Growing up as an only child in Ohio gave me plenty of opportunity to shovel snow in sub-zero temperatures. Let’s just say I’m grateful to live in coastal California, where we don’t have to deal with ice on our windshields and plowing snow out of the driveway in the morning.
We may not be accustomed to a winter wonderland of the Central Coast, but we do have an abundance of things to do to enhance the joys of the Christmas season. Towns transform and traditions emerge.
Here are some of my favorite picks so you don’t miss the best places to explore this Christmas season.
Cambria Christmas Market
The Cambria Christmas Market is by far one of the biggest attractions when the San Luis Obispo County community turns into a traditional German Christmas marketplace. The market is filled with a variety of vendors, booths where German food and drinks can be experienced, live entertainment and a photo area to take pictures with Santa.
The seaside village is blanketed in decorations and illuminated with well over 2 million Christmas lights. Each year, different designs are made with the lights, such as traditional reindeer in the woods, to The Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.
The market is open through Dec. 23, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Make sure to allow at least an hour to view the market and lights. Shuttles are provided to take visitors to and from off-site parking.
The Cambria Christmas Market is a choice event that all ages will surely enjoy. Click here to purchase tickets or for more information about the Cambria Christmas Market.
Solvang Julefest
I lived in Solvang once upon a time and can attest to the fact that the warm and wonderful people who live there bask in tradition. For Christmas, the already picturesque Danish village transforms into a festive and iconic holiday town. And Julefest only adds to the charm and allure.
Julefest is a series of different events spreading the holiday cheer from Nov. 30 through Jan. 3, and has something for people of all ages and tastes to enjoy. Speaking of tastes, don’t leave without a bucket of butter cookies from one of Solvang’s amazing bakeries.
Every Saturday through Dec. 21, Santa’s Village is open in Solvang Park, 1654 Mission Drive. Both Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to take pictures with you and yours.
The annual Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at First Street and Mission Drive. The tree lighting ceremony will feature live ballerinas, entertainment, caroling and, of course, the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus himself! After the festivities, be sure to check out the local restaurants and get some Danishes to top off the night.
The Skål Wine and Stein Stroll is a highlight of the holiday season. The event features two days of wine and beer tasting from some of the best wineries and breweries that the Central Coast has to offer.
This year will be the first year that Solvang will host a drone light show, on Dec. 21. Created by FireFly Drone Shows, hundreds of autonomous drones will dance in the sky, creating holiday images that can be seen from five miles away, in every direction. This 15-minute show is not one to be missed. Click here to purchase tickets online.
Click here for more information about Julefest.
Hometown Christmas in Orcutt
Old Orcutt might just be the most charming town on the Central Coast. It comes alive with festivities at Christmas, and locals are warm and welcoming.
The Old Town Christmas Stroll kicks off the season at 7 p.m. Dec. 6, starting at the Orcutt Lions Club, at 126 S. Broadway, with the Christmas Tree Lighting, a holiday bazaar and complimentary hot chocolate. Enjoy a beautiful evening walk around Old Orcutt, making a stop for a glass of wine at Vino et Amicis or a beer at Naughty Oak Brewing Co.
Every year, at noon on the second Saturday of December, Old Orcutt hosts its Christmas Parade. The Orcutt American Legion participates as the color guard, leading the parade with various businesses and organiztions following behind with their floats.
Christmas on the Wharf, Monterey
The Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey is hosting the Fourth Annual Christmas on the Wharf. Each year, the wharf hosts everything needed for a fun holiday outing. From the holiday decorations and the 23-foot Christmas tree, to free treats and meeting Santa, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Treat yourself to free hot chocolate, hot apple cider and cookies.
From Dec. 6 to 22, there will be live entertainment and Christmas carolers each weekend. Click here for a full schedule of events and entertainment.
Happy holidays from Keys 2 the Coast. Get out there and have some fun!
— Donna Polizzi is a travel writer and founder of Keys 2 the Coast, a trusted travel resource for the Central Coast and beyond, including sharing favorite places to “Wine, Dine and Explore.” She can be contacted at news@noozhawk.com. Connect with Keys 2 the Coast on Facebook. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are her own.