze from one of the many restaurants lining the route, or by strolling the boardwalk. You can even book a harbor cruise. For a romantic weekend, book a room at Balboa Bay Resort, a Mediterranean-inspired, waterfront resort that’s perfect for the Holidays.
To learn more about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, visit Hyundaiusa.com/sonata.
