Discover the best way to celebrate Christmas and New Year in California and have an unforgettable holiday.
The weather at Christmas and New Year in California
In December, California begins to enter winter, when the state’s typical warm weather gives way to cool temperatures and frosty nights. In addition, rainfall becomes much more frequent compared to the rest of the year.
Our top tip for dealing with the cold at the end of the year is to pack all the right clothes for this type of weather and list several alternative itineraries, so you can enjoy the city even on a rainy day. And one of the advantages of traveling to California during Christmas and New Year’s is that all the cities have charming Christmas decorations and many unique events to celebrate the holidays.
It’s also worth noting that the end of the year is low season in California, when all services are cheaper due to low demand. So, plan your Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the region now for very affordable prices.
What to do at Christmas in California?
No matter which city you choose, there are many great ways to celebrate Christmas in California. The first is to enjoy the capital of cinema: Los Angeles. There, it’s worth visiting a few places that represent the iconic city: the Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood sign.
And if you’re with children, it’s a must to have fun in some of its parks, such as the famous Six Flags and Disneyland, which create a super cool Christmas atmosphere, as well as offering exclusive seasonal events.
Plus, during Christmas there’s an ice-skating rink in Downtown LA where you can spend hours practicing. And when you’ve had enough, take advantage of the restaurants in the complex for a delicious Christmas lunch.
- Important tip: California is a state that has many tourist cities, with museums, attractions and tours. So, regardless of where you go there, always buy the tickets in advance. We buy everything on this website that has the best price.
San Francisco, for example, offers many great places to enjoy all year round: the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Pier 39, Union Square and many others. For the end of the year, our tip is to set aside your cell phone to capture the best photos of the city, which will be even more dazzling for Christmas.
An unmissable Christmas event in San Francisco is the Lighted Boat Parade, which takes place at Fisherman’s Wharf. With lots of lights and decorations, all spectators are enchanted. Finally, check out the Christmas trees at the city’s main tourist attractions. Pier 39, Union Square and Girardelli Square have giant trees that illustrate the city’s Christmas tradition.
San Diego, for example, offers its traditional tourist attractions, made even more beautiful with Christmas decorations. A good way to enjoy the city at Christmas is to visit Balboa Park. Scattered around its beautiful gardens are several of the city’s must-see museums, such as the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Air & Space Museum and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
In the evening, take a stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter, an area full of trendy bars and restaurants in San Diego.
What to do on New Year’s Eve in California?
New Year’s Eve in California has a different atmosphere to some other countries, as people don’t follow the tradition of dressing in white or partying all night. Therefore, depending on the city you choose, a good way to celebrate is by going to a local landmark restaurant.
If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in San Francisco, for example, check out the fireworks display that takes place on Pier 14 at New Year’s Eve. But remember that the whole area will be packed, so plan to arrive in advance and secure a spot with a good view of the party.
In Los Angeles, the main party takes place in Long Beach. It’s a very special event, with live performances, lots of music and fireworks for New Year’s Eve. However, unlike other celebrations, this party requires a ticket to attend, which goes on sale in advance.
Another unmissable outdoor party takes place in Grand Park, in downtown Los Angeles. Thousands of people gather to celebrate with live bands and the famous countdown.
However, if you’re with young children and want a quieter outing, enjoy New Year’s Eve at Universal Citywalk in Los Angeles. Simply secure your ticket on the official Universal Hollywood website and enjoy the party and fireworks.
Finally, like Christmas, New Year’s Eve in San Diego is best enjoyed in the Gaslamp Quarter, where many people party to the sound of famous DJs and enjoy the local bars. There, fireworks are also guaranteed for the celebration.
- Important tip: to make the most of your trip to California, staying in the best tourist cities is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main cities and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
Save on tickets to paid attractions in California
There are many free tours in California that are excellent, but there are also some paid tours – such as museums, amusement parks etc. The good news is that you can buy tickets for all of California’s attractions much more cheaply.
The best way is to buy your tickets online, always BEFORE you travel. Tickets are always cheaper than at the box office and you can travel with them safely without running the risk of them being sold out. The cheapest place we’ve found so far is this website.
It’s the world’s biggest website for tickets and tours. It has all the amusement park tickets, tours, excursions and even transfers. It’s the cheapest and most reliable place we’ve found so far.
Save money on your trip to California:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to California cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
