Christmas is the most beautiful and magical period of the year. There are many fun things to do during this annual celebration, but more important is where to spend that enchanting time with your family. Christmas towns in California lure tourists with diverse attractions, from horse-carriage rides to tasting pudding and drinking wine. These destinations can satisfy every traveler’s needs.
When you imagine California Christmas towns, you might think of decorated palm trees and tropical weather. That is what Southern California will greet you with. However, some places will offer you that snowy paradise where you will find yourself, like in the “Home Alone” movies.
Explore the best Christmas towns in California, then retreat to the ultimate luxury at one of our exquisite villas. From charming villages to snowy mountain escapes, we've curated a list of the top destinations to experience the festive spirit.
Discover Enchanting Christmas Towns in California
Thanks to its location, the Golden State offers festive celebrations for any taste. If you want to breathe ocean air and drink apple cider in a mild climate, California is a place for you. And if you are more into skiing, drinking hot cacao, and looking at the mountains strained out of your window view, magical Christmas towns in California are also prepared for that.
Schedule your getaway for the festive season in one of the best Christmas towns in California from the list below.
Solvang
Solvang, also called the Danish Capital of America, is in Santa Barbara County. It combines European and American culture, and visitors can enjoy various activities. Especially at Christmas, you can try Danish traditional pastries, taste wine in one of the wine cellars, and shop in the boutiques.
Solvang is a quiet place where the Californian sun hides behind the windmills. Locals recommend exploring the town on four-wheel cycles or a horse-drawn tram. Transport yourself to a winter wonderland in this Danish-inspired village, adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and traditional European charm.
South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is one of the best Christmas towns in California. This town is recommended to visit at any time of the year, but in the winter, its magnetic energy is most noticeable. Imagine yourself in a picture with a clear sky dotted with mountain spires, fresh air, and crystal-clear water from a beautiful lake. Well, that will be the usual day in South Lake Tahoe.
The icing on the cake is Heavenly Ski Resort. Here, you can diversify your getaway with physical activity and have fun conquering the pistes. And even if skiing is not your thing, you can explore the winter paradise on a scenic gondola ride.
Big Bear Lake
This California Christmas town is nestled amidst the San Bernardino Mountains, which makes it a perfect destination for winter festivals. In addition to cold-season activities like skiing, sledding, and ice skating, Big Bear Lake hosts many events. The celebration starts after Thanksgiving with the tree-lighting ceremony in the village. The decorations enhance the vacation spirit, and the local restaurants welcome guests for a warm stay.
The annual Christmas celebration falls on the Big Bear Lake Winter Festival date. Visitors can listen to live music, explore ice sculptures, dance, shop in the village market, participate in a tuning marathon, try delicious food, and participate in many other winter activities.
Newport Beach
If you choose a sunny and mild climate, Newport Beach Christmas town in California is your destination. And don’t worry, you won’t miss that winter vacation vibe, as locals are used to that golden weather and have come up with genius Christmas celebration ideas. Have you ever visited a boat parade where boats are decorated like Christmas trees? This event is hosted in Newport Beach. And after exploring Newport Harbour, you can ice skate at the Ice Rink of Newport Beach.
If loud celebrations are not your type, take a quiet stroll down the town's boardwalk. Boutiques, cafes, and restaurants will be along the way during your walk.
Julian
In the northeast of San Diego, there is a small Christmas town in California called Julian. Its historic roots date back to the late-mid 19th century when the gold rush swept across California. But nowadays, in Julian, you don’t have to rush; you can just enjoy the mountain views and breathe fresh air filled with oak and pine fragrance.
This California Christmas town hosts many festivals during the winter season. The main decoration is the 80-foot-tall Christmas tree. But even if you want to do something more than visit the celebrations, you can go hiking, explore local museums and galleries, and surely listen to the history of that “golden time”, as Julian is an official California Historical Landmark.
Avila Beach
Avila Beach on the Central Coast is another Christmas town in California worth visiting. Suppose you want to transfer to a paradise from the “Bounty Chocolate” ad; head to Avila Beach, which will offer you the same vibe. Plan your trip to this Christmas village in California for at least a week, as the number of activities there is immense.
The coastal paradise offers its guests such attractions as sunny beaches, aquariums, cycling trails, hiking, golf, spas, trolley excursions, and thematic festivals. Along with acquiring new experiences, you can also acquire new things from the Avila Beach Farmers’ Market. For those appreciating self-reflection and inner peace, visit Secret Garden or quality spas, swimming, aerobics, yoga, and weight training programs.
Nevada City
Even though this California Christmas town is small, it attracts visitors from around the globe who want to share the joy of the holiday. Every year it holds a famous event — the Nevada City Victorian Christmas. The festival offers numerous activities, which include visiting Santa, stopping by the Dickens Village display, and seeing the Walking Christmas Tree and Toy Soldier.
Nevada City is decorated with gas lamps, bows and flags, cedar and pine swags, and garlands on Christmas. When strolling through this best Christmas town in California, you will see people singing carols, riding horse-drawn carriages, and dressed in the Victorian style. To warm up, visit the Food Court for hot buttered rum or hot chocolate.
Palm Springs
Even the desert can become a California Christmas town. In Palm Springs, locals don’t bother with the absence of snow and frost during this festive period. They have come up with their own way of celebrating, which is as engaging as the Vistorian-style Christmas. Everything starts with the Magic of Lights display, which you can spot from your car as it stretches over a mile. Even animals in Palm Springs celebrate Christmas as the zoo and gardens are adorned with twinkling lights.In addition to festive events, visitors can explore Palm Springs by visiting museums and art galleries, taking outdoor tours, and visiting spas and salons.
Temecula
December is a particular period for Temecula, a Christmas town in California, as every day is scheduled with a special event. You must book an entire month for a holiday celebration as locals carefully prepare for that season. Only in Temecula can you visit Santa’s Electric Light Parade, the Nutcracker Ballet, Chanukah celebration day, Ice Skating Day, Sunset Market, Ugly Sweater Christmas Party, Motown Holiday Dance Party, and many other themed events.
Old Town Temecula will warm you with “chilled” drinks and food and offer you boutiques, so you won’t have to worry about what to bring for the dearest ones on the gift list.
Ferndale
If you want to celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way, go to Ferndale Christmas Village in California. The main attraction of the holiday is America’s tallest living Christmas tree. But even that is not the top of what you can be impressed by while staying in Ferndale. Locals compete to see whose house or building is the best decorated. So imagine that every corner of the town is adorned with lights, ribbons, and festive figures.
An exceptional event held only in Ferndale is the Lighted Tractor Parade, where farmers decorate their tractors and wagons in the Victorian style.
Reasons to Visit California During the Christmas Period
You can get the most unique experience in the best Christmas towns in California. Every village has its traditions for celebrating this holiday, and because of that diversity, travelers can choose what type of experience they want to get and head to the place that offers that.
If you are still doubting the idea of going to Christmas towns in California, the following reasons will convince you:
Climate for any preference. Traditionally, Christmas is associated with snowy days and freezing weather. Such Christmas villages in California, like South Lake Tahoe, Big Bear Lake, or Nevada City, are suitable for celebrating winter vacation with a cold climate in mind. However, those who want to escape the winter chill can head to Newport Beach or Palm Springs and relax under the sun, drinking Aperol and listening to the ocean waves.
Activity for any taste. Christmas towns in California welcome travelers from around the globe, offering numerous things to do. So you had better book your private villa from The Mainog Group for more than several days! From visiting Victorian-style festivals and seeing the tallest of America’s living Christmas trees to driving through the light festivals and horseback riding, any wish for a fun thing to do has its realization in the best California Christmas towns.
A community for all. The Christmas spirit brings all family members together. But if you want to do a solo trip for the festive season, you won’t be bored in Christmas towns in California. There will always be company, whether you come to the bar for an apple cider or get on the ski lift at the ski resort. These Golden State places welcome tourists with many community festivals and gatherings.
All-budget-size possibilities. A trip to Christmas villages in California can fit any budget. You can choose vacation home options that fit your budget and enjoy festive activities that are usually held for free. Some celebrations even host food tastings, so a dream to come to Gold Rush State can quickly come true.
Indulge in Holiday Luxury at Maimon Group Villas
Exploring the best California Christmas towns cannot be done without comfortable housing. After the active celebration, you would want to return to a spacious place, take a hot shower, prepare dinner in a gourmet kitchen, or spend the whole evening at the spa. Luckily, we have got you covered.
Our exclusive properties offer the perfect setting for Christmas celebrations, featuring home theaters, chef's kitchens, spa amenities, and elegant dining rooms where you can gather with loved ones. See some of our recommendations for staying in a private villa in the best Christmas towns in California.
Hercules Sky Mansion
Why not treat your family to luxury on a magical Christmas night? Hercules Sky Mansion is a synonym for royalty, as it has everything for celebrating this vacation with comfort. Located in the heart of the Hollywood Hills, this piece of art has two floors, a posh home theater, a private backyard, a pool and spa, gorgeous bedroom suites, and a view of Downtown Los Angeles.
Celebrating Christmas at Hercules Sky Mansion becomes a festival even without visiting one. Just imagine vacations when you watch Christmas films at your private cinema, gather around a festive dinner in a luxury kitchen, enjoy the day on the rooftop sofas, and sing carols all day long as this is your private space.
A getaway at Hercules Sky Mansion costs $3.463 per night, but it is worth every cent.
Stradella Hideaway
Celebrating Christmas at Stradella Hideaway feels like home, as its relaxing atmosphere contributes to coziness and harmony. Every guest at the villa can have their personal space, with five bedrooms and six baths available. A vast private backyard can serve as a place for vacation activities: doing morning yoga, playing with kids, or enjoying a sip of coffee with a scenic nature view.
Stradella Hideaway is spread between the houses of millionaires so you can meet Christmas with new acquaintances in this prestigious area. For $2.958 a night, this state-of-the-art house can accommodate your family for a festive celebration.
Pacifica Del Sol
Pacifica Del Sol is a perfect place to escape the winter cold in a Christmas village in California. When the ocean is out of your window, all problems wash away. This is the usual state of Pacifica Del Sol guests: relaxed, calm, and comfy. And what is needed for a perfect celebration? A good mood can be more critical than delicious food, although the villa’s premier kitchen will inspire any-level chef to create masterpieces.
The first coastline Pacifica Del Sol is located on gives visitors the unique possibility of directly entering the ocean from the house's yard. Sitting on the balcony, listening to the waves and sounds of seagulls flying by, this is how your Christmas will be celebrated at Pacifica Del Sol for $2.700 a night.
Lubao Ave
If you prefer the traditional way of celebrating Christmas, head to Lubao Ave. This villa’s interior design evokes the atmosphere of a fairy tale. An exceptional feature of Lubao Ave in the best California Christmas town is its stage for filming. You heard it right! You can make a Christmas movie, and that will be the most unforgettable celebration ever.
Lubao Ave is available for booking at $2.160 per night. It is a five-bedroom villa with a private backyard and swimming pool.
Tailored Concierge Services for Your Festive Celebration
Choosing the best California Christmas town should be your only concern. Everything else needed for the celebration can be done by us.
Let us handle the details of your holiday getaway with our personalized concierge services. Whether you need assistance with gift shopping, a private chef to prepare a gourmet Christmas feast, or massage services to relax and rejuvenate, our dedicated team ensures your Christmas celebration is nothing short of spectacular.
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in the best Christmas town in California on a private villa with The Maimon Group. Contact us today to plan your unforgettable holiday getaway and experience luxury and relaxation.