Top Things To Do From Every Region (A Crowd-Sourced Guide From the Next Stop OC Community)

The holidays in California feel like an entirely unique season. One morning, you’re strolling palm-tree-lined sidewalks lit up with twinkle lights; the next, you’re in snow boots on a mountain slope, sipping cocoa by a fire. In this guide, I’ve gathered hundreds of local suggestions (thank you, everyone!) and crafted a bucket list of holiday magic—from coastal beaches to mountain towns to historic neighborhood traditions—so you can pick your own California-style December adventure.

Let’s get festive!

Top 10 California Holiday Experiences

Visit a harbor town for lights or a boat parade
Coastal cities up and down the state—from San Diego to the Bay Area—host lighted boat parades and waterfront displays that turn the water into a glowing holiday scene.

Watch a beach sunset with holiday lights or pier decorations
Whether it’s a Christmas tree on the sand, a lit-up pier, or a simple bonfire with friends, California does beach holidays like no one else.

Take a day trip (or long weekend) to a mountain town
From Big Bear to Tahoe, the mountains offer snow play, cozy cabins, and that “true winter” feeling without leaving the state.

Stroll or drive through a decorated neighborhood
Cities and small towns alike go all out with community-led light displays. Walking through these festive streets is one of the simplest, most nostalgic holiday traditions.

Visit a holiday shopping center or hotel that transforms for the season
Outdoor malls and shopping villages—from Fashion Island to The Grove—turn into mini holiday destinations with trees, lights, music, and seasonal treats. Hotels like the Grand Californian, Mission Inn, The Fairmont, and Del Coronado all have unique festive charm and events that attract people from all over the country.

Wander through a Christmas market
From Cambria’s European-style market to small-town pop-ups, California has so many charming holiday markets filled with lights, vendors, and live entertainment.

Ride a festive train or boat
Holiday train rides, themed boat cruises, and even Polar Express experiences make for a memorable seasonal adventure (especially for kids).

See a holiday show or performance
From The Nutcracker to The Grinch, communities across California put on performances that instantly make the season feel special.

Explore a botanical garden or zoo light walk
Lightscape, Glowfari, and other illuminated garden trails offer peaceful, immersive experiences that feel magical without the crowds of big city events.

Enjoy a cozy holiday food tradition
Whether it’s tamales and ponche on Christmas Eve, grabbing In-N-Out before a light drive, or treating yourself to hot chocolate at a local landmark, food-centered rituals make the season memorable.

Orange County Holiday Highlights

Orange County does the holidays in its own California-coastal way — sunshine, palm trees, and a surprising amount of over-the-top sparkle. From beachside Christmas trees to luxury shopping centers that transform into full festive destinations, the season here feels bright, playful, and effortlessly magical. Whether you’re wandering through a harbor glowing with lights or grabbing hot cocoa before a stroll around Balboa Island, OC makes it easy to step into the holidays with a little warmth and wonder.

Downtown Disney & The Grand Californian

You don’t need park tickets to feel the Disney holiday magic. From mid-November through early January, the Downtown Disney District transforms into a full seasonal celebration with holiday trees, twinkle lights, decorated shop windows, and plenty of festive treats. Each evening, gentle “snow” falls over the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and lawn between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., creating that classic Disneyland holiday feeling without ever entering the gates.

There’s live music, seasonal entertainment, limited-time food and drinks, and special holiday merchandise throughout the district. And just steps away, the Grand Californian Hotel becomes a destination in itself with its massive lobby tree, cozy fireplace, and the famous life-size gingerbread house that smells as good as it looks. It’s one of the easiest ways to soak in the Disney holiday atmosphere—no tickets required.

Holiday Shopping Wonderlands

Orange County does over-the-top shopping malls really well, somehow turning each center into its own little festive destination. Whether you’re grabbing gifts, meeting friends for dinner, or just wandering around to feel the holiday buzz, these spots always deliver a little extra sparkle this time of year.

Irvine Spectrum Center
Irvine Spectrum goes full holiday fun every December. From November through early January you’ll find an outdoor ice rink under the stars, nightly “Palm Lights” synchronized to music, snowfalls for the kids, and specialty festive events on weekends. It’s active, playful, and perfect for families or friends looking to turn a shopping trip into a mini-holiday outing. Holiday Irvine Company Retail

Fashion Island
Instead of a single tree-lighting event, Fashion Island hosts a nightly “Nights of Coastal Lights” in the Neiman Marcus–Bloomingdale’s Courtyard every half hour from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. (Mid-November to Late December) with a 90-foot tree, choreographed lights, and magical “snowfall” moments that feel distinctly SoCal.

South Coast Plaza
Just up the road, South Coast Plaza transforms into a luxurious holiday mall experience, with oversized ornaments, designer storefronts decked out in holiday sparkle, live performances, and exclusive seasonal treats from cafés and bakeries throughout the center.

Crystal Cove Beach Christmas Tree, Newport Beach

Every December, Crystal Cove State Park transforms its shoreline into a holiday moment you’ll remember. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree stands on the sand, backed by tide-pools and sunset skies.

What to expect: A peaceful beach walk, low-tide tide-pool exploring, holiday lights, and plenty of golden-hour photo ops. Parking is in the Los Trancos lot; plan for a short hike down to the beach, bring layers, and check tide and surf conditions ahead of time. This post has great information.

Knott’s Merry Farm – Buena Park

Knott’s transforms into a full holiday village from late November through early January, and it’s one of the most charming theme park holiday experiences in Southern California. Think twinkling lights everywhere, festive shows, holiday treats, carolers, craft booths, and Santa tucked inside a cozy cabin. It has that nostalgic, small-town-Christmas feel but with theme-park energy, which is why so many locals go every single year. It’s fun, affordable, and easy to make a whole day of it. Ticket prices start at $62.

Dana Point Harbor Lights

Dana Point Harbor turns into a full coastal holiday moment every December. The walkways, palm trees, and marina get wrapped in thousands of lights, with glowing tunnels, oversized ornaments, and those cute photo spots everyone loves. It’s free, easy to stroll, and one of the most laid-back ways to enjoy holiday lights without battling big crowds.

For the best experience, go right after sunset when the reflections hit the water. Parking is usually manageable in the evenings, and the harbor breeze can get chilly—so bring a light jacket. It’s one of those simple, cozy SoCal traditions that feels magical every time.

Balboa Island Holiday Lights

Balboa Island becomes one of the sweetest holiday destinations in Orange County come December. Every year the island hosts its annual Ring of Lights competition, where waterfront homes dress up their docks, balconies, and boats in dazzling light displays. Combine that with the Holiday Home Tour, and the island turns into a glowing labyrinth of festive magic.

Strolling Marine Avenue is the perfect complement — think boutique shopping, charming cafes, and of course the Candy Cane “Cringle” Balboa Bar (because dessert deserves its own holiday moment). On select weekends in December, the Christmas Walk event brings live music, shopping specials, and a real neighborhood feel.

Los Angeles Traditions

Los Angeles turns into a patchwork of festive neighborhoods in December — each one offering its own take on holiday magic. You can find classic nostalgia in Hollywood, glowing gardens in La Cañada, elegant displays in Beverly Hills, and entire streets transformed into family-run light shows. Mix in iconic landmarks, neighborhood traditions, and even “snowfall” under palm trees, and you have a city that celebrates the season with creativity and character at every turn.

The Grove, Los Angeles

If you’re looking for an easy, festive holiday night in LA, The Grove is one of those places that just gets it right. From mid-November through New Year’s, the entire outdoor shopping district turns into a polished winter village—towering Christmas tree, holiday music, seasonal treats, and nightly snowfall at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. It’s the kind of outing that feels special without requiring an ounce of planning.

Parking & Arrival Tips
The Grove’s parking structure makes things pretty painless, but the earlier you go, the better. Arrive around 4:30–5:00 p.m. if you want a slower pace, easier parking, and time to grab a snack before the tree and lights fully glow. Weeknights are noticeably calmer than weekends.

Beverly Hills Holiday Lights

Beverly Hills goes all-in for the holidays, with sparkling light displays, luxury-level décor, and some of the best festive photo spots in LA. The Beverly Hills Sign and Lily Pond put on a choreographed light show every 15 minutes, Beverly Cañon Gardens glows with illuminated trees and sculptures, and the iconic Santa and reindeer flying over Wilshire Boulevard make an appearance every year.

It’s easy to make a whole evening of it—start around sunset, enjoy two hours of free parking in the nearby structures, and stroll through the Golden Triangle for decorated windows, lights, and plenty of holiday energy. It’s polished, walkable, and surprisingly cozy for such a glamorous zip code.

Hollywood Christmas Parade

The Hollywood Christmas Parade is one of LA’s classic holiday traditions. Every year, Hollywood Boulevard fills with marching bands, giant balloons, performers, and festive floats, all set against the backdrop of the Walk of Fame. It’s nostalgic, family-friendly, and a fun way to experience old-school Hollywood during the holidays. Arrive early to grab a good spot along the route and plan for street closures and crowds—it’s part of the charm. Tickets cost $120 for adults and $70 for children.

Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens

Enchanted at Descanso Gardens is one of LA’s most beautiful holiday walk-through experiences. The gardens glow with illuminated trees, color-changing installations, and whimsical displays that feel both peaceful and magical. It’s perfect for a date night or a quiet family outing. Tickets often sell out, so book early, and try to time your visit for dusk—the lights are stunning as the sky gets darker. Tickets cost around $45 for adults and $30 for children.

Candy Cane Lane – El Segundo

Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo is a beloved neighborhood tradition where every home gets decked out in lights, inflatables, and over-the-top holiday displays. It’s high-energy, nostalgic, and great for a casual walk with hot cocoa in hand. Parking fills up quickly, so plan to arrive early or be ready for a short walk in from surrounding streets.

Naples Holiday Lights – Long Beach

Naples feels like a little holiday village on the water every December. The homes along the canals go all-out with lights, and the big event of the season is the Naples Island Christmas Boat Parade on December 20, 2025, at 6 p.m. The theme this year is “A Tropical Winter Wonderland,” which fits perfectly with Naples’ coastal vibe.

You can stroll the canals on foot, book a gondola cruise for an extra-dreamy view of the lights, or hop on a Long Beach holiday trolley tour that includes Naples as a featured stop. Some of the best vantage points are along Second Street and the Appian Way bridges, where you can see both the decorated homes and the boats floating by. It’s festive, walkable, and one of the prettiest holiday neighborhoods in Southern California.

Christmas Tree Lane – Altadena

Christmas Tree Lane is a mile-long stretch of Santa Rosa Avenue in Altadena lined with towering Himalayan cedar trees that have been lit every December since the 1920s. Designated as a California Historical Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s one of the oldest large-scale outdoor holiday displays in the country.

In January 2025, the nearby Eaton Fire swept through the neighborhood—but these century-old cedar trees mostly survived, while many homes on neighboring streets did not.

Seeing the illuminated lane after dark—strings of lights draped in the trees, families parking along the avenue, and the soft glow of the trunks against the night sky—feels like a return to tradition, a quiet resilience, and a holiday tradition you won’t forget.

San Diego Holiday Favorites

San Diego brings a relaxed, coastal charm to the holidays — the kind where you can ice skate by the ocean, stroll through historic districts lit up for the season, or explore botanical gardens glowing with illuminated trails. From Coronado’s iconic festivities to the high-energy celebration at Petco Park and the cultural vibrancy of Balboa Park, San Diego’s holiday season blends tradition with easygoing, beach-town joy. It’s festive without being frantic, and perfect for anyone craving a warm-weather winter celebration.

Hotel del Coronado – Ice Skating & Views

Skating on the sand? Absolutely. At Hotel del Coronado, you can skate, grab a drink, and watch the waves roll in. Hotel del Coronado turns into one of Southern California’s most iconic holiday destinations. The beachfront ice rink, holiday market, towering tree, and festive décor make it feel like a classic winter celebration—just with an ocean breeze. From late November through early January, you can skate by the sea, wander through themed light displays, enjoy holiday treats, and take photos under the sparkling trees outside the historic hotel. It’s equal parts nostalgic and coastal, and perfect for a full family outing or a romantic night walk. General admission tickets for ice skating are $40. You can enjoy other free installations and activities throughout the property.

Petco Park Holiday Wonderland

Petco Park transforms into a Holiday Wonderland with light tunnels, themed photo spots, seasonal food and drinks, and festive displays tucked throughout the stadium. It’s a fun, high-energy outing for families, and an easy way to combine holiday excitement with one of San Diego’s most beloved landmarks. Go right at sunset to catch the lights as they switch on. Tickets start at $18 for kids and $25 for adults.

December Nights – Balboa Park

December Nights is a two-day multicultural holiday celebration in San Diego, filling Balboa Park with lights, international food, cultural performances, music, and family-friendly activities. It’s lively, diverse, and an annual tradition for many San Diegans. Go early to explore the museums and stay after dark for the full light experience. Limited free parking is available. Paid parking ranges from $25-$45.

Encinitas Botanic Garden Lightscape

Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden is the quieter, more immersive option. This walk-through trail of illuminated art installations, glowing forests, and light tunnels feels peaceful and atmospheric. It’s perfect for couples or families who want something magical but less crowded than the big city events. Book ahead—Lightscape usually sells out early in the season. Tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for children. Discounts are available for groups and military.

The Grinch at the Old Globe Theatre

The Old Globe’s annual production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a San Diego holiday tradition. The show brings the beloved story to life with the charm of a classic theatre experience and is a favorite of kids and adults alike. If you want something festive and indoors, this is one of the city’s most reliable and heartwarming options. Ticket prices start at $98 for adults and $88 for children.

Mountain Towns, & Winter Escapes

California’s mountain towns bring a completely different kind of holiday magic — crisp air, pine trees, snowy adventures, and that slow, cozy rhythm you only find in the mountains. Whether you want a full winter wonderland or just a festive day trip, these spots deliver the perfect seasonal reset.

Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead & Idyllwild
These three are the heart of SoCal winter. Big Bear is your go-to for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing; Lake Arrowhead offers charming village vibes and lakeside strolls; and Idyllwild is ideal for a quiet, artsy getaway surrounded by forest.

Santa’s Village – SkyPark at Lake Arrowhead
SkyPark Santa’s Village turns the forest into a storybook Christmas village complete with cookie decorating, Santa’s cottage, forest skating, and live entertainment. It’s nostalgic, magical, and especially perfect for families with kids. Tickets are $59 for adults and $49 for children.

The Polar Express – Southern California
A holiday favorite for younger kids, the SoCal Polar Express ride brings the classic story to life with singing chefs, hot chocolate, golden tickets, and a visit from Santa — all aboard a decorated holiday train. Pricing ranges from $60-$80, depending on date and times.

Oak Glen
Oak Glen carries its fall charm straight through the holidays. Think small mountain farms, cider stands, wreath-making, cozy shops, and occasional snow. It’s rustic, relaxed, and great if you love pairing a holiday outing with good food.

Julian
Julian is a tiny mountain town with big holiday charm. Historic buildings are strung with lights, the Christmas tree lighting is a local favorite, and the whole place feels extra cozy when there’s snow on the ground. And yes — don’t leave without a slice of pie.

Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth does winter on a bigger scale. With world-class skiing and snowboarding, holiday torchlight parades, village lights, and snowy trails, it’s perfect for anyone who wants a full alpine holiday experience. The Village at Mammoth also gets decked out for the season, making après-ski evenings extra festive.

Lake Tahoe
Tahoe is one of California’s most breathtaking winter destinations. Expect snow-covered pines, frozen lake views, ski resorts, sleigh rides, festive villages, and cozy cabin stays. Both North and South Lake Tahoe offer their own holiday charm — from ski-town celebrations to waterfront lights and New Year’s events.

Why people love these spots
You get a true winter wonderland without ever leaving the state. These mountain towns offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation — snow in the morning, hot chocolate in the afternoon, and cozy cabin nights under the trees.

Central Coast Christmas Charm

The Central Coast might have the most underrated holiday season in California. Small towns go big with lights, historic streets turn into glowing walkways, and the mix of ocean, pines, fog, and twinkle lights creates a kind of magic you won’t find anywhere else in the state.

Cambria Christmas Market
The Cambria Christmas Market is one of the most immersive holiday light experiences in California. Inspired by traditional German markets, it features a massive walk-through light display, artisan stalls, food vendors, live music, and cozy fire pits. It’s the kind of place where you spend hours wandering, sipping something warm, and soaking up the storybook atmosphere. Tickets sell out every year—book early. Tickets start at $28

Solvang at Christmastime
Solvang already looks like a European village year-round, but something special happens in December. The windmills, bakeries, and half-timbered buildings glow with lights, and the entire town hosts events including candlelit tours, parades, holiday markets, and festive treats everywhere you turn. It’s charming, walkable, and the closest you’ll get to a European Christmas without leaving California. This blog post goes into great detail about all of the events.

Madonna Inn – San Luis Obispo
If you want over-the-top holiday décor, Madonna Inn is the moment. Their iconic pink dining room gets decked out with garlands, glittering ornaments, and a massive tree—it’s maximalist, nostalgic, and so much fun. Many people go just for dessert and hot chocolate, which has its own cult following.

Christmas at The Margarita – Santa Maria
Christmas at The Santa Margarita Ranch is a newer Central Coast holiday event, but it already feels like a destination. Set on a historic ranch in Santa Maria, the experience includes walkthrough light displays, Santa visits, seasonal treats, and family-friendly activities across the beautiful Margarita Ranch property. It’s a great option if you want a festive night without the crowds of the bigger events. Tickets start at $40 for adults and $25 for children

Inland Empire Holiday Highlights

The Inland Empire has some of the most beloved (and surprisingly magical) holiday traditions in Southern California. From historic light festivals to small-town charm, this region brings a cozy, nostalgic feel to the season — and so many of your recommendations pointed here.

Mission Inn Festival of Lights – Riverside
The Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights is the crown jewel of the Inland Empire holiday season. Every year, the iconic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa transforms into a glowing holiday village with millions of lights, animated displays, a massive Christmas tree, vendors, treats, and live entertainment. The whole downtown Riverside area joins in the celebration, giving it a festive, old-world charm. It gets busy (because everyone loves it), but a weeknight visit is perfect if you want room to stroll.

Beyond the Mission Inn itself, the entire downtown area gets wrapped in lights. Local shops host holiday specials, vendors line the streets, and families gather for treats and photos. It’s an easy addition to your Mission Inn visit and makes the night feel fuller.

Thoroughbred Christmas Lights – Rancho Cucamonga
Rancho Cucamonga’s Thoroughbred Street lights up every December with one of the Inland Empire’s most popular residential holiday displays. The neighborhood becomes a glowing spectacle of lights, inflatables, and blow-ups that line streets and lawns. Local authorities coordinate traffic and provide detailed maps, making it easier to plan your visit. This is a go-to for families, groups of friends, and photo seekers. Come right after dusk when the displays hit full effect.

Northern California Holiday Picks

Northern California brings its own kind of holiday charm—historic hotels dressed up for the season, glowing zoos, festive train rides, and city streets that feel straight out of a classic holiday movie. From San Francisco to Oakland and the Bay Area’s smaller towns, the region offers a beautiful mix of nostalgia, culture, and cozy winter magic.

Redwoods Drive-Through Lights Experience

If you want a holiday experience that feels completely different from the city lights, head into the towering redwoods of Sonoma County. Alliance Redwoods hosts a drive-through light experience on select December evenings, where cabins, forest paths, and sky-high trees are wrapped in festive lights. It’s quiet, cozy, and naturally magical — the kind of holiday moment that feels equal parts nostalgic and awe-inspiring.

Fairmont San Francisco – Gingerbread House & Holiday Displays

The Fairmont’s life-size gingerbread house is a NorCal holiday icon. The historic lobby transforms with towering trees, elaborate décor, and an entire walk-through gingerbread installation made with hundreds of pounds of candy and icing. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the city and a must-see if you're already exploring the holiday lights on Nob Hill

Union Square Ice Rink – San Francisco

Union Square turns into a classic winter scene every year with its outdoor ice rink, sparkling holiday tree, Macy’s windows, and bustling crowds. It’s lively, festive, and one of the best people-watching spots in the city. Skate at sunset to catch the lights switching on around the square. Tickets to skate cost $22 for adults and $17 for children.

San Francisco Ballet – Nutcracker

The San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker is one of the longest-running holiday traditions in the city. The production is elegant, whimsical, and perfect for a night out in December—whether you’re making it a family tradition or turning it into a festive date night. Ticket prices range from about $50 -$250, depending on the seats.

Glowfari – Oakland Zoo

Glowfari turns the Oakland Zoo into a glowing safari at night. Giant illuminated animal lanterns line the pathways, creating a luminous walk-through experience that feels both playful and magical. Kids love it, adults love it, and it’s one of the most unique holiday light displays in Northern California. Ticket prices vary nightly.

Festive Train Rides – Bay Area & Northern California

Northern California does holiday trains incredibly well, and they’re a hit with families. Options vary by location—think decorated cars, hot chocolate service, lights, Santa visits, and themed rides that take you through scenic winter landscapes. From the Napa Valley Wine Train to smaller community routes, it’s an easy, memorable way to celebrate the season. This blog post lists them all!

Festive Experiences & Traditions

California’s holiday season is defined by contrasts — beach days and snow trips, surfboards and Santa hats, drive-through light shows and gourmet Christmas Eve dinners. These are the experiences and traditions our community shared that truly capture what makes a California December feel magical.

Coastal Christmas Trees & Pier Lightings

Many coastal cities in California celebrate the season by lighting up their beaches and piers, creating unforgettable holiday backdrops.

• Manhattan Beach lights up its pier with a tree made entirely of lights, glowing over the ocean.
• Pacific Beach (San Diego) features a beautiful lit Christmas tree at the end of its pier.
• Huntington Beach hosts an annual holiday lighting of the pier, creating a dramatic illuminated coastline even though it’s not a traditional tree lighting.
• Pismo Beach decorates its pier with Christmas-tree-shaped lights, offering a festive shoreline stroll.
• Crystal Cove famously places a decorated tree right on the sand, with the ocean as its backdrop.

These events are simple, stunning, and uniquely Californian. Many families make a full evening of it — arriving at golden hour, walking the pier, and grabbing a warm drink afterward.

Surfing Santa Celebrations

Perhaps the most unmistakably California holiday tradition is the arrival of Santa on a surfboard — or some other seaworthy vessel.

• San Diego (Seaport Village) welcomes “Surfin’ Santa” each November when he arrives by watercraft to greet visitors and take photos.
• Dana Point (Salt Creek Beach) hosts a Surfing Santa Contest featuring surfing, paddleboarding, live music, and fundraising for local charities.
• Capitola brings Santa ashore by outrigger canoe every year, drawing crowds of beachgoers and families.

These events are beloved not just for their novelty but for how they bring the community together at the ocean’s edge.

Harbor Town Lights & Boat Parades Up the Coast

Dozens of harbor towns along the California coastline host memorable holiday boat parades, each with its own local personality. These include:

• San Diego Harbor Parade of Lights
• Mission Bay Boat Parade
• Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
• Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade
• Long Beach Naples Boat Parade
• Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
• Oxnard Christmas “Parade of Lights”
• Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade
• Santa Barbara Parade of Lights
• Half Moon Bay Lighted Boat Fest
• San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Lighted Boats

From decorated yachts to fishing boats glowing with lights, these parades turn the waterfront into a festive nighttime spectacle. For many families, bundling up with cocoa and taking a waterside walk is the moment the season truly begins.

Beach Traditions

Because where else can you spend the holidays barefoot?

• Christmas Day beach volleyball is a tradition for many Southern Californians.
• Watching the last sunset of the year from the beach is a quiet, reflective moment that feels special every time.
• Holiday beach bonfires are a favorite — think s'mores, blankets, and a sunset backdrop.

Rose Parade Traditions

Camping out on Colorado Boulevard the night before the Rose Parade is a tradition for many longtime Angelenos. It’s part community gathering, part endurance challenge, and entirely unique to Southern California.

Neighborhood Light Drives

One of the most down-to-earth community traditions shared was driving or walking through local neighborhood lights (often with cocoa and In-N-Out in hand!).
It’s simple, nostalgic, and surprisingly fun — especially in neighborhoods that go above and beyond with their displays.

Christmas Eve Food Traditions

Food is at the heart of many California holiday celebrations, and the most consistently shared tradition was:

Tamales on Christmas Eve.
Dozens of you said this is the moment your holiday truly begins — kitchens full of family, masa, laughter, music, and the comforting smell of simmering ponche.

Other favorites include:

• Seafood for Thanksgiving (a uniquely California twist)
• See’s Candies as a seasonal staple

These traditions highlight the blend of cultures that make California’s holiday season so rich and special.

TLDR

California offers a holiday season that’s rich in variety and full of unexpected magic—from palm trees wrapped in lights to snow-covered cabins and from boat parades to neighborhood light-walks. Whatever your style, this list gives you the ideas and inspiration to fill your December with tradition, warmth, and a little California sunshine.