Hi Reader,

California has holiday charm in every corner, from mountain towns that feel like snow globes to coastal villages glowing at night. If you are looking for a festive getaway, here are 17 California towns with amazing holiday spirit, listed north to south.

1. Redding (Shasta Cascade)
   ​ Walk through 10 acres of glowing light displays at Redding Garden of Lights near the Sundial Bridge. The 1901 Lewiston Bridge also lights up for the season, complete with a fireworks ceremony and cozy small town vibes.
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2. Mendocino (North Coast)
   ​ A peaceful coastal village with historic buildings, local shops, and the weekend Festival of Lights at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. You can also ride the Skunk Train to the world’s largest Christmas tree and visit Santa Mr. Skunk.
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3. Nevada City (Gold Country)
   ​ This Victorian town feels like a scene from a Dickens story with glowing gas lamps, carolers, roasted chestnuts, and a charming downtown. Nearby Grass Valley hosts the Cornish Christmas celebration with musicians, jugglers, and traditional cloggers.
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4. Windsor (Sonoma County)
   ​ Home to the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove featuring 200 decorated trees along the Town Green walkways. Holiday music and lights create a fun, community focused atmosphere.
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5. Petaluma (Bay Area)
   ​ Santa arrives by tugboat for Santa’s Riverboat Arrival, followed by downtown shopping, live entertainment, and the Lighted Boat Parade. The Holiday Shopping Stroll on December 6 also has extended store hours, photo ops, and a fun scavenger hunt.
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6. Lodi (Central Valley)
   ​ Highlights include the Lodi Parade of Lights with more than 80 floats. A holiday scavenger hunt, Santa photos, and a Holiday Shopping Stroll with carriage rides round out the festivities.
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7. Livermore (Bay Area)
   ​ Enjoy the free Holly Jolly Trolley, Deck the Halls storefront decorations, the Holiday Village at Carnegie Park, and the Sights and Sounds Parade and Tree Lighting. The Lights of Livermore Holiday Tour includes wine tasting and an open air trolley ride.
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8. Mammoth Lakes (High Sierra)
   ​ Ski during the day and enjoy holiday karaoke, Santa visits, and the huge Night of Lights event featuring fireworks, a torchlight parade, music, and snowmobile rides.
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9. Fresno (Central Valley)
   ​ Christmas Tree Lane features millions of lights across 300 trees and 140 decorated homes along a two mile stretch. Expect toy soldiers, elves, reindeer, and animated displays throughout the Fig Garden neighborhood.
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10. Kernville (Central Valley)
    ​ The holiday season starts with a Hot Rod Toy Drive and tree lighting. Every Saturday includes Santa in the Park, plus Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunts and a candlelight vigil stroll.
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11. San Luis Obispo (Central Coast)
    ​ Downtown SLO transforms into a glowing holiday district with decorated shops, warm drinks, and family friendly experiences. The famous Madonna Inn also goes all out with colorful holiday decor.
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12. Solvang (Central Coast)
    ​ Julefest brings Danish style charm to Santa Barbara wine country with a parade, wine and beer walk, nativity reenactments, and the dramatic Christmas Tree Burn in early January.
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13. Big Bear Lake (Inland Empire)
    ​ Enjoy a snowy mountain Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers, and festive lights throughout The Village. Nearby Skypark at Santa’s Village offers ice skating, mini train rides, and breakfast with Santa.
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14. Temecula Valley (Inland Empire)
    ​ Temecula Chilled runs all December with holiday lighting, themed drinks, outdoor ice skating, and great shopping in Old Town for local food, oils, spices, and gifts.
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15. Newport Beach (Orange County)
    ​ The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade features about 100 decorated boats cruising the waterfront. You can also book a Parade of Lights Dinner Cruise or join locals watching the Ring of Lights home displays.
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16. Dana Point Harbor (Orange County)
    ​ The harbor glows with themed displays including Candy Cane Lane and the Merry Kiss Me arch. Kids can take a boat ride with Santa starting in early December.
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17. Julian (San Diego County)
    ​ A cozy mountain town with Victorian Christmas teas, home tours, crafts, and the lighting of the town’s 80 foot living Christmas tree. Expect fireplaces, shops, and holiday treats throughout town.

If you’ve been to any of these towns in December, hit reply and let me know your thoughts!
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Until next time,
Shreeyeh

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