Christmas Markets Southern California 2025: Top 50 Festive Holiday Events and Locations
Christmas markets in Southern California bring festive traditions to life in a setting you just won’t find anywhere else. All over the region, outdoor markets pop up with holiday lights, seasonal foods, and gifts from local vendors.
Locals and visitors flock to these events, all hoping to soak in that holiday spirit. The atmosphere is tough to beat, honestly.
If you’re looking for new holiday traditions or that perfect gift for someone special, a Christmas market in Southern California in 2025 might surprise you. There are so many different locations and vibes, so you can pick how you want to celebrate this winter.
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 1) Cambria Christmas Market
- 3 2) Winter Wonderland at The Grove
- 4 3) Little Italy Mercato Christmas Market
- 5 4) Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market
- 6 5) German American Holiday Market LA
- 7 6) MAUM Market Holiday Edition
- 8 7) Smorgasburg Holiday Market LA
- 9 8) Vintage Land Holiday Market
- 10 9) Paseo 17 Holiday Market
- 11 Kris Kringle Tips
- 12 10) Small Business Holiday Makers’ Market
Find the Best Accommodations
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1) Cambria Christmas Market
You’ll find the Cambria Christmas Market on the Central Coast, right in Cambria, California. They go big here—over 3 million lights, if you can believe it.
Organizers took inspiration from German holiday traditions, so families, couples, and friends all feel welcome. The Cambria Christmas Market runs most nights from November 28 to December 31, 2025, at Cambria Pines Lodge.
You’ll get food stands, German treats, crafts, and even hot spiced wine—Glühwein, as they call it. Santa drops by throughout the season.
There’s a festive train ride and live music too. Paths and gardens glow with light displays.
You need tickets to get in. Buy them online—prices change depending on the date and your age.
Tickets sometimes sell out, so it’s smart to book ahead. If you want to stay overnight, Cambria has plenty of hotels and lodges close by.
The Cambria Pines Lodge sits right next door, so that’s pretty convenient.
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 28 – Dec 31, 2025 | Evening | 2905 Burton Dr, Cambria, CA | Varies by date | Cambria Pines Lodge (booking.com) | cambriachristmasmarket.com |
2) Winter Wonderland at The Grove
You can swing by Winter Wonderland at The Grove in Los Angeles for a classic holiday scene. The event is free and happens at one of LA’s favorite shopping spots.
Every year, The Grove puts up a towering Christmas tree and fills the plaza with decorations. You’ll spot lights, seasonal displays, and live entertainment on the schedule.
Sometimes they even make it snow (well, sort of) and play holiday music. Families often come here for photos, treats, and to shop for gifts.
Anyone can show up—no tickets needed. Parking’s available nearby, but it goes fast on weekends.
You can also check out the Original Farmer’s Market, which connects right to The Grove.
Here’s a quick table to help you plan:
| Dates (2025) | Times | Location | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-November–December | 10am–10pm | 189 The Grove Dr, LA, 90036 | Free | Hotels near The Grove | The Grove Events |
3) Little Italy Mercato Christmas Market
If you’re in San Diego, the Little Italy Mercato Christmas Market is worth a stop. This market is part of the bigger Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village event.
This year, it’s set for December 6, 2025, from 4 to 8 pm. You’ll find the market on India Street between W. Cedar and W. Grape Streets.
The whole street fills up with local vendors selling holiday foods, crafts, and gifts. You might spot some unique stocking stuffers or traditional Christmas treats.
Entry is free, so you can wander at your own pace. Expect a crowd—the tree lighting is a big deal and draws lots of people.
Hotels in the Little Italy neighborhood are nearby if you want to stay close. Booking.com lists plenty of options.
For more info, check the official Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village website.
| Date | Time | Location | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 6, 2025 | 4:00–8:00 pm | India St, between W. Cedar & W. Grape, San Diego | Free entry | Hotels in Little Italy, San Diego | Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village |
4) Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market
If you’re after local, handmade gifts, don’t skip the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market. This one’s outdoors and has over 275 curated makers.
Organizers run it rain or shine, so you might want to check the weather before heading out. The fair usually lands on LA’s westside.
Past years saw it at Los Angeles State Historic Park or Santa Monica Airport. Expect to see jewelry, clothing, art, and all sorts of unique stuff from independent sellers.
Admission is free. Food trucks and drinks are always around.
Crowds can get big, especially on weekends. If you want to avoid the rush, show up early.
Plenty of hotels are nearby in downtown LA or Santa Monica, and Booking.com has the listings. That makes it easy to walk or take transit over.
To see dates and the artist lineup, visit the official Renegade Craft Fair website.
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 2025 (TBA) | TBA | Los Angeles westside (venue may vary) | Free | Hotels near Santa Monica | https://www.renegadecraft.com/event/los-angeles-winter/ |
5) German American Holiday Market LA
The German American Holiday Market in Los Angeles brings a seasonal vibe with German traditions. Local vendors and German-inspired booths sell crafts, ornaments, and gifts.
You’ll find brats, pretzels, and warm drinks at the food stands. Trying traditional German holiday treats is almost a must here.
String lights and holiday décor set the mood, but don’t expect the size of a European market. Santa usually shows up for photos, which is a nice touch for families.
They hold the event at ROW DTLA. It’s all outdoors, so dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes.
ROW DTLA has parking, but it fills up fast during peak hours. Public transit or rideshare can be a good call.
Here’s a table with the latest info. Always double-check the Los Angeles Christmas Market website before you go.
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November–December | 4 pm–10 pm | ROW DTLA, 777 S Alameda St, LA, CA | Varies | Book hotels nearby | https://downtownla.com/do/los-angeles-christmas-market |
6) MAUM Market Holiday Edition
MAUM Market Holiday Edition pops up in Los Angeles and highlights Asian-owned brands and businesses. If you want unique gifts without the usual crowd, this market is a solid pick.
The 2025 event happens at ROW DTLA on May 3, with shopping from noon to 4 pm. MAUM Market brings together over 80 small businesses selling crafts, goods, and specialty items.
It’s outdoors, so be ready for whatever weather LA throws your way. The location is easy to reach from most of the city.
Parking is available, but try to get there early to snag a spot. Admission is usually free.
You can book a nearby stay at places like Freehand Los Angeles through Booking.com. For updates and details, check the MAUM Market website.
| Dates | Times | Address | Cost | Nearby Stay (Booking.com) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2025 | 12–4 pm | ROW DTLA, Los Angeles | Free | Freehand Los Angeles | https://www.maum.market/ |
7) Smorgasburg Holiday Market LA
Head to the Smorgasburg Holiday Market in Los Angeles during December if you want a lively, open-air holiday vibe. Organizers set it up at ROW DTLA, bringing together vendors with food, gifts, and crafts—honestly, the mix of local creators and popular food stalls is hard to beat.
The market runs on Sundays throughout December from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You won’t have to pay for entry, so it’s a great pick for families or groups on a budget.
Since the open-air setup attracts big crowds, I’d suggest going in the morning if you want to avoid the rush.
Smorgasburg LA always delivers with its food options. You’ll spot all kinds of cuisine and snacks to munch on while you browse. There are also tons of chances to snag holiday gifts.
If you want to stay overnight, plenty of hotels sit close to ROW DTLA. You can check reviews and book through Booking.com.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays, Dec 1–22, 2024 | 10am–4pm | 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021 | Free | Hotels near ROW DTLA | Smorgasburg LA Calendar |
8) Vintage Land Holiday Market
Vintage Land Holiday Market brings a three-day event to Los Angeles, and honestly, the setting is pretty cool. You get to explore both the ground floor and rooftop of Vintage Land, with downtown LA views all around you.
Vendors offer vintage clothing, antiques, artisan goods, and handmade items. You can wander and find something unexpected.
The market runs December 19–21, 2024, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm each day. Since it’s part of the popular Los Feliz Flea, you can count on a big variety of vendors.
You’ll spot festive photo ops, live music, and even Santa Claus. Entry is usually free, but you might want to double-check the website for updates.
If you need a place to stay, Los Angeles has no shortage of hotels. Check booking.com for options. For event updates, head to the Vintage Land Holiday Market website.
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 19-21, 2024 | 11:00am – 7:00pm | 2118 N. San Fernando Rd., LA, CA | Free | booking.com | Vintage Land Holiday Market |
9) Paseo 17 Holiday Market
The Paseo 17 Holiday Market pops up in Costa Mesa each year. Organizers usually schedule it for the end of November.
For 2024, you can visit on Saturday, November 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The date for 2025 will probably be similar, but it’s always smart to check the latest info.
You’ll find over 35 local vendors, live music, and a craft area just for kids. They encourage visitors to walk or bike since parking can be a bit tight on nearby streets.
The market is outdoors and open to all ages. You can enter for free.
Costa Mesa offers a handful of hotels if you want to spend the night. The vibe here feels laid-back and family-friendly, definitely less hectic than the bigger city holiday events.
For all the details, check out the official event website.
| Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 30, 2024 (2025 TBA) | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 300 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA | Free | Costa Mesa hotels | https://www.paseo17.com/event/shop-local-holiday-market/ |
Kris Kringle Tips
For Christmas markets in Southern California, dress in light layers—think a festive sweater or long-sleeve shirt over a T-shirt, with jeans and comfortable shoes. Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings, but skip heavy coats since temperatures are usually mild. Don’t forget a Santa hat or holiday scarf for extra cheer!
10) Small Business Holiday Makers’ Market
If you’re after locally made gifts and unique holiday finds, the Small Business Holiday Makers’ Market is worth checking out. Local artists and makers get the spotlight here, selling handmade crafts, jewelry, art, soaps, and seasonal treats.
People who want to support small business owners and enjoy a neighborhood vibe usually show up. It’s a nice place to find gifts that actually feel personal and creative.
Vendors focus on sustainable and hand-crafted products. Families, solo shoppers, and curious visitors all seem to find something here that stands out from the big box store routine.
You can chat with the makers, browse the stalls, and sometimes catch live demos. Holiday music and food add to the festive mood, making it feel like more than just a shopping trip.
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 15, 2024 | 11am – 4pm | 320 W 5th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701 | Free entry | Nearby hotels on Booking.com | Event Details |
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, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.
