California transforms into a magical wonderland during the holidays, offering everything from snowy mountain escapes to festive beachside celebrations.
Christmas is my favorite holiday and I’ve spent the past 10+ years running around California finding all the best places to celebrate.
Here’s a list of the top Christmas things to do in California, inspired by my favorite holiday adventures (and yes, the vibe in the image above is exactly what I’m talking about, cozy, festive, and full of twinkling Christmas lights!
1. Nevada City Victorian Christmas
Step into a real-life Victorian Christmas village with cobblestone streets, carolers in period costumes, mulled wine, and craft booths in Nevada City. It’s like being in a Hallmark movie, complete with Santa strolling around. Don’t forget to bundle up, it gets chilly in the mountains during this magical holiday season!
2. Union Square Ice Skating in San Francisco
Glide around the rink under the glow of a giant Christmas tree, surrounded by the city’s iconic architecture. Bonus points if you time your skate for dusk to watch the lights twinkle on. Grab a drink afterward at the Cheesecake Factory overlooking the square, it’s surprisingly magical! Ice skating here is one of my favorite traditions each December in San Francisco, I’ve done it every year in a row for 10 years.
3. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Watch over 50 boats decked out in dazzling holiday lights cruise through the Newport harbor. You can even book a cruise to get up close to the action. It’s festive, coastal, and oh-so-California! This parade is one of the most iconic ways to spend Christmas near the water.
4. Big Bear Lake for a Snowy Escape
Cozy up in a cabin, hit the slopes, or just enjoy the snowy mountain vibes. Big Bear transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and festive activities. It’s perfect for those craving a traditional snowy Christmas.
5. The Grove in Los Angeles
This upscale shopping center goes all out for the holidays, with lights, garlands, and a giant Christmas tree. It’s like Christmas exploded in the best way possible. Plus, you can knock out your holiday shopping while soaking up the festive atmosphere. The tree lighting ceremony here is a must-see!
6. Disneyland at Christmas
The happiest place on earth becomes the merriest place on earth during the holidays. From the snow-covered Sleeping Beauty Castle to the Nightmare Before Christmas-themed Haunted Mansion, it’s pure magic. Don’t miss the Christmas Fantasy Parade! Bonus: Universal Studios Hollywood also does a pretty epic holiday transformation.
7. Lake Tahoe for Mountain Vibes
Whether you’re skiing, sledding, or just sipping hot cocoa by the fire, Lake Tahoe is a dreamy spot for a snowy Christmas getaway. The ski villages go all out with lights, sleigh rides, and festive markets. It’s the perfect winter escape in the United States for anyone craving snow and pine-scented air.
8. Solvang’s Julefest
This Danish-inspired town hosts a month-long Solvang Christmas celebration with parades, tree lightings, and a European-style Christmas market. It’s like a little slice of Scandinavia right in California.
9. WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert
Stroll through a dazzling display of over a million twinkling Christmas lights, complete with animal-themed exhibits and holiday music. It’s a unique way to celebrate Christmas in the desert. If you’re near Palm Springs, don’t miss it!
10. Charles Dickens Fair in San Francisco
Immerse yourself in a Victorian Christmas village at the Cow Palace. Think costumed performers, festive food, and a whole lot of holiday cheer. It’s like stepping back in time! We go almost every year and it always kicks off our holiday season. Last year I had so much fun with my girlfriends. We dressed up, drank a lot of wine and watched shows.
11. Cambria Christmas Market
Tucked along the Central Coast, Cambria goes full European holiday market mode. We’re talking millions of lights, glühwein, bratwurst, and cozy fire pits. It feels like being teleported to Germany—but with California sunsets. This is THE Christmas market I recommend to friends planning a road trip. Cambria Christmas market is festive AF.
12. SkyPark at Santa’s Village
Near Lake Arrowhead, this is a full-on North Pole in the forest. There’s ice skating, ziplining, forest trails, and of course, visits with Santa. It’s magical for kids and nostalgic adults alike.
13. Filoli Historic House & Gardens Holiday Lights
Filoli near Woodside goes full Bridgerton-glam during the holidays. Picture estate halls decked in garlands, thousands of lights in the gardens, and festive cocktails in the courtyard. Total main-character energy. It’s one of the best ways to see Christmas lights outside a big city.
14. Mission Inn Festival of Lights, Riverside
This is one of the largest holiday light displays in the state! The entire Mission Inn Hotel is lit up with 10 million lights, animated figures, and nightly “snow”. Don’t skip the cinnamon buns from the vendors outside—thank me later.
15. Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
Located in La Cañada Flintridge, this immersive light experience winds through beautiful gardens, with glowing tunnels, music, and interactive art installations. It feels dreamy and slightly surreal in the best way.
16. Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano
Walk through the historic mission as it’s transformed with lights, music, and a glowing 30-foot tree. It’s one of my favorite unexpected Christmas finds in SoCal.
17. Old Sacramento Theatre of Lights
This downtown district lights up with a nightly retelling of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” complete with live performers, lighting effects, and festive storefronts. It’s classic, charming, and totally underrated. Bring the whole family—there’s even live music on the weekends.
18. Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena
For over 100 years, this street has been lighting up massive deodar cedar trees. You can drive or walk through—and it’s free! Bring hot cocoa and crank up your Mariah Carey playlist. Christmas Tree Lane is the definition of a neighborhood tradition.
19. Julian for a Classic Small Town Christmas
If you’re craving snow in SoCal, Julian is a cozy mountain town that actually gets it. The town decks out in lights, hosts a tree lighting, and serves up warm apple pie on every corner.
20. Mendocino Holiday Tree Train & Coastal Charm
Ride the Skunk Train through a forest lit up with Christmas lights, complete with music, hot cocoa, and a stop at the “World’s Largest Living Christmas Tree.” It’s festive, remote, and perfect for NorCal coast lovers.
21. Arnold & Murphys Holiday Magic
If you’re looking for a cozy mountain town that nails the holiday vibes, make your way to Arnold and nearby Murphys. It’s one of the most magical Christmas towns in California that still flies under the radar!
We decorate our Whimsy Holmes cabin in Arnold with a pink Christmas tree and twinkly lights, it’s the perfect little forest escape to spend Christmas. Just down the hill, Murphys hosts its annual Holiday Open House on the first Friday of December. Picture a charming wine country town lit up with carolers, live music, mulled wine, and candy cane decor above the shop windows. Whether you’re sipping wine or cozying up by the fire, this corner of the Sierras is seriously underrated.
California truly has something for everyone during the holidays, whether you’re chasing snowflakes or palm trees. Which one of these magical spots is calling your name this year to spend Christmas in California?
