How to get there
The lowest round-trip air fare between Boston and San Francisco at press time was $318 on
Yosemite National Park is about 130 miles east of San Francisco.The Bracebridge Dinner
559-253-5635
Tickets for the dinner go on sale in February on a first come, first served basis, but last-minute cancellations almost always free up some seats. This year, there are eight performances, Dec. 15-25. The pageant and seven-course meal cost $300; prices for 2005 have not been set. Packages that include two nights at either the Ahwahnee Hotel or Yosemite Lodge, and the Bracebridge Dinner for two, are also available. The 2004 package was $1,314.50-$1,554.50 at the Ahwahnee and $968.50 at Yosemite Lodge.Where to stay
The Ahwahnee Hotel
Yosemite
559-252-4848 www.YosemitePark.com
One of the grandest of the National Park Service's grand hotels, the Ahwahnee, built in 1927 and a National Historic Landmark. Doubles from $367 during the Bracebridge Dinner season.
Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
Yosemite
559-252-4848 www.YosemitePark.com
Also in Yosemite Valley, this 1915 lodge once housed the Army Cavalry. Guests are lulled to sleep by the rhythmic roar of nearby Yosemite Falls. Motel-style rooms come with two double beds. Doubles from $110 during the Christmas season. Wawona Hotel
Yosemite
559-252-4848 www.YosemitePark.com
This lovely white clapboard hotel complex, a prime example of 1870s California architecture, is a National Historic Landmark. Bed-and-breakfast packages are available over the Christmas holiday. The Wawona is near the park's south entrance, open year round. Doubles from $166 with bath; $113 without bath, during the Christmas season.Curry Village
Yosemite
559-252-4848 www.YosemitePark.com
This pretty area, not far from Yosemite Valley, offers 19 budget-friendly, standard hotel rooms, cabins with or without bath, and heated or unheated canvas tents from $64 to $110 for the holidays. Where to eatAhwahnee Hotel
209-372-1489; Devoted to the Bracebridge Dinner in the evening, it is open for lunch and Sunday brunch. For guests not attending Bracebridge, dinner is available in the bar. Entrees $20-$38.Mountain Room RestaurantYosemite
209-372-1281 www.YosemitePark.com
Famous for its views of Yosemite Falls; open only for dinner. Reservations essential during the Christmas season. Entrees $17-$28. Food Court at Yosemite Lodge
Yosemite
209-372-1274
A great choice for breakfast, this is a fast and affordable alternative to Yosemite's higher-end restaurants. Entrees $7-$15.More information
The park's website, www.YosemitePark.com, is packed with information. The Yosemite Reservation Center at 559-253-5676 also can answer questions.
