Christmas Markets Southern California 2025: Top 50 Festive Holiday Events and Locations
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 31) Encinitas Christmas Market
- 3 32) Balboa Village Holiday Market
- 4 33) Hermosa Beach Holiday Market
- 5 34) Laguna Beach Holiday Market
- 6 35) Dana Point Holiday Market
- 7 36) Palm Springs Holiday Market
- 8 37) Palm Desert Holiday Market
- 9 38) Santa Barbara Holiday Market
- 10 39) Ojai Christmas Market
Find the Best Accommodations
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31) Encinitas Christmas Market
You’ll find the Encinitas Christmas Market right in downtown Encinitas. Every year, over 450 booths and local shops line the street.
Vendors offer holiday gifts, crafts, and food. The market is family-friendly and welcomes everyone.
You’ll see festive decorations, enjoy live music, and find activities for kids. Local artisans show off their work, so you might spot something you won’t find anywhere else.
Parking is available, but it gets packed—arriving early is smart. Since it’s outdoors, dress for whatever weather the day brings.
Admission is free, so anyone can join in. Hotels are easy to find in Encinitas and nearby towns.
If you’re coming with family, booking a hotel in advance is a good move. For more info, visit the official Encinitas Holiday Street Fair webpage.
| Date | Time | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 24, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 101 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA | Free | Hotels in Encinitas | https://www.encinitas101.com/holiday-street-fair |
32) Balboa Village Holiday Market
Every December, Balboa Village in Newport Beach hosts its Holiday Market. You’ll find outdoor stalls with local gifts, crafts, and food items.
The streets come alive with festive decorations and music. Santa stops by, and there’s usually some live entertainment.
Local vendors and food trucks serve up seasonal treats. Families love to come for photos and last-minute holiday finds.
Parking in Balboa Village goes fast, so arriving early or using public transit is a good idea. The market is close to the Balboa Pier and Fun Zone, so you can make a day of it.
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:
| Dates (2025) | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December (TBA) | Typically 12-8pm | 600 E Bay Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92661 | Free to enter | Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel | Balboa Village Holiday Market |
33) Hermosa Beach Holiday Market
The Hermosa Beach Holiday Market pops up each winter near the downtown pier. It usually signals the start of the holiday season in late November or early December.
You’ll see booths with crafts, gifts, and seasonal snacks. Music and holiday-themed activities fill the area.
Sometimes there’s a Ferris wheel, or you might check out the bigger Hermosa for the Holidays festival. That event connects local businesses and offers fun for families.
The market is outdoors and open to all ages. Parking can be tricky, so try to get there early or use one of the paid lots.
Local hotels are a short walk or drive away. The event is free, which makes it easy for anyone to swing by.
Many people pair their visit to the market with a walk along the beach or pier plaza. It’s a nice way to soak up what Hermosa Beach has to offer.
For up-to-date info and the latest schedule, visit the Hermosa for the Holidays event page.
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Late Nov–Early Dec 2025 (TBA) | TBA | 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 | Free | Nearby hotels on Booking.com | Hermosa Holidays |
34) Laguna Beach Holiday Market
Every December, Laguna Beach puts on a holiday market that locals and visitors look forward to. The main attraction, the Sawdust Winter Fantasy, unfolds at the Sawdust Festival Grounds.
Local artisans show up with handmade crafts and gifts, so you’ll have a lot to browse. There’s live music and plenty of holiday treats to sample.
Kids can dive into craft workshops while adults shop or grab a bite from food stands. The market is outdoors, so you’ll want to dress for the weather—sometimes it gets chilly.
Weekends get crowded, honestly. If you want a decent parking spot and shorter lines, try to get there early. Public parking sits nearby, but it fills up fast when things get busy.
A lot of people pair the holiday market with Laguna Beach’s Hospitality Night. That event brings a tree lighting ceremony and live entertainment to the downtown area in early December.
You can drop by for a couple of hours or make it an overnight trip at one of the local hotels. If you’re thinking about staying, book ahead—Laguna Beach gets really popular in December.
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekends, Nov-Dec 2025 | 10am–7pm | 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA | $12 (adults) | Hotels near Sawdust Festival | Sawdust Art Festival |
35) Dana Point Holiday Market
Dana Point sets up a seasonal market by the harbor in December. You’ll get waterfront views while you shop for handmade gifts and festive treats.
Vendors fill the space with crafts, jewelry, and food stalls. More than fifty vendors usually show up, and live music keeps things lively.
Kids can get creative with crafts and activities. Most people say it’s easy to see everything in just a few hours.
This market is a hit with families and folks looking for gifts from small businesses. It’s not huge compared to some Southern California events, but it’s got a laid-back, local vibe. For more info, check the Modern Makers Mart – Dana Point Holiday Market.
| Dates | Times | Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 21, 2024 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM | 24698 Dana Dr, Dana Point, CA | Free Admission | Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modern-makers-mart-dana-point-holiday-market-tickets-1030380775637 |
36) Palm Springs Holiday Market
Downtown Palm Springs lights up in December with its holiday market. Local vendors gather outdoors on Palm Canyon Drive, and you can wander through stalls filled with seasonal food and handmade gifts.
You’ll spot festive lights and hear music drifting through the air. Some nights, live performances bring families together.
Food trucks roll in with simple holiday snacks and drinks. If you’re hoping to shop for gifts, you’ll see crafts, ornaments, and sweets everywhere.
Most vendors take credit cards, but having a bit of cash on hand isn’t a bad idea. Parking lines the nearby streets and public lots.
Arrive early to dodge the crowds and grab a good parking spot. Plenty of hotels and rentals sit within walking distance, so staying overnight is pretty easy.
To keep up with the latest details, check local event guides or look at the Greater Palm Springs holiday events calendar.
| Date(s) | Time(s) | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 2025 (exact dates TBA) | Evenings, typically Thu-Sun | Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA | Free entry | Booking.com Palm Springs stays | Event Calendar |
37) Palm Desert Holiday Market
Every December, Palm Desert hosts its holiday market right in the city center. You’ll find yourself close to shopping and dining districts, surrounded by festive activities and unique gifts.
Stalls showcase handmade ornaments, treats, and local crafts. Food vendors serve up simple snacks—think kettle corn and hot cocoa.
There’s often live entertainment, like carolers or small bands. With Palm Desert’s mild winter, walking around outside feels pretty comfortable.
The market usually runs during the day and sometimes into the evening. Parking can get tight on weekends, so coming early helps.
Hotels in the area fill up quickly in December, so it’s smart to reserve ahead.
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 2025 | 10am–6pm (typical) | 73510 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA | Free | Marriott’s Shadow Ridge | Palm Desert Holiday Events |
38) Santa Barbara Holiday Market
Santa Barbara’s Holiday Market pops up along the Central Coast each December. Local artisans, food vendors, and musicians come together for a seasonal experience.
The market usually sets up downtown, close to the waterfront and main shopping areas. You’ll spot handmade crafts, gifts, and plenty of unique holiday treats.
Meeting local makers is part of the fun. Carolers and small bands drop by for live music now and then.
Santa Barbara’s market doesn’t draw massive crowds, so you can actually enjoy the relaxed outdoor vibe. It’s easy to wander from the market to local shops or grab a bite at a nearby restaurant.
Hotels and the beach are just a short walk away.
Here’s a quick info table to help plan your visit:
| Dates (2025 Expected) | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early December | 4 PM – 9 PM | Downtown Santa Barbara, CA 93101 | Free | Hotels in Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara Holiday Events |
39) Ojai Christmas Market
Ojai’s Christmas Market brings a peaceful, small-town feel every year. Local vendors set up with handmade crafts, holiday treats, and seasonal décor.
The market usually runs over a weekend in November. In 2024, the Ojai Holiday Home Tour & Marketplace happens November 16 and 17, and 2025 should be similar.
You’ll find artisan goods, festive music, and a laid-back shopping experience. Parking fills up fast since Ojai is popular, so getting there early is a good idea.
There are several hotels nearby, like the Ojai Valley Inn and Capri Hotel. Booking.com lists more options if you want to see what’s available.
Check out the details below:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 16-17, 2024* | Daytime | Ojai, CA (check annual event website) | Varies; some events may be free | Ojai Valley Inn, Capri Hotel (see booking.com) | Ojai Holiday Home Tour & Marketplace |
*Dates for 2025 expected to be similar as 2024.
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.
