Christmas on the Coast

Growing up as an only child in Cincinnati, Ohio, gave me plenty of opportunity to shovel snow in sub-zero temperatures. Let’s just say, I’m grateful to live on the California Central Coast 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 have freezingtemperatures or snow, but we do have an abundance of things to do, to enhancethe joy of celebrating the Christmas season onthe Central Coast. Towns transform and traditions emerge.

Here are some of myfavorite 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 on the Central Coast. Each year, the town transforms into a traditional German Christmas Market. The market is filled with a variety of vendor booths where German food and drinks can be experienced, live entertainment, and a photo area to take pictures with Santa. The city is blanketed in decorations and  illuminated with well over two million Christmas lights that wind through the market space. 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 opens Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 23. Shuttles are provided to transport visitors to the market from off-site parking. The market opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 8:30 p.m. Make sure that you allow at least an hour to view the market and lights. This is a choice event that all ages will surely enjoy.

For more information or to purchase your tickets to this unique event, please visit their website at The Cambria Christmas Market. 

Solvang Julefest (Yule-fest)

I lived in Solvang, onceupon a time, and can attest to the fact that the warm and wonderful people wholive there bask in tradition. The Danish village of Solvang transforms into afestive, picturesque and iconic Christmas town. There is nothing like the cityof Solvang, this side of Denmark. It’s more than worth visiting if  you have the opportunity this holiday season.The Julefest is a series of different events throughout November and Decemberfor people of all ages and tastes to enjoy. Speaking of tastes, don’tleave without a bucket of butter cookies from one of Solvang’s amazingbakeries.

Every Saturday, startingNovember 30 through December 21, Santa’s Village is open to in Solvang Park.Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there to take pictures with you and yours. The clean and clear Solvang air is filledwith holiday spirit. 

The Solvang TreeLighting Ceremony will take place on December 6, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, atFirst St. and Mission Dr. The tree lighting ceremony will have live ballerinas,entertainment, caroling and, of course, the much-anticipated arrival of SantaClaus himself! After the tree lighting ceremony, be sure to check out the localrestaurants and get some Danishes to top off the night. 

The Skal Wine and Stein Stroll is a highlight of the holiday season in Solvang. 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. For more information about the events in Solvang, visit their website at The Solvang Julefest. 

This year will be the first year that Solvang will host their drone light show on December 21. Created by FireFly Drone Show, 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.  

Christmas on the Wharf – Monterey

The Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey is delighted to bring back the 4th Annual Christmas on the Wharf this holiday season. 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. During the weekends, treat yourself to free hot chocolate, hot apple cider and cookies.

Throughout the month of December, there will also be live entertainment and Christmas carolers featured each weekend. Christmas on the Wharf runs from Dec. 6-22. To see a full schedule of events and entertainment check out their website at The Fisherman’s Wharf.

Hometown Christmas in Orcutt

Old Orcutt, in the heart of the CentralCoast, might just be the most charming town onthe coast. The town comes alive with festivities and locals are warm andwelcoming. To kick off the season, on December 6 at 7 PM, is the OldTown Christmas Stroll, starting at the Orcutt Lions Den, with the ChristmasTree Lighting and holiday bazaar, with complimentary hot chocolate. Enjoy abeautiful evening walk around Old Orcutt, making a stop for a glass of wine atVino et Amicis or a beer at Naughty Oak Brewing Company. Every year, on the second Saturday of December, OldOrcutt hosts its Christmas Parade at noon. The Orcutt American Legionparticipates as the color guard, leading the parade and various businessesfollow behind with their floats.

Happy Holidays from Keys 2 the Coast. Get out there and have some fun.

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