10 Of The Cutest California Christmas Towns To Visit This Winter 2025, From Solvang Julefest To Carmel-By-The-Sea

Solvang, renowned as “The Danish Capital of America,” transforms into a holiday wonderland during its month-long Julefest celebration. Twinkling lights, traditional ornaments, and festive treats abound in this picturesque town, which was named the second-best Christmas destination in the U.S. Enjoy activities like candlelight tours, scavenger hunts, and themed markets while indulging in delightful local cuisine. Be sure to book your stay early!

This quaint Gold Rush-era hamlet northeast of Sacramento always turns up the charm during the holidays. Twice a week through Christmas, they present an impressive Victorian Christmas celebration along the lamp-lit streets. Shop from artisan makers and boutiques while snacking on free hot roasted chestnuts and listening to roaming Victorian carolers. Keep your eyes peeled for well-known characters such as the Walking Christmas Tree, the Toy Soldier, and Father Christmas.

This Christmas attraction in the sleepy seaside town of Cambria recently ranked 3rd on a list of the country’s most Instagrammable Christmas markets. The over 3 million Christmas lights alone are worth the visit, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg — show up ready to browse goods from talented local makers, pick up traditional decor and collectibles from a specialized German booth, catch live music and carolers in the Biergarten, embark on a magical all-ages train ride, and get pictures with Santa.

For forty years, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair has delighted guests at a large arena just south of San Francisco. The unique Christmas attraction drops you right into Victorian London, outfitted with over 100 intricately decorated shops and hundreds of merry, costumed players. Explore a lineup of attractions inspired by Charles Dickens’ most beloved characters, including Father Christmas, Mad Sal, and of course, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.

While there are multiple performances and experiences for children to enjoy, you’ll also find a nice lineup of adult-oriented activities including port and chocolate tasting, plus a mysterious pub crawl. Victorian costumes are encouraged but not required.

Beaumont’s gorgeous 123 Farm is about a 1.5-hour drive from Downtown Los Angeles, making for a delightful day trip if you live in the city. See the 1,000-year-old olive trees and sprawling lavender fields adorned with thousands of glimmering lights, creating a cozy destination with numerous activities and attractions to discover. Santa will be in attendance to hear children’s holiday wishes, and families love to explore installations like a life-size gingerbread house and the quirky Gnome Depot.

Holidays at Filoli is one of the Bay Area’s most underrated and captivating light displays, located just over half an hour by car from San Francisco. The historic estate and its gardens cover 16 acres in Woodside, and you can wander the sprawling grounds with a cup of mulled wine or whiskey cider in hand.

Elevate your visit by booking a private fire pit, taking a guided tour of the estate, or indulging in a glass of sparkling wine in the ballroom. Then, wrap up the season with the New Year’s Day “Hair of the Dog” hike, where you’ll stroll the grounds and enjoy drinks from refreshment stations placed around the trails.

Every single year, Newport Beach cultivates that perfect mix of quintessential California beach culture with the magic of Christmas lights and decorations. Look for multiple breathtaking light displays, from the “Nights of 1000 Lights” at Sherman Library & Gardens to the Ring of Lights on Balboa Island.

Undoubtedly the most popular event is the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, which is back for its 117th year with the addition of several drone shows. See a procession of illuminated boats sail along the waterfront with the best viewing from the 10.5-acre Marina Park. The coastal community of Newport Beach is located in Orange County, about an hour and a half drive from the center of LA.

The idyllic seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, or Carmel for short, always looks straight out of a fairytale due to its collection of adorable Victorian cottages. It becomes even more charming during the holidays when they adorn the town with thousands of glowing Christmas lights, especially in Carmel Plaza, which is pictured above.

Each year brings numerous holiday events, including the weekly Thursday farmers market, an outdoor holiday celebration on Dec. 5th. You can also get tickets for a community production of The Nutcracker and Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet at the Sunset Center.

Grass Valley presents the 57th annual Cornish Christmas celebration on Friday nights leading up to Christmas. This old-fashioned Christmas street fair is brimming with festive cheer, from the stalls selling handcrafted gifts to the fragrant scent of roasted chestnuts. Sip on spiced cider around a merry fire pit, listen to roaming carolers in Victorian attire, and get pictures with Santa Claus and other characters. The small town is nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, so you can consider making a detour there if you’re taking I-80 to Lake Tahoe.

Lake Arrowhead’s adorable Christmas village is the ultimate snowy escape in SoCal, dating back over 6 decades. Every year, they present a carefully curated, over-the-top Christmas wonderland lasting nearly two months.

The theme park is packed with impressive attractions and experiences like the outdoor ice skating pond, Santa’s workshop and post office, a joyful train ride leading to an illuminated wintery hiking trail, and some seasonal shops selling delicious holiday treats. Get tickets online in advance, because same-day tickets are not guaranteed at this popular attraction near LA.