California is one of the few places where you can choose your Christmas backdrop: snow-covered mountains, golden-sun coastal mornings, mist-filled forests, or warm desert nights under the stars. From iconic holiday lights to winter wine-country charm and alpine wonderlands straight out of a snow globe, the Golden State transforms into something extraordinary during the festive season.
Whether you're dreaming of a cosy fireside retreat, a glamorous coastal escape, or a sunny December getaway, this guide to the best Christmas vacation spots in California highlights destinations perfect for couples, families, and festive travellers of every kind. And with Wander's luxury vacation rentals across the state, from Malibu to Palm Springs to Lake Tahoe, finding your holiday home base has never been easier.
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A snowy Christmas straight out of a winter postcard.
Festive highlights:
Lake Tahoe is one of California’s top Christmas destinations for a reason. Sleigh rides through snow-blanketed forests, holiday village markets, and Tahoe City’s tree-lighting festivities bring instant seasonal magic. The resorts around North Lake and South Lake often host Christmas Eve torchlight parades, Santa visits, and cosy après-ski events.
Winter adventures:
Expect world-class skiing at Heavenly, Kirkwood, or Northstar. Snowshoeing around Emerald Bay, ice skating at Heavenly Village, and scenic gondola rides take advantage of Tahoe's picture-perfect holiday landscapes.
Food & drink:
Warm up with fireside dining, elevated après cocktails, and mountain-view brunches. Resorts offer decadent Christmas dinners featuring everything from California coastal flavours to alpine classics.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
If you're seeking a classic white Christmas in California, Tahoe delivers the full alpine experience, and Wander’s Tahoe and Tahoma homes bring ski-lodge comfort to an ultra-luxurious level.
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Charming, historic, and snow-kissed for the holidays.
Festive highlights:
Truckee’s Rail Yard and downtown area transform into a Dickensian-style winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, local craft shops, and holiday concerts. The annual Truckee Tree Lighting and Festive Fridays create a Hallmark-movie atmosphere.
Winter adventures:
Access some of the best ski terrain in the region at nearby Northstar, Palisades Tahoe, and Sugar Bowl. Outdoor lovers can enjoy sledding hills, cross-country ski parks, and forested snowshoe trails.
Food & drink:
Cosy cafés, craft breweries, and alpine-inspired eateries make Truckee an ideal spot for festive feasting. Expect hearty winter dishes, warm fire pits, and mountain-fresh flavours.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
With its historic charm and easy access to world-class slopes, Truckee is a snow-lover’s dream, and Wander’s mountain homes here feel like private, modern chalets built for festive gatherings.
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A warm, stylish holiday wrapped in sunshine and retro sparkle.
Festive highlights:
Palm Springs is where Christmas meets mid-century glam. Think palm trees wrapped in lights, festive street markets, holiday concerts, and the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade – one of SoCal’s most iconic holiday events.
Winter adventures:
Swap snow for sun with scenic desert hikes, e-bike rides, and poolside lounging. Or take the aerial tramway up Mt. San Jacinto for powdery snow, giving you the best of both worlds.
Food & drink:
Vibrant restaurants, modern cocktail bars, and glamorous hotel lounges offer festive menus and Christmas dinner experiences in pure desert style.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
For travellers chasing a warm, pool-friendly December, Palm Springs tops the list. Wander’s sleek Palm Springs and Indio homes bring resort-level luxury with private pools, hot tubs, and mountain views.
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A serene, celestial Christmas under desert stars.
Festive highlights:
Joshua Tree slows down beautifully in winter. Twinkling lights at local shops, holiday artisan markets, and small-town festive charm set the tone for a peaceful desert Christmas.
Winter adventures:
Hike among the iconic Joshua trees, explore otherworldly rock formations, or take guided stargazing tours; December skies are some of the clearest of the year.
Food & drink:
Sip craft coffee in Joshua Tree Village, enjoy slow-food desert dining, or explore natural-wine bars and bohemian cafés in Yucca Valley.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
If your ideal Christmas includes silence, stars, and solitude, Joshua Tree is irresistible. Wander homes in Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley offer private hot tubs, expansive desert views, and luxurious modern comfort.
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Rustic holiday charm with a Wild West twist.
Festive highlights:
Pioneertown’s holiday season feels like stepping into a vintage Western set, because you are. Mane Street glows with rustic decorations, and nearby venues host seasonal concerts and intimate gatherings.
Winter adventures:
Explore the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve, take desert hikes, or go horseback riding through quiet winter trails.
Food & drink:
Pappy & Harriet’s legendary barbecues and live shows offer a festive, music-filled holiday experience.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
For travellers seeking something truly different, Pioneertown blends desert calm with quirky Old West vibes, and Wander’s luxury stays here elevate the experience beautifully.
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A sunlit, oceanfront Christmas with effortless coastal luxury.
Festive highlights:
Malibu keeps things relaxed but dazzling. Holiday lights reflect off the Pacific, local wineries host seasonal events, and Malibu Village holds festive concerts and Christmas markets.
Winter adventures:
Walk Zuma Beach on crisp December mornings, surf winter swells, or hike Solstice Canyon under golden winter sun.
Food & drink:
Coastal brunches, farm-to-table holiday feasts, and oceanfront cocktails make Malibu a flavour-forward Christmas destination.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
If your ideal Christmas morning swaps snow for salt air, Malibu is unbeatable. Wander’s ocean-view villas in Malibu bring together views, privacy, and contemporary holiday comfort.
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Glamour, holiday lights, and endless festive experiences.
Festive highlights:
LA shines at Christmas. Discover the LA Zoo Lights, Beverly Center holiday displays, and The Grove’s iconic tree (one of the tallest in the country). Theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios light up with elaborate seasonal overlays.
Winter adventures:
Wander through Griffith Park, hike to the Hollywood Sign, or enjoy warm winter beach days in Santa Monica or Venice.
Food & drink:
From Michelin dining to holiday-themed pop-ups, LA offers Christmas feasts for every taste.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
Warm weather, glittering lights, and world-class entertainment make LA one of the best Christmas vacation destinations in California, and Wander’s refined city villas offer a luxurious retreat in the heart of it all.
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Luxury shopping, twinkling lights, and ultra-glam holiday spirit.
Festive highlights:
Rodeo Drive’s Christmas displays are legendary, featuring snowfall shows, elegant decorations, and window displays that rival those of global fashion capitals. The city’s holiday concerts and tree lighting events add to the festive charm.
Winter adventures:
Explore lush garden walks, spa days, or scenic drives through the Santa Monica Mountains.
Food & drink:
Expect world-class restaurants offering elevated seasonal menus, champagne brunches, and decadent desserts.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
Beverly Hills brings the glitz. And if you’re dreaming of a Christmas wrapped in luxury, Wander’s Beverly Hills estates offer a private, sophisticated holiday base.
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Wine-country cheer and countryside peace.
Festive highlights:
Sonoma Plaza becomes a holiday postcard, lined with lights, boutique markets, and seasonal wine events. Christmas at Cornerstone Sonoma features festive installations, tastings, and artisanal shopping.
Winter adventures:
Take scenic drives through vineyard-covered hills, join winter wine tastings, or wander through quiet nature trails.
Food & drink:
Sonoma’s farm-driven cuisine shines during the holidays, with seasonal menus, firelit tasting rooms, and upscale wine-pairing dinners.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
Sonoma offers a slower, soulful Christmas experience perfect for families, couples, and groups. Wander’s Sonoma and Glen Ellen homes blend countryside charm with elevated modern luxury.
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A festive, walkable wine-country gem.
Festive highlights:
Healdsburg hosts charming holiday events including the Healdsburg Stroll, Christmas tree lighting, and festive winery pop-ups. Boutique shops and tasting rooms bring small-town magic to the season.
Winter adventures:
Explore vineyard bike rides, country-lane walks, and neighbouring wineries in winter’s crisp, quiet beauty.
Food & drink:
Healdsburg’s culinary scene is one of the best in California. Expect Michelin-level restaurants, artisan bakeries, and beautifully curated tasting menus.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
A blend of wine-country warmth and big-flavour dining makes Healdsburg a sophisticated Christmas escape. Wander’s Healdsburg homes are ideal for festive gatherings with elevated style.
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A peaceful holiday retreat surrounded by vineyard hills.
Festive highlights:
This quiet wine-country town glows with holiday charm. Local wineries host seasonal tastings, and Glen Ellen Village offers a cosy, festive atmosphere.
Winter adventures:
Stroll through Jack London State Historic Park, take scenic country drives, or explore nearby Sonoma and Santa Rosa.
Food & drink:
Rustic wine-country dining, local bakeries, and intimate tasting rooms make Glen Ellen perfect for leisurely holiday meals.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
For travellers wanting serenity and scenic beauty, Glen Ellen is a perfect Christmas escape, and Wander’s homes here offer refined countryside comfort.
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Coastal calm, dramatic scenery, and a cosy holiday atmosphere.
Festive highlights:
Bodega Bay’s windswept coastlines shine in winter. Expect small-town holiday lights, festive coastal walks, and local craft markets.
Winter adventures:
Spot migrating whales, hike along the shoreline, or explore nearby state parks shrouded in coastal fog.
Food & drink:
Enjoy fresh seafood, clam chowder, cosy pubs, and fireside dining overlooking the Pacific.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
For a peaceful oceanfront Christmas, Bodega Bay offers dramatic beauty and serenity, paired with Wander’s coastal homes for a warm, firelit holiday stay.
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Wild cliffs, misty mornings, and soulful holiday solitude.
Festive highlights:
Big Sur’s rugged coast takes on a mystical feel in winter. Holiday events are low-key, but the natural beauty does the heavy lifting: fog-kissed mornings, quiet cliffside drives, and iconic viewpoints with fewer crowds.
Winter adventures:
Hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, explore redwood forests, or take scenic drives along Highway 1.
Food & drink:
Discover intimate cliffside restaurants, artisanal cafés, and inns that offer fireside Christmas dinners with stunning ocean views.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
For nature lovers and romantics, Big Sur offers a Christmas full of beauty and tranquillity. Wander’s Big Sur homes elevate the experience with panoramic ocean views and luxurious privacy.
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Wine tasting, hot-air balloons, and holiday vineyards.
Festive highlights:
Temecula’s Old Town transforms with lights, Christmas markets, and an illuminated ice rink. Seasonal events at local wineries include tastings, dinners, and sparkling wine celebrations.
Winter adventures:
Take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over rolling vineyards, go horseback riding, or enjoy scenic country drives.
Food & drink:
Temecula is renowned for its bold wines and farm-to-table cuisine, ideal for a Christmas dinner.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
With vineyard views and mild winter weather, Temecula offers a warm, flavour-rich Christmas, and Wander’s homes make group stays effortless.
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Sun-drenched, festive, and family-friendly.
Festive highlights:
San Diego offers boat parades, Balboa Park’s December Nights, holiday zoo lights, and beach-town Christmas charm. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a seasonal favourite.
Winter adventures:
Go surfing on Christmas morning, stroll La Jolla’s coastal trails, or explore winter-warm neighbourhoods like Little Italy and Coronado.
Food & drink:
Dine at world-class restaurants, explore beachfront brunch spots, or enjoy festive cocktails overlooking the coast.
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
San Diego is ideal for travellers seeking a warm, sunlit holiday, and Wander’s coastal villas bring five-star comfort to the shores of Southern California.
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Whether you’re dreaming of powdery slopes, coastal calm, wine-country magic, or warm desert nights, California offers some of the best Christmas vacation spots in the U.S. Each destination on this list brings its own festive flavour, from alpine adventures to candlelit tastings and oceanfront mornings wrapped in soft winter sun.
And if you're looking to elevate your holiday plans, Wander’s luxury vacation rentals across California offer hotel-quality amenities, spacious living areas, private hot tubs, chef-ready kitchens, and views designed for unforgettable Christmas mornings.
Book your luxury California vacation rental early (the holiday season fills fast!), and get ready to celebrate Christmas in style.
If you're dreaming of a snowy, storybook-style Christmas in California, head straight for the Sierra Nevada. Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Big Bear Lake offer snow-capped mountains, ski resorts, ice skating, sleigh rides, and festive holiday events that bring true winter magic to the season.
Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park also transform into peaceful winter wonderlands with fewer holiday crowds, making them ideal for travellers wanting nature, stillness, and snow-dusted landscapes. These destinations are perfect for a classic white Christmas without leaving California.
California is packed with iconic holiday light displays. In Southern California, highlights include the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Balboa Park’s December Nights in San Diego, and the illuminated coastal piers of Santa Monica and Long Beach.
In Northern California, don’t miss Christmas Tree Lane in Fresno, Union Square’s towering Christmas tree in San Francisco, and Nevada City’s Victorian-style holiday events. Throughout the state, theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios add spectacular seasonal overlays, offering holiday music, immersive decorations, and festive experiences for the whole family.
If you want sunshine instead of snow, California is filled with warm-winter destinations perfect for a December getaway. Palm Springs, San Diego, Santa Monica, Orange County, Pismo Beach, and Santa Barbara all offer blue skies, palm trees, and mild temperatures during the Christmas season.
Enjoy whale watching, Pacific Coast Highway day trips, outdoor brunches, holiday lights along the waterfront, and even Christmas morning hikes. Warm-weather destinations also tend to have smaller holiday crowds, making them great for a relaxing Christmas Day escape.
Whether you visit Northern or Southern California, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer. Winter travellers can enjoy ice skating rinks, candlelit tours, Christmas markets, train rides to “North Pole” villages, and guided winter hikes in national parks. Coastal cities host light displays, oceanfront holiday events, and boat parades, while mountain towns offer skiing, tubing, hot springs, and fireside dining.
From the Victorian charm of Nevada City’s First Friday celebrations to the desert serenity of Joshua Tree, California’s Christmas experiences truly offer something for the whole family.
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