Come December, the Golden State turns into a winter wonderland – with snowy landscapes that are perfect for a ski weekend, twinkling lights dotting every street, and the holiday spirit in full swing! The magnificent slopes and shimmering year-end events offer the perfect opportunity for travellers to witness the beauty and splendour of the season.
Streak Through the Snow in California’s Scenic Ski Resorts!
Most ski resorts in the state are opening their doors to adrenaline junkies and novices alike, with all updated safety protocols in place. With fewer regulations in place compared to last year, visitors will have more scope for unrestricted enjoyment – no masks required outdoors, chairlifts and gondolas operating at full capacity, and no reservations needed for getting on the slopes. The best part – after working up an appetite on the slopes, snow lovers can warm up indoors with a cup of hot cocoa, and a hearty meal. Freestyle competitions and winterfest celebrations will also be a major highlight this year.
Holiday Events Make a Much-Awaited Comeback!
California’s annual winter calendar features some highly anticipated holiday events that showcase the mountains and beaches in all their resplendent glory.
Festival of Lights: Mendocino (Nov. 26 to Dec. 19)
The pathways of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, lined with lights and displays, are the perfect weekend escape. This year, the installation will be set along a one-way route and requires advance bookings.
Illuminate SF Festival of Light: San Francisco (No. 25 to Jan. 1)
For a little over a month, more than 40 light art installations dot San Francisco’s map, creating a trail through the major landmarks – from Golden Gate Park to the Castro and Yerba Buena neighbourhoods.
Christmas Tree Lane: Fresno (Dec. 1 to Dec. 25)
Almost every year since 1920, the Fig Garden neighbourhood of Fresno has been decked up, with hundreds of brightly lit and elaborately decorated homes lining the two-mile, one-way stretch along North Van Ness Boulevard – offering an immersive spectacle of pure Christmas spirit.
Mission Inn Festival of Lights: Riverside (Nov. 26 to Jan. 6)
Riverside’s Grand Dame Resort creates a show-stopping delight with millions of lights adorning its grounds – and welcoming observers to witness the thrill of festivities, free of cost!
Christmas Boat Parade: Newport Beach (Dec. 15 to Dec. 19)
Newports beach’s legendary boat parade has been presenting a glittering line-up of yachts, sailboats, and kayaks since the early 1900s. This year, the route will cross exquisite spots like Lido Isle and Balboa Island. Visitors can also enjoy evening cruises, gliding past decorated boats and houses, on select nights from Dec. 3 to Jan. 2.
Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano: The Year-End Vacation Hotspots!
Two Orange County towns present the idyllic winter holiday destination. Dana Point is renowned for Holidays at the Harbor – which features more than 700,000 LED lights illuminating Candy Cane Lane, palm trees, and a mammoth whale sculpture – until early January. The Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights offers scenic nighttime views from Dec. 10 to Dec. 12. Neighbouring San Juan Capistrano offers the storybook experience of a small-town Christmas with a charming tree lighting ceremony which takes place every evening from Dec. 4 to Dec. 30 – alongside live music, sweet treats, and the traditional lighting of candles at the Great Stone Church ruins. This two-for-one Christmas vacation spot offers the perfect setting for wrapping up the past year and initiating a new beginning.
