In the summer, Yosemite Valley bustles with lines of cars, campgrounds stuffed with tents and RVs, kids chasing each other around on bicycles and streams of climbers making their way up Nevada Falls. Beautiful? Yes. But not always peaceful. Two seasons later, the trees are covered dramatically in snow. Rock climbers no longer hang from El Capitan. The shuttle is one of the few vehicles on the road. And most hiking trails are empty. Welcome to Yosemite Valley in winter

The magic and splendor of the holiday season come to vibrant life again this year with the 84th anniversary season of The Bracebridge Dinner at The Ahwahnee, a full-service, AAA Four-Diamond hotel located in the winter wonderland of Yosemite Valley. Under the roof of the grand lodge, which is surrounded by a stunning, natural setting of granite cliff faces and snowcapped incense cedars, this remarkable American theatrical tradition transforms the hotel into a 17th century English manor for an elaborate feast of food, song and mirth for eight performances, December 13 through 25.

The landmark Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park is due for its first major remodel and seismic upgrade since the stately Art Deco lodge opened 82 years ago.
Park rangers say the Ahwahnee could use everything from new carpets to a paint job. They expect the remodel will cost millions and last years.