California is known for the variety of its attractions and events that are suitable for visitors of all ages. Best of all is that festivities and activities change according to the season, which means there are unique experiences throughout the entire year.

With the advent of the holidays, it is impossible to not think of all the upcoming Christmas celebrations that will be taking place in California. These holiday colors, decor, and unforgettable experiences fill us with nostalgia and help us create unforgettable memories. That's why here is a list with the best Christmas events set to take place in California that you cannot miss.

Holiday Road in Calabasas

One of the most anticipated events during this LA Christmas season is the Holiday Road in Calabasas located at King Gillette Ranch. Holiday Road is a tour full of lights and interactive experiences that will help you get into Christmas spirit. Walk through illuminated tunnels, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy delicious food truck desserts!

Date: From December 1 to December 31

Place: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas

Tickets: Buy online!

Movies Under the Stars in Hotel del Coronado

Hotel Coronado San Diego invites you to celebrate the magic of Christmas with the season's most iconic movies every Sunday. Under the stars, next to bonfires, and sitting on comfy beach chairs, prepare to relive and enjoy some of Christmas' best films.

Movies

• December 15: Home Alone.
• December 22: It’s a Wonderful Life.
• December 28: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
• December 31: Top Gun: Maverick

All screenings will begin at 7:30 PM with doors opening at 7 PM.

Date: From December 1 to December 31

Place: Hotel del Coronado

Tickets: Starting at $26.50 dollars

Holiday Market in Petco Park

Petco Park has transformed Gallagher Square into the Holiday Market, a winter wonderland for the whole family! Enjoy a Christmas market full of lights, a 40-foot Christmas tree, carrousel rides, reindeer, and the thrilling Christmas Train. Plus, attendees will be able to buy gifts, ornaments, and wrapping paper!

Some of the attractions you'll find here are:

• Carrousel rides and the Christmas Train.
• Meet reindeer and take pictures with Santa Claus.
• A 40-foot Christmas tree.
• Christmas market with gifts, ornaments, and wrapping paper.
• Food and drinks including fruit punch, hot cocoa, and butter cookies.
• Entertainment at the Sycuan Stage on selected nights.

Admission prices are $15 dollars for adults and $12 for children. This event will be open from 4 PM to 10 PM.

Date: From December 5 to December 27

Place: Gallagher Square in Petco Park

Tickets: Buy your tickets at mlb.com

12 Days of Christmas on the Queen Mary

The legendary Queen Mary will become the main venue of the "12 Days of Christmas" magical event: 12 nights full of holiday thrills with family friendly activities! Light up your chimneys on the first day, enjoy a Krampus-themed night on December 13, and experience a day full of snow and fun on December 19. Every night has something special and unique to offer! Cookie decorations, making ginger houses, Christmas stocking workshops, a winter market, and adult activities such as tastings and art workshops will all be featured here.

Date: From December 12 to December 23

Place: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach

Tickets: $25 dollars per person per day. You can also acquire your 12-night special pass for $99 dollars. Click here to buy your tickets!

Coastal Christmas

Experience unforgettable evenings at Coastal Christmas! This family friendly event, located at Del Mar Fairgrounds, features an illuminated path with thousands of lights, private igloos, cozy bonfires, and eco-friendly Glice Skating.

Prices range between $25 and $50 dollars. General admission includes access to all main attractions including pictures with Santa, live entertainment, and a unique Christmas market. This event will take place from 4 PM to 9 PM. Don't miss it!

Date: December 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 26

Place: Del Mar Fairgrounds

Tickets:Click here to buy them!

Christmas Boat Parade

The 54th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is coming back on December 15 with its 2024 "Peace on Earth" theme. More than 80 decorated boats will sail around the bay following this schedule:

Shelter Island: 5:30 pm
Harbor Island: 6:15 pm
Embarcadero: 6:45 pm
Port of San Diego: 7:15 pm
César Chávez Park: 7:30 pm
Coronado: 7:45 pm

Admission is free at several strategic spots. You can also rent a cruise for a complete sea experience of one of San Diego's most iconic and emblematic Christmas traditions.

Date: December 15

Place: San Diego Bay

Tickets:Free, though you can opt to rent a cruise.

Holly Jolly Trolley

On Saturday, December 15, the historic and Christmas decorated 1001 Trolley will travel around San Diego departing from Gaslamp Quarter Station (170 Sixth Ave). This event, organized by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), is free and will take place from 10 AM to 4 PM. Hot cocoa, decorations, and live Christmas carols will all be featured here!

Though it is not possible to make reservations any longer, there are spots available on a first come first served basis from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Date: December 14

Place: Gaslamp Quarter Station

Tickets: Free

62nd Boat Parade at Huntington Harbour

The magic of Christmas is coming back to the waters on the 62nd Boat Parade at Huntington Harbour, which will take place on December 14 and 15. This spectacular event, organized by the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee, pays tribute to the port's residents and it is a tradition that will help the community get into the Christmas spirit. Decorated boats with Christmas lights and ornaments will sail off to create a visual show like no other. It is recommended to arrive early, as areas to watch from the beach fill up quickly and parking is limited.

Date: December 14 and December 15

Place: Huntington Harbour in Orange California

Price: Free, with an option to purchase special spots.

Holiday Bowl Parade

The Holiday Bowl Parade, considered America's Largest Balloon Parade, will take place on December 27, 2024 at 10 AM in the Port of San Diego. This free show features giant balloons, bands, and floats, and attracts over 100,000 attendees.

People who get up early will be able to start the day off with the Holiday Bowl 5K Race in which participants will win a medal once they cross the finish line.

Date: December 27

Place: Downtown San Diego Harbor Drive

Price: Free

Magic of Lights

The Christmas spirit shines brightly at Coachella Valley with the return of Magic of Lights, a safe and dazzling show that can be enjoyed from your car. This Christmas light tour, using advanced LED technology and digital animations, will bring this season’s classic scenes and characters to life. Magic of Lights will take place until December 29 in Empire Polo Club, located 81-800 Avenue 51, Coachella Valley. With a "one car, one price" model, this experience is perfect for people looking for something special without having to get off their car.

Date: Until December 29

Place: Empire Polo Club, 81-800 Avenue 51, Coachella Valley

Price: $35 dollars per car.

Santa Train North Pole

The Santa Train North Pole Limited, departing from the wonderful Campo Depot, offers a unique Christmas experience for the whole family. Passengers will enjoy Christmas carols, stories narrated by Santa's elves, hot cocoa, and cookies. Additionally, the train will stop at Santa's Workshop to pick him and Mrs. Claus up, who will greet everyone and take pictures. This ride lasts around 90 minutes.

The train will be in operation until December 21 with departures every Friday and Saturday. Don't forget to arrive 45 minutes early to enjoy prior activities such as Hobo Camp and the gift shop.

Date: Until December 21

Place: Campo Depot at 750 Depot St., Campo, CA

Price: Ticket prices range between $15-$65 dollars, depending on category and date selected. Click here to buy your tickets!

Santa’s Village

Irvine Park Railroad has been transformed into "Santa's Village", a charming Christmas village full of lights, activities, and fun. You can enjoy ice fishing, Christmas cookie decorations, and even design and create your own Christmas tree decorations at the "Craft Corner".

This event will take place until December 30 from Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 9 PM, on weekends from 10 AM to 9 PM, and extended hours available from December 16 to December 23. Admission is free. Activities are priced at $8 dollars each and a Book of 15 tickets is $100 dollars.

Date: Until December 30

Place: 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA

Tickets: Free admission with the option of buying tickets for activities.

Christmas Lavender Fields

The 123 Organic Lavender Farm is transforming into a Christmas wonderland with more than a million lights. Some of the main attractions you can enjoy here are paths illuminated through the lavender fields, Santa's Workshop (with free photos on selected dates), a Christmas village with themed shops, and a free maze of lights.

Enjoy delicious organic dishes, drink festive beverages, and build your own ginger house (for an additional cost). This event is open from 5 PM to 10 PM. To learn more, visit the official 123 Farm website.

Date: Until December 23

Place: 123 Farm, Highland Springs Ave, Beaumont, CA

Tickets: General admission is $14 dollars for children and $30 dollars for adults, with several options including everything from seasonal dinner to gift cards. Get your tickets right here!

Don’t miss any of these Christmas events and enjoy this season to the fullest! The weather, the holiday spirit, thousands of lights, and the season's unique flavors will come together in California for a Christmas you won’t forget!