New Year, New Traditions: How the World Welcomes What’s Next 

As one year turns into the next, communities around the world mark the moment with traditions meant to bring good luck, joy, and fresh beginnings. While the customs may vary, the shared spirit of hope is universal. 

In Spain, it is customary to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, one for each month of the coming year. Each grape represents a wish for luck and prosperity. Keeping pace with the clock is part of the challenge and part of the fun. 

In Japan, temples ring their bells 108 times on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing the release of worldly worries and the welcoming of a clean slate. The ritual is quiet, reflective, and deeply rooted in renewal. 

In Brazil, many people wear white clothing to symbolize peace and step into the ocean at midnight, jumping over seven waves while making wishes for the year ahead. Each wave represents a hope or intention. 

In Denmark, friends and neighbors literally “leap” into the New Year by jumping off chairs at midnight, a playful tradition meant to usher in good luck and leave negativity behind. 

And in parts of the United States, traditions range from watching the ball drop to cooking foods believed to bring fortune, such as black-eyed peas or greens, symbolizing prosperity and growth. 

Whether celebrated with reflection, food, laughter, or a leap of faith, New Year traditions remind us that beginnings are something to be shared. However you welcome the year ahead, the Town of Yountville wishes you a year filled with health, connection, and possibility.

Storm Preparedness Updates

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce localized flooding and support community readiness during wet weather, the Town has multiple measures in place this season.

A self-serve sandbag station is available in the gravel area south of Veterans Memorial Park to assist residents with minor water diversion needs. The station is free to use, and community members are reminded to bring their own shovel.

In addition, the Town enhancements to the Oak Circle spillway are underway, improving water flow and drainage capacity during heavy rain events. A live video stream can be viewed on SeeClickFix app or on the Town’s website.

These efforts reflect the Town’s continued focus on proactive maintenance and practical preparedness throughout the wet weather season.

Call for Artists: Yountville Art, Sip & Stroll 2026

The Town of Yountville is now accepting artist applications for the 2026 Yountville Art, Sip & Stroll, a community event that brings together art, music, and local wine in a walkable, open-air setting.

Featuring more than 75 artists, live music, and wine tasting throughout the event footprint, Art, Sip & Stroll offers artists the opportunity to showcase and sell their work while engaging with residents and visitors in one of Napa Valley’s most scenic communities.

Artists working in a variety of media are encouraged to apply. The Call for Artists is open through February 15, 2026.

Please see our website for more details & apply today at https://artsipstroll2026.artcall.org/.

Golden Ticket Classes for Adults 50+

The Town of Yountville offers a wide range of Golden Ticket classes for adults age 50 and older, providing opportunities to stay active, explore creativity, and connect with others in the community.

With a Golden Ticket Membership, participants receive access to 31 classes offered between January and May 2026. Class offerings include exercise, meditation, watercolor, and a variety of additional programs designed to support wellness, learning, and social connection.

Membership Fees (January–May 2026):

• $86

• $75 for Yountville residents

Registration:

• Open now for Yountville residents

• General registration opens December 17 at 8:00 a.m.

To view class offerings and register, visit www.yvilleparksandrec.com.

Making Space for Well-Being

The holiday season can be full and meaningful, and it can also be a time to slow the pace and care for yourself.

Well-being often shows up in simple moments: taking a quiet walk through one of Yountville’s parks, enjoying time outdoors along local paths, or honoring traditions old and new with family and friends. Setting healthy boundaries, trying something creative, or simply unplugging for a while can also help support balance and peace of mind.

As the year comes to a close, consider what helps you feel grounded and restored, and give yourself permission to make space for it.

Youth Art Show

Creativity is an important part of a healthy, connected community. Community members are invited to stop by and experience the Youth Art Show, featuring artwork created by young artists from our region.

On display from December 4, 2025 through January 5, 2026, the exhibit highlights a wide range of styles, perspectives, and ideas. Each piece reflects curiosity, expression, and the confidence it takes for young people to share their work with the public.

Supporting youth creativity helps strengthen community pride, encourages self-expression, and reminds us of the value of making space for new voices. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to stop by, take a look, and celebrate the talent and imagination of our youth.

Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

The holiday season often brings more time in the kitchen, making it a good moment to pause and think about everyday safety at home. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires year-round, with an increased risk during the holidays.

Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce risk and keep households prepared. FEMA recommends the following cooking safety tips:

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking, and turn burners off if you need to step away.

• Use extra caution when frying, as most cooking fires begin this way.

• Wear short or close-fitting sleeves to reduce the chance of clothing catching fire.

• Keep children and pets at a safe distance from cooking areas.

• Watch for smoke or overheating grease, and turn burners off if either occurs.

• In the event of an oven fire, keep the door closed, turn off the oven, and allow it to cool.

• Keep items that can burn, such as towels, bags, paper, and curtains, away from the stove.

• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove to prevent spills.

• Use turkey fryers outdoors only, on stable surfaces and away from structures.

• Check smoke alarms to ensure they are working, especially near sleeping areas.

These everyday actions support a safer home and are part of the Town’s broader Yountville Ready approach to preparedness and prevention.

Photo Finale 2026: Napa Valley Mustard Celebration

Community members are invited to experience Photo Finale 2026, a photography exhibition celebrating Napa Valley’s iconic mustard season and the artists who capture it.

The exhibit will be on view at the Steve Rogers Gallery in Yountville from January 22 through March 26, 2026. Featuring a diverse collection of photographs inspired by the region’s landscapes and seasonal beauty, the show highlights the connection between art, place, and community.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by, explore the exhibit, and enjoy this seasonal celebration of local creativity and regional identity.

Stay Connected with the Town of Yountville

Staying informed and engaged is easy, and there are several ways to connect with the Town year-round:

• Town Website: Find agendas, staff reports, project updates, and official notices

• Email Updates: Subscribe to the Yountville Connection and other Town notifications

• Public Meetings: Attend Town Council, board, and commission meetings in person or online

• Public Comment: Share feedback and provide input during public meetings, either in person or as outlined in meeting agendas

• Report an Issue: Submit service requests or concerns through the Town’s website or SeeClickFix app

• Social Media: Follow the Town for updates, event information, and community highlights

  • Instagram - yvilletownhall

  • Facebook - TownofYountville

These tools help ensure transparency, access, and ongoing connection between the Town and the community.

December 4, 2025–January 5, 2026
Youth Art Show
Gallery hours | Steve Rogers Gallery at the Yountville Community Center

January 1 (Thursday)
Town Offices Closed
All day | Town Hall and Yountville Community Center

January 1–May 31, 2026
Jazzercise
Class times vary | Yountville Community Center

January 5 (Monday)
Yountville Arts Commission Meeting
4–6 p.m. | Town Council Chambers

January 5–30, 2026
Creative Yoga Flow
8:30–9:30 a.m. | Yountville Community Center

January 6 (Tuesday)
Town Council Regular Meeting
3–8 p.m. | Town Council Chambers

January 8 (Thursday)
Meditation for All Seasons
1:30–2:30 p.m. | Yountville Community Center

January 10 (Saturday)
Little Hoopsters (Ages 3–5)
10:30–11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Yountville Community Center

January 12–16, 2026
Penguin Hunt
All day | Throughout Yountville

January 13 (Tuesday)
Local History Talk: Napa Valley Legends and Lore
12–1 p.m. | Yountville Community Center

January 13 (Tuesday)
Zoning and Design Review Board Meeting
5:30–7:30 p.m. | Town Council Chambers

January 14 (Wednesday)
Evening Watercolor
6:30–8:30 p.m. | Yountville Community Center

January 16 (Friday)
Glow Pickleball
6:30–8:30 p.m. | Yountville Community Center

Visit www.townofyountville.com for the full calendar and more event details.

January 30-Day Wellness Challenge

Building healthy habits is easier when we do it together. This January, community members are invited to stop by and learn more about the 30-Day Wellness Challenge, a program focused on strength, consistency, and long-term well-being.

Starting January 5, the challenge offers guided workouts, coaching support, progress tracking, and wellness seminars designed to help participants build routines that last beyond the month. Whether you are just getting started or looking to reset your routine, the program emphasizes showing up, supporting one another, and investing in health as a lifelong practice.

Opportunities like this reflect a shared commitment to wellness, connection, and caring for our community. Stop by, ask questions, and see if the challenge is a good fit for you.

Power Outage Preparedness and Storm Safety from PG&E

During storm events, community members should be prepared for the possibility of power outages. If an outage occurs, PG&E customers can find real-time updates through PG&E’s online outage center, which provides status updates, damage assessments, repair information, and estimated restoration times. Renters and others without a PG&E account may also sign up through the portal to receive outage notifications by text, email, or phone.

Please note that planned utility work may be cancelled or rescheduled depending on storm impacts and safety conditions.

Storm Safety Tips

• Never touch downed power lines. Always assume a downed wire is energized and extremely dangerous. Keep people and pets away, call 9-1-1, and then report it to PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
• Use generators safely. Standby generators should be installed by a licensed electrician and operated in well-ventilated areas. Portable generators should never be used indoors or in enclosed spaces.
• Use flashlights instead of candles. Battery-operated lights reduce fire risk during outages. Keep extra batteries on hand.
• Plan for phone access. If your phone system requires electricity, have a charged cell phone or backup option available. Portable charging devices can be helpful.
• Store drinking water and ice. Freezing containers of water can help keep food cold and provide drinking water if needed.
• Secure outdoor furniture. Strong winds can move loose items into power lines or roadways.
• Turn off or unplug appliances. This helps prevent damage or fire hazards when power is restored. Leaving one lamp on can signal when electricity returns.
• Clean up safely after storms. Never touch downed wires, and call 8-1-1 or visit 811express.com at least two business days before digging to have underground utilities marked.

Being informed and taking simple precautions ahead of time can help reduce risk and support safety during storm events.

Keep up-to-date with all things Yountville by following us on social media and subscribing to our newsletter. Have ideas or suggestions for improving our community? We want to hear from you! Reach out to us via email by clicking here or stop by Town Hall during business hours.

Let's stay connected! Click on the icons below to follow the Town of Yountville on social media!