Carlsbad Is All Things Merry and Bright This Season!
It’s the time of year when holiday celebrations and events are popping up all over the place. How do you make sure you don’t miss out? In Carlsbad specifically, there’s lots of bells to jingle, figgy puddin’ to enjoy and joy to be spread—if not to the world, at least to this cute coastal town. It’s never too chilly in San Diego (we prefer our silent nights at a cool 60 degrees), but we sure do know how to cozy up and celebrate. So if you’re not sure what to do this season, take those climate-inappropriate earmuffs off and listen up! Here are eight ways to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy a winter weekend in Carlsbad.
Unpack Your Bags at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Park Hyatt Aviara goes all out for the holidays, creating the perfect festive vibe for your magical winter weekend. When you walk in, the first thing you’ll notice is that these halls are decked. There’s gorgeous holiday decor in every corner, from a giant Christmas tree to glittering twinkly lights. They put lots of love into planning tons of fun holiday activities for the whole family to enjoy, including photos with Santa, a Christmas brunch and even a Teddy Bear Tea (we’ll explain later). Beyond the festivities, this stunning resort offers a luxury experience even Scrooge couldn’t resist.
Cabana Christmas Village
From Dec. 2-30, the pool deck at Park Hyatt Aviara is transformed into a beautiful Christmas village with twinkle lights, garland and Christmas trees galore. They serve holiday-themed food and drinks (think Christmas cookies and hot toddies) and offer fun activities for the whole fam, such as ornament making, cookie decorating and photos with Santa. They also have cozy fire pits and s’mores supplies—basically everything you could ask for when it comes to having fun, spreading cheer and getting in the holiday spirit. Plus, you’re by a gorgeous pool in San Diego. Does it get any better?
Christmas Dinner at Ponto Lago
Ponto Lago, North County’s only Forbes Four-Star restaurant, is known for its Baja-inspired fine dining, weekend brunches and stunning views of the hotel grounds and the ocean in the distance. If you’re here for the holidays, you’re in for a treat. Ponto Lago will be offering both a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner, serving up a taste of Baja with a holiday twist. If you’re more of an eggs-and-bacon kind of person, don’t worry. One of the resort’s other indoor venues, California Salon, will host a buffet-style Christmas Day brunch you won’t want to miss.
For details and times visit their website!
Winter Wellness at Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara
Vacation or not, the holidays can be a stressful time for anyone. Lucky for you, San Diego’s all-new stunning Miraval Life in Balance Spa is located right on the grounds of Park Hyatt Aviara. This luxury wellness destination offers a variety of options, including glow-inducing treatments for your skin, mani-pedis and massages for your aches and pains. Be sure to also check out the spa’s culinary offerings, which include cocktail- and salsa-making classes!
Teddy Bear Tea
Throughout December, Park Hyatt Aviara hosts a Teddy Bear Tea in support of local children’s organizations. Each child is asked to bring a teddy bear to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House to support kids with life-threatening conditions. It’s hosted by the Peppermint Princess, who guides everyone through a tea party that includes holiday-themed food items and a whole lot of fun. Your kids will absolutely love acting like grown ups with their pinkies up! The event will be held the first two weekends of December and then daily from Dec. 16-23—visit the website to reserve your spot!
Gingerbread Houses + Cooking Classes
If you’d like to channel your inner “Great British Bake-Off” contestant (or maybe just your inner child), you’ve come to the right place. Adults and children of all ages can sign up for a class with Park Hyatt Aviara’s professional pastry team where you’ll learn to build and decorate gingerbread houses. You’ll leave with your very own magical and delicious creation to take home with you and put on display!
12/9
Holiday Makers Market in Carlsbad Village
On Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Carlsbad Village will host its seventh annual Holiday Makers Market. Pull up to St. Michael’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church to find a sprawling, open-air marketplace with over 50 local artisans selling beautiful, handcrafted items. The range of objects to peruse include vintage and upcycled clothing, woodwork, jewelry, functional art, beading, leatherwork and more. It’s the perfect place to shop for totally unique, last-minute holiday gifts for anyone on your list! It’s a free community event, so whether you’re shopping or just browsing, all are welcome here.
12/29
The Sound of Light at The Camp Store
The Camp Store opened up just last year at the Carlsbad State Beach campgrounds, offering food, live music, fun events and a friendly vibe right on the Carlsbad coast. This year, for the first time ever, they’re offering a holiday-themed light and music show to spread cheer to the Carlsbad community. Seven nights a week from Nov. 19-Jan. 2, anyone can immerse themselves in this fun, festive experience. It’s the ideal opportunity to hang by the coast, connect with your community and enjoy some holiday entertainment. Check out their website for more information and showtimes.
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
7100 Aviara Resort Dr
Carlsbad, CA 92011
760.448.1234
