Russian Time Magazine

Where to Find Christmas Magic in California: A 2024 Holiday Guide

California transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, with lights, music, and a magical atmosphere. Here’s a selection of the best winter events in 2024 that are worth visiting.

1. Disneyland Resort's Holiday Festivities
Until January 6, the famous Disneyland in Anaheim turns into a magical winter wonderland. The entire park is adorned with garlands, twinkling lights, and Christmas trees, creating the perfect holiday vibe. The magic centers on the It's a Small World ride, decked out in festive decor and accompanied by Christmas carols. At Disney California Adventure, the Festival of Holidays showcases traditions from various cultures, from Hanukkah and Diwali to Catholic Christmas. The streets are filled with live music and festive shows. Food enthusiasts will love the seasonal treats: the park offers over 320 holiday-themed dishes and drinks, ranging from spiced hot chocolate and gingerbread cupcakes to unique seasonal snacks.
When: November 15, 2024 – January 6, 2025

Where: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, California

Tickets: 1-day tickets start at $104 for adults; Park Hopper tickets are available at higher prices.

Website: disneyland.com

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2. Queen Mary’s 12 Days of Christmas
The historic Queen Mary liner in Long Beach opens its doors for festive celebrations, transforming into a Christmas-themed attraction with unique zones and activities. During Snow Day, guests can enjoy a winter wonderland with artificial snow, where they can have snowball fights and build snowmen—even under the California sun. Creative visitors can join workshops to decorate Christmas stockings or craft gingerbread houses. Live musical performances and vibrant dances take place on stage, filling the air with holiday cheer and the aroma of cocoa and sweet pastries. Don’t miss a walk through the ship’s corridors, which are imbued with a special holiday magic during this season.
When: December 12–23, 2024

Where: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, California

Tickets: Starting at $26.50

Website: queenmary.com

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3. Solvang Julefest
Looking for a true Christmas atmosphere? Head to Solvang, known as the “Danish Capital of America,” which Newsweek recently ranked among the best small towns for holiday celebrations. During the traditional Julefest, cozy streets are lit with thousands of lights, shop windows sparkle with garlands, and the town itself resembles a Christmas postcard from Europe. Visitors can enjoy the parade of lights, the ceremonial tree lighting, and guided candlelit tours that reveal the ancient Danish traditions of Christmas. Markets offer handcrafted gifts, famous Danish cookies, mulled wine, and sweet æbleskiver—fluffy pancakes served with jam and powdered sugar. Don’t forget to catch live performances by local musicians and meet the Danish Santa Claus riding a bicycle.
When: December 6, 2024 – January 5, 2025

Where: Downtown Solvang, CA 93463

Tickets: Free for most events; tours cost around $25.

Website: solvangusa.com

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4. Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
During the holidays, Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge becomes the stage for a breathtaking light show. Guests can walk along a mile-long path surrounded by trees adorned with vibrant light installations. Particularly captivating are the zones with giant glowing flowers and mirrored surfaces that create the illusion of infinite light. In the Starlight Garden, trees and shrubs shimmer in all colors of the rainbow, accompanied by soothing musical melodies. Every corner offers a perfect spot for festive photos, while cozy cafes serve hot chocolate and seasonal treats.
When: November 17, 2024 – January 5, 2025

Where: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, California

Tickets: $22–45; tickets must be purchased in advance.

Website: descansogardens.org

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5. Great Dickens Christmas Fair
The fair at Cow Palace immerses visitors in Victorian London for an entire month, as if stepping into the pages of Charles Dickens’ novels. The streets are filled with actors in 19th-century costumes reenacting scenes from classic works. Here, you can watch street magicians, listen to carols performed by a choir, and explore small shops offering unique gifts. The atmosphere is enriched by the scent of roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and hot punch, which you can enjoy while watching performances on the main stage.
When: November 23, 2024 – December 22, 2024

Where: 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, California

Tickets: Starting at $30

Website: dickensfair.com

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6. Cambria Christmas Market
The Christmas market in Cambria is a dazzling experience with thousands of lights creating a cozy atmosphere. The park is lined with pathways surrounded by light installations and decorations. Craft booths offer handmade items, from ornaments to wooden toys and warm knitted goods. Live music, aromatic mulled wine, and seasonal treats like German sausages and gingerbread cookies bring the spirit of European Christmas to life.
When: November 29, 2024 – December 31, 2024

Where: 2905 Burton Dr, Cambria

Tickets: Starting at $27.64

Website: cambriachristmasmarket.com

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7. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
During the holidays, Newport Harbor turns into a sparkling fairy tale. Over a hundred boats, yachts, and kayaks are adorned with light garlands, reindeer figures, Santas, and Christmas trees, turning the water into a magical mirror of lights. The best views can be enjoyed from the piers and public beaches of Newport Beach. For a closer look, rent a boat or join a festive harbor cruise. In Balboa Village, combine your stroll with dinner at a seaside restaurant overlooking the glittering harbor.
When: December 18–22, 2024; harbor cruises with festive lights run until January 1.

Where: Newport Harbor, Newport Beach

Tickets: Harbor cruise tickets start at $23.

Website: christmasboatparade.com

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8. Winter Fest OC in Costa Mesa
This famous festival turns the OC Fair & Event Center into a winter wonderland with an outdoor ice rink, a giant ice slide, a snow village for kids, and nightly shows featuring a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks. Guests can enjoy live performances, street artists, a Christmas market with unique gifts, and delicious festive treats.
When: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025

Where: 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, California

Tickets: Starting at $25 for adults and $20 for children; additional attractions are extra.

Website: winterfestoc.com
2024-12-18 22:14 VISTA POINT Featured