Three meteor showers, two supermoons and the longest nights of the year, all from a blanket in the walled garden.
Around nine o'clock on a clear December night, the house goes quiet in a particular way. The wood stove ticks as it settles, someone fills the kettle, and past the kitchen door the garden has gone silver with frost. Step out under the oaks, let the door close behind you, and wait. Within a few minutes the sky over Scott Valley starts to fill in: first the bright winter stars, then the fainter ones between them, then far more than you expected. This is the season we look forward to all year, and this winter the calendar is generous.
Before you plan, see what's on around Etna on our events calendar. Below are the nights worth circling, and how we like to watch them from the garden.
The nights to circle this winter
The Leonids, night of November 16 to 17. The moon is a thin crescent, about 39% lit, and it sets in the evening, so the hours after midnight are the ones to stay up for.
The Geminids, night of December 13 to 14. This is the headline. The Geminids are usually the strongest meteor shower of the year, and this year the moon is only a 15% crescent that sets early. That leaves a long, dark night, which doesn't happen every December.
The Quadrantids, night of January 3 to 4, 2027. Expect about 25 meteors an hour under dark skies, with a slim waning moon mostly out of the way. The best viewing is before dawn on January 4, so this one is for early risers, or for anyone who never went to bed.
These dates come from the American Meteor Society calendar, which is worth a look the week you travel.
Supermoons, new moons and the longest nights
Not every winter night is about darkness. The full "Beaver" supermoon is exact early on the morning of November 24, and it rises nearly full at dusk on the evenings of November 23 and 24. The full "Cold" supermoon is exact at 5:28 PM on December 23 and comes up at sunset that evening. A big moon rising over the valley, with the garden lit almost like day, is worth a mug of something hot on the terrace. The moon times are from Star Walk's full moon calendar.
For the darkest skies, aim for the new moons: December 8, January 7 and February 6. Those are the weeks when the faint stars come out and the winter constellations look their sharpest. And in the weeks around the winter solstice, just before the holidays, the nights are the longest of the year. Dark comes early, which means you can have a full evening of stars and still be in bed at a sensible hour.
How we watch from the garden
The walled garden is our favorite spot. The walls cut the breeze, and the old oaks frame a wide piece of sky.
Make the drinks first. The kitchen is set for a dinner party, so it's easy to warm a pot of cocoa, mull some cider or fill a thermos with tea before you head out.
Dress for longer than you think. Winter nights here are cold, and lying still makes them colder. Wear a hat, gloves, warm socks and one more layer than feels necessary. Bring a blanket or a sleeping bag, and something to lie on, like a foam pad or a reclining camp chair if you have one.
Turn the lights off. The house has voice-activated lighting, so you can ask the lights to go off on your way out. Then pocket your phone, since every glance at a bright screen resets your eyes.
Let your eyes adjust. Give it twenty minutes or so in the dark before you decide what the sky looks like. The longer you stay out, the more you see.
Lie back and look up. Meteors can appear anywhere, so don't stare at one point. Take in as much sky as you can.
Come in to the stove. When your toes start to complain, the wood stove and the round table beside it are a few steps away. Warm up, refill the mugs, and go back out if the night is still clear.
Sleeping in after a late night
The best part of a meteor night might be the morning after. Every bedroom has blackout curtains, so you can come in at two or three, pull them closed and sleep until the day is well along. Checkout isn't until 11 AM. On a longer stay, put your late night early in the trip and keep the next morning empty: a slow breakfast, coffee by the stove, then a short walk to Main Street once you're properly awake.
A word on dark skies
Etna isn't a certified dark-sky place, and we won't claim it is. What we can tell you is that the valley is rural, the town is small, and on a clear winter night the sky from the garden is full of stars. Discover Siskiyou lists Etna Summit among its favorite places to see the stars, but that road is seasonal because of snow, so in winter the garden is the place to be. Weather matters more than anything. Clouds come and go, so give yourself more than one night if a particular shower is the reason for your trip.
What a stargazing stay costs
Low season runs November through February, and these are founding rates for Sovereign Circle members: $555 a night, three nights from $1,090, and $2,000 for a week, with cleaning and every fee included. The 14% county lodging tax is shown before you pay. For four adults, three nights comes to $1,242.60 all in, about $311 each. Joining the Circle is free through December 31, 2026.
A three-night stay around December 13 covers the Geminids with a spare night in case of cloud. The house sleeps up to four adults, or a family of up to six. If you'd like ideas for the daylight hours, see three days in Scott Valley.
Common questions
What is the best night for stars this winter? The night of December 13 to 14, for the Geminid meteor shower. The moon is a thin crescent that sets early, so conditions should be excellent if the weather cooperates.
Do I need a telescope? No. Meteor showers are best with your own eyes, lying back so you can see as much sky as possible. Binoculars are fun for the moon if you have a pair.
Is Etna a certified dark-sky place? No. It's a small rural town in a quiet valley, and the garden has dark skies on clear nights, but it doesn't hold a dark-sky certification.
How cold is it outside at night? Winter nights are cold and often frosty. Dress in layers, bring a hat and gloves, and plan to come in to the wood stove between stretches outside.
Good to know
Check-in is 3 PM and checkout is 11 AM. Children are welcome. No pets.
Pack warm layers, a hat and gloves, and something to lie on outside.
If you're driving up for a particular shower, drive in daylight, stay together and check Caltrans QuickMap for chain controls before you leave.
Questions about the house? Text the concierge at 530 572 1122 or email Concierge@blossomsanctuary.com.
Beds, rooms and other details are on our facts page.
Pick your night, then check dates and price your stay. For the rest of the trip, see what's on around Etna on our events calendar. The kettle is in the kitchen, the blackout curtains are in the bedrooms, and the sky is right out back.
Packing for slow mornings? The Vibes Valuta Winter Drop is six pieces in soft neutrals, embroidered in old gold thread: a ringer tee, rib tank, crew and pant, plus a yoga mat and bottle.
