Celebrate the Holidays with a Laguna Beach Christmas
Dreaming of a Christmas that trades snowflakes for salt air and cozy sweaters for ocean breezes? Laguna Beach offers a uniquely magical twist on the holiday season. With festive lights strung between palm trees, artisan markets brimming with gifts, and the sound of waves replacing car horns, a Laguna Beach Christmas is unlike any other.
Whether you’re escaping cold weather or simply looking for a new kind of holiday tradition, Costa Art Hotel places you at the heart of Laguna’s warm and welcoming winter celebration.
Laguna Beach Lights Up for the Holidays
Laguna Beach may be a beach town, but come December, it shines with holiday spirit. The city’s charming downtown transforms into a coastal winter wonderland with lights wrapped around palm trunks, illuminated sculptures, and storefronts decked out in seasonal displays.
Public art and festive installations pop up throughout the month, making every walk through town feel like a holiday scavenger hunt. Don’t miss the official tree lighting ceremony in early December, where families, musicians, and local artists gather in the heart of downtown for a spirited night of lights and community.
Shop Local at the Sawdust Winter Fantasy
A highlight of any Laguna Beach Christmas is the **Sawdust Winter Fantasy**, a seasonal spin on the summer arts festival. Held on weekends from late November through mid-December, this artisan marketplace features handcrafted gifts, festive décor, and live holiday entertainment.
Wander through artist booths surrounded by eucalyptus trees, sip hot cider, enjoy carolers, and pick up one-of-a-kind gifts like hand-blown glass ornaments, ceramics, or custom jewelry. It’s festive, colorful, and completely unique to Laguna Beach.
Costa Art Hotel is just a short drive or trolley ride from the festival grounds, making it easy to pop over for a holiday afternoon of shopping and live music.
Holiday Events and Coastal Cheer
Laguna Beach offers a full calendar of holiday events, perfect for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the season. Some local favorites include:
- Hospitality Night: An annual downtown street party with live music, open galleries, hot cocoa, and appearances by Santa himself.
- Laguna Art Museum’s Holiday Open House: A cozy, creative celebration featuring art activities, cookies, and music (check museum schedules).
- Holiday Boat Parade in Dana Point: Just a short drive away, this festive parade of lights on the water is a must-see for families and couples alike.
Be sure to check the city’s event calendar for dates and times, as offerings may vary year to year.
Beach Walks and Oceanfront Magic
Even in December, the beaches of Laguna are perfect for exploring. Morning walks on Crescent Bay Beach (just a block from Costa Art Hotel) come with crisp air, quiet coves, and dramatic winter skies. Sunsets during the holiday season tend to be extra vivid—think deep oranges, purples, and soft pastel clouds over the Pacific.
Wrap up in a light scarf, bring a thermos of coffee or cider, and enjoy the kind of Christmas calm you can only find by the ocean.
Warm Weather, Cozy Vibes
Laguna Beach Christmas weather typically ranges in the mid-60s during the day, with cooler evenings perfect for layering up and cuddling under blankets. You won’t need snow boots here—just your comfiest sweater and an appetite for good food and good views.
You’ll still find plenty of cozy seasonal touches too: fire pits at restaurants, festive menus, candlelit dinners, and local wine tastings that bring the holiday spirit to life in a coastal setting.
Dining Out for the Holidays
Several restaurants in Laguna Beach offer special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus, often with ocean views and seasonal ingredients. Whether you prefer a fine dining experience or a casual holiday brunch, there’s no shortage of places to toast the season.
Reservations are recommended, as the town tends to attract holiday travelers from across Southern California. For a more intimate experience, consider grabbing takeout from a local spot and enjoying a quiet dinner back in your room at Costa Art Hotel.
Celebrate Christmas at Costa Art Hotel
With its cozy atmosphere, modern rooms, and unbeatable location near the beach, Costa Art Hotel is the perfect place to celebrate a Laguna Beach Christmas. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or an extended holiday escape, our boutique hotel offers everything you need to feel festive and relaxed.
Start your day with complimentary breakfast, stroll to the beach, browse the Winter Fantasy festival, and come back to a warm, inviting room. Our friendly staff is happy to share local holiday tips, restaurant suggestions, or directions to the best Christmas lights in town.
Make the Season Bright in Laguna Beach
If you’re looking for a holiday getaway that blends tradition with something new, Laguna Beach offers the perfect blend of cozy cheer and coastal beauty. From handmade gifts and glowing lights to beach walks and ocean sunsets, it’s a place where the season feels simple, joyful, and full of wonder.
Let your holiday memories take on a little more color this year—with sand beneath your feet and stars above your head.