Because Nothing Says “Festive” Like Sunshine, S’mores and Sea Breezes
This year, skip the snow boots and grab your sandals, because Christmas at The Cassara Carlsbad is full of SoCal sunshine and seaside sparkle. Perched above the Pacific and just a snowball’s toss from LEGOLAND® California, this resort wraps up everything you love about the holidays without the frostbite. Think palm trees draped in twinkle lights, s’mores by fire pits and cocktails that taste like Christmas vacation in a glass.
Each December, The Cassara Carlsbad transforms into a coastal wonderland where families, couples and cocoa connoisseurs celebrate the season in style. Between poolside lounging, Santa sightings and local shopping at Carlsbad Premium Outlets and Carlsbad Village, this seaside spot knows how to do merry and bright. So pack up your family of elves and sled on over. Here are the festive deets on what’s happening this holiday season!
Sweet Dreams & Cozy Stays
The holidays hit different when you’re waking up to ocean air and 180-degree coastal views. Book one of The Cassara’s spacious suites and cozy up for a season of comfort and joy. For families, the two-room suites give everyone space to spread out (and room to stash the presents). For couples, balconies and plush beds make lazy mornings feel like part of the itinerary. Traveling with your four-legged friend? The year-round Petcation Package includes pet-friendly rooms, a relief area and a welcome goodie bag complete with treats, a toy and other essentials to keep tails wagging.
Around the resort, starting Nov. 20, expect garland-lined hallways, twinkling palms and plenty of festive cheer; plus, you’re steps from The Crossings at Carlsbad if a round of golf is on your wish list.
Sip, Savor & Sparkle
If your holiday wishlist includes good food and great cocktails, Cassara Kitchen & Bar delivers. The restaurant’s festive menu brings a coastal twist to classic comfort, with seasonal bites, local flavors and ocean views that double as décor. Don’t miss their signature holiday cocktail, along with flavorful mocktails for the sober crowd.
New this year, December features include the Cucidati Margarita, an Italian fig cookie-inspired creation made with reposado tequila, orgeat, fig jam and honey with a cookie-dipped rim, and the California Winter, a cozy mix of bourbon, Amaro Nonino, lemon, maple syrup and rosemary, served over a king cube.
Raise a glass of something bubbly to toast the season or grab a warm drink from the marketplace and head outside. The twinkle lights and ocean breeze make the perfect pairing.
Fireside Fun + S’mores Nights
Once the sun sets, the real magic begins. The Cassara’s fire pits glow against the cool coastal night as families gather for s’mores, hot cocoa and holiday laughs. Picture toasty marshmallows ranging from golden brown to burnt-beyond-return, kids in fuzzy PJs and that familiar, crisp ocean air.
To make the experience even sweeter, book the Stay S’more Package, available now through Dec. 31, 2025. Guests who stay two nights or more will score complimentary parking and s’mores kits for every registered guest, ready for roasting under the stars. Here, “vacation mode” comes with graham crackers and gooey marshmallows.
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Santa Sightings & Family Fun
The Cassara Carlsbad turns family moments into full-on memories. Santa himself usually makes an appearance, and there’s no shortage of kid-approved fun like holiday crafts, caroling and treats galore. The resort’s lobby and nearby Grand Pacific Palisades come alive with cheer, photo ops and a jolly lineup of festive activities for all ages.
And if your little ones are LEGO lovers, you’ve got front-row access to Holidays at LEGOLAND® California. Just walk through the resort’s private pedestrian entrance and enter a snow-free world of brick-built magic.
Shop, Stroll & Stay Festive
Holiday shopping has never looked this good. The Carlsbad Premium Outlets are just minutes away, so you can get your holiday shopping in, score some deals and still make it back for sunset at the pool. For the ultimate shop-and-relax experience, book the Shop & Stay Package and receive a $50 Visa gift card to use at the outlets. Waived parking makes it even easier to enjoy a carefree retail therapy session. Or head to Carlsbad Village for a holiday movie moment, strolling along light-strung streets decorated with local boutiques.
Whether you’re grabbing last-minute gifts, tasting your way through local cafés or simply basking in the coastal glow, The Cassara Carlsbad keeps you close to all the merry action.
SoCal’s Happiest Holiday Hideaway
You don’t need snow for holiday spirit; just sunshine, good company and a few s’mores. Between festive food, ocean views, heated pools and Santa sightings, this resort makes the season shine a little brighter.
So, who needs the North Pole when you’ve got the California coast? This year, make your holidays merry, bright, and beachy at The Cassara Carlsbad.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
