things to do in california on christmas day

This whole city goes all out in December with Danish-themed festivities. Whether you are spending your time driving around the lake or at one of the world-class Lake Tahoe ski resorts, youll experience the Christmas magic with fairy lights, carols, and if youre lucky, a fresh sprinkling of snow. Thank you . I mean, everyone watches the Christmas Story on repeat for 3 weeks, right?! You can even book a cruise and see these extravagant boats from a closer perspective! Its old-fashioned. Its their Christmas-themed Food & Wine Festival. It can take over 13 hours to drive from the North to the South. Go ice skating, California-style. AND GET THIS: I'm Jewish! Although you wont find yourself a white Christmas in Sacramento (the unique climate allows little snowfall), the season is still magical. Coastal areas can get gloomy and rainy, so youll have to bring an umbrella and jackets for the mild weather. But after all that fun and action, the best way to end your day is by relaxing by the fireplace! When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! Check out local hours before you go. Its one of our favorite dates of the year and we look forward to it every December! But, the best way to experience the parade is by being part of it, and you can do that by booking a short harbor cruise. If youre looking for a snowy getaway, head to Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Mountain. So if you plan to visit Solvang for the weekend, or for a few days, check out some of the fun places to visit near Solvang! Fireworks displays are perhaps the most iconic of all Fourth of July revelries. Regardless of which amusement park you visit, theres no doubt that youll be having a fun time. So the entire downtown area is registered as a National Historic Place, which means the buildings are all authentic 1800s buildings. Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station, SAN FRANCISCO: While much smaller than Tahoe, its still a beautiful winter wonderland and only about an hour or so from LA! I personally have been trying (and failing) to get a Christmas booking for 3 years now. Winter in Calaveras Winter Wonderland, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, sledding, caves, cozy lodging, small town holidays, movies. In Woodland Hills, Candy Cane Lane is an eight-block residential area decked with lights and decorations. Mendocino and Fort Bragg are two of my favorite cities in California. FAIRFIELD: Jelly Belly Factory Tours closed Christmas Day. Santa Cruz in wintertime offers amazing things to do and fun Christmas events for everyone in the family to enjoy. I'm a type 3 enneagram cat lady who lives in San Francisco and loves to find everyday magic to share with others. This is the oldest and largest lighted boat parade in the San Francisco Bay. It combines a variety of architectural styles from Spanish Gothic, Moorish Revival, Renaissance Revival, and Mediterranean Revival. Newport Beach is famous for its annual Christmas Boat Parade. Even with the warm weather, feel the holiday atmosphere in San Diego! It also serves as a popular tourist attraction and even a site for ghost hunting due to the alleged ghost sightings in the ship. It is your responsibility to confirm before going. And, since its a charming village, they hang tons of pretty Christmas lights and shop goes all out with festive store windows. Downtown on Ice Pershing Square, MARTINEZ: Make sure to strap on shoe spikes for your winter hiking, but absolutely spend a day in the park after the snows. Check the weather before heading up since it can get cold (aka bring a jacket and gloves!). Like, theyll be palm trees decked out in lights in some parts of the state while youll wake up to a fresh blanket of snow in others for Christmas morning. If its ever snowing on the vineyards that means were all truly doomed on the climate change front. There are lots of great things to do around Solvang, which sits in the Santa Ynez Valley, home to spectacular scenery and some of the most charming towns on the Central California Coast. If youre looking for a slice of Europe in California, dont miss Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley. Aside from that fact, the hotel has a yearly holiday treat to its guests and the people residing nearby. If youre trying to figure out where to go on Christmas Eve in California, this is such a cozy spot. Balboa Park December Nights (According to their site it is Dec 2 - Dec 3, 2022) For the 40th consecutive year, Balboa Park becomes a beacon for Christmas in San Diego. There are so many beautiful Yosemite photo spots that look like that perfect white Christmas in California if you can time it right. Looking ahead, more . See them dressed in their lighted splendor with Christmas decor while hearing a short narrative of their history from your guide. According to its website, Christmas Tree Shops has 73 stores across 20 states. SAN FRANCISCO: Steinhart Aquarium closed December 25. Moreover, the iconic Santa Monica Pier becomes the citys top attraction, hosting several events and activities to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Amazing Fall colors, foodie tastings, live theater, Grape Stomp, Lumberjack Day and Logging Jamboree, guided winery tours. Hop on board the Skunk Train that departs from Willits Depot. And after living in California for the past 7+ years, the holidays just aren't the same. Chanticleer also performs once every holiday season at the Disney Concert Hall in LA. New York CNN . You get to see performances from Donald Duck and The Three Caballeros and with Miguel from Coco singing Remember Me with amazing Folklorico and samba dancers. Perfect for those looking to escape the snow, Newport Beach is practically exploding with festive things to do, see, and experience come December! The tour will take two hours and begins when you meet up with your guide at a French pastry shop. Nevada City Victorian Christmas Fair Nevada City is the ultimate Christmas town in California and should be on every Christmas- lover's bucket list. News News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. This is a unique place to spend Christmas in California (or any time of the year, its one of my favorite hotels in California!!). Most of the buildings were built in the 1800s and the town is surrounded by tall, lush pine trees (which make the area smell absolutely amazing). At California Adventure, visit the Festival of the Holiday booths to sample holiday festival food and drinks, including some amazing cocktails and craft beers. As you can probably figure out, I love my personal favorite places to go for Christmas are colder, and usually in a cozy old-timey mountain town. If youre looking where to spend Christmas in California thats warm AND has been named of the best Christmas towns in California (well, America actually!) But one day I will get that coveted reservation and sleep on a four poster bed and dine in the Tudor Bar and put on a fake British Accent and have the time of my life. A playground for outdoor lovers, it also has ski slopes and an amazing terrain for snowmobiling, sledding, and other winter sports. We include tours, theme-park celebrations, winter festivals, Christmas markets, where to see Christmas lights and so much more. Easily! Palm Springs may be the ultimate town in California to just have an uber chill Christmas vacation. Contributed by Maria from SanDiegoExplorer. Theres also a train ride to enjoy and cozy fire pits where the guests can gather and mingle. Placid and calm, Irvine is noted for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent safety record and its abundance of beautiful green spaces spread across the city. This list has been organized by county and then chronologically by start date. Make the most of your Christmas in San Francisco with these fun and festive things to do. You can drop a comment or DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and Ill try to help! Take selfies with Santa and shop from hundreds of artisan vendors gathered here. Hailed as one of the most important places on Earth, Yosemite National Park is an iconic American destination. Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Im always adding to this list as I discover new, whimsical towns to visit for the holidays. You can also head to the annual Charles Dickens Fair (a Christmas village in California!) If youre looking for one of the best places to spend Christmas in Southern California thats full of snow and cabin vibes, Big Bear is it. The Bay Area is merry and bright this season. Here Are The 6 Most Enchanting, Magical Christmas Towns In Northern California One of the best things about the holidays is seeing communities come together. Winter wonderland snow globe, anyone?! Whether youre trying to escape the snow, or want to experience all the incredible things to do in Los Angeles, be sure to check out the special holiday events happening throughout the city. Looking for the best places to spend Christmas in California? BEACHES: Open every day of the year. Enjoy a wonderful winter wonderland experience at the Winter Fest Orange County in Costa Mesa. The Mission Inn https://highlandernews.org/5865/the-20th-annual-festival-of-lights-illuminated-downtown/ The Mission Inn is one of the most famous hotels in Southern California. The only thing about Solvang is nothing or very little is open on Christmas Day not even very many places to eat, Your email address will not be published. The UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts magical landscapes and postcard-perfect scenery. It may be warm enough that you can even go glamping if luxury hotels are out of your budget, but I do recommend treating yourself to a few nights at the Inn at Newport Ranch. This resort town in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains almost guarantees snow, but even if its not fresh, you can still fulfill all your snowflake dreams at the sno-parks. Experience the city's holiday spirit with ice skating, holiday lights, Christmas markets, and more. THIS IS MY MOMENT each year to shine! Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: October 14, 2022big bear california disney Lake Tahoe Los Angeles nevada city sacramento San Diego san francisco solvang. I mean, they had snow in Sonoma!! Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big bear, california, disney, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, nevada city, sacramento, San Diego, san francisco, solvang, Your email address will not be published. There are so many ways to celebrate the Christmas season in San Francisco, from tree lightings, outdoor ice skating rinks, holiday festivals, performances, and more! Come down for the day, shop, soak up coastal Christmas vibes, grab dinner and then a sunset on the beach (they have some of the best in the state!). I recommend you book a night at the National Hotel in downtown Nevada City to be in the heart of the action. During Christmas, The tour ends at Mr. Skunks Giant Christmas Tree where you can meet and greet Santa Mr. Connecticut: 4. Since Big Bear is only 100 miles from LA, you can double the fun and spend Christmas in California in two destinations! Mission Inn Festival of Lights attracts nearly half a million spectators and is one of the largest celebrations of Christmas in California. Mornings are best before snow melts, you can sometimes get epic photos of snow still on the trees! Theres something about amusement parks that spark joy in everyone. SO MAGICAL. Yosemite is my favorite national park in the entire United States. The discount retail chain, which . Hence why I've scoped out the best places to celebrate Christmas in California! Lake Tahoe is that classic winter Christmas getaway to snow, cold weather and all the traditional snowy mountain vibes. Enjoy an exclusive magical Christmas tour in San Francisco (from USD 279.0), 3. Hours and curfews vary by location. Square Ice Rink, SAN FRANCISCO: And plus, its located about an hour from Sacramento, making it an easy day trip from the Capitol City. Visit polar bears and reindeer at San Diego Zoo (from USD 69.0), Top 12 California Souvenirs - Updated 2023, 10 Best Seafood Restaurants In California, USA, 9 Amazing Monasteries To Visit In California, USA, 10 Best Things To Do At Christmas In Denver, Colorado, 15 Best Things To Do At Christmas In Nashville, Tennessee - Updated 2023, Top 10 Things To Do At Christmas In Portland, Oregon, Top 4 Homestays Near Kukup, Malaysia - Updated 2023, 4 Best Homestays In Bogor, Indonesia - Updated 2023, 10 Best Staycations In Canada - Updated 2023, Top 5 Hotels With Early Check-In In Cape Town, South Africa - Updated 2023, 10 Best Pet-Friendly Accommodations In Bruce Peninsula, Canada - Updated 2023. Our personal favorite? Enjoy different winter sports at the best Lake Tahoe ski resorts and go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and more. Christmas Day. Meaning, more possibilities for a white Christmas in California! Sacramento isnt the most popular place to spend Christmas in California, but youll be surprised at what it has to offer. Celebrate the holiday season at the happiest places on Earthamusement parks! Universal Studios' CityWalk shopping and food area in Studio City is open noon to 8 p.m., and they're now serving Butter Beer (hot, cold or frozen) and other Harry Potter-themed treats, including. If you want a relaxing holiday vacation, there are plenty of cabins, chalets, villas, and luxury hotels for your staycation. management), Starbucks (varies per location), Applebee's and IHOP have some locations open. Updated on 10/04/19 In Orange County, California, Christmas doesn't look like one of those old-fashioned greeting cards. From special events to seasonal attractions, celebrate the holidays with the 10 Best Things to Do in December in Los Angeles. BEACHES: Open every day of the year. The diversity of the city has earned it some interesting nicknames, includign Sactown, The Almond Capital of the World, and Americas Most Diverse City. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I really cant stress that enough. UG take me there now! Contributed by Rachel-Jean Firchau from RachelOffDuty.com. Because of its vast terrain, you can either experience a snowy or a sunny Christmas in California! Disneyland entertainment is always superb and during the holidays it doesnt disappoint. Hit the waves, stop by the region's best beaches, go on a scenic hike, or enjoy a romantic morning date. And super Christmasy! SANTA MONICA: Pacific Park all rides open on Christmas Day 11 During Christmas, youll find the brightest lights and fanciest dcor everywhere in California. Best of all, hotels and lodging are inexpensive and you dont have to book months before to get a room. So is San Francisco Zoo. This is a far cry from that Swiss-Miss you grew up with. They even sell date night packages so you can take your boo on a holiday date. Cap off your day with a ride on the Pacific Wheel and admire the city lights from a different perspective. Probably not Christmas, but Im here to change your mind! 9:15 p.m.: Finally, the city's All American Fourth . Got questions? You know theres lots of Christmas spirit when the Hallmark Channel selects Nevada City to film one of their holiday movies (2006s The Christmas Card go add it to your Christmas movie list). As always, thanks for the support. Marie Calendar's Win-win! From its iconic cable cars to shopping mall windows, San Francisco is decked with the most fabulous decorations in winter. Check before going. Overview; Christmas-Themed Tours; Holiday Lights & Tree Lightings; Ice-Skating; Christmas Markets; Holiday Performances Here are 20 festive things to do in California at Christmas. Navidad, Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Three Kings Day, and Kwanzaa will be celebrated with parades and lots of merrymaking. Scroll down for the best things to do at Christmas in California, USA, and use it as a guide. Anyways, hope this helps you find the perfect place to spend Christmas in California for you and your family or friends! Youll be visiting Union Square where youll find the biggest collection of boutiques, gift shops, beauty salons, and art galleries. celebrates and showcases the Latinx holiday culture. CASINOS: Almost all casinos are open Christmas Day. We include holiday-themed tours, light displays, performances, ice-skating, and Christmas markets. Moreover, the Christmas season brings a new side of Palm Springs you wouldnt want to miss. Celebrate Christmas day with a whole cruise of San Diego Bay together with a sumptuous dinner. Whats the first thing you think of when you hear Sac? However, they ultimately reserve the right to change Its one of the coolest months, with sunny days and scattered rain showers that dont last long. Legoland open Christmas 10 a.m.-5 p.m. CATALINA ISLAND: Catalina Express is open Christmas Day. Itll totally vary and youll need to pack accordingly based on your destination. DC Solar Downtown Holiday Ice, SAN DIEGO: There arent that many tourists exploring so this is perfect if you want to go somewhere low-key. Its such a fun place to escape into the mountains, and I wish we lived closer. HOLLYWOOD: Madame Tussauds open Christmas madametussauds.com, LONG BEACH: Queen Mary open Christmas Day, PALM SPRINGS: Aerial Tramway open Christmas pstramway.com, SAN DIEGO: Christmas SeaWorld 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. seaworld.com, SAN FRANCISCO: Madame Tussauds open Christmas madametussauds.com, SANTA CRUZ: Santa Cruz Boardwalk rides open Christmas Christmas Day. You won't run out of things to do! Christmas Tree Shops locations. Your guide to Christmas events and activities in Los Angeles, including lights, local gifts, festive movies and more. If you are looking to spend this Christmas in Sacramento, be sure to check out these attractions in and around the city: There are tons of other events to enjoy like The Christmas Carol novella, The Santa Parade, and the Sacramento Zoo Holiday. Regardless of which city youll spend Christmas in, youre bound for one of the best winter vacations! All the residents decorate their houses and lawns with tons of light and decor. Surrounded by buildings and skyscrapers, skating here almost feels like youre skating in New York! DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and Ill be happy to help! Dont miss San Francisco Ballets performance of the Nutcracker the holiday classic was first performed in America in San Francisco! Christmas in California without the snow?! See millions of sparkling lights and hundreds of animated figures as you walk around the hotel premises for free. LOS ANGELES: The Getty Center is closed on Christmas Day. Im so lucky to have Candy Cane Lane (on the SF Bay Peninsula) in the next town over from me. Disneyland Resort takes the cake when it comes to Christmas Festivities so I asked my Disney-expert friend to write this next section of tips. I dont ski but there are tons fun Lake Tahoe winter activities to do that dont require hitting the slopes and during December this area goes all out! While you wont find any of that in Newport Beach, youll still get a white (SANDY) Christmas! And if youre in SoCal, your only bet will be in Big Bear! Winter is here! Though for Christmas, Im always partial to renting one of these cute Lake Tahoe vacation rentals to cuddle up with my husband in and binge-watch the Christmas Prince after a day of winter hiking. In addition, elephant seals also return to the beaches for mating season and you can spot whales in Monterey Bay. Christmas Tree Shops will liquidate all of its stores and go out of business unless a white knight comes out of the woodwork at the 11th hour. Hornblower Cruise Dining Open: San Francisco, San Diego, Marina Del Rey and ALPINE: 3-9 p.m. LOS ANGELES: Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana. Embarcadero Center: The Embarcadero Center also plays host to a number of holiday events. Another area is designated for ice-skating, ice-tubing, and riding ice-bumper cars. LONG BEACH: Aquarium of the Pacific closed Christmas Day. Drop by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and enjoy the arcade games, ice skating rink, and other holiday events. The A Christmas Fantasy Parade is a land lighted boat parade filled with lots of classic Disney Characters like the fab 5 (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto). Ive been hunting down the best places to spend Christmas in California for YEARS. If you want to stay within the city limits for holiday fun, here are 11 of the best shows, events, celebrations, and outings in San Francisco during the Christmas season suitable for families. The main street is so fun to wander and pop into stores. Another great thing about the holiday season at the Disneyland Resort is the food! SeeCalifornia.com verified this information on the venues' Scroll down for the best things to do at Christmas in California, USA, and use it as a guide. In the early afternoon, celebrate . Explore Beverly Hills, Beverly Canon Gardens, Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Gardens Park, and Rodeo Drive on your tour. Watch as hundreds of lavish boats decked in their best holiday getup parade through Newport Bay.

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