11 Christmas Getaways in California You'll Want to Take

Today I want to bring you my guide to the best Christmas getaways in California. From festive cities to snowcapped mountains and classic coastline, there's no shortage of popular travel destinations for holiday escapes in the Golden State. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in seasonal celebrations or escape them altogether, there are plenty of great places to spend Christmas in California. From sunny spots to snowy ones, you're spoiled for choice for your winter vacation. Read on for my top picks.

Christmas Getaways in California

I've spent over half my life in California, which means I've done a lot of Christmases in the state. From family holidays in San Francisco, Oakland, and the Peninsula to festive trips to Los Angeles and San Diego, I've celebrated the Yuletide season in a number of places throughout NorCal and SoCal.

In the process, I've discovered a lot of the best places to go for Christmas in California. In fact, I've been amazed by how many fun destinations there are to spend the holidays. Whether you have one night, a long weekend, or a whole week (or two!), there are plenty of locations you can escape to.

Before you book, it's worth keeping in mind that some destinations can be crowded on Christmas, and some can be closed completely on and around December 25th. It's a good idea to plan ahead, do your research, and book things like hotels, flights, restaurants, and rental cars well in advance.

As with Thanksgiving in California, some hotels offer special package rates over Christmas. You can check for deals when you make reservations.

1. San Francisco

First on my list of places to go for Christmas in California is San Francisco. The City by the Bay goes all-out for the holiday season each year, and it's a great place to get into the festive spirit. If you're thinking about going to San Francisco in December, I highly recommend it.

Highlights include the giant Christmas tree and ice skating rink in Union Square, the lights lining the Embarcadero Center, decorations on the shops downtown, festive markets, art installations, the puppies and kittens in the windows of Macy's, and the twinkling tree in the dome at Neiman Marcus.

Add to that seasonal bars and pop-ups, the gingerbread house at the Fairmont Hotel, the sugar castle at the Westin St. Francis hotel, the decorations in Ghirardelli Square, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair at the Cow Palace, and the Christmas tree and afternoon tea offerings at the Palace Hotel, and there's a lot to love about San Francisco during the festive season.

When I was growing up, I used to go to The Nutcracker ballet at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco every year. Everything from the decorations to the dancing got me into the holiday spirit, and it was one of my favorite annual Christmas traditions. I still go as an adult, and I can assure you the magic is alive and well.

2. Lake Tahoe

Next on my list of Christmas getaways in California is Lake Tahoe. This mountain destination is popular year-round, and December snow can make it the ideal place to get on the slopes during the holiday season. Whether you go to Palisades, Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Heavenly, Kirkwood, or elsewhere, there are lots of options.

Even if you're not into skiing or snowboarding, there are plenty of things to do in Lake Tahoe over Christmas that don't involve being on piste. From snowshoeing to spas, restaurants, and bars, Tahoe has everything you could want.

Some of the restaurants, hotels, and resorts around the lake offer special Christmas feasts on December 25th as well. They're great ways to get into the seasonal spirit.

3. Mammoth Lakes

Speaking of the mountains, Mammoth Lakes is another of the best places to spend Christmas in California. Mammoth is known for outdoor activities in the colder months. You can go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, and do other winter activities here over the holiday season.

But there's plenty to do in Mammoth if you don't want to hit the slopes. From evening fireworks to kick off the festive period to Santa in the Village Plaza and decorations throughout the area, there's a lot to get excited about.

There are also restaurants offering Christmas dinners in Mammoth and bars serving holiday cocktails and other festive fare. They make it a great time to visit this part of the Golden State.

4. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is another of the top Christmas getaways in California. The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you don't have to worry about closures.

Yosemite is a great place to travel in December, as Yosemite Valley looks beautiful in snow. There are also festive activities on offer in the park, including scenic sleigh rides and the ice skating rink in Curry Village.

There's skiing, too. Badger Pass in Yosemite is the oldest downhill ski area in California. I learned how to ski here when I was a child, and it's a fun place for it as well as snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Given the light is soft and beautiful in winter, it's a great opportunity to do some photography, too. Sunrises and sunsets from Tunnel View are particularly worth a few vacation snaps.

When it comes to lodging, some of the hotels in Yosemite get all dressed up for Christmas. Tenaya at Yosemite turns into a winter wonderland, complete with a spectacular tree, events, activities, workshops, and more.

And when it comes to dining, there are a lot of options for Christmas dinner in Yosemite. These include a big Christmas buffet at Tenaya at Yosemite and the annual Bracebridge Dinner at The Ahwahnee hotel.

5. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is another of the best Christmas getaways in California. With sunny weather, world-class beaches, and excellent dining and cultural attractions, LA has it all.

There's a lot going on over the holiday season in Los Angeles. The annual Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square is a great place to go skating, and there's plenty of Christmas shopping to be done at The Grove and other venues.

Additionally, LA comes alive with festive lights and decorations. It's worth a special trip to see the Ferris wheel on Santa Monica Pier. It lights up with festive displays each winter.

Then there are the special seasonal gondola rides in Long Beach. They take passengers through the waterways to see the night sky lit up with lights, Christmas trees, and other festive decorations.

6. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is next on my list of the best Christmas getaways in California. There's a lot going on in this famous beach town in the run-up to December 25th, from holiday markets to lights and more.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk turns into a Winter Wonderland in the weeks leading up to Christmas, too. There's everything from Santa to shopping, lights, and a huge Christmas tree to get people into the seasonal spirit.

Elsewhere in the city you can find the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train in front of Neptune's Kingdom, visits with Santa in the downtown area, Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, and more. There's great Christmas shopping in the city, too.

There are some restaurants in town offering special Christmas dinners and buffets as well. They're ideal places to go for a traditional holiday feast.

7. Monterey

Monterey is another of the top places for a Christmas getaway in California. From sandy beaches to waterfront shops, restaurants, and the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, this place has a lot going for it.

There's plenty to enjoy in Monterey during Christmas, too. The annual Ice Skating by the Bay ice rink in Custom House Plaza is a great place to get your skates on.

Christmas on the Wharf offers festive decorations and a variety of free live weekend entertainment throughout the season as well.

Additionally, Christmas in the Adobes features around 15 historic adobes to visit on foot in the evenings to the sound of music and entertainment. They make Monterey the perfect place to spend the holidays and one of the best Christmas towns in California.

8. Mendocino

Up the Northern California coast, Mendocino is another fun place for Christmas getaways in California. This part of the Golden State is packed with miles of boulder-studded coastline, redwood forests, vineyards, and stunning scenery.

Mendocino has a lot for visitors to do at Christmas, too. The Skunk Train offers a special Christmas Tree Train from Willits Station to the world's largest Christmas tree (a decorated California redwood).

Elsewhere, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens come alive with the annual Festival of Lights. There are inventive light displays, hot cocoa, and plenty of fun on offer.

Add to that Christmas shopping, the annual Christmas Tree Decorating Competition hosted by Gualala Arts, the City of Ukiah’s annual ice rink and holiday lights competition, the ugly sweater competition at the Gualala Arts Center, and winter craft workshops, markets, and performances, and there's a lot going on in Mendocino County at Christmas.

9. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is next on my list of places to spend a California Christmas. This coastal city in Southern California is known for its sunny weather, beaches, shopping, and luxury hotels. There's great food and lots of wine tasting here, too.

Santa Barbara has a lot going on over Christmas. From festive workshops to markets and parades, the city can keep you busy for days. There's also a walk-through light show called ZooLights at the Santa Barbara Zoo, and the annual Trolley of Lights Tour through the most festive neighborhoods in the city.

Add to that Christmas Eve Kayaking at Channel Islands National Park, theater and dance performances, and pop-up gift galleries, boutiques, and bars, and there's something for everyone.

10. San Diego

San Diego is another fun place to go for Christmas in California. This sunny beach city is the ideal getaway for good weather when other parts of the country are freezing and covered in snow.

There's a lot going on in San Diego during the run-up to Christmas, including ice skating at various rinks throughout the city, the San Diego Botanic Garden's Lightscape installation, Holidays by the Bay at Seaport Village, the Holiday Market in Gallagher Square, the San Diego Zoo's Jungle Bells celebration, and the Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular in Del Mar.

Add to that the annual Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, the Gaslamp Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party, the Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour, and the Enchanted Village with its trees, magical cottages, light tunnels, giant candy canes, and other festive decorations, and there's a lot to get excited about at Christmas in San Diego.

11. Disneyland

Disneyland is another great place to spend Christmas in California. This place is magical all year, but it really steps things up during the holiday season. The festive period at Disneyland lasts from early November until early January, so there's plenty of time to take in the decorations and enjoy the celebrations.

From the Disney Festival of Holidays at California Adventure to the Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland, there's a lot to get excited about during the holiday season. With special lights, fireworks, Santa, and more, this is a great time to visit Disneyland.

Both Disneyland and California Adventure are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so you can even spend the official holidays celebrating with Mickey and friends.

Christmas Getaways in California

I hope you've enjoyed this guide to the best Christmas getaways in California, and that it's inspired you to get out and explore the Golden State over the holiday season. There are so many great places to visit, and the festive period is a fun one to vacation here. Happy travels!

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