Looking for the best places to spend Christmas in California? Check out these 5 Christmas vacations in California with more holiday spirit than you could ever ask for!
1. LAKE TAHOE
One of the best places to celebrate Christmas in California is in Lake Tahoe. Easily! The resorts come alive with more holiday spirit than you thought possible, and you may even see Santa hitting up the slopes!
Whether you are spending your time driving around the lake or at one of the world-class Lake Tahoe ski resorts, you’ll experience the Christmas magic with fairy lights, carols, and if you’re lucky, a fresh sprinkling of snow. Winter wonderland snow globe, anyone?!
2. SAN FRANCISCO
The Christmas season is a magical time in San Francisco, with the city becoming dressed up with festive lights and decorations. It’s hard not to get into the Christmas spirit, with all sorts of holiday happenings all around town.
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There are so many ways to celebrate the Christmas season in San Francisco, from tree lightings, outdoor ice skating rinks, holiday festivals, performances, and more! If you have 3 days in San Francisco, you can definitely make it to a whole bunch of fun Christmas-y spots!
3. NEVADA CITY
Looking for a traditional Victorian Christmas? Nevada City’s your answer. It’s old-fashioned. It’s quaint. It’s beautiful. And there’s a whole lotta Christmas spirit over here. The aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air. Lovers (and families!) trot down the street in horse-drawn carriages. It’s the epitome of a Hallmark movie.
Some logistics to help plan your trip: The roads are closed to traffic. Parking can be a bit difficult, so a great option is to park at the Nevada County Government Center.
4. SACRAMENTO
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear Sac? Probably not Christmas, but I’m here to change your mind!
Sacramento is a place surrounded by various recreational spots and tourist attractions (like the distant Santa Catalina Island and the nearby Eldorado Forest). The diversity of the city has earned it some interesting nicknames, includign Sactown, The Almond Capital of the World, and America’s Most Diverse City.
5. LOS ANGELES
Known for its sunny weather, Los Angeles is a unique destination for celebrating Christmas. You definitely won’t find a white Christmas over here, but that doesn’t mean the holiday spirit isn’t alive and kicking!
Whether you’re trying to escape the snow, or want to experience all the incredible things to do in Los Angeles, be sure to check out the special holiday events happening throughout the city.
FAQ:
CAN I GET A WHITE CHRISTMAS IN CALIFORNIA?
Well, my friends, that’s never guaranteed, but you can certainly do your best to plan for one!
If you’re looking for snow in NorCal during your Christmas in California celebrations, I strongly urge you to head to Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, or Yosemite National Park. And if you’re in SoCal, your only bet will be in Big Bear!
WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE DURING CHRISTMAS IN CALIFORNIA?
Since California is a HUGE state (for real, it’s larger than so many countries — including Japan and Italy), the weather drastically changes depending where you are.
Like, they’ll be palm trees decked out in lights in some parts of the state while you’ll wake up to a fresh blanket of snow in others for Christmas morning. The weather you’ll find on your Christmas vacations in California is ridiculously varied and then some.
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