If you’re craving a break from school events, shopping, and general holiday season craziness—step away from the gift wrap and plan a Christmas in California escape. From snowy mountain ski resorts to sunny beaches, cute towns to Christmas markets, California has something for everyone. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Happy Holidays!
White Christmas in California
California snow seekers head to the mountains in winter for skiing, sledding, or snuggling by a log fire. Lake Tahoe is the most popular spot to hit the slopes, with 15 resorts ringing the famous lake, but there are plenty more destinations to pick from. Here are a few of my favorites.
Bear Valley
Arnold is a small mountain town just 2.5 hours away from the Bay Area, close enough for a day trip to the snow. At 4,000 feet elevation, Arnold is not guaranteed snow, but drive further up Highway 4 and the winter landscape will start to reveal itself. After 25 miles you will arrive at the Bear Valley Ski Resort. There are a couple of snow parks in the area for sledding, plus a groomed route for snowmobiles. I love this area, as it is quiet, easy to drive to, and inexpensive.
Stay at the Bear Valley Lodge for easy access to the slopes, or rent a cabin in Arnold to be closer to restaurants and shops.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
This is the perfect excuse to visit the nation’s Christmas Tree in King’s Canyon National Park. Every year since 1926, the nearby town of Sanger holds a Christmas service at General Grant Tree on the second Sunday of December. Winter is a beautiful time of year to visit the giant sequoias, when snow adds a touch of magic and the crowds are sparse.
Within the Sequoia National Park, Wuksachi Lodge is open until late December, offering modern rooms with in a traditional style. Up to three kids can stay in a deluxe room, and you can also bring your pet. You can also stay just outside the park at Montecito Sequoia Lodge, an all-inclusive lodge with fun activities like sledding, archery and s’mores by the fire. It’s closed for 2025 but will reopen for 2026.
Yosemite National Park at Christmas
If you have seen pictures of Yosemite in the snow, you’ll get it: this is the best and also least crowded season in California’s iconic National Park. The waterfalls are in full flow, and the snow-dusted landscape adds to the magic. There’s outdoor skating at Curry Village, skiing at Badger Pass and many of the trails are open.
Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite’s famous lodge, is perfect for a winter escape, and is often priced at a discount to the peak summer season. The hotel hosts the Bracebridge Dinner in December, an annual ticketed event featuring a seven-course banquet and Christmas-themed theater. You don’t need to be a guest of the hotel to join in the fun, but act fast, as seats sell out.
Big Bear Lake
Not to be confused with Bear Valley in northern California, Big Bear Lake is a small mountain town within a three-hour drive east of downtown Los Angeles. Snow is not guaranteed, but there are plenty of winter activities like an annual Christmas market (Christkindlemarkt, December 20, 2025), Santa visits and festive lights. Can’t decide between a boutique hotel and a cozy cabin? Have both at Nobel and Proper, an impeccably stylish property blending privacy with concierge service.
Christmas in Disneyland California
As you would imagine, Disneyland California goes hard at Christmas. Step through the gates and celebrate the season without having to do any of the stressful adult stuff. Obviously this is going to be a very commercialized (and expensive) option, but it’s also my favorite time to visit the parks: the weather is cooler, the decorations are beautiful, and there are some great food options. Will it be busy? If you’re going when school is out, absolutely. Still worth it.
My family have stayed on and off property, and both have their advantages. Staying at a Disney hotel—either the Grand Californian, Pixar Place or Disneyland Hotel—-grants you early entry to the park, so you have 30 minutes to rush to your chosen ride before the gates open to everyone else. However, Disney is changing that perk to one Lightning Lane entry during their stay as of January 5, 2026, so visit before then if you want to take advantage of the early opening.
The Sheraton Anaheim is less than half a mile away and offers a free shuttle to the parks, while the Travelodge Anaheim includes breakfast in the price. If you are visiting with young kids who cannot go on the big rides, there is no real reason to be up super early, so save your money for a character breakfast instead.
A Central Coast California Christmas
Forget the snow and enjoy the sunshine instead. While you will probably get some rain, December is still a beautiful time of year all along California’s central coast between San Franciso and Los Angeles. For a laid-back, barefoot-walks-on-the-beach vibe, I love Cambria, a small community near Hearst Castle. During December, don’t miss the Cambria Christmas Market with stalls, live music, and—of course—Santa. The Cambria Pines Lodge is a family-friendly hotel, with a cheery lounge and hot breakfast included.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is another endearing coastal Christmas destination. The cottages throughout the village are straight out of a fairytale, and you won’t miss the snow when you can have a white sand beach instead. Stay at Carmel Valley Ranch, a luxurious yet laid-back hotel where kids can meet the goats and chickens, and you can take a cocktail-making class.
With its Spanish-style architecture, palm-fringed beaches, and mountain backdrop, Santa Barbara is easy on the eye. But there is also plenty to do for families looking for a laid-back coastal Christmas break. December is the best time to see the gray whale migration, either from dry land at Shoreline Park or by taking a boat cruise from the harbor. Staying with an animal theme, the Santa Barbara Zoo is especially fun lit up for the holiday season during the Winter Lights event. Check into Hotel Santa Barbara in the heart of downtown to stay close to the action.
Christmas in the city
Stay in one of California’s great cities and enjoy the festive lights, performances, and traditions around town.
San Jose at Christmas
Silicon Valley’s biggest city goes all out for Christmas, hosting the long-running Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Chavez (daily 6-11pm Nov. 28 to Jan 1, free entry), an ice rink, and fairground rides at Winter Wonderland. Round out your trip with tickets to The Nutcracker at San Jose Dance Theater, and a walk through Willow Glen, a San Jose neighborhood with beautifully decorated trees. Stay in Hotel Valencia in Santana Row for walkable access to restaurants and shops.
Christmas in San Francisco
Union Square is the center of Christmas celebrations in San Francisco, with a giant Christmas tree and an outdoor skating rink. Nearby department store Neiman Marcus also boasts a huge tree, while Macy’s welcomes adorable (and adoptable) puppies and kittens to its festive window display.
Check out the Fairmont Hotel for its giant gingerbread house, and if you’re feeling fancy, stay for a Christmas-themed afternoon tea. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is another San Francisco tradition, where the vast Cow Palace is transformed into the streets of Victorian London. San Franciscans will take any opportunity to dress in costume, so feel free to come as your favorite Dickensian character. As for accommodation, book a room at The Westin St. Francis if you want to stay in the heart of the action at Union Square.
Christmas in Los Angeles
You know Tinseltown is going to be a special place for the holiday season. With its mild winter climate, you can enjoy the Los Angeles festive spirit without feeling frostbite nipping at your toes. See Hogwarts Castle covered in snow and illuminated for the holidays at Universal Studios, and celebrate the season with your favorite characters at Disneyland in Anaheim. Stroll down Christmas Tree Lane (actually Santa Rosa Avenue) in Altadeana, and enjoy a century-old Christmas neighborhood tradition. Stay in Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica if you want to be close to the beach, or The Hollywood Roosevelt if you want to stay close to all the Hollywood attractions.
