It’s Not Christmas In Southern California Until You Do These 10 Enchanting Things
Christmas is my favorite time of year in Southern California. If you love the magic of the holidays, then take a look at these 10 enchanting things you can do right here in SoCal that will make the season bright. I can’t wait to experience number eight on the list – it reminds me of my childhood. What is your favorite way to celebrate Christmas in SoCal?

The annual Julefest is coming up on December 2nd in the charming village of Solvang and it's a Christmas tradition you don't want to miss. Take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley tour, do some holiday shopping at the local boutiques, and sip and sample some festive holiday fare.

Picking out your own Christmas tree for the holidays marks the beginning of the Christmas season for most everyone. There are several farms to choose from here in SoCal, but one of our favorites is the Family Christmas Tree Farm in El Cajon.

Christmas in Newport Beach officially comes to life during the annual Christmas Boat Parade of Lights that is now in its 108th year. Grab a seat with a view at a waterfront restaurant or set up some chairs along the harbor to watch the beautifully decorated boats, yachts, and kayaks float by.

The Festival of Lights at the historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in Riverside is a bright and brilliant way to ring in the holiday season. Whether you stay at the hotel for an overnighter or just drive by to see it all aglow in thousands of lights, your Christmas won't be complete until you see this holiday display with your own eyes.

Sipping on a cup of hot chocolate is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season. For a truly decadent cup of cocoa, head to Demitasse in Los Angeles located at 135 S. San Pedro Street and order the lavender hot chocolate with a giant marshmallow. Just one sip and the holiday season will feel complete.

For 38 years, this annual festival has brought the community together to eat, drink and be merry in the village of Corona del Mar. This fun gathering is coming up on December 4th. You'll find fun and festive activities for the whole family, yummy holiday treats, Christmas carolers, and holiday shopping galore.

There may not be any snow in San Diego during the holiday season, but that doesn't stop anyone from celebrating Christmas in style. December Nights, a free community festival held inside Balboa Park, is one of the many ways San Diegans celebrate the magic of Christmas. Make sure to head to the Organ Pavillion to see the magnificent holiday tree on display while you're there.

A winter wonderland awaits you in SkyPark at Santa's Village. Travel to the North Pole and visit Santa's workshop at this holiday amusement park that will make everyone feel like a kid again. Opening weekend is coming up on December 2nd so make sure to mark your calendar for this epic Christmas destination.

Throughout December, Temecula embraces the holiday season with all sorts of events for the whole family to enjoy. Outdoor ice skating, holiday light displays, and wine tasting for the grown ups are just a few of the activities to enjoy. You can find more information about the schedule of events at Temecula Chilled right here.

There's nothing more magical than taking a spin around an ice skating rink with the ocean in the background. Now in its twelfth year, an afternoon or evening of ice skating at the Hotel Del in Coronado is a wonderful family tradition.
There’s something about Christmas that makes everything so sparkly and bright. Do you have a favorite activity on this list? For more holiday joy in Southern California, take a look at these 10 Christmas light displays that are pure magic. Oh how I love the holidays!
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