There’s enough going on in California during the holidays to fill up your calendar from now through the new year. To help you find the best bets for your crew, we’ve gathered more than 50 things we’re excited to do and see this season. From spectacular boat parades and themed train rides to Santa skiing adventures and over-the-top light displays, here are some merry ways to spend the holidays in the Golden State.
1. Watch a holiday boat parade
Throughout the season, multiple destinations
California’s coastline lights up this time of year with evening boat parades—fancifully illuminated yachts, sailboats, and even rowboats that have helped create local holiday traditions. Plan a trip around events such as Oxnard's Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights (Dec. 14), the Winterfest Sausalito parade in Sausalito (Dec. 14–15), the Santa Barbara Parade of Lights (Dec. 8) on Santa Barbara Harbor, and the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Dec. 18–22) in Newport Beach. You can often see the docked ships lit up on many other December evenings, too.
2. Visit a small town with Christmas spirit
Throughout the season, multiple destinations
From Gold Rush towns that look like they came straight out of a Charles Dickens novel to mountain villages covered in snow, these 15 towns deliver plenty of holiday charm.
3. See America’s tallest living Christmas tree come to light
Dec. 1, Ferndale
This little town on California’s North Coast pulls out all the stops come Christmas time. Join this tight-knit community as it watches the lighting of a 160-plus-foot-tall fir tree—the tallest living Christmas tree in the United States—complete with complimentary cookies and hot cocoa. Afterward, stroll down the Victorian-style historic downtown that’s lined by garland-wrapped streetlights.
4. Stroll through decorated coastal inns
Dec. 3, Pacific Grove
During the Christmas at the Inns event in Monterey County, you can visit seven bed-and-breakfasts and inns decorated for the holidays. Bring the whole family to enjoy live music and holiday treats as you wander through the picturesque properties. Tickets are $25 per person (free for kids under 12).
During the first four weekends in December, the neighboring city of Monterey celebrates the 8th Annual Christmas on the Wharf with live entertainment from choirs, youth dancers, and singers, as well as Santa sightings at his little house on the Wharf.
5. Experience a winter wonderland with a German twist
Dec. 14, Big Bear Lake
The two-day Big Bear Christkindlmarkt features live German entertainment, carolers, holiday vendors, free arts and crafts, and a giant Wishing Tree. Kids can enjoy visits with the Christkind Angel and St. Nicholas while adults indulge in traditional German foods and libations.
6. Go ice skating, California-style
Throughout the season, multiple destinations
The Golden State offers numerous seasonal skating rinks for the holidays. By Thanksgiving, rinks open at Mammoth Lakes, San Francisco’s Union Square, and the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego County, to name but a few. For extra-majestic natural scenery, go to the Shasta Cascade region, where the NHL regulation-sized Siskiyou Ice Rink in Mt. Shasta offers views of Mount Shasta and boasts of being the biggest outdoor ice rink on the West Coast. Some unique attractions host their own rinks, such as Vossler Farm in Visalia, which offers a limited-time rink as well as holiday hay rides.
7. Visit a zoo after dark
Throughout the season, multiple destinations
Discover family-friendly holiday magic at one of the many zoos and wildlife parks in California. San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells hosts the light show Aurora, plus musical performances and polar bear photo ops, while the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido offers the walk-through experience Wild Holidays. Walk through animal-shaped, silk-covered lanterns at the Oakland Zoo’s Glowfari and Santa Barbara ZooLights. WildLights at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert has been rated among the country’s best zoo lights for a reason, with more than 1 million sparkling lights and model trains running along 3,300 feet of track.
Find more festive displays at Fresno Chaffee Zoo Illuminature and L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow. The L.A Zoo event (through Jan. 5) features fun activities (like Christmas Pajama Nights) and the famed zoo in Fresno features animal light displays of all shapes and sizes with nature, Christmas, and Lunar New Year themes—and lasts until Feb.1.
8. Meet Surfing Santa in San Diego
Nov. 30, San Diego
The man famous for his red suit and sleigh shows up on a watercraft and wearing a Hawaiian shirt at the annual Surfin’ Santa parade and meet-and-greet in Seaport Village, just outside downtown San Diego.
9. Enjoy holiday cheer on the San Francisco Peninsula
Early Dec., Pacifica
The San Francisco Peninsula town of Pacifica hosts a free-admission Holiday Extravaganza the first weekend of December with food trucks, Santa visits, free pony rides, a tree lighting, and a parade. Come for the nearby Rockaway Tree Lighting Festival (Dec. 1) too.
10. Enter a dazzling world of color at California gardens
Throughout the season, multiple destinations
Across the Golden State, botanical gardens feature immersive light displays throughout their lush grounds. Watch as the flora at Descanso Garden’s Enchanted Forest of Light, Turtle Bay Exploration Park’s Redding Garden of Lights, and Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens’ Festival of Lights twinkle brilliantly on an evening stroll. The popular Lightscape display, a display of 1 million lights, tunnels, and art installations, will also return this holiday season to the San Diego Botanic Garden and the Los Angeles Arboretum.
11. Plan a theme park holiday
Throughout the season, multiple destinations
All of California’s theme parks celebrate in their own ways: In Anaheim, Disneyland Resort decks out classic rides (including It’s a Small World) and observes a variety of cultural traditions at its Festival of Holidays, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park morphs into Knott’s Merry Farm. In Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood makes the most of Grinchmas and a magical yuletide within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Down in San Diego County, choose from holiday parties at LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld San Diego, and Sesame Place San Diego.
Santa Cruz’s Beach Boardwalk offers a Winter Wonderland (select days, Nov. 28–Jan. 5) including a three-story tall Christmas tree and photo ops with Santa in a Giant Dipper roller coaster car. Boost your cheer by renting a firepit table for holiday s’mores.
For even more theme park festivities, check out holidays at the theme parks.
12. Bask in the lights at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Nov. 23–Jan. 6, Riverside
This grand dame hotel in Riverside boasts a whopping 5 million lights as part of its annual Festival of Lights. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to stroll the grounds that are also dotted with 200 animated figures, decorated trees, and the world’s largest mistletoe.
Downtown Riverside offers more holiday cheers at the Festival of Trees (Nov. 26) at the city’s convention center featuring more decorated trees, a holiday marketplace, and seasonal food-and-drink stalls.
13. Glimpse famed holiday streets
Throughout the season, multiple destinations
Walk through Fresno’s famous Christmas Tree Lane (Dec. 3–25) to experience two miles of elaborately decorated homes, a tradition that goes back more than a century. For more decked-out roads, check out Visalia’s Candy Cane Lane Parade (Dec. 2), Calabasas’ epic new Holiday Road (select dates, Nov. 29–Dec. 28), showcasing larger-than-life light and sculpture installations, and Torrance’s long-running Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza.
14. Try a Christmas tamale
Dec. 7–8, Indio and Oxnard
Christmas tamales are a beloved holiday tradition in many cultures. For all your masa cravings, look no further than the Indio Tamale Festival, which takes place in Greater Palm Springs. A tradition for more than 30 years, the festival offers live mariachi music, the world’s biggest bounce house, and a sprawling night market.
Oxnard throws its own masa-wrapped party at its 17th Annual Tamale Festival (Dec. 7), offering both sweet and savory tamales along with a holiday crafts fair, kids activities, and live music in Plaza Park.
15. Wander the Illuminate SF Festival of Lights
Nov. 24–Jan. 31, San Francisco
Public art and holiday spirit converge to create the incredible Illuminate SF Festival of Lights. The event features more than 60 glowing light installations placed throughout 17 San Francisco neighborhoods.
16. See “The Nutcracker” ballet
Throughout the season, multiple destinations
Do visions of sugar plums dance in your head? Book tickets to the Tchaikovsky holiday favorite. See the San Francisco Ballet’s rendition at the stunning San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center or head across the bay to watch the Oakland Ballet at the Paramount Theatre. The Los Angeles Ballet delivers a California twist, setting the production in turn-of-the-century L.A. In San Diego, enjoy a two-fold performance where the Golden State Ballet is accompanied by the San Diego Symphony. San Jose, Sacramento, and San Luis Obispo also put on high-quality renditions.
17. Watch a candy cane demo
Throughout the season, Ontario
Opened in 1933, Logan’s Candies in Ontario is known for its unforgettable candy-cane-making demonstration. Watch as owner (and now-TikTok star) Jerry Rowley creates the store’s most iconic item. Try sweet samples as he walks you through the mesmerizing process of forming this iconic red-and-white-striped treat. The demo ends with the bending of your very own warm candy cane.
18. Celebrate Julefest on the Central Coast
Nov. 29–Jan. 5, Solvang
The Danish-themed town of Solvang looks like the set of a Hallmark movie year-round, but during the holidays it really shines. Celebrate Julefest, starting after Thanksgiving, which features a tree-lighting ceremony, parade, the Solvang Nativity Spectacular, and more. Get in the spirit by purchasing a gingerbread house–making kit at the Solvang Bakery (order ahead to pick up in person).
19. Shop and dine on Pier 39
Nov. 26–Jan.7
In San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 becomes a winter wonderland with decorated stores and restaurants during HapPIER Holidays. The Pier’s 60-foot Christmas tree, harvested from Siskiyou County, transforms into a light show set to holiday music every half hour from 5–10 p.m., and many stores are open on Christmas Day.
20. Santa Train Journeys at Silverado Resort
Nov. 30–Dec. 29
Climb aboard the magical Santa Train at the Silverado Resort, where kids can meet Santa and enjoy holiday stories, treats, and fun activities. This family-friendly journey brings the enchantment of Christmas to life in the scenic Napa Valley.
21. Do a wine country winter weekend
Dec. 6, Healdsburg
Head to Sonoma County for a Merry Weekend in Healdsburg. The three-day celebration kicks off with a tree lighting and continues with live music from Healdsburg Chorus and a very merry sidewalk sale. Tuck into Hotel Healdsburg for a holiday tea service, served at the onsite Dry Creek Kitchen Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 7–22.
22. Pay homage to the Nation's Christmas Tree
Dec. 8, Kings Canyon National Park
In 1925, the town of Sanger held a holiday celebration under the branches of the General Sherman Tree. Today the tradition lives on, always on the second Sunday of December: Head to Kings Canyon National Park where you’ll trek to the awe-inspiring sequoia President Calvin Coolidge named the Nation’s Christmas Tree.
23. Ski in a Santa suit
Dec. 15 and 18, Wrightwood and South Lake Tahoe
Hit the slopes in your best Mr. Claus attire. On Dec. 15, Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood is getting in the holiday spirit by offering free skiing and snowboarding to anyone in a full Santa suit on its annual Santa Sunday. In South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Resort is throwing its own Santa bash on Dec. 18 with an après-ski party for all suit-wearers. Then, walk the streets of South Lake Tahoe to check out the confectionary architecture created by different businesses as part of its Gingerbread House Crawl.
24. Ride a tram, hang out with Santa
Dec. 7 and 14, Palm Springs
Climb 6,000 feet on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and be greeted by expansive mountain views and a breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7. On Dec. 14, Santa will make an appearance at the Tramway’s Mountain Station.
If you’re in downtown Palm Springs on a Thursday, be sure to stroll down Palm Canyon Drive, where the weekly Village Fest embraces the holidays on Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and unique handcrafted gifts.
25. Take part in a snowman-lighting tradition
Dec. 8–18, Sonoma County
Visit the Bohemian Corridor for this holiday drive-thru experience, then meet up with Santa and Bigfoot at the historic Union Hotel in Downtown Occidental .
26. See the Capistrano Lights
Dec. 7–29, San Juan Capistrano
On select evenings in December, Mission San Juan Capistrano comes alive under colorful lights. The 10-foot wreath, large-scale nativity scene, and Dickens-era carolers make for excellent family photo backdrops.
27. Cruise through a drive-thru event
Throughout the season, multiple destinations
Stay cozy in your car and enjoy the lights and displays at attractions all over the state—perhaps parking to get some food-truck cuisine or hot cocoa. Check out these drive-thru holiday experiences, like Christmas in the Park in downtown San Jose or Christmas Tree Lane in Oxnard.
28. Cheer for The Grinch at the Old Globe Theatre
Nov. 6–Dec. 31, San Diego
Soak up the ambiance of Balboa Park’s Old Globe Theatre—modeled after Shakespeare’s London landmark—in this musical version of Dr. Seuss’s holiday tale. (Dr. Seuss was a longtime resident of La Jolla.) On Dec. 6–7, check out another beloved holiday tradition in San Diego’s city park: December Nights, a two-evening open-air celebration of lights, music, and food vendors.
29. Celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas in Coloma
Dec. 14–15, Coloma
Year round, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park offers a window back in time to Gold Rush–era California—and the holidays are no exception. At Christmas in Coloma, you can try your hand at wreath-making, ride a horse-drawn wagon, and share carols around the campfire.
30. Experience a Victorian holiday
Dec. 8–22, Nevada City
You might feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday time machine in this Gold Country town, where the downtown streets come to life with strolling carolers in full period garb, roasting chestnuts, and vendors offering charming little gifts during the Nevada City Victorian Christmas. Runs on Wednesdays and Sundays.
31. Get into the spirit at creative parades
Dec. 7 and 14, Calistoga and Eureka
The Napa Valley town of Calistoga hosts a Tractor Light Show Parade—a lineup of illuminated floats that includes tractors s well as construction and utility vehicles. Up in Humboldt County, gaze at glittering Mack trucks and incandescent 18-wheelers during Eureka’s annual Trucker’s Parade. Some trucks require three generators just to support their 40,000-plus adorned lights. Festivities will also include bandstand platforms, dancing reindeer, and flying fish.
32. Immerse yourself in a themed village
Nov. 16–Jan. 7, Santa’s Village
Year-round you can hike, bike, and ride ziplines at SkyPark at Santa’s Village, located near Lake Arrowhead. But during the holiday season it transforms into the North Pole, with ice skating, mini train rides, Christmas-themed puppet shows, and breakfasts with Santa. There’s even an adorable gingerbread house bakery that serves cookies and cinnamon rolls.
33. Listen to the Sacramento Men's Gay Chorus sing holiday hits
Dec. 7, Sacramento
Ring in the season with family-friendly fun at Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass. Hear popular holiday songs with hilarious twists at this concert extravaganza held at the Crest Theatre.
34. Stay at a festive hotel
Throughout the season, multiple destinations
Find that home-away-from-home magic at a hotel that does all the cooking, decorating, and sometimes even the shopping for you. Step inside a gingerbread mansion at the Fairmont San Francisco or skate on the beach at the Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island. Check out our list of more California holiday hotels that pull out all the stops.
35. Go on a candlelit walk through the redwoods
Dec. 6–7, Orick
Stroll under the candlelit canopy of ancient redwoods at Prairie Creek Redwood State Park in the Northern California town of Orick. Enjoy an evening in the sequoias at this half-mile round-trip walk on an ADA-friendly path, with 500 luminaria lighting your way, complemented with refreshments, music, and storytellers.
36. Travel back in time at Columbia State Historic Park
Dec. 21–22, Columbia
Step back into the 1850s at Columbia State Historic Park to experience what Christmas in a California Gold Rush town may have looked like nearly 200 years ago. At Miner’s Christmas, families and friends can listen to prospectors tell holiday stories, actually indulge in chestnuts roasted over an open fire, and make old-timey arts and crafts.
37. Take a twilight tour at Hearst Castle
Select dates in Nov. and Dec., San Simeon
Get a glimpse of how mogul William Randolph Hearst used to celebrate the holidays on this guided seasonal tour of the legendary estate in San Simeon. The experience takes visitors through decorated grounds, the guest house, and the social rooms at Casa Grande, complete with giant Christmas trees.
38. Run a race in a Santa suit
Throughout the season, multiple destinations
Trade your wicking t-shirt and athletic visor for a Santa suit and bright red hat. With nearly 20,000 jolly elves annually, the San Diego Santa Run 5K (Dec. 14) might be the largest, but it’s not the only California-based race where festive garb comes with your registration. Holiday racers can also get their jollies at Run for a Claus 5K (Costa Mesa, Dec. 14); Santa Runs Griffith Park (Dec. 15, Los Angeles); Stockton Santa Dash (Dec. 7); Holiday Half Marathon (Dec. 14–15, Pomona); Santa Run Silicon Valley (Dec. 15, San Jose); Santa Hustle Half Marathon (Dec 15, Roseville); Visalia Jingle Bell Run (Dec. 15); Santa to Sea Half Marathon (Oxnard, Dec. 8); Santa Claus for a Cause 5K and 10K (Huntington Beach, Dec. 14); Santa Paws 5K (Dec. 7, Palm Springs); and Auburn Santa Run/Walk 5K (Dec. 14). Sausalito’s Jingle Bell 5K (Dec. 15) offers the extra motivation of an official brunch afterward.
39. Stuff your stocking in El Dorado Hills
Dec. 7, El Dorado Hills
Kids get to combine the fun of trick-or-treating with the magic of the holidays in El Dorado Hills, located east of Sacramento. Typically the first 300 children who attend the Christmas Tree Lighting can fill up their stockings with special gifts from local businesses. Get a pic with Santa on Wednesdays through Sunday during the holiday season at the nearby California Welcome Center.
40. Step into Victorian London
Nov. 23–Dec. 22, Daly City
Don your finest capelet or tailcoat and immerse yourself in a holiday fair filled with Dickens-inspired characters, live music, sweet treats, and shopping at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Daly City (located in San Mateo County).
41. Sing along at a Merry-achi Christmas
Dec. 13–14, Bakersfield
Head to Bakersfield’s historic Fox Theater for two productions of The Nutcracker performed on consecutive days, one a community-based production and the other performed by the Nuckracker! Magical Christmas Ballet dance company on an international tour.
42. Hop on a holiday train
Throughout the season, multiple destinations
All across California, vintage trains decked in holiday lights offer nostalgia-filled adventures. Step aboard the Magical Christmas Train in West Sacramento, Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train, or the Polar Express Train Ride in Sacramento to chug through local scenery on your way toward a Santa meet-and-greet. In San Bernardino County, Fontana’s Festival of Winter offers its own train rides as well Santa photo ops, and snow sledding.
The historic Skunk Train’s redwood-lined route in Willits is infused with Christmas magic in Mendocino County. Roll through the Santa Cruz streets as you belt out Christmas carols on the Holiday Lights Train. For a more adult-focused excursion, book a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train’s Very Merry Vista Dome with 360-degree views of wine country and a three-course dinner paired with sips.
43. Enter a gingerbread competition
Nov. 23–Jan. 8, Santa Ana and Los Angeles
Tap into your creativity and enter the Science of Gingerbread Competition at Discovery Cube Orange County and Discovery Cube Los Angeles. Entries are due Dec. 8, but guests can browse the constructions and learn about the science behind winter weather through Jan. 5.
44. Celebrate a Gold Country–style Christmas
Select dates Nov. 29–Dec. 20, Grass Valley
Grab a glass of mulled wine and head to Downtown Grass Valley for an old-fashioned Cornish Christmas. Browse sparkling window displays, listen to carolers, and keep your eyes peeled for Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Nearby, the historic railroad town of Colfax celebrates its Winterfest (Dec. 14) with a parade, street fair, and caroling, capped off with a tree lighting and fireworks.
In the Placer County town of Loomis, watch the lights come on and see Santa show up in a fire truck outside the Loomis Train Depot during the 49th Annual Loomis Family Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec. TK).
45. Walk through historic adobes decked in lights
Dec. 13–14, Monterey
Enjoy an Alta California–inspired holiday celebration at the 39th Annual Christmas in the Adobes. Follow candle-lit luminarias to Monterey’s historic adobes.
46. Snowshoe to a chalet for dinner
Throughout the season, Olympic Valley
This winter, join a guided snowshoe tour at Palisades Tahoe, where a local will lead you to a cozy chalet for a four-course Bavarian-inspired meal with optional wine pairings, starting with Champagne upon arrival. (21-plus only.)
47. Attend the Festival of Trees
Dec. 7–8, Lodi
Admire more than 60 Christmas trees trimmed with original designs at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum’s annual event. Docents dressed in Victorian and pioneer attire add to the event’s fun and historic flair.
48. Shop local
Throughout the season, multiple destinations
Looking for unique gifts that also support a local community? Start your browsing at one of the 18 Places to Shop Local across California, including a surf shop, a honey farm, and a whimsical toy store.
49. See Christmas Around the World at the Ronald Reagan Museum
Nov. 9–Jan. 5, Simi Valley
Admire 26 decorated Christmas trees from 26 countries at this special exhibit at the presidential museum in Simi Valley. Don’t miss the Gold Star Family Memorial Tree, which welcomes ornaments from Gold Star families.
50. Travel to Sonora Christmas Town
Throughout the season, Sonora
Feel like you’ve entered a real-life snow globe in the historic Gold Rush destination of Sonora, which transforms into a festive Christmas Town every year. Enjoy holiday installations, parades, and wagon rides, starting Nov. 27.
51. Stroll a decked-out Union Square
Throughout the season, San Francisco
During the holiday season, San Francisco’s Union Square offers a charmingly throwback holiday with its Winter Wander-Land. Browse the ornaments and decor at Gump's Holiday Pop-Up, check out the Bill Graham Menorah (Dec. 25–Jan. 2), the larger-than-life Ornament Trail on Powell, and The Westin St. Francis Sugar Castle (Nov. 22–Jan. 2), then take a spin on the ice at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink (Nov. 6–Jan. 20). Be sure to explore Stockton Street between Ellis and Geary Streets for the Winter Walk (Dec. 13–22), a two-block street fair with food trucks, bar gardens, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
52. See the Grinch by the Beach
Dec. 1–2, Pismo Beach
Kick off the holiday season at Pismo Beach’s Dolphin Bay Resort, which hosts a fun public event: On Dec. 7, browse local artisans’ wares from the small businesses that set up shop at the Dolphin Bay Holiday Cheer Market on the resort’s north lawn, paired with holiday-themed goodies and a story time with Santa.
53. Shop among Carolers in Benicia
Dec. 6, 14, Benicia
Shop downtown Benicia among roving costumed carolers during the annual Holiday Open House (Dec. 6), a day that also includes the town’s holiday tree lighting. On Dec. 14, the 30th Annual Christmas Parade & Holiday Market features lots of handcrafted arts and crafts, gourmet goodies, and Saint Nick leading a parade of local marching bands and dancers.
54. Judge a Gingerbread House Contest
Dec. 7–30, Sausalito
Stroll past the elaborate gingerbread houses on display outside Sausalito businesses, and then vote for your favorite all month in the Marin County town.
55. Experience Temecula’s Wine Country Holiday
Throughout the season, Temecula
Enjoy Temecula’s cowboy culture-meets-wine country ambience during its Holiday Taste of Old Town event (Dec. 3), where your ticket (buy it online) grants you admission to a street fair with holiday lights, live music, and free goodies and discounts at participating restaurants and businesses.
You could easily build a whole day or weekend around the fun at the winery resort Europa Village. Explore its European Holiday Market while noshing on empanadas and spiced hot chocolate, then have dinner at Giardino del Cielo, where you can enjoy a prix fixe, family-style dinner for up to eight inside a private igloo.
Check out the calendar for more Temecula Holiday Chilled events including the tree-lighting at South Coast Winery, Santa’s Electric Light Parade, and the Grape Drop on New Year’s Eve.
56. Hear a Brass Christmas Concert
Dec. 12, Irvine
Get a seat for a timeless concert sponsored by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County: The award-winning ensemble Canadian Brass will perform a concert of both classical music and new holiday classics at The Barclay in Irvine. The program selections may include works such as Mozart’s Overture to Magic Flute, Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time Is Here,” and arrangements of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
57. Dance and Ride Rides at a Christmas-Themed Music Festival
Dec. 14, San Diego
If the holiday spirit makes you want to party, head to SantaCon, a Christmas-themed electronic-and-house music festival at San Diego’s beachside Belmont Park. Check out the lineup of a dozen electronic and ride all the rides at this old-school amusement park, home of the nearly century-old Giant Dipper roller coaster.
Families will love the free-admission amusement park this time of year during its Winter Wonder (Nov. 22–Dec. 31), with its combination of twinkling lights, seasonal sweets—like a red velvet funnel cake—and holiday makeovers of attractions, including Peppermint Putt Putt and the Polar Plunge at the park’s Plunge Pool. Stop in at the Miracle at Draft for holiday-themed cocktails, movie nights, and cookie decorating.
58. Get a Head Start on Movie Award Season
Dec. 28–30, Half Moon Bay
The Beach Break Film Festival in Half Moon Bay features compelling documentaries such as Let the Canary Sing, an intimate look at the life and career of Cyndi Lauper, Carol Doda Topless at the Condor, a documentary about the first public topless dancer in the U.S., and Last Known Coordinates, about Chris Bertish, who attempted to become the first person in history to cross the Atlantic on a standup paddle craft.
59. Paddle a Harbor with Santa
Dec. 21, Ventura
Join Santa as he works on his core at this group paddle on Ventura Harbor. Rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or character pedal boat—duck, swan, or dragon—from Ventura Boat Rentals and come dressed in your favorite holiday sweater, Santa hat, or reindeer antlers. The paddle will do a loop from the rental shop to the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center and back, winding through the marina. On shore, the Ventura Harbor Village’s Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace features Santa meet-and-greets, strolling characters and carolers, and plenty of boutiques offering local, artisan-made gifts.
60. Laugh Your Way Through a Holiday Comedy Show
Dec. 5–21, Los Angeles County
Embrace the funny moments of the season while checking out serious talent in Los Angeles, a hotbed for California comedy clubs. Head to Melrose Ave. for the Groundlings’ holiday annual shows—the sketches and improv of Groundlings Roasting on an Open Fire (select nights, Dec. 6–21) and the all-improv Groundlings Lights Up, Holiday Edition (Dec. 27–28).
At The Ice House in Pasadena, comedian Loni Love is joined by her Lovettes for Holidays at the Ice House, running on Thursday nights from Dec. 5–19.
61. Soak Up the Cheer in Livermore
Throughout the season
See how the Bay Area town of Livermore is turning up its holiday charm. Stroll the Holiday Village at Carnegie Park (Dec. 6) while enjoying holiday treats, hot cocoa, and a Champagne pop-up, and then watch the Holiday Parade and tree lighting (Dec. 7). Ride the Holly Jolly Trolley (Dec. 1–Jan. 5) through downtown and play a round at the Putters Holiday Pop-Up (Nov. 23–Jan. 5).
