Southern California might be a stranger to snow, but that doesn’t stop the Golden State from getting in the holiday spirit. From San Diego to Santa Barbara, the entire coast lights up with festive decor, merry celebrations and plenty of themed culinary happenings throughout the holiday season.
Whether you’re a local planning a special staycation or an out-of-towner hoping to feel at home during a holiday away, several of SoCal’s most high-end hotels offer a spirited escape during the month of December. While some hotels lean a bit too far into the kitschy and overdone, elegant properties like Hotel Bel-Air, Rosewood Miramar Beach and The Lafayette Hotel have become staples for travelers seeking a cheery yet tasteful stay.
In addition to the standard Christmas Eve and day dinners, many of these luxe accommodations offer festive activities like fondue dinners, themed cocktail menus, gingerbread making classes and nostalgic movie screenings. At Montecito’s San Ysidro Ranch, an entire speakeasy transforms into an ornament-adorned wonderland, while the iconic Hotel del Coronado hosts fireside igloos on the beach and an ice skating rink by the sea. Ready to see what a coastal California Christmas is all about? We’ve rounded up the best SoCal hotels for celebrating the holiday season.
