As it gets closer to the end of the year, the holiday season is quickly approaching. These unique winter vacation spots are perfect for the family to visit this winter break.
Local OC Fun
Tustin – Tree Lighting
Experience the annual Tree Lighting event in main street Tustin. Enjoy the other restaurants and events in Main Street, Tustin, and Tree Lighting.
Hours: December 9th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm,
Orange – Santa’s Village
Meet Santa Claus at The Village of Orange! Take a virtual tour to see what the village is like, and then visit in person to see the beautiful lights and decorations!
Hours: December 15th – 23rd 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Anaheim – Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
Enjoy the annual tradition of Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village celebration by experiencing beautiful lights, entertainment, food, and mingling with others!
Hours: December 3rd, 10 am – 7 pm
Anaheim – Anaheim Hills Festival Holiday Spectacular
Come and see the Anaheim Hills Festival Holiday Spectacular! Enjoy various events by taking a picture with Santa, arts and crafts, face painting, and a train ride.
Hours: December 17th, 11 am – 1 pm
Santa Ana – Winter Village
Enjoy a unique outdoor experience at Winter Village! Lace up your skating shoes and skate on the beautiful, lit-up outdoor ice skating rink. There will be food trucks and merchandise vendors provided.
Garden Grove – Winter in the Grove
Enjoy the 5th annual event, Winter in the Grove, enjoying various events in the snow brought to Garden Grove! There will be free entertainment, free arts and crafts, and bouncy inflatable houses for the kids to enjoy.
Hours: December 3rd, 3 pm – 7 pm
Long Beach – Winter Family Festival
Celebrate Christmas through a cultural learning experience at the Winter Family Festival in Long Beach. Experience hands-on activities, dance, and musical performances by people who previously called Povuun’nga and Rancho Los Alamitos home. There will also be petting zoos, carriage rides, and food at the event.
Hours: December 10th,12 pm – 4 pm
Daytrips
Mammoth – Devils Postpile National Monument
Experience a breathtaking rock structure in the Devil’s Postpile National Monument. While the monument is the primary viewpoint, there are a wide variety of different and fun experiences around Devil’s Postpile National Monument.
Hours: 9 am –5 pm Daily
Mammoth – Wild Willy’s Hot Spring
By entering one of the most stunning natural springs, stay warm in the winter. Wild Willy’s Hot Spring offers various hot springs to accommodate size and heat, so this experience is perfect for everybody!
Hours: Open 24/7
Mammoth – Snowcat Tour
Enjoy the heated comfort of a luxury Snowcat Tour up to one of Mammoth’s most scenic spots, where you can take in the spectacular views of Mammoth Mountain, the Minarets, Ritter Range, and beyond. At the vista, toast to the landscape and enjoy a spread of delicious eats. Each snowcat holds up to 12 people.
It starts December 15th, with two midday tours at 11:30 am – 3:30 pm.
Tahoe – Vikingsholm Trail
Take in the beautiful winter air through a hike on the Vikingsholm Trail. Experience a beautiful Scandinavian castle overlooking Emerald Bay to accompany your walk.
Hours: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Big Bear Lake – Holiday Songs and Sweets
Fill up your Christmas stockings and enjoy live holiday music performed by Beth Wheat and Friends at Holiday Songs and Sweets! Enjoy complimentary warm drinks and cookies to keep you warm from the cold.
Hours: Dec 2nd – Dec 9th, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Big Bear Lake – Discovery Center
Visit the Big Bear Discovery Center for various fun and unique events. Events like nature walks, bird feeding, and other hiking events are available.
Hours: Daily, 9 am –4 pm
Looking for an Adventure
Ogden Valley – Snowbasin Resort
One of the oldest resorts in Ogden Valley, the Snowbasin Resort is perfect for the whole family! Various activities range from snowboarding and skiing to different lodging areas accommodating their guests.
Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Daily
Ogden Valley – Weber County Ice Sports Complex
Experience Ogden’s exciting and modern sports facility. Various activities for each skill level for guests of The Ice Sheet. There are open skate sessions where anyone can skate, as well as hockey and figure skating activities.
Hours: Varies from 6:30 am –12 am based on activity
Salt Lake City – Ice Castles
Walk through breathtaking Ice Castles made entirely of ice, as if they came straight from a fairy tale. Experience the lights and beautiful structure of the ice castles.
Hours: Differs on the weather, open in the evening
Salt Lake City – ZCMI Famous Window Displays
One of Salt Lake City’s oldest and most famous Christmas Traditions. Experience the beautiful window displays at the ZCMI Mall
Hours; Friday after Thanksgiving, lights turn on at sunset.
As the holiday season gets closer and we start booking our trips, here are some Airport tips, so you arrive at your destination and don’t miss the plane!
- Always pack the night before
- Arrive at the airport early, 2 hours for domestic, 3 hours for international
- Be informed and double-check your flights in case of delays, gate changes, or transfers.
- And remember to have fun and enjoy your trip!