Southern California may be new to snow, but that doesn’t stop the Golden State from getting into the holiday spirit. From San Diego to Santa Barbara, the entire coast is filled with holiday decorations, joyful festivities and plenty of themed food events throughout the holiday season.
Whether you’re a local planning a special staycation or an out-of-towner looking to feel at home during your vacation, several of Southern California’s most upscale hotels offer an action-packed vacation experience in December. While some hotels are too kitschy and over the top, elegant hotels like Hotel Bel-Air, Rosewood Miramar Beach, and The Lafayette Hotel have become staples for travelers looking for a pleasant and tasteful lodging experience.
In addition to standard Christmas Eve and daytime dinners, many luxury accommodations offer festive activities such as hot pot dinners, themed cocktail menus, gingerbread making classes and nostalgic film screenings. At Montecito’s San Ysidro Ranch, an entire speakeasy is transformed into a decorated wonderland, while the iconic Hotel del Coronado has fireside igloos on the beach and an ice skating rink by the ocean. Are you ready to discover the magic of Christmas along the California coast? We’ve rounded up the best hotels in Southern California to celebrate the holidays.
