There’s nothing more enchanting than the magic of the Christmas season. One of the best ways to get into the spirit of the holiday is to head to a town that captures all the beauty of Christmas. These nine towns in Southern California will surround you with twinkling light displays, Christmas caroling, towering trees decorated in holiday splendor, and festive eats and drinks that will remind you why this is your favorite time of year.
The Mission Inn Festival of Lights brings a magical Christmas spirit to downtown Riverside. Carriage rides and twinkly lights galore will get you into the spirit in no time.
Nothing says Christmas like the town of Solvang. A holiday stroll through this European village will make you believe in the magic of Christmas. Take a holiday trolley ride through town or walk through the village and visit the quaint shops and restaurants that are all dolled up for the holidays.
Spending a day at Disneyland during the holiday season is like going to the most spectacular Christmas town you could possibly imagine. Festive parades, Santa on his sleigh, and fresh Christmas snow dropping from the sky will make you believe that holiday magic really exists.
The small town of Wrightwood feels like Christmas all year-round. But during December things get really festive, especially when there’s snow on the ground. Spend a day exploring the shops at this quaint village then end your day at the Evergreen Cafe’ where the holidays come to life with colorful ornaments and a holiday display ready to greet you.
Coronado is magical at Christmas, especially at the Hotel Del. Take a day trip to see the towering Christmas tree in the lobby and then do a little ice skating at the outdoor rink as you sip on a cup of hot cocoa. It’s pure Christmas bliss!
Beginning on December 1st, Temecula transforms into a winter wonderland during the annual Winterfest celebration that runs through the end of February. You’ll be dazzled by magnificent holiday displays, a festive outdoor ice skating rink inside the town square of Old Town, and tons of festive shops to buy all your holiday presents.
Altadena is home to some of the most delightful Christmas experiences you can find in Southern California. Until you drive through historic Christmas Tree Lane to see the spectacular holiday lights draped along the deodar cedar trees, or stroll down Mendocino Lane to experience the magnificence of the historic Balian House all aglow in thousands of holiday lights, your Christmas won’t be complete. Pictured here: Balian House located at 1960 Mendocino Lane.
The charming town of Redlands sure knows how to capture the magic of Christmas. A memorable way to join the town festivities is at its annual Christmas parade on Saturday, December 3rd at 6pm along State Street and Citrus Avenue.
There’s nothing more Christmasy than a flurry of white snow all around you. Big Bear Lake is a wonderful destination when you want to get out of the SoCal sun and experience a white Christmas.
Anyone who says Christmas isn’t magical in Southern California hasn’t had the pleasure of visiting these charming towns. For more holiday splendor, take a ride on the Magic Polar Express Train in SoCal.
