If you are thinking of heading out to California for Christmas in 2023, you may have a few ideas about where to go and what to see. Whether you want to explore a new city or revisit an old favorite, there are plenty of options to choose from. Below are some of the best things to do in California this holiday season.
Balboa Park
One of the most popular events for San Diego County during the Christmas season is December Nights in Balboa Park. This annual two-day event features family-friendly activities, holiday food, and music. Thousands of visitors attend each year. It is also free to the public.
There are many museums within the park, so attendees are sure to find something interesting to see. Some museums offer free admission during the evening.
There are a variety of attractions, including the International Spirits Garden and the Speckles Organ Pavilion. The Speckles Organ Pavilion is home to a live tree, a backdrop for traditional holiday songs, and brightly decorated white lights.
You’ll also find the Old Globe Theatre, a replica of the Shakespeare’s Globe in London, and the Mingei International Museum. These attractions are open to the public for free, but you can also purchase tickets for a performance.
Festival of Lights is also held at Balboa Park in December. It is a free event, and features music, dancing, and other festive activities.
Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica Place for Christmas in California 2023 is a place to go to enjoy the magic of the season. This family-friendly destination is home to a variety of activities. You can go shopping, get your jollies, or just soak up the holiday vibes. The beach is just a short walk away.
There are also several great holiday events taking place in Los Angeles. These include the Marina del Rey Boat Parade, the Holiday Boat Parade in Venice, and the countless lights at the Santa Monica Pier. Whether you are looking for a big celebration or want to get in the spirit, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a holiday party that’s family friendly, look no further than the Santa Claus Train Ride. It features live music, food, and plenty of festive displays. Depending on your budget, you can choose from multiple ticket price plans.
Another fun option is the ice skating rink in downtown Santa Monica. Open from mid-November through mid-January, this outdoor rink offers a chance to test your skating skills in the beautiful weather. A fun experience for the whole family, you can rent skates and cabanas for the day.
Mission Inn Holiday Event
During the holiday season, a visit to the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in Riverside, California is a must. A beautiful light display illuminates the hotel’s interior and exterior. The display is free and open to the public.
This historic hotel was first opened in 1875 as a 12-room adobe guesthouse. It was saved from destruction in 1992 by Duane and Kelly Roberts. Today, it features 238 rooms, three lounges and a Tuscany-inspired spa.
The hotel’s light display is one of the largest in the country. In addition, it boasts a full-scale fireworks display. Other attractions include a Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting, which features a live tree lighting ceremony and a tree-climbing competition. You can also enjoy a 75-minute self-guided tour of the hotel’s grounds.
Another Christmas-themed event is the Festival of Lights, a five-week extravaganza. The festival features millions of lights adorning the buildings of the hotel.
The festival is officially rated as one of the top five holiday events in the country. The Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights has been in operation for twenty-two years. As a result, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
San Francisco Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker
The San Francisco Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker in California is a classic holiday show. It features Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, dancers in gorgeous costumes, and breathtaking sets. You’ll enjoy dancing snowflakes and magic sleighs, and the best part is that the show is affordable!
In the years since the original ballet was first performed in the United States, it has become a staple in holiday rituals. The story follows a young girl named Clara who is taken on an adventure to the Land of the Snow by her Uncle Drosselmeyer. She is greeted by a nutcracker prince who travels with her.
There are several different versions of the story, including ones that change the setting or characters. However, the true “Nutcracker” is still the original.
Helgi Tomasson’s “Nutcracker” is a resetting of the original tale in San Francisco at the 1915 World’s Fair. It includes 150 pounds of snow in the fly space, plus the dazzling designs of Tony Award-winning costumes and lighting.
Pasadena’s South Lake Avenue HOLIDAYFEST
South Lake Avenue in Pasadena, CA has become famous for its dining, shopping, and festive events. If you’re looking for something to do during the holiday season, consider the South Lake Avenue Holiday Fest. It’s free and features live musical performances and prizes. You can take a photo with Santa for free, visit the holiday artisans market, and enjoy free raffles.
The Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting is a free, family-friendly event on Sunday, November 20th, 2022. A 40-foot decorated Christmas tree will be illuminated. There will be a visit from Santa, a holiday puppet show, and a teddy bear giveaway. Donations to Miracles for Kids will also be accepted.
In addition to the festivities, local shops will be open with festive decorations, and a health fair will be held. Participating stores will offer seasonal sandwiches, scones, and sweets. Some stores will have a holiday boutique.
The Holiday Lights Drive-Thru Experience runs from November 18th through January 1st, 2023. Participants can drive through hundreds of light displays. Depending on the time of year, tickets can be purchased at a reduced price.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
The Hollywood Christmas Parade in California is one of the country’s biggest winter events. It’s a free event and features the best of the city’s DJs and musicians.
The show has a long history. Traditionally, it was held on Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. Over time, it became an annual tradition and was moved to the weekend. During the 1970s and 1980s, the parade grew in size.
The annual event is a great chance to see a slew of floats, musical acts and celebrity guests. There’s even a free curbside viewing along most of the parade route.
It’s a good idea to plan ahead, especially if you’re visiting during the week. Most people will be occupied with work and school, and may miss out on the fun. However, it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
The parade is a big show, but it’s not the only thing you can do in Los Angeles during the holiday season. You can also visit the Griffith Observatory for its spectacular views of the city. Similarly, the Zoo Lights is a unique walkable holiday experience.
Great America in Sunnyvale
California’s Great America is one of the most fun family attractions in the Bay Area. The park features world class events and over 40 rides. In addition to these, there are waterpark adventures to keep the entire family entertained.
This family-friendly amusement park also hosts the largest winter festival in the San Francisco Bay Area. During the WinterFest, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland. It includes live entertainment, giant toy soldiers, lights and more.
The park is also home to Friday Nights at Great America, an annual event that returns this season. Featuring all of the favorite rides, live music, and 50s gazebo, this event is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
California’s Great America has expanded their lineup of seasonal activities and is now open on the weekends. In fact, the park is scheduled to stay open every weekend in 2023. Some new attractions will also be added to the park.
Mission Capistrano
Santa’s Village is one of the most popular holiday events in Southern California. It features hundreds of lights, including a train depot decorated with holiday scenes. You can even visit with Santa and his wife, Mrs. Claus. The event is open seven days a week.
In addition to Santa’s Village, you can explore Mission San Juan Capistrano, which is a historical landmark. This Spanish mission was founded in 1776. It is the seventh mission in the chain of California missions.
Mission Capistrano is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. It hosts music and workshops. Visitors can see the grounds decked in Christmas lights, and the historic Serra Chapel. There is also a sweet treat vendor.
During Capistrano Lights, visitors can enjoy live musical performances and a nightly tree lighting. There are also special activities for children. You can participate in a family-sponsored wreath making station, take a picture with Sullivan the Elf, and see the Christmas story in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church.
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade in California is one of the most awaited holiday events in the desert. This spectacular event is held each year along Palm Canyon Drive on the first Saturday in December. It’s an event that brings in over a hundred thousand spectators every year.
A number of celebrities have made appearances at this event. One of the parade’s most popular performers is Mickey Mouse, who has been seen at this parade several times. In addition, the floats in the parade are illuminated with a great many lights.
Many of the floats in the parade were designed to make people smile. For instance, there were a number of neighborhood groups with Christmas balloons and floats. Another notable feature of the festival was the large tractor-style floats.
There were also many other notable items at this parade. These include the Aerial Tramway tree lighting.
Another parade notable was the Lido Island Parade, which took place on the east end of Lido Island. Some attendees had staked out the best viewing spots.https://www.youtube.com/embed/H4d5RhdjGaE
