![\"julianpiexmas\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/recreation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/julianpiexmas.jpg\")
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When it comes to the holiday season,\u00a0California has epic destinations and\u00a0outdoor recreation. There’s more to do outdoors than look at the\u00a0holiday lights!<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
National Parks<\/a> to\u00a0State Parks<\/a>, National Forests<\/a>, Historic Gold Country<\/a>, Wine Country<\/a>, most open year round.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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. Yes, you can! Cut down a Christmas Tree out of the forest. \u00a0Get a tree cutting permit from your nearest\u00a0National Forest<\/a> ranger station.<\/p>\n This half-day adventure is best done with company (more people to help haul the tree). Hot cocoa in a thermos!<\/p>\n Buy a forest map<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Everyone knows about the Rose Parade, otherwise known as the New Years Day Parade, held in Pasadena, CA – but few know that \u00a0 \u00a0you can view these floral floats lining up the night before.<\/p>\n the scent of flowers fills the air<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When it comes to the holiday season,\u00a0California has epic destinations and\u00a0outdoor recreation. There’s more to do outdoors than look at the\u00a0holiday 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 … Continue reading Winter Holiday Ideas<\/span> ![\"snow\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/recreation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/snow.png\")
<\/p>\nwinter snow activities<\/h2>\n
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![\"3skiersready\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/recreation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3skiersready-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/p>\nEVENTS & FAIRS<\/h3>\n
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Holiday Towns in California<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"pinetree\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/recreation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/pinetree.png\")
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![\"descansohall\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/recreation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/descansohall.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDecember Events, Fairs, Festivals & Parades<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"sailtree\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/recreation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/sailtree.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"NFSlogo\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/recreation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/NFSlogo.gif\")
<\/p>\nCutting Christmas Trees<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"bigtreeinhome\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/recreation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/bigtreeinhome.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Leisure\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/recreation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/wildflower.png\")
<\/p>\nNew Years Eve<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"treereflect\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/recreation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/treereflect.jpg\")
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