Christmas Markets Southern California 2024: Top Festive Destinations

41) Winter Wonderland at The Grove

You won’t want to miss Winter Wonderland at The Grove. This free event transforms The Grove into a festive holiday destination. The main attraction is a stunning Christmas tree that stands over 100 feet tall, beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments.

The Farmer’s Market area is also adorned with holiday decor. As the evening sets in, the lights create a magical atmosphere. It’s a great spot for families and friends to gather, take photos, and enjoy the holiday spirit.

Plan to attend the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a favorite among locals. You’ll find live music, entertainment, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
November – January	189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles	Varies daily	Free admission

42) Christmas Street Faire in Barstow

The Christmas Street Faire in Barstow is a festive event that brings holiday cheer to the community. You can expect twinkling lights, decorated stalls, and cheerful music.

You’ll find a variety of vendors selling handmade crafts, holiday decorations, and delicious treats. The atmosphere is festive and perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

Local performers often entertain with Christmas carols and holiday-themed shows. It’s a great place to bring your family and friends.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to shop for unique gifts. The Barstow Christmas Street Faire is also a wonderful place to support local artisans.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Dec 14, 2024	82nd Street East, Barstow, CA	3:00 PM	Free Admission

43) Fullerton Winter Market

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Fullerton Winter Market. Held at the Fullerton Museum Center, this event brings the community together with festive cheer.

You’ll find unique gifts from local vendors, perfect for holiday shopping. The market features handmade crafts, delicious food, and seasonal decorations. It’s an ideal spot to find something special for everyone on your list.

Don’t miss the live entertainment! Local musicians and performers add to the festive atmosphere, making it a fun outing for the whole family. Kids will love the holiday-themed activities and crafts.

The market takes pride in supporting local artisans and small businesses. By shopping here, you’re contributing to the community and finding one-of-a-kind items.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
December 2, 2023	301 N. Pomona Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832	2:00 PM – 6:00 PM	Free Admission

44) Antelope Valley Fair Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival

The Antelope Valley Fair Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival is a must-visit event this holiday season. This festival brings a winter wonderland to Lancaster, California. You’ll find it at the AV Fair and Event Center.

Expect booths filled with unique, handmade gifts. From jewelry to home décor, there’s something for everyone. Local artisans showcase their creativity, making it a perfect spot for holiday shopping.

Live entertainment adds to the festive atmosphere. Musicians play holiday tunes, creating a joyful background as you browse. Kids can enjoy craft activities and meet Santa Claus.

Food vendors offer delicious treats. You can snack on holiday cookies or warm up with hot cocoa. Don’t forget to check out the food trucks for more gourmet options.

The festival also features holiday-themed workshops. Learn to create your own decorations or wreaths. These workshops are fun for both kids and adults.

Festival Details

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
December 1-3, 2024	AV Fair and Event Center, Lancaster, CA	10 AM – 6 PM daily	Adults: $10, Kids: Free

45) Heritage Hill Historical Park Candlelight Walk

You don’t want to miss the Heritage Hill Historical Park Candlelight Walk. This beloved event takes place in Lake Forest, California. The walk is perfect for soaking up the festive atmosphere with family and friends.

From December 8 to 10, you can stroll through the beautifully decorated park. Thousands of twinkling lights brighten the historic buildings and pathways. It’s like stepping into a holiday wonderland.

Live musical performances keep the evening lively. You can listen to carolers or catch a local band. There’s something for everyone. Kids will love the holiday crafts and activities specially designed for them.

Make sure to have your camera ready. There are plenty of holiday photo ops around every corner. The Candlelight Walk isn’t just about the sights and sounds; it’s a whole experience that brings joy to the season.

For a more low-key visit, check out the Holiday Lights event on December 15-17. The park will be lit up, but without entertainment. It’s a more peaceful way to enjoy the decorations.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Dec 8-10, 2023	25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest	5 PM – 9 PM	Free
Dec 15-17, 2023	25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest	5 PM – 9 PM	Free

46) The Grand Village Holiday Market

You should definitely check out The Grand Village Holiday Market in Southern California. This market is a festive delight perfect for families and friends. You will find loads of unique holiday gifts, tasty treats, and live entertainment.

As you stroll through the market, you can enjoy the beautiful holiday lights and decorations. There are plenty of stalls with handmade crafts, perfect for finding special presents. There are also many food vendors offering tasty seasonal snacks and hot drinks.

One of the highlights is the live performances. Watch local musicians and performers put on amazing shows that capture the holiday spirit. Kids will love the craft activities and the chance to meet Santa Claus.

With its charming atmosphere and variety of activities, The Grand Village Holiday Market is a must-see event this holiday season.

Details:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
December 1 – 24, 2024	123 Grand Ave, CA	10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.	Free Entry

47) San Pedro Craft Holiday Market

San Pedro offers a charming holiday experience at the Craft Holiday Market. This market is held at the Port of Los Angeles, known for its vibrant community atmosphere.

You’ll find unique handmade gifts, ranging from quirky crafts to beautiful artwork.

Local artisans bring their best work, making it a great spot for holiday shopping.

In addition to crafts, you can enjoy seasonal foods and festive decorations. The market also features live music and entertainment, adding to the cheerful holiday spirit. It’s an enjoyable outing for family and friends.

The Craft Holiday Market is open only on specific dates in December, so mark your calendar.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Dec 2-3, 17	Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro, CA 90731	1 PM – 7 PM	Free Admission

48) Santa Monica Pier Holiday Celebrations

Celebrate the holidays at the Santa Monica Pier with festive events and activities. There’s something charming about the Pier’s lights and sounds during this magical season.

Bring your family to the Santa Monica Playhouse on December 31 for the Annual Musical Revue. Enjoy champagne, juice, and a dessert buffet.

On December 11, stop by the Fig Tree for photos with Santa, cookie decorating, and other crafts.

It’s a great place to get into the holiday spirit with music and delicious food from Fig Restaurant.

If you love music, don’t miss the Noelles, an all-female a cappella group performing classic holiday songs in doo-wop style. They sing outside the Looff Hippodrome on December 21 and 22.

From December 6 to January 11, you can explore art installations and enjoy free family entertainment at the Holiday Cheer on the Pier.

These fun activities make the pier a must-visit destination during the holiday season.

Date	Address	Time	Price
Dec 31, 2024	Santa Monica Playhouse	7 PM & 10:30 PM	$5 off each ticket with code TT
Dec 11, 2024	Fig Tree, Santa Monica Pier	2 PM – 5 PM	Free
Dec 21-22, 2024	Looff Hippodrome, Santa Monica Pier	4 PM, 5 PM, 6 PM	Free
Dec 6, 2024 – Jan 11, 2025	Santa Monica Pier	6 AM – 10 PM	Free

49) Universal Studios Hollywood Christmas

You’re in for a treat if you visit Universal Studios Hollywood during the Christmas season. The park transforms into a holiday wonderland, filled with festive decorations and special events that will make your visit unforgettable.

You’ll find two main themes for the holiday season: the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas.

The magical world of Harry Potter is adorned with holiday lights, and you can enjoy live performances, holiday-themed food, and even snowfall.

Grinchmas brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life. Meet the Grinch and his dog, Max, in person. The Grinchmas tree lighting ceremony is a highlight you won’t want to miss.

Throughout the park, you’ll see dazzling decorations, twinkling lights, and themed Christmas trees. Characters from popular movies, like the Minions, also get into the holiday spirit with special costumes and appearances.

If you’re in Southern California from late November to early January, Universal Studios Hollywood is a fantastic spot to soak in the holiday fun.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Nov 24, 2023 – Jan 1, 2024	100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608	Park hours vary	Check website for details

50) Holiday by the Bay, San Diego

When you visit Holiday by the Bay in San Diego, expect festive fun for everyone. Located in the picturesque San Diego Bay, this event captures the spirit of the season with twinkling lights, holiday music, and cheerful decorations.

You can enjoy ice skating under the stars at the boardwalk. The rink is beautifully set with a view of the bay, giving you a unique experience.

For kids, there are opportunities to meet Santa and enjoy holiday crafts. The festive atmosphere is perfect for making holiday memories.

There are plenty of food stalls offering hot cocoa, gingerbread cookies, and other holiday treats.

You can enjoy these seasonal goodies while strolling along the bay.

Holiday by the Bay also features live performances and holiday-themed entertainment. From local bands to theatrical performances, there is always something to keep you entertained.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Dec 1, 2023 – Jan 2, 2024	Embarcadero, San Diego, CA	10 AM – 10 PM	Free entry, activities and food priced separately