23 Places to Spend Christmas In CALIFORNIA (Most Magical)
California is known for its perpetual sunshine but hosts some of the most stunning Christmas light shows, including the nation’s tallest living Christmas tree.
This state has unique customs, Christmas marketplaces, festive events, and extravagant lighting displays throughout December, which the whole family will surely enjoy while relaxing since the pleasant climate is the most appealing aspect of spending the holidays in California.
In what other place can you ski in the early hours of the morning and ride waves in the middle of the day?
Indeed, there’s a Christmas in California for everyone; whether you’re into snowy log cabins or palm trees, this is the perfect holiday place.
So now, this article will offer you the insider’s scoop on the best Christmas celebrations in California, from where to stay to what to do on Christmas Day.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Outdoor Activities in California.
Christmas in Nevada, California
1. Broad Street Inn (Roasted Chestnuts & Carols)
The majority of city tourism regulatory agencies play into the presumption that it is always summer in California because of how the state is portrayed in the movies.
Not in Nevada City, though; just an hour north of Sacramento, the Northern California community gets into the holiday mood during just one short month.
Nevada City, with its Victorian buildings, sloping streets, and original natural gas lighting, is the ideal location for an intimate California Christmas getaway, and that’s why it was chosen as the setting for the Hallmark film, “The Christmas Card.”
On Wednesdays and Sundays in December, the town center becomes a Victorian-style Christmas market where you can find many roasted chestnuts underneath the glimmering lights, serenading by singers and bagpipe bands dressed in Victorian garb.
You can also visit the nearby town of Grass Valley, known for its Cornish Christmas celebration, while you’re in the area.
End your Christmas shopping with a glass of mulled wine while warming up next to the fire pit and listening to the Cornish choir sing carols.
Address: 517 W Broad St, Nevada City, CA 95959
2. The Madison House Bed and Breakfast (Historic Gold Rush Town)
Visitors to California should detour to Nevada City and stay at the Parsonage to learn more about the state’s past.
One of the oldest houses in the state dates back to the 1860s and is located in a Gold Rush town that is now a National Monument.
The property, which had previously housed Methodist ministers for over 80 years, has been lovingly renovated.
Located just on Broad St., this historic home is attractive and convenient, and it’s hard to find a better spot as this place offers a home-like vibe that will prevent you from being homesick.
You also don’t have to worry about your stay as the hosts are lovely, offering a warm welcome, and you will love the home-cooked breakfast and mornings spent with a cup of coffee on the front porch overlooking Broad St.
The rooms at this historic Victorian are peaceful and comfortable, which is recommendable to anyone, especially those looking for an intimate place for holidays.
Address: 427 Broad Street, Nevada City, California, 95959, United States
Also see our article on Attractions in California.
Christmas in Solvang, California
1. Mirabelle Inn and Restaurant (Candlelight Tour & Danish Traditions)
Discover the Danish concept of coziness and contentment in Solvang, a quaint village in California’s Santa Ynez Valley.
The place is filled with windmills and Danish pastries, which you will enjoy as it has a unique taste.
You can also enjoy their Julefest, an annual festival of all things winter that brings warmth and happiness to the coldest days of the year.
The city also begins the holiday season with the Christmas tree lighting on December 3; the festivities of Julefest stretch from November 27 through January 1, and you can attend the Julefest parade the following day at 11 a.m. to see parading bands, horses, and performers.
Or you can also visit Santa’s Village, which is a great place to take the kids on Saturdays in December because that’s when you can see the man himself.
But the candlelight evening tour through the streets of Solvang is also a moment you can’t miss, where you can learn Danish traditions from someone living there while listening to carols.
Address: 409 1st St, Solvang, CA 93463
2. Hotel Corque (Spacious Rooms & Farm-Fresh Cuisine)
This boutique hotel has a restaurant and is about a 5-minute stroll from Old Mission Santa Ines which offer spacious rooms, free WiFi, a hot tub for relaxing, and an outdoor pool that the kids will enjoy.
Each room at the Hotel Corque features a cable flat-screen satellite TV and a free supply of toilet paper, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, and an iPod charging station in each room.
If you want to view the scenery, you don’t have to worry, as the Santa Ynez Mountains and the village of Solvang may be seen from several of the rooms.
Root 246 is the hotel’s onsite restaurant, and it serves dinner to Corque Hotel guests offering farm-fresh American cuisine, a wide selection of regional wines, and a Sunday brunch.
Hotel Corque has a front desk open around the clock, and there is a free shuttle service available, which can take you to the business center onsite, where guests can use services like photocopying and faxing.
The Chumash Casino is also a short drive of only 6 minutes from the hotel, and the wine region of Santa Barbara is only four miles distant.
Address: 400 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA 93464, United States
Also see our article on Hidden Gems in California.
Christmas in Mendocino, California
1. Agate Cove Inn (Coastal Town Escape)
Mendocino, a small coastal town in Northern California, is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season.
You can spend some time in nature by strolling along the shore or through the redwoods and then return to your lovely inn for a night by the fire.
Or if you are looking and want to shop for unique, locally-made presents, the place offers a stress-free activity when there are no chain stores in the vicinity.
If you’re in Mendocino, you can even ride the Skunk Train, which leaves from nearby Fort Bragg, or indulge in the iconic redwood groves on board California’s most famous Christmas train.
This year’s holiday train ride includes a visit from Santa Claus, a reading of “Skippy the TrainDeer,” and a bag of goodies to take home.
You can also take advantage of the warming tent’s spiced cider and hot chocolate after the show, buy some goodies, listen to live music, and roast marshmallows over a campfire with the kids.
Address: 11201 Lansing St, Mendocino, CA 95460
2. Brewery Gulch Inn (Victorian Inn With Sea Views)
The place has staff worth a five-star rating, as their front desk personnel is friendly and informative about the neighborhood and quick to suggest activities for the day and restaurants for the evening.
All the hotel’s staff goes further than usual to make guests feel at home and make every guest’s stay very special.
During December, a tall Christmas tree decked out in lights and ornaments stood in one corner, and every evening, they served a light dinner buffet with wine, and in the mornings, they served breakfast to request.
The Great Room also features a selection of board games, a modest library of books, and a movie collection of 500+ titles accessible via an iPad.
Rooms include a private fireplace with two comfortable leather chairs, as well as a deck overlooking Smuggler’s Cove below; as you arrive at the hotel, you will be welcomed to your room by sea salt caramels on the bed, a selection of high-end bathroom amenities that you can utilize at your leisure, and a plate of individually wrapped snacks on the table.
Address: 9401 CA-1, Mendocino, CA 95460
Also see our article on Cabins in California.
Christmas in San Diego, California
1. San Diego Zoo (Festive Zoo Lights)
San Diego enjoys a warm and sunny environment throughout the year; although December does see some rain, it’s also a great time to go to the San Diego Zoo or a theme park, as there won’t be as many people there, and the weather will be more pleasant.
This year, instead of a Christmas tree, you can celebrate the holiday in the laid-back style of Southern California by decorating with palm trees.
You may spend your time in San Diego in December sipping margaritas in Old Town, participating in one of the many California Christmas events, or walking among illuminated trees to see polar bears and reindeer at the San Diego Zoo.
Throughout December, the zoo is decorated with holiday lights, and there are many exciting holiday-themed activities for children to enjoy.
You can also experience something truly unique to San Diego by ice skating on the beach at the historic Coronado Del Rey Hotel, and the coastal wind can be felt when gliding on the ice at this big rink.
Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
2. San Diego Bay (Cultural Events in Balboa Park)
You can visit the beach in San Diego, California, for the Parade of Lights on December 12 and December 19 as illuminated boats sail across San Diego Bay beginning at 5:30 p.m. because the half-century mark of the boat parade is being celebrated this year.
December Nights occur on the 3, 5, and 7 of December in Balboa Park.
Those dates are best to visit because strolling the area just north of downtown San Diego is full of lively yearly events that honor the city’s many cultural backgrounds.
Last 2021, the event took on a drive-through style, allowing guests to enjoy the foreign fare and live music without leaving their vehicles’ comfort.
Book your tickets now and enjoy your holiday season at San Diego Bay!
Address: San Diego County, California
Also see our article on Amusement Parks in California.
Christmas in Anaheim, California
1. Disneyland (Merriest Nights Event)
The Christmas spirit of your youth can be relived at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, which is beautifully decorated for the holidays, attractions have new holiday-themed additions, and the lower temperatures make waiting in line more tolerable.
Even though reservations are required this year, Disneyland is open for business as usual during the holiday season, and you can even take a look at the 60-foot Christmas tree at the center of Town Square, the 80,000-LED-lit Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the timeless It’s a Small World ride at Disneyland.
Additionally, in December, the Haunted Mansion will undergo a Jack Skellington makeover inspired by Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
The holiday makeover extends to Cars Land at California Adventure, and families with little ones who are too small to ride the larger rides will find this section ideal.
In addition, this year, Disneyland is debuting a paid after-hours event called Merriest Nights, and the doors open at 5, the celebration begins at 8, and ends at midnight.
If you love music and a crowd, there will be a live band, an opportunity to meet the characters, and a parade.
Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
2. Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance (Waterpark & Convenient Amenities)
The place is perfect for kids and kids at heart since it only takes about ten minutes to walk to Disneyland Park from the Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance.
All the rooms at this Anaheim, California hotel near a waterpark are 500 square feet or more and feature bunk beds and two showers.
There are six slides in the area, a splash bucket, a kiddie pool, and more in the waterpark for all ages to enjoy, as the place focuses on letting guests have all the fun.
You can also Indulge in the conveniences of their Bistro, Starbucks, Gym, or Gift Shop.
The Bistro, the onsite eatery, serves Starbucks coffee and breakfast in the mornings and lunch, supper, and cocktails in the evenings.
You can also stop by the market for some eats, drinks, and booze or quickly shop with your loved ones as the market offers unique and locally made products.
Address: 1420 South Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92802-2311
Also see our article on Festivals in California.
Christmas in Los Angeles, California
1. The Music Center (Iconic Venue in the City)
The Music Center is a significant venue for musical and theatrical performances in the heart of the City of Angels that has ample secure parking, a cafe, spotless public facilities, and a convenient location.
Also, they are essential to the creative world and serve as a unifying force, with many kids and adult dancers putting on a great show.
Although Los Angeles might not be on your list of places to visit for the holidays, locals go all out for the season, but if you’re looking for a bright and cheery Christmas in California, Los Angeles is the place to be.
And the Music Center is a significant venue for musical and theatrical performances, so better to put on your best attire and catch a show while experiencing the LA Philharmonic, LA Symphony, and LA Opera in one convenient location.
You might also see the Christmas tree lit, listen to Handel’s Messiah, or participate in a holiday sing-along.
Address: 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
2. Universal Studios Hollywood (Theme Park Adventure)
Located in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles County, California, lies the film studio and theme park known as Universal Studios Hollywood.
Seventy percent of the studio is located on an island in the county referred to as Universal City, while the remaining thirty percent is within the city boundaries of Los Angeles.
Adults will have as much fun as children at Universal Studios Hollywood, speculating on a flight over fictional worlds and having a blast on fantastic coasters alongside your favorite cartoon characters.
To get the most out of your trip to Universal, plan to spend the whole day there because the place is enormous, and more than a day is needed to stroll the entire area.
Also, check out the park’s website and social media pages to know what’s new and exciting at Universal during your planned visit.
You also don’t have to worry if you are a foreigner since language options for their studio tours include English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
3. Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights Experience (Candy Cane Lane in Woodhills)
Santas Speedway is a NASCAR course transformed into a winter wonderland, perfect for a thrilling driving light show, and they also decorated the place with a teddy bear that’s 30 feet tall and a Christmas tree that’s 110 feet tall.
You might also drive through some residential areas in Woodhills, Los Angeles, with an eight-block stretch known as Candy Cane Lane that comes alive with holiday cheer every year beginning on December 2.
If you want a new adventure, Altadena is just north of Pasadena.
You’ll find Christmas Tree Lane, another popular spot for holiday lights, on the National Register of Historic Places, and it has been a December tradition for nearly a century.
You can relax in the old inn that may be found in Riverside, California, which is close to Los Angeles.
The hotel is stunning at any time of year, but especially during the holiday season, this free event features a Ferris wheel, live music, and millions of Christmas lights to enliven the holiday spirit.
Address: 500 Speedway Dr, Irwindale, CA 91706
Also see our article on Movie Theaters in California.
Christmas in San Francisco, California
1. Fairmont Hotel (Giant Gingerbread House)
Christmas celebrations in San Francisco range from the offbeat to the spectacular, and even the climate goes with the flow as December is warmer than July!
Just kidding; San Francisco has freezing temperatures year-round, and since San Francisco is relatively compact, you can easily visit multiple venues in a single day.
Book a Christmas dinner or afternoon tea at the Fairmont Hotel and celebrate the season under the giant glass dome.
Stop by the lobby throughout December to see the two-story Victorian gingerbread home in all its icing grandeur, even if you don’t plan on eating here.
Nob Hill’s grand dame, the Fairmont San Francisco, first welcomed guests in 1907.
Fairmont quickly became associated with the “place of occasion” as the city’s premier location for spectacular parties, presidential visits, and political gatherings.
Address: 101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
2. Union Square Ice Rink (Skating Under City Lights)
Visit Union Square Ice Rink to burn off some holiday shopping energy before warming up with chowder with clams in a baguette bowl.
Skate rentals at the place cost $5 per pair, and the entrance fee is $10 for adults and $6 for children ages eight and under at the Union Square Ice Rink, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
You can get tickets at the rink’s box office or book online in advance for a reservation and avoidance of long lines.
Also, you can contact Ice Rink Reservations at 415-295-1588 with questions or book your stay.
Upon arrival, you can enjoy complimentary chocolates if you buy two tickets to the ice rink, including skate rentals.
Indeed, it is a fantastic spot for a group outing or a romantic evening for two.
Address: 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102
3. Cow Palace (Dickens Christmas Fair)
You can visit Cow Palace for a uniquely San Francisco Bay event since it hosts the Great Dickens Christmas Fair every year from the last week of November to the second weekend of December.
It is entertaining for all ages because the hall will be transformed into London in the mid-1800s, complete with merchants, drinking establishments, and stage shows.
And it would be best to try it out at least once because the fair is a meal, purchases, and theatrical event themed after A Christmas Carol every weekend in December.
Later, you can walk through Golden Gate Park, which has become a magical, illuminated forest just in time for the holidays.
Visitors can enjoy the stunning artwork until February 1 since there are usually entertaining shows, delicious meals, and fun activities for the whole family.
Admission costs $30 per adult, but you don’t have to worry; every dollar is worth it.
They also have excellent service, and the shuttle can drive even in the rain from the venue to your cars in the parking lot.
Address: 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, CA 94014
Also see our article on Places to Surf in California.
Christmas in Palm Springs, California
1. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Desert Resort Getaway)
Palm Springs is the best place to unwind after a long and challenging year, and two hours east of Los Angeles lies a desert resort town where the average high temperature in December is a pleasant 70 degrees.
In Palm Springs, you can relax by devouring food, floating down a lazy river, and sipping cocktails by the pool; however, if the holiday spirit is what you’re after, December is also full of exciting Christmas celebrations.
Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest spinning tramcar in the world, and soar over the palm palms to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto State Park or have a trip along Chino Canyon is ten minutes long and covers two and a half miles of breathtaking scenery.
In the end, you’ll be at the height of 8,516 feet, which is high enough that snow might be present, and on the mountain, the brave can engage in activities such as snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and even winter camping.
If winter weather has yet to settle in, try your luck at the annual snow-guessing contest; the prize consists of four rides on the tram and a unique keepsake.
Address: 25905 CA-243, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
2. Living Desert Zoo (Wildlights Celebration)
Check out Wildlights at the Living Desert Zoo since many people in the area look forward to the zoo’s annual Christmas lights celebration, which has hundreds of animal lanterns, a shimmering river of lights, and brightly colored paths.
Animal care, learning, preservation, charitable work, and maintenance at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens are held to the highest standards because the zoo is affiliated with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The zoo participates in international and local conservation efforts, including studies, environmental protection, breeding programs, and educational activities.
In only 30 minutes, you can encounter a new best friend at the zoo’s unique rhino contact experience or learn about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into caring for the zoo’s 600+ animals on a complimentary shuttle tour to multiple animal welfare service areas.
This semi-private experience will lead you to a unique black rhino care facility that the kids will love.
Address: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
3. Palm Springs Air Museum (Santa’s Fly-In Event)
Santa’s Fly-In is a festive event in Palm Springs where children can meet Santa Claus in a helicopter inside the Palm Springs Air Museum.
In Palm Springs, California’s Riverside County, there is a tremendous educational resource called the Palm Springs Air Museum, whose goal is to preserve and perpetuate the memory of the combat aircraft of World War II and the contributions of its pilots and the American people.
Every Christmas, they include something fresh and exciting for people of all ages to enjoy, as the area has a rich history and is home to numerous airplanes.
Volunteers abound; many are well-versed in the exhibits and eager to share their insights with visitors.
The plane’s history, features, manufacturing run, and intended use are all listed on the plane’s respective information panel, and it would take hours to read all of these signs.
Also, the indoor and outdoor areas are very convenient for strolling, and you may also try out a flight simulator for an additional fee.
The museum is fantastic; you should see it as everyone of any age would benefit greatly.
Address: Parking, lot 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Also see our article on Indoor Activities in California.
Christmas in Sacramento, California
1. Old Sacramento Waterfront (Theater of Lights)
Sacramento’s riverfront transforms into a winter paradise over the holiday season, beautifully lit up for the holidays.
Throughout December, Sacramento hosts various festive events for all ages to enjoy.
The Gold Rush of 1849 marked the beginning of modern California, and the Old Sacramento Waterfront honors that era.
Along the scenic Sacramento River is where you’ll find this neighborhood, a hive of activity with all the shops, restaurants, theaters, and museums dedicated to the history of the Transcontinental Railroad and California Gold Rush.
Many historic structures from the Gold Rush era have been rebuilt or restored along the waterfront, and horse-drawn wagons, wooden walkways, and reenactors recreate the atmosphere of the late 19th century.
The place hosts the free Theater of Lights every night in December, and Santa Claus lights the Christmas tree every night after a 20-minute light show performed on the terraces above K St.
Also, the city sets up a 65-foot Ferris wheel and carnival on the waterfront during the summer.
Address: 1014 2nd St, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95814
2. Warehouse Creative (Local Artisan Market)
Throughout December, Sacramento hosts several fantastic seasonal markets, one of which is Warehouse Creative, located right in the middle of Sacramento, just next to Evangelines in Old Town.
You can shop to find something special for your home or as a gift and know you are helping a small business succeed in your community.
The shop has everything from food and drinks to leather goods and jewelry to meals and candles, which provide artists and designers with a permanent residence, not just a Saturday market stall, but a place where you can come to locate them, purchase with them, and show them support.
Also, this helps them with their imagination and energy; you must encourage and motivate one another to follow your dreams.
To avoid the crowds at the shopping malls and still get a unique present made by a local artisan, check out Warehouse Creative’s waterfront display market on December 11.
Address: 116 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Also see our article on Haunted Houses in California.
Christmas in San Jose, California
1. Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park (Christmas in the Park Event)
The biggest city in Silicon Valley boasts a lively downtown and a great Christmas in the Park event where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping at the city’s ice rink, theater production of The Nutcracker, or museum.
Also, the annual Christmas in the Park celebration is held at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park in central San Jose, which transforms into a winter wonderland complete with holiday shows, Christmas trees embellished by local children, festive fare, live music, and thrilling rides during December.
The plaza is also home to the Plaza de César Chávez, a public plaza, and park, and is the oldest public place in Northern California, with its roots dating back to 1797, which is also about a two-minute stroll away from the San Jose Museum of Art.
Address: 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113
2. San Jose Dance Theater (The Nutcracker Tradition)
The San Jose Dance Theater’s production of The Nutcracker is a longstanding holiday tradition worth dressing up for.
San José Dance Theatre’s 58th annual production of The Original San Jose Nutcracker is a magical event not to be missed as it has been running continuously since 1964, making it a beloved holiday tradition for many Bay Area families.
The theatre is thrilled to return to the stage with its new works, and many people look forward to seeing the performance of Scott Krijnen and the Cambrian Symphony again.
So, take advantage of the chance to witness this show since this year marks the first-ever performance of a condensed version of The Nutcracker by San Jose Dance Theatre, and the tickets only cost 15$, which can be bought online.
Address: 1756 Junction Ave E, San Jose, CA 95112
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Weekend Getaways, Churches, and Cabin Rentals in California.
Looking beyond California? Check out our article on how best to spend your Christmas in Texas and Florida.