15 merry ways to spend your holidays in California
Photo from mendocinocoastbotanicalgardens/Instagram
This season of love, joy and sharing, give your loved ones the gift of unforgettable holiday memories.
From themed train rides to the classic ice skating rinks, the Golden State has no shortage of festive cheer during the holidays.
Here are the best holiday events in California to add to your festive bucket list.
15 California events to light up the holiday season
Admire the grandeur of America’s tallest living Christmas tree
Where: Northern California
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Let the whole family marvel at this 160-foot fir tree standing in holiday splendor then wander through the historic downtown dazzling in garland-wrapped streetlights for a truly magical experience.
Glide into the festive season at California skating rinks
- Where: Various spots
- When: All throughout the season
Offering skating rinks with breathtaking backdrops, Mammoth Lakes, Union Square in San Francisco and San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado are the perfect spots for winter holiday fun.
Set against the snow-capped mountains, skate at Siskiyou Ice Rink in Mt. Shasta for the ultimate winter adventure.
Explore the garden of lights
- Where: Botanical parks statewide
- When: All throughout the season
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Transform your usual evening walks into a festive journey under the twinkling botanical greens.
From Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens’ Festival of Lights to Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light, this California holiday event brings nature to new heights with immersive displays of artistry and vibrant colors.
Plus, San Diego Botanic Garden’s stunning lightscape is also a must-visit.
Spend the holiday nights at the zoo
- Where: Zoos around California
- When: All throughout the season
Experience the zoo at night and revel in the beauty of holiday lights as “Jungle Bells” in San Diego Zoo showcases spectacular music and light shows.
Oakland Zoo’s “Glowfari” offers an enchanting trail of animal-shaped lanterns while the Living Desert Zoo’s “Wildlights” features over a million lights glittering in the desert.
Bask in the yuletide glow of Riverside’s ‘Festival of Lights’
- Where: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside
- When: Ongoing until Jan. 6
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Not just a display of lights, this spectacle features 5 million dazzling lights, 200 animated figures and the world’s biggest mistletoe — it’s pure magic.
Celebrate the season at theme parks
Where: Various locations
California’s theme parks went all out for their holiday events. Disneyland’s “Festival of Holidays” highlights global traditions while Universal Studios Hollywood excites visitors with “Grinchmas.”
For a perfect balance of thrill from rides and the holiday cheer, head onto LEGOLAND California, Knott’s Merry Farm or SeaWorld San Diego.
Wander through renowned holiday streets
Where: Calabasas, Fresno and more
For larger-than-life Christmas displays, walk though Fresno’s iconic “Christmas Tree Lane” until Dec. 25 and Calabasas’ “Holiday Road.”
Dazzle your evening in San Francisco
- Where: San Francisco neighborhoods
- When: Ongoing until Jan. 31
Featuring over 60 glowing art installations spread across 17 neighborhoods, the “Illuminate SF Festival” is a fusion of holiday cheer and public art displays, making this California event the perfect excuse to get your cameras rolling.
Experience Danish holiday charm at Julefest
- Where: Solvang
- When: Ongoing until Jan.5
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A real-life Hallmark movie? Experience the holiday like no other in Solvang where Julefest dazzles with a Danish-themed town. Tip: Grab a gingerbread house kit from Solvang Bakery for a truly wondrous moment.
Watch “The Nutcracker” Ballet
- Where: Statewide
- When: All throughout the season
Welcome Tchaikovsky as part of your holiday routine by witnessing the whimsical “The Nutcracker” at selected venues like the Paramount Theatre or San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center.
Hop aboard nostalgia-filled holiday trains
- Where: Statewide
- When: All throughout the season
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Rekindle childhood memories as you ride California’s festive trains. From Sacramento’s Polar Express to San Francisco’s Filipino Christmas-themed cable car, these holiday rides radiate holiday feels with cultural flair.
Navigate the drive-thru light shows
- Where: Oxnard, San Jose and beyond
- When: All throughout the season
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Stay cozy inside the car while marveling at the lights of drive-thru events in California, like Oxnard’s “Christmas Tree Lane” and San Jose’s “Christmas in the Park.”
Ride the Santa train in Napa Valley
- Where: Silverado Resort
- When: Ongoing until Dec. 29
Hop aboard the Santa train for a magical holiday ride through the Napa Valley — all complete with holiday treats, Santa visits and festive storytelling.
Feel the yuletide cheer at the Grinch shows
- Where: Old Globe Theatre, San Diego
- When: Ongoing until Dec. 31
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Revel in the harmony of the holidays with the musical rendition of the timeless “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss.
Let out your inner child in Santa’s village
- Where: SkyPark at Santa’s Village, Lake Arrowhead
- When: Ongoing until Jan. 7
Be a kid again or let your kids be jolly at this North Pole-inspired holiday wonderland. Enjoy Christmas-themed puppet shows, zip lines, gingerbread cookies and breakfast with Santa.
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