Think Oceanfront Ice Skating, Rooftop Holiday Movies and S’mores by the Bonfire!
California’s holiday season is a bit of an oxymoron. Palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights, holiday micheladas served with fresh limes, and seaside ice rinks are the norm here, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. If you’re ready to embrace Christmas in California like the locals do, read on for the quirkiest, most ironic things only Californians do to celebrate in December. Flip-flops, surfboards and sunglasses encouraged!
1 | Order Tamales + Micheladas for a “Traditional” Holiday Feast
Forget the roast turkey and eggnog. For a California Christmas, we’re celebrating with tamales and a Michelada with Corona and lime. Head to Hasta Mañana Cantina in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter for a Mexican-style holiday feast. This vibrant spot, led by Chef Kevin Templeton, serves up crave-worthy Baja flavors, like Skillet Elote and Mole Wings, that’ll have you saying “Feliz Navidad.” For the ultimate holiday twist, pair your tamales with a refreshing Corona-based Michelada. Nothing says Christmas in California quite like zesty tamales, coastal vibes and a laid-back cantina ambiance.
2 | Watch Santa Arrive by Boat
In Newport Beach, Santa’s ditching the sleigh and sailing into town by electric boat at Lido Marina Village. On Dec. 7, you can watch him make his grand entrance from the harbor, adding a splash of California cool to his traditional debut. After Santa docks, explore the festive activities throughout the village, from hot cocoa and face painting to a live brass band playing holiday tunes. Santa will be back every weekend through Dec. 22, spreading holiday cheer by the sea. With its boutique shops and coastal charm, Lido Marina Village is the ultimate destination for celebrating Christmas in California and snapping some photos with Santa!
Local Insight: Click here to see what else is happening this holiday season at Lido Marina Village!
3 | Ice Skating…by the Beach!
Where else but California can you ice skate with an ocean breeze? Hotel del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea event is a one-of-a-kind experience that pairs winter vibes with beachy bliss. This iconic San Diego destination sets up an oceanfront ice rink, decked out with holiday lights and surrounded by cozy fire pits, making it perfect for anyone who wants to experience ice skating in San Diego. Treat yourself to rink-side seating in the Frostbite Lounge, where you can sip festive cocktails with ocean views, then cozy up with hot cocoa to celebrate the holidays—Cali style, of course.
4 | Catch a Holiday Flick on a Rooftop
Snow? Maybe not. LA skyline? Yes, please! Only in California can you watch holiday classics like “Elf” and “Home Alone” on the fourth-floor terrace of the Level Hotel, thanks to Rooftop Cinema Club in Downtown LA. With a blanket in hand and twinkling city lights in the background, you’ll see your favorite Christmas movies in a whole new light. For extra coziness, opt for fireside tickets, which come with personal heaters, Adirondack chairs and a warm seasonal beverage like spiked cider or Ghirardelli hot cocoa. This is holiday movie-watching the California way, with the city lights of LA adding a little extra sparkle.
Local Insight: Looking for more holiday events in December in Los Angeles? Click here!
5 | Create Our Own Snowfall
Snowfall may be rare in Southern California, but The Point in El Segundo brings winter magic to life with snow showers every Saturday evening in December. Gather with friends and family on the outdoor lawn as flurries fall over palm trees, transforming this South Bay shopping center into a California winter wonderland. Snow showers start every half-hour from 6 to 8 p.m., making it the perfect spot to soak up holiday cheer and snap some dreamy photos. It’s the best of both worlds: a white Christmas without the freezing temps.
6 | Roast S’mores by a Bonfire
While the rest of the country shivers, Californians gather around bonfires to roast marshmallows and sip hot cocoa. At Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, the holidays mean “Sips and Snowflakes,” where can guests enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores kits and even a little snowfall in the resort’s main plaza from Nov. 29 to January 5. Picture yourself under twinkling lights, toasting marshmallows by the fire pit as holiday music fills the air. It’s a cozy California take on holiday festivities—sans the frostbite.
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7 | Attempt “The California Double”
If there’s one holiday adventure that defines The Golden State, it’s The California Double. Imagine hitting the slopes in the morning and surfing the waves by sunset. With mountains like Big Bear just a couple of hours from the coast, this day-long challenge has become a California winter bucket list item. Pack your snowboard and surfboard, fill up on coffee and prepare for a day that lets you experience winter and summer in one fell swoop. Not a pro surfer or seasoned skier? No worries—half the fun is just saying you tried it!
Local Insight: Before you begin your journey, check out this list of our favorite ski resorts in California.
In California, holiday traditions get a warm, sunny twist, and that’s just the way we like it. From seaside Santa sightings to rooftop holiday movies, there’s no place like California for a slightly ironic, festive season.
