One of our favorite times of the year is here! The time to spread the holiday spirit with great gifts, and enjoy amazing food, drinks and desserts. And of course, the time to enjoy company with family and friends.
Also, we know that this is the time for spectacular decorations, memorable shows and other attractions around Southern California.
Here is our list of the best Holiday experiences in Southern California for 2019. Enjoy!
1 – Mission Inn Riverside
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When you think of breath taking decorations, this magical hotel comes to mind because if offers one of the most memorable displays of holiday lights in all of California to inspire you to take awesome pictures. Make sure you bring your loved ones so the whole family can enjoy this spectacular display of creativity and Christmas decor.
In 2019 the Mission hotel celebrates proudly its 27th annual festival of lights. Among the gorgeous displays you will see 200 animated figures like elves, angels and Dickens Carolers.
Come and check out the world’s largest man made mistletoe. This unforgettable Holiday spectacle was recently nominated “Best Public Holiday Lights Display in the Nation” by the USA Today.
And its right in our backyard do don’t miss out!
Location: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Pic Credit:@shiekainahphotography
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The light show kicks off the day after Thanksgiving. Of course if you visit during a week night it will be less busy. But generally most of the restaurants in the area are closed.
If you don’t mind the big crowds come on a weekend evening and enjoy a nice dinner after the long trek over and the long walk exploring the lights.
2 – Newport Christmas Parade
Description:
Choose a ship and enjoy the parade! This sensational boat parade is to be viewed from aboard one of the ships that are in the actual parade. This experience is like no other. From your ship you will see all the amazing display of holiday lights, hundreds of decorated ships of all sizes competing for awards in multiple categories.
This year the parade begins on Wednesday, December 18th and closing night is Sunday, December 22nd. and it begins at 6:00 pm until 10 p.m each night.
Location: 309 Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661
PIC Credit:@newportchristmasparade
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Want to really go next level on your Newport Christmas Boat Parade experience? Be sure to go on opening and closing nights which will include a spectacular fireworks show launched from the Balboa Pier that starts around 9 p.m.
3 – Global Winter Wonderland San Diego
Description:
Guranteed fun for everyone at this phenomenal festival that celebrates holidays around the world. It features tons of holiday lights, carnival ride games, a variety of food with international flavors, shopping and more.
Also on display will be beautiful Chinese hand crafted lanterns. These lanterns are designed and hand sewn by over a hundred artisans.
This incredible winter carnival makes its debut in 2019 at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego and begins November 29th until January 7th.
Location: SDCCU Stadium9449 Friars Rd. San Diego, CA 92108
PIC Credit:@hannahmikey
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The Global Winterland is really a treat for kids. But it can be pricey for the whole family to attend. Before buying tickets be sure to check on Goldstar or Groupon who both usually offer discount tickets to this event.
4 – Christmas at Disneyland
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You can make the most wonderful time of the year, the most magical time of the year. Disneyland really knows how to entertain their guests during the holidays.
Bring your loved ones young or grown and dance with Mickey Mouse to the rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers, enjoy multicultural music at California Adventure Park, and also heart warming, holiday themed shows and performances.
Both parks are offering sensational events this year. California Adventure Park has tons of fun within its Disney Festival of Holidays theme where you can enjoy holiday fare food, celebrations of Latino holiday traditions, meet Santa and his elves.
Don’t miss the lights show, hundreds of sky high fountains that move to Disney’s famous soundtracks.
Disneyland resort also has prepared entertainment like no other, enjoy the Christmas fantasy parade, holiday magic fireworks, small worlds holiday lighting, sleeping beauty’s winter castle and much more.
Yes this is truly the happiest place on earth even for the Holidays.
Location: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
PIC Credit@brianalynnsimmons
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Even though its colder than what Southern Californians are used to Disneyland is very popular around Christmas time. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds avoid going right around Christmas.
If you go before Christmas earlier in December or right after in early January they tend to thin out a bit and you can still enjoy the Christmas themed festivities.
5 – Hotel Coronado Christmas
Description:
The remarkable historical Hotel Del Coronado presents a series of fun events this year. From November 22 to January 2nd you can ice skate at the beachfront ice rink.
You can also reserve your own rink side lounge, here you can relax by the fire pit and enjoy a fun holiday menu.
Beginning on November 29 until December 31st, the hotel will display its marvelous 20 foot poinsettia tree, a must see.
The hotel garden patio will display its Winter Wonderland theme where you will see tons of Christmas decorations, Krystal the hotel’s ice princes, igloos and more.
Other events this winter also hosted by the hotel include brunch with Santa on December 1st, Painting by the sea while sipping wine on December 14th, Holiday movies at the beach on December 14th, Christmas celebrations, Hanukkah celebrations, New years party for kids and New year Gala celebration, and much more.
Location:
1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
PIC Credit:@delcoronado
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The massive tree and ice skating rink get most of the attention but as we mentioned The Hotel Coronado has many special activities going on the entire Holiday season as well.
Be sure to check their full schedule so you can catch the special event you are most interested in attending.
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!