Centered in one of the world’s most important agricultural regions, California’s San Joaquin Valley, is the town of Merced. Its also known as a gateway to Yosemite, as it lies less than a couple of hours away from the national park. This holiday season, one hotel is celebrating the prolific agricultural area in a pretty nutty way.
Located in a historic building on Main Street in the heart of downtown Merced, El Capitan, a JdV by Hyatt hotel, is going nuts with nutcrackers. It’s decking its halls with nut and nutcracker decor galore to celebrate Merced’s production of almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. But that’s not all! Those with nut allergies will want to stay far away from El Capitan’s nutty treats. There’s also nutcracker crafts and a holiday-themed movie series. But if you’re really nuts about nutcrackers, you’ll want to book a stay in the over-the-top Nuttiest Holiday Ever Suite.
Nuttiest Holiday Ever Suite
Approachable sophistication meets modern comfort at this pet-friendly historic property in downtown Merced. However, one of its suites really stands out, soup to nuts. From a five-foot-tall music-playing nutcracker to ornament-sized guys, nutcrackers of all sizes adorn the Nuttiest Holiday Ever Suite. Of course, not all of the nutcrackers are classic German soldiers. Some have Californian jobs, like a farmer or winemaker. There are even train conductor nutcrackers, harkening back to the hotel’s early years as a place of rest for train passengers and guests traveling to Yosemite National Park.
Guests who stay in the Nuttiest Holiday Ever Suite can play nutcracker-themed games, read nutcracker-themed books, and snack on locally grown almonds, walnuts, and pistachios. Available through January 1, 2022, the 430-square foot suite, which includes a separate seating area, starts at $219 a night. Email elcapitan@jdvhotels.com for availability.
Nuts For The Holidays Celebration
A pair of larger-than-life 10-foot-tall nutcrackers greet guests as they enter El Capitan’s nutcracker-embellished lobby. Now through Christmas Day, each guest who checks into the hotel will receive a complimentary nutcracker ornament.
Also up until Christmas, guests can treat themselves to a hand-decorated nutcracker cookie from Native Son, one of the hotel’s three locally driven onsite eateries. You can also decorate your own nutcracker in the open-air courtyard between December 13 and Christmas Eve.
Check Out Christmas Classics
But the Christmas cheer doesn’t end with all the nut-tastic decor, treats, and crafts. The restored turn-of-the-century theater down the street, Mainzer, is showing holiday favorites throughout the season. Cozy up on one of the loungers or sofas to watch Christmas classics like Elf, Scrooged, and It’s a Wonderful Life in the cinema’s boutique space. Tickets are $13 and come with a holiday snack pack.
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