When it comes to the holiday season, California has epic destinations and outdoor recreation. There’s more to do outdoors than look at the holiday lights!

Snowy winter wonderlands span the Sierra Nevada mountains; palm desert oasis can be found in Southern California, ghost towns in the deserts to remote hot springs, there is something for everyone.

National Parks to State Parks, National Forests, Historic Gold Country, Wine Country, most open year round.

winter snow activities

• sleigh rides
• ice skating
• family sledding
• snowmobiling
• cross country
• snow skiing
• off-roading
• hot springs

EVENTS & FAIRS

• December
• January
• February

Holiday Towns in California

These particular locations go ‘all out’ with holiday decor, lights, craft shows, street fairs, and maybe a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Most events are focused around the downtown areas.

• Big Bear Lake
• Chico, CA
• Idyllwild, CA
• Julian, CA
• Lake Tahoe
• Mammoth Lakes
• Mendocino, CA
• Napa, CA
• Nevada City, CA
• Newport Beach
• Pasadena, CA
• Paso Robles, CA
• San Diego, CA
• San Juan Bautista
• Santa Barbara, CA
• Santa Rosa, CA
• Solvang, CA
• Sonoma, CA
• Sonora, CA
• Temecula, CA
• Truckee, CA
• Yosemite Valley

December Events, Fairs, Festivals & Parades

Cutting Christmas Trees

Yes, you can! Cut down a Christmas Tree out of the forest.  Get a tree cutting permit from your nearest National Forest ranger station.

This half-day adventure is best done with company (more people to help haul the tree). Hot cocoa in a thermos!

Buy a forest map and bring a sturdy hand saw. Be prepared to hike on hillsides and physically haul your chosen pine tree back to the rig. Make sure your vehicle can accommodate the size of your tree; a pick-up truck would be ideal.

Measure the height of the indoor space before you leave, so you know how TALL of a tree to cut. When standing in front of the tree in the forest, there is no reference point for your living room ceiling. May need to cut additional length off the bottom, when you arrive home.

 

New Years Eve

Everyone knows about the Rose Parade, otherwise known as the New Years Day Parade, held in Pasadena, CA – but few know that    you can view these floral floats lining up the night before.

the scent of flowers fills the air

Annually on New Years Eve, the public can stroll along tree-lined Orange Grove Blvd to watch the “finishing touches” being placed on the impressive parade floats.

Be prepared to walk miles for the FREE viewing. Many streets are blocked off (closed) for the upcoming event- so public parking can be tight.

Dress warmly and wear good walking shoes; bring a flashlight and expect chilly temps. Large lights are erected along the boulevard for this last minute finale.