16 Enchanting Christmas Destinations in California for a Perfect Holiday Retreat

For years, I have been on a quest to discover the most magical places to celebrate Christmas in California.

Having grown up in Wisconsin, to me, Christmas has always meant a blanket of white snow, chilly evenings spent snuggled by the fireplace in cozy sweaters, and twinkling holiday lights everywhere. I crave those warm and fuzzy hygge vibes created by holiday lights!

Since moving to San Francisco a decade ago, where the temperature hovers around a mild 60-70 degrees year-round, my husband and I have made it our holiday tradition to explore different Christmas vacation spots in search of that magical experience we cherished in our youth.

If you’re dreaming of a California Christmas, continue reading for my favorite cities to visit in December and soak up all the festive charm!

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Disclaimer: I’m a total Christmas enthusiast. You know, someone who gets absolutely giddy about bright light displays, festive music, quirky matching sweaters, and the scent of pine wafting through the air – the whole holiday experience!

I refuse to miss my nightly tradition of watching Christmas movies throughout December. This time is when I truly shine!

So you’re in the right place because I’ve dedicated myself to uncovering the most enchanting Christmas destinations in California for you.

Christmas in California: What to Expect Weather-wise

Here’s the deal: California is vast. It really cannot be overstated just how large this state is – it can take over 13 hours to drive from the northern tip to the southern edge.

If you have a vehicle equipped for all-weather driving and don’t mind a long road trip, you can certainly seek out snow in the mountains for that classic winter Christmas vibe.

Alternatively, if you prefer a warm holiday season complete with sunshine, palm trees, and beach days, California has that as well!

We truly have the best of both worlds, catering to whatever your definition of “Christmas” is! Just be aware that weather will vary based on your destination, so pack appropriately.

10 Best Places to Spend Christmas in Northern California

Given the state’s size, I’ve categorized the best Christmas destinations in California by region (North and South) so you can enjoy the holiday spirit closer to home!

1. Nevada City Victorian Christmas Fair

Nevada City is the quintessential Christmas town in California and should be on every Christmas lover’s travel list. This charming area is an authentic Victorian City.

Once part of the Gold Rush scene, the locals are dedicated to preserving its rich history.

The entire downtown area is registered as a National Historic Place, boasting authentic 1800s architecture that radiates Christmas cheer!

Their annual Victorian Fair happens every Wednesday and Sunday throughout December.

It’s a delightful blend of the Dickens Fair in San Francisco and a traditional German Christmas Market, featuring people in vintage costumes, mulled wine, craft booths, festive music, and, of course, Santa mingling with the crowd.

This lively event transforms into a full-fledged Christmas celebration in the mountains! Just check the weather beforehand, as it can get quite chilly (remember to bring a jacket and gloves!).

I suggest booking a night at the National Hotel in the heart of Nevada City to immerse yourself in the holiday festivities. It’s one of those enchanting Christmas towns in California that has captured my heart.

2. San Francisco Christmas Lights

If a weekend escape isn’t possible, don’t worry! There are many fun Christmas activities in San Francisco that you can enjoy even if you’re staying in the city during December.

One of my favorite holiday activities is ice skating at the Union Square Ice Skating Rink, surrounded by a giant Christmas Tree. It’s the West Coast’s equivalent to skating at Rockefeller Center!

Make sure to purchase tickets online in advance to skip the lines. I suggest booking an hour at dusk, so you start skating at sunset and witness the beautiful holiday lights twinkling as darkness falls. It’s purely magical.

After skating, take a romantic stroll down Maiden Lane (where we took our engagement photos) or check out the Cheesecake Factory at the top of Macy’s.

While I usually steer clear of national chains, this location has wonderful outdoor seating overlooking Union Square, making it a fun spot for a post-skating treat!

You might also want to experience the annual Charles Dickens Fair (a holiday-themed village experience!). This event takes place at the Cow Palace and is a fantastic alternative if you can’t make it to Nevada City.

It’s like stepping into a live-action Victorian play – a truly entertaining time!

Lastly, there’s a great adventure in exploring the many residences that take pride in their Christmas displays! From the famous Tom & Jerry’s house to festive Tunnel Light streets, the Bay Area has countless hidden gems bursting with holiday cheer.

Who needs snow when you have bright city lights?!

3. Lake Tahoe

Explore both North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe!

If you’re on a search for snowy Christmas towns in California, look no further than Lake Tahoe for that quintessential winter getaway complete with snow, brisk weather, and classic mountain vibes.

I may not ski, but Lake Tahoe offers plenty of fun winter activities that don’t require hitting the slopes – and they go all out during December!

Every ski village hosts its own Christmas events (think horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, Santa’s visits, etc.).

Many larger hotels, like the Hyatt, are fully decorated and offer various holiday activities. Alternatively, you could stay at the Coachman Hotel, a trendy location that exudes a cozy cabin-in-the-woods feel.

For a truly charming Christmas experience, I often rent a cozy vacation home in Lake Tahoe to snuggle with my husband and enjoy a binge-watch of “The Christmas Prince” after a day of winter hikes.

4. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is my absolute favorite national park in the entire United States. Its magic persists no matter the season – there’s something truly humbling about driving beneath El Capitan for the very first time; it makes you feel wonderfully small.

Though summer is peak visitation time, I find that visiting Yosemite in fall and early winter (November to December) is incredibly special for experiencing a unique California Christmas.

The crowds dissipate, yet you still get to enjoy all the winter holiday enchantment without the heavy snowfall that generally sets in later.

I suggest booking a few nights at the Tenaya Lodge, a charming hotel located near the South Entrance that truly embraces the holiday spirit.

Imagine large trees adorning the lobby, ice skating underneath a canopy of Christmas lights, sipping festive cocktails, and more. Inside the park, you can also participate in the annual Christmas Bracebridge Dinner after a day of winter hiking!

Ensure you have shoe spikes for winter hiking and definitely spend a day in the park after a fresh snowfall.

There are countless beautiful Yosemite photography spots that capture the essence of a perfect white Christmas in California if you hit it just right. Mornings are best to catch epic photos of snow-dusted trees!

5. Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is like stepping into a fairytale village and stands out as one of my favorite Christmas spots in California.

Seriously – the absence of house numbers and the charming architecture feels like it’s been pulled straight from an English storybook.

This delightful village sparkles with numerous festive Christmas lights, and shops eagerly put up extravagant holiday displays.

I enjoy visiting here on day trips from San Francisco or stopping by on my way to Big Sur. The main street is perfect for wandering and popping into various stores.

Whether it’s a day filled with shopping, soaking up the coastal Christmas spirit, dining, or watching the sunset on the beach (which are among the best in the state!), Carmel’s charming ambiance makes for a romantic California Christmas getaway.

6. Mendocino & Fort Bragg

Mendocino and Fort Bragg are two of my favorite locations in California. It’s tough to adequately describe the sheer beauty of the Mendocino Coast and the instant relaxation you feel upon arrival.

While it may not snow here, the town dresses up beautifully for the holidays, complete with decorations and festive activities such as the Mendocino Christmas at the Ford House!

Don’t miss the renowned Holiday Skunk Train rides! Enjoy a Christmas Tree Train ride into the forest to visit the world’s largest Christmas tree, with Santa making special appearances. It’s an experience for all ages, but I suggest adults opt for the 4:00 PM or 6:40 PM rides, when everything glows beautifully!

I had such a wonderful time last year with my husband, Robin. We made the drive to Willits for a night to catch the train. We left the city around dusk and, by the time we reached the tree, it was pitch dark, and SO much FUN!

You might also consider staying overnight in Mendocino, which requires a slightly longer drive. Most luxury hotels in Mendocino pull out all the stops during Christmas, creating an experience filled with magic.

Cozy up next to a Christmas tree with some local Anderson Valley wine while diving into a book or savoring a fresh seafood dinner. I can’t stop daydreaming about it!

If a luxury stay isn’t feasible, you might even find it warm enough to go glamping, but treating yourself to a couple of nights at the Inn at Newport Ranch is worth considering!

7. Timber Cove Resort

Located just south of Mendocino along the Pacific Coast Highway is the charming rustic resort known as Timber Cove, which I am absolutely enamored with.

During the holiday season, the lobby is filled with Christmas decorations, and there’s something incredibly cozy about relaxing beside a fire while listening to holiday tunes during a winter storm.

The resort has a fantastic restaurant and bar, plus many games and rooms with ocean views. The best part is that during whale migration season, you can spot whales right from your room’s porch!

This unique destination is perfect for celebrating Christmas in California (but it’s also a great spot at any time of year – it’s truly one of my top hotels in California!)

8. Pelican Inn, Muir Beach

Tucked away in Muir Beach is Pelican Inn, a charming, small inn styled after 16th-century English architecture that goes all out for Christmas. It’s such a popular destination that rooms tend to book up for the holidays and New Year’s Eve months in advance.

I have spent the last three years trying (and failing) to snag a Christmas reservation.

But one day, I will secure that coveted booking, sleep in a four-poster bed, dine in the Tudor bar, and embrace my inner Brit. If you’re seeking a cozy spot for Christmas Eve in California, this is it!

Pelican Inn hosts a lovely dinner for guests on Christmas Eve and serves breakfast on the following day. It’s one of California’s best-kept Christmas secrets (I almost didn’t want to share it with you!)

9. Murphys, California

Situated in Calaveras County are the charming towns of Murphys and Arnold. My new Whimsy Homes cabin can be found here!

You might encounter snow in December, as the Bear Valley Ski Resort at the top of the pass is usually operational. You can even witness the Big Trees State Park blanketed in snow, but most importantly, don’t miss Murphys’ Holiday Open House event!

This event occurs on the first Friday of December, blocking off the entire historic downtown of Murphys. Stores and wineries remain open late, adorned with holiday lights, fire pits for warming up, and delightful music. It’s an incredible atmosphere and one of the most underrated Christmas experiences in California.

After spending a long day exploring, unwind in a nordic cedar hot tub and enjoy a Christmas movie beside the fire.

It’s also among my favorite California mountain getaway spots! I may be biased, considering I own a cabin there, hehe.

10. Santa Cruz Roaring Railroad

Did you know there’s a historic railroad in the Santa Cruz Mountains that provides scenic tours through the Redwoods? The Roaring Railroad runs beautiful tours year-round, but during the holidays, they offer a special Holiday Lights train.

This holiday train ride takes you throughout Santa Cruz, starting at the Boardwalk. Santa will make an appearance, along with some elves! I plan to experience this for the first time this year – stay tuned for my report!

Uniquely, they also host a Hanukkah train ride!

7 Best Places to Spend Christmas in Central & Southern California

Hey there, warm-weather aficionados! Although I usually lean towards cooler Christmas experiences, I have plenty of friends who celebrate with beach or desert getaways.

Here are the top warm-weather destinations to enjoy Christmas in Southern California!

1. Solvang

Located outside Santa Barbara is this charming little Danish-style town filled with wineries, quaint shops, delightful restaurants, and one of the best holiday events in the state.

This entire town embraces the holiday season in December with Danish-themed celebrations. Think festive light displays, parades, candlelight tours, Santa, caroling, and all the North Pole magic without the chilly temperatures!

If you’re wondering where to celebrate Christmas in California that offers warmth and has been named one of the nation’s best Christmas towns, Solvang is your destination!

2. Disneyland Christmas

What could be better than the happiest place on earth? Experiencing it during the Christmas season! Disneyland Resort truly excels in their holiday festivities, so I consulted my Disney connoisseur friend to provide the following tips.

First off, Disney’s decorations during Christmas are simply magical! As you stroll down Main Street USA, every shop is adorned with garlands, flowers, lights, and ornaments sparkling with pixie dust. With the park beautifully decorated, there are countless Instagram-worthy moments.

Be sure to snap a photo of the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle covered in snow or the giant Christmas Tree located at the entrance of Main Street.

One of my favorite highlights of Disneyland during this season is witnessing the Haunted Mansion transformed into “Haunted Mansion Holiday.” It’s a magical makeover that turns the Haunted Mansion into an attraction based on “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

See beloved characters like Jack Skellington and Sally, along with the mischievous Oogie Boogie trying to capture Sandy Claws.

Don’t forget to consult our handy guide to drinking at Disneyland to discover all the best holiday cocktails!

3. Palm Springs Christmas

Palm Springs might just be the perfect place for a laid-back Christmas vacation. I suggest booking an adorable Airbnb with a pool (try one of these stylish homes!) where you and your friends can relax by the pool while blasting holiday music and enjoying festive cocktails all day.

In the evening, visit Candy Cane Lane (also known as Christmas Tree Lane) along Minerva Street in Cathedral City, where residents beautifully decorate their homes with twinkling lights and decorations.

Alternatively, check out the annual WildLights show featuring music and extravagant light displays alongside Santa!

4. Newport Beach

Newport Beach is renowned for its annual Christmas Boat Parade. The harbor lights up with over 50 boats adorned in holiday decorations! If you’re in the Los Angeles region and seeking a fun family Christmas activity (or just want to feel like a kid again), this is the ultimate event.

You can also book a cruise for an up-close experience of the parade! (I’ve heard San Diego has similar festive boat events if you prefer to enjoy a more laid-back vibe).

In addition to the boat parade, Fashion Island puts up a GIANT Christmas Tree, and you can catch performances of “The Nutcracker” at the nearby Orange County Performing Arts Center.

Newport Beach is another fantastic city where booking a chic private house is a great idea, allowing you to unwind comfortably, play holiday music, and fully embrace the festive spirit together. This Airbnb is simply adorable!

5. Big Bear Lake

I absolutely adore Big Bear Lake! It’s a fantastic escape into the mountains, and I wish I lived closer. Often referred to as Southern California’s Lake Tahoe, this spot has both a lake and a ski resort.

Though smaller than Tahoe, this winter wonderland is only about an hour from LA!

I visited recently in the fall, and I can only imagine that hot tub photo covered in snow! If you’re searching for an ideal Southern California Christmas destination filled with snow and cozy cabin vibes, Big Bear is your answer.

You’ll find an abundance of adorable budget-friendly lake cabins available, along with ski slopes and snowshoeing trails, apres-ski bars, and lots of festive spirit in December. It’s truly one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in California!

6. Long Beach Queen Mary Christmas

The Queen Mary is an extraordinary hotel in Long Beach, being a historic ocean liner from 1936. Each December, the Queen Mary hosts a massive Queen Mary Christmas event to spread the holiday cheer.

Experience the tree lighting ceremony, an ice skating rink, and meet Mrs. Claus and Santa. Plus, they have a movie theater playing “The Polar Express” and other holiday favorites, along with a North Pole Village and fun rides.

They even offer date night packages for a festive night out with your partner!

7. Los Angeles

As you can likely tell, my favorite Christmas destinations focus on colder areas typically found in cozy, rustic mountain towns. However, snow isn’t everyone’s preference, I understand that.

Los Angeles showcases an array of warm-weather festive attractions for a uniquely Californian Christmas with palm trees and sunshine.

• Los Angeles Zoo: Perfect for all ages! They have a 90-foot light tunnel during the holidays, which is great for nighttime photos (very reminiscent of Christmas in Vancouver, Canada!).
• Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park): Every year, the park transforms with beautiful twinkling lights, giant snowflakes, classic Christmas tunes, performers, and dancing toys to set the festive atmosphere.
• Arboretum: They host the captivating Moonlight Forest Magical Lantern Festival, filled with illuminated sculptures and festive light tunnels, running from Thanksgiving to mid-January!
• Six Flags Magic Mountain: Known for their famous Holiday in the Park event featuring Christmas trees, a Victorian market, and delicious seasonal foods.
• The Grove: This elegant shopping center in LA transforms into an extravagant display for Christmas, making it a favorite local destination. Plus, it’s perfect for tackling your holiday shopping!
• Wizarding World at Universal Studios Hollywood: As a devoted Harry Potter fan, I adore this place. During the holidays, Hogsmeade is draped in fake snow and extra decorations, allowing you to fully embrace the holiday spirit.

Christmas In California Film – How Accurate Is That?

I recall watching a certain Netflix film with my friend Amy and almost turning it off multiple times because it was just that bad and unrealistic.

I mean, snow in Sonoma? If vineyards are blanketed in snow, we all have to worry about climate change!

This movie features Lauren Swickard (Callie) and Josh Swickard (Joseph) and tells the story of a ranch hand and an urban professional who find love in Sonoma over wine.

While I adore Sonoma and enjoy holiday wine tastings around Healdsburg, this region isn’t exactly the most festive in California. I haven’t watched “Christmas in California 2,” so I’m unsure if they opted for snow in San Francisco this time, haha!

I hope this guide helps you find the perfect escape to celebrate Christmas in California with your family or friends! I’m continuously updating this list as I discover new charming towns to visit for the holidays.

If you have a favorite Christmas spot that’s not on this list, please leave a comment below! I want to visit it next year!

If you have any inquiries, feel free to comment or DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul. I’m happy to help! Wishing you all a joyful holiday season!