New events for the winter season are being hosted in a great destination and you are invited to visit and enjoy! The top-notch DMO (destination management organization,) Tri-Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau representing the Bay Area cities of Livermore, Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Danville, announced that Tri-Valley is taking fun to new heights in a region known for its fun-loving attitude and award-winning wines.

Holidays in the Vineyards at more than 30 Livermore wineries is admission free and features holiday entertainment, barrel tasting, wine specials, new releases and artisan vendors. Many of the wineries offer family-friendly Santa visits, cookie decorating, and Tesla Vintners even features the Singing Winemaker from 2-4 p.m. both days. Join the fun at el Sol Winery where you can add customized, personal labels to your wine bottle selections, or visit Crooked Vine Winery where you can make & decorate a wreath. The fun never stops in an event that allows you to sip, sample, taste, make and buy holiday gifts that are "Made in California". - www.lvwine.org

The area is welcoming the New Year with a first-time event, Ball at the Mall. This event takes place at Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton and features live music, piano bar, casino games, champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres and more. Tickets are $75 for general admission and $100 for VIP. Proceeds benefit three local non-profits with an emphasis on serving the children of the community. Several hotels in the area have teamed up to offer special packages for the event. More information about Ball at the Mall is available at: www.theballatthemall.org.

In January Taste of Tri-Valley restaurant week in January. More than a dozen area restaurants are already confirmed to participate. The regional event is part of California Restaurant Month as designated by California Travel & Tourism Commission. More than 20 other destinations across California are hosting their own restaurant week.