Christmas Markets in California: Your Complete Guide to Holiday Shopping and Festivities in 2025
When December rolls around, California really leans into the holiday spirit. Christmas markets pop up all over the state, and suddenly even the palm trees feel a little more festive. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco host magical gatherings that bring European-style holiday traditions right to the West Coast.
You’ll find everything from handcrafted gifts to warm seasonal treats. Some markets are cozy and coastal, while others turn city blocks into bustling winter festivals. Live entertainment and twinkling lights set the mood everywhere you go.
The holiday markets here reflect California’s creative, diverse communities. The Cambria Christmas Market is famous for its millions of lights, while other spots go all in on German-inspired treats like zwetschgamännla. Every market feels different, honestly. Some are huge events in big cities, others are small-town fairs with a lot of heart.
You can shop for unique gifts and soak in the local holiday traditions at each stop. There’s really no wrong way to do it—just follow your curiosity.
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 1)Santa Monica Holiday Market
- 3 2)Winter Wonderland Festival, San Diego
- 4 3)Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco
- 5 4)Redwood City Hometown Holidays
- 6 5) Union Street Fantasy of Lights, San Francisco
- 7 6) European Christmas Market at the Viking Museum, El Cajon
- 8 7) Holiday Market in Sausalito
- 9 8) Old Sacramento Waterfront Holiday Celebration
- 10 9) Paseo Nuevo Holiday Market, Santa Barbara
- 11 Kris Kringle Tips
- 12 10) The Harvest Festival, Pomona
Find the Best Accommodations
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1)Santa Monica Holiday Market
Santa Monica turns into a holiday shopping hotspot every December. The Third Street Promenade fills with markets that attract folks from all over Southern California.
The Holiday Conscious Market on Third Street Promenade brings together more than 40 vendors who focus on sustainable, eco-friendly goods. You can even bring your leashed pets for free Santa photos, which is a nice touch. Local artisans sell everything from handmade jewelry to unique home goods.
The Winterlit Holiday Market takes over on weekends all month long. Shop Friday evenings from 3 PM to 8 PM, or swing by on Saturday or Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Over at the Santa Monica Pier, the Unique Markets event draws a crowd with more than 100 vendor booths. Food trucks serve up meals, and a DJ keeps the energy up. Ocean breezes make it feel totally different from inland markets.
Shutters on the Beach hosts a beachfront market on December 9 and 16. Shopping by the ocean? Can’t beat that.
| Market | Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Nearby Hotels | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Conscious Market | December weekends | 11 AM – 2 PM | Third Street Promenade | Free admission | Sea Shore Motel, Hotel Shangri-La | Downtown Santa Monica |
| Winterlit Holiday Market | December weekends | Fri 3-8 PM, Sat-Sun 11 AM-8 PM | Third Street Promenade | Free admission | Fairmont Miramar, Shore Hotel | Not specified |
| Unique Markets | Select weekends | Varies | Santa Monica Pier | Free admission | Casa del Mar, Loews Santa Monica | Not specified |
Shopping here supports local businesses and helps you find unique holiday gifts. It’s a win-win.
2)Winter Wonderland Festival, San Diego
San Diego’s Winter Wonderland Festival really goes big with its holiday displays. Massive illuminated installations light up the city and showcase landmarks from all over the world.
Handcrafted lanterns represent different countries and traditions. You can stroll through these glowing displays, grab some seasonal snacks, and catch live entertainment.
Families always find plenty to do here. The festival blends visual art with hands-on experiences, so there’s always something to see or try.
Holiday music fills the air as you wander through themed areas. Honestly, it feels like you’re traveling the globe without ever leaving California.
The Winter Wonderland Festival introduces international holiday traditions to San Diego. It’s not your typical American Christmas market, and that’s what makes it special.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 2025 |
| Times | Evening hours |
| Location | San Diego area |
| Cost | Admission required |
| Nearby Hotels | Downtown San Diego properties |
| Website | Check local listings |
The event happens right in the heart of the holiday rush. Plan ahead—crowds can get pretty big.
3)Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair transforms the Cow Palace Exhibition Halls into Victorian London. You’ll wander through more than 120,000 square feet of space that looks straight out of 19th-century England.
Hundreds of actors roam the halls in period costumes, chatting with visitors and staying in character. You can catch theater performances, join a dance, or duck into a pub for a drink.
Vendors sell hand-crafted holiday goods and Victorian decorations. The scent of roasted chestnuts drifts through the air. Music halls keep the entertainment going all day.
This immersive Victorian experience runs on weekends from late November through December. The Patterson family, who started the original Renaissance Faire, has produced this event for decades.
Specialty shops offer unique gifts, and the lighting really sets the mood. Kids stay busy with puppet shows and arts and crafts.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | Weekends November-December 2025 |
| Times | Varies by weekend |
| Location | Cow Palace, Daly City, CA |
| Cost | Varies by date |
| Nearby Hotels | Search Booking.com for Daly City |
| Website | dickensfair.com |
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a Dickens novel. It’s a trip back in time, and honestly, it’s pretty magical.
4)Redwood City Hometown Holidays
Redwood City’s annual community holiday event takes over Courthouse Square every December. Families gather for live entertainment and plenty of shopping.
Performers keep things lively throughout the day. Vendors offer holiday crafts and tasty food for hours on end.
The parade brings out colorful floats and local groups. Santa always makes his grand entrance, waving to kids and families along the route.
The tree lighting ceremony wraps up the evening. It’s a tradition that brings everyone together as the big tree lights up the square.
Food trucks and beverage stations are scattered around, serving local beer, wine, and classic holiday drinks. There’s something for everyone.
The event goes on, rain or shine. Redwood City doesn’t let a little weather get in the way of holiday cheer.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 7, 2025 |
| Vendor Hours | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Entertainment | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Parade | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Tree Lighting | 5:45 PM |
| Location | Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, CA |
| Cost | Free admission |
| Website | Hometown Holidays official site |
5) Union Street Fantasy of Lights, San Francisco
The Union Street Fantasy of Lights brings December magic to San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood. Victorian houses, shops, and trees all glow with thousands of lights.
You can watch live ponies dressed as reindeer parade down the street with Santa and his elves. Face painters, balloon artists, jugglers, and costumed characters keep things lively. Kids love the free activities—there’s always something fun happening.
The celebration stretches from Van Ness Avenue to Steiner Street. Local stores deck out their windows, and even the parking meters turn into giant candy canes.
Rain or shine, the festivities go on. If you want to help out, bring new toys to donate for the San Francisco Firefighters’ holiday toy drive.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | December 2025 |
| Time | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Location | Union Street between Van Ness & Steiner, San Francisco, CA 94123 |
| Cost | Free |
| Nearby Hotels | Search hotels in Pacific Heights on Booking.com |
| Website | Union Street Fantasy of Lights |
6) European Christmas Market at the Viking Museum, El Cajon
You don’t need to cross the Atlantic to experience authentic European holiday traditions. The Viking Museum in El Cajon brings Old World charm right to Southern California with its winter celebration.
Vendors decorate their booths with twinkling lights and festive displays. You’ll spot handmade crafts, classic holiday items, and unique goods from European artisans.
Hungry? The food lineup includes German bratwurst, fresh pastries, and cozy drinks inspired by continental recipes.
Local musicians play live holiday tunes throughout each market day. Carolers wander between booths, adding to the festive mood.
Kids can jump into craft activities and Viking-themed games. The market keeps things lively and fun for families.
The Christmas markets in El Cajon run on multiple weekends during the holiday season. Families come for the mix of Viking history and seasonal festivities.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December weekends 2025 |
| Times | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Location | 1017 S Mollison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020 |
| Cost | Free admission |
| Nearby Hotels | Holiday Inn Express El Cajon, Hampton Inn San Diego |
| Website | Viking Museum Events |
7) Holiday Market in Sausalito
The Sausalito Winter Market brings holiday shopping to this waterfront town every December. You can browse local art, handmade crafts, and unique gifts created by the community.
The market sets up at 750 Bridgeway and stays open from 10am to 5pm. Local artisans fill their tables with ceramics, jewelry, skincare, and vintage finds.
You’ll discover one-of-a-kind presents while supporting Sausalito’s creative scene. The atmosphere mixes holiday cheer with a dash of the town’s artsy spirit.
All of downtown Sausalito glows with holiday celebrations in December. The Lighted Boat Parade and tree lighting draw crowds, and the Gingerbread House Tour lets you vote on fun business displays.
2025 Holiday Market Details
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sausalito Winter Market | December 14, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm | 750 Bridgeway, Sausalito | Free admission | sausalitocenterforthearts.org |
Nearby Accommodations: Waterfront hotels are just a stroll away from the market. You might want to check travel sites for December bookings.
The Sausalito Farmers Market runs year-round every Sunday at Dunphy Park. It’s another good spot for local finds during your visit.
8) Old Sacramento Waterfront Holiday Celebration
Old Sacramento Waterfront turns into a winter destination each holiday season. You can visit this historic district along the Sacramento River from late November through December.
The Theatre of Lights at Old Sacramento Waterfront puts on live performances that blend holiday stories with local history. Actors retell Christmas tales from the rooftops of historic buildings.
You’ll see Jack Frost and Santa join the tree lighting ceremony. The shows last about 20 minutes and bring classic characters to life.
The Vintage Holiday Market pops up on weekends in December. Local artisans sell handcrafted gifts, jewelry, and seasonal goodies.
Musicians play holiday songs on street corners as you browse the stalls. Historic storefronts show off window decorations inspired by Sacramento’s pioneer days.
Wooden sidewalks and 19th-century buildings set the scene for memorable holiday photos. Vendors sell warm drinks and festive snacks along the waterfront promenade.
Event Details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | Late November – December 30, 2025 |
| Theatre Times | Thursday-Sunday, 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM |
| Market Hours | Fridays 5-9 PM, Weekends 2-8 PM |
| Location | Old Sacramento Waterfront, Sacramento, CA |
| Cost | Free admission |
| Nearby Hotels | Holiday Inn Express Sacramento Downtown, Citizen Hotel |
| Website | Old Sacramento Waterfront |
Old Sacramento holiday events also bring live music every Saturday in December. You’ll catch local bands and carolers on K Street from 11 AM to 4:30 PM.
9) Paseo Nuevo Holiday Market, Santa Barbara
You’ll find this winter market in downtown Santa Barbara throughout December. The Paseo Nuevo shopping center transforms into a holiday wonderland with sparkling lights and decorated vendor booths.
Local artists and small businesses set up stalls across the venue. You can browse handcrafted jewelry, artwork, and festive treats.
The market supports community vendors who offer items you won’t spot in chain stores. Special holiday characters show up on select days.
Maybe you’ll meet Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, or even the Grinch for a quick photo. Some evenings, artificial snow falls, giving the place a wintery vibe—California style.
Live music fills the air as musicians play holiday favorites. Food vendors serve warm drinks and seasonal snacks so you can shop in comfort.
The market opens on weekends and some weekdays, both afternoons and evenings. The downtown spot makes it easy to pair your visit with other Santa Barbara activities.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December weekends 2025 |
| Times | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Location | Paseo Nuevo, 651 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, CA |
| Cost | Free admission |
| Nearby Stay | Harbor View Inn (booking.com) |
| Website | Downtown Santa Barbara events |
You can walk to nearby restaurants and shops before or after hitting the market. The central location puts you close to Santa Barbara’s main sights and the waterfront.
Kris Kringle Tips
Northern California: Dress in warm layers, including a cozy sweater, waterproof jacket, scarf, and boots. Evenings can be chilly and sometimes rainy. Bring a hat and gloves for outdoor markets.
Southern California: Opt for lighter layers, like a long-sleeve shirt or light sweater with jeans. A jacket is good for cooler evenings, but daytime is often mild. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for both regions.
10) The Harvest Festival, Pomona
The Pomona Fairplex turns into one of California’s top holiday craft shows each December. This family-run event has been drawing crowds for more than fifty years.
You can check out work from over 500 skilled craftspeople spread across several buildings. The festival features handmade American arts and crafts in all sorts of categories.
You’ll find pottery, glass, metalwork, and wood pieces. Jewelry designers, clothing vendors, and home decor specialists fill the space.
Holiday shopping kicks off at the Harvest Festival with hundreds of artisans in one place. Live entertainment keeps the mood upbeat as musicians play around the venue.
Food vendors serve up specialty treats. The vibe stays festive but manageable for families with kids.
2025 Festival Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 5-8, 2025 |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Location | 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768 |
| Parking Cost | $18 (credit card only) |
| Nearby Hotels | Fairfield Inn Pomona, Holiday Inn Express |
| Website | harvestfestival.com/pomona |
Friday visits usually mean smaller crowds than weekends. The Pomona Fairplex has plenty of indoor space, so you can shop comfortably even if the weather acts up.
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.