🎄 Things to Do in Christmas in California 2025: Sunshine, Snow & Holiday Sparkle
- Let's Live A Life
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
California truly has it all during the holidays — warm beaches, snowy mountains, glowing cities, and some of the most iconic Christmas events in the world. Here are 15 magical things to do this Christmas season.
1. Disneyland Resort – Disney Merriest Nights (Anaheim)
Website:Â https://disneyland.disney.go.com
Disneyland transforms into a holiday wonderland every November and December. Expect festive parades, snowfall on Main Street, magical decorations, holiday treats, and special nighttime shows.
Why you should go:
Iconic California Christmas experience
Perfect for kids AND adults
Magical rides and entertainment
Tips:
Buy tickets early — holidays sell out fast
Visit midweek for thinner crowds
2. Universal Studios Hollywood – Holidays at Universal (Los Angeles)
Celebrate the season with Grinchmas, holiday décor in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and festive entertainment across the park.
Why you should go:
Movie lovers’ dream Christmas
Fun mix of thrills and holiday magic
Great photo ops with the Grinch
Tip:Â Go early to catch live shows with shorter waits.
3. LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow (Los Angeles)
Website:Â https://lazoo.org
The Los Angeles Zoo becomes a glowing nighttime forest filled with lantern animals, illuminated pathways, tunnels, and interactive displays.
Why you should go:
Perfect for families
Beautiful and immersive
Not too crowded on weekdays
Tip: Bring a warm layer — nights can get cool.
4. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Website:Â https://www.christmasboatparade.com
One of California’s biggest holiday traditions! Watch hundreds of decorated boats, yachts, kayaks, and waterfront homes light up the harbor.
Why you should go:
Totally unique California-style Christmas
Stunning waterfront views
Great for groups and families
Tip:Â Make dinner reservations early to get a waterfront seat.
5. Solvang Julefest (Danish Christmas Village)
Website:Â https://solvangjulefest.org
This storybook Danish-style village becomes a magical European Christmas market with parades, lights, markets, shops, and warm treats.
Why you should go:
Charming and cozy
Unique holiday decorations
Amazing bakeries and warm drinks
Tip: Do the Candlelight Tour if available — beautiful at night.
6. San Diego December Nights (Balboa Park)
Website:Â https://www.sandiego.gov
A huge holiday celebration featuring cultural performances, music, international food, crafts, lights, and family-friendly entertainment.
Why you should go:
Free event
Warm-weather holiday vibe
Tons of food from around the world
Tip: Go early — this event draws big crowds.
7. San Francisco Union Square – Christmas Tree & Ice Rink
Website:Â https://unionsquareicerink.com
A classic San Francisco Christmas moment: ice skating under the giant tree in the heart of the city.
Why you should go:
Romantic and festive
Classic SF photo op
Surrounded by shops and cafés
Tip:Â Evening skates are the most magical.
8. Pier 39 Christmas Lights & Holiday Show (San Francisco)
Website:Â https://pier39.com
Enjoy the coastal Christmas magic with nightly light shows, festive music, seasonal treats, and views of the bay and sea lions.
Why you should go:
Free entertainment
Beautiful waterfront atmosphere
Great for families
Tip:Â Try the clam chowder in a sourdough bowl afterward.
9. Lake Tahoe – Heavenly Holidays Winter Festival
Website:Â https://skiheavenly.com
If you're dreaming of a white Christmas in California, Tahoe has you covered. Enjoy fireworks, skiing, lights, Santa visits, and snow-filled fun.
Why you should go:
Real snowy Christmas
Family-friendly activities
Beautiful mountain views
Tip: Book lodging as early as possible — December sells out.
10. Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights
Website:Â https://www.venturaharborvillage.com
A relaxed coastal Christmas celebration with lighted boats, live entertainment, seasonal markets, and fireworks.
Why you should go:
Cozy seaside holiday vibes
Perfect for couples and families
Smaller crowds than major cities
Tip: Bring a jacket — ocean breezes get chilly.
11. Old Sacramento Waterfront – Theatre of Lights
Website:Â https://oldsacramento.com
A historic Christmas experience with Victorian buildings lit up, storytelling performances, markets, and festive decorations.
Why you should go:
Charming old-fashioned holiday setting
Very family-friendly
Free and fun
Tip:Â Best enjoyed at dusk for prime lighting.
12. Christmas in the Park (San Jose)
Website:Â https://christmasinthepark.com
A massive holiday event with animated displays, lights, rides, food trucks, music, and festive village themes.
Why you should go:
Tons of things to see and do
Great for younger kids
Affordable holiday outing
Tip:Â Weekdays are quieter.
13. Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
Website:Â https://psfestivaloflights.com
Palm trees wrapped in lights, vintage floats, marching bands, and warm winter nights make this one of Southern California’s most beloved parades.
Why you should go:
Fun desert holiday vibe
Perfect warm-weather Christmas event
Beautiful nighttime atmosphere
Tip:Â Arrive early to find parking and good viewing spots.
14. Sacramento Zoo – Holiday Magic
Website:Â https://saczoo.org
A fun, colorful winter tradition featuring illuminated animal displays, treats, and festive nighttime zoo activities.
Why you should go:
Great for families
Interactive and cheerful
Unique holiday photo opportunities
Tip: Bring gloves — evenings can be chilly.
15. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens – Festival of Lights
Website:Â https://gardenbythesea.org
A magical coastal light display with glowing tunnels, whimsical installations, and peaceful garden pathways lit by thousands of lights.
Why you should go:
Romantic and calm
Perfect escape from busy cities
Beautiful ocean views
Tip: Dress warm — it gets cold along the northern coast.
Planning Your California Christmas Trip
✔ Book early — December is a busy travel season
✔ Bring layers — California weather varies a LOT
✔ Plan around traffic (especially in LA!)
✔ Use transit or rideshare for big city events
✔ Book mountain lodging months ahead
Conclusion: Celebrate the Magic of Christmas in California 2025
From snowy mountain getaways to palm-tree boat parades, glowing theme parks, and charming European-style villages, California offers one of the most diverse and magical Christmas experiences in the world. Whether you’re exploring with family, enjoying a couple’s retreat, or planning festive adventures with friends, this sunny winter wonderland has a holiday memory waiting for you.
Let California light up your Christmas 2025 — in sunshine, sparkle, and unforgettable joy.
The end: 🎄 Christmas in California 2025: Sunshine, Snow & Holiday Sparkle
