While California isn’t the winter wonderland you had in mind, it surely has some of the most festive Christmas markets in the US. If you plan to spend the holidays in the Golden State, here are 10+ Christmas markets in California in 2024 that you can’t miss. (For more information about Southern California check out our guides for weekend getaways, best beaches, LA hotels, and Palm Spring Hotels).

Discover some of the most popular Christmas markets in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, and other popular cities through this article. Click on the list below to jump to your favorite city.

Christmas Markets in California

christmas markets in California - LA

Christmas Markets near Los Angeles

Cambria Christmas market

Dates and times: November 29th, 2024 - December 31st, 2024
Address: 2905 Burton Drive
Entrance price: See the website for more information

The Cambria Christmas Market is a delightful annual event held on the Central Coast of California, transforming the seaside village of Cambria into a winter wonderland. Visitors can wander through beautifully illuminated gardens, enjoy live music, savor seasonal treats, and shop for unique holiday gifts, making it a cherished holiday tradition for both locals and tourists alike.

Unique L.A. Holiday Market

Dates and times: December 7th and 8th, 2024, from 10.00 am
Address: California Market Center, 110 East 9th Street
Entrance price: starting from $15

The Unique L.A. Holiday Market showcases clothes, accessories, and art pieces designed by 150 designers, brands, and artists. Moreover, take advantage of the gift-wrapping perks and free drinks!

Union Station Holiday Festival

Dates and times: December 4, 2024, from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Address: Union Station South Patio, 800 N. Alameda Street
Entrance price: Free

Union Station, a historic transportation hub in downtown Los Angeles, hosts an annual Holiday Festival that features a Christmas market with unique gifts, seasonal treats, and holiday-themed activities. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, take photos with Santa Claus, and explore the beautifully decorated station.

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Christmas Markets near Sacramento

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Sacramento Christkindlmarkt

Dates and times: December 7th and 8th, 2024, from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Address: Sacramento Turn Verein, 3349 J. Street
Entrance price: $5, free for 15 y.o. and under

This traditional German Christmas market brings the charm of Europe to Sacramento. It features a variety of vendors selling handmade crafts, gifts, and holiday treats. Visitors can enjoy seasonal music, cultural performances, and delicious German food and beverages. The Sacramento Christkindlmarkt is a favorite destination for those looking to experience the holiday spirit in a festive and authentic setting.

Christmas Markets near Nevada City

Nevada City Victorian Christmas

Dates and times:
Sundays December 8, 15 & 22, 2024, from 1.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Wednesdays December 11 & 18, 2024, from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Address: 132 Main Street
Entrance price: Free

The Nevada City Christmas market is the one and only Victorian Christmas market in the region. It’s become a family tradition for locals, as they all dress up in their fanciest Victorian attire and parade the Main Street with dazzling lights. Come for the costumes and stay for the live entertainment, yuletide treats, and Father Christmas.

Christmas Markets near San Francisco

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Dates and times:
Weekends from November 23rd, 2024 - December 22nd, 2024 from 10 am - 6 pm
Address: Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue
Entrance price: starting from $30 for adults and $18 for youths, with a $2 fee. Tickets go on sale October 1st

While not located within San Francisco itself, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a beloved holiday tradition held in nearby Daly City. This immersive Victorian-era Christmas event recreates the streets of 19th-century London and offers a wide array of shopping opportunities for holiday gifts. Visitors can browse shops selling period clothing, jewelry, handmade crafts, and traditional British goods while enjoying live entertainment and delicious food and drinks.

Christmas Markets near Fresno

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Christmas in the Park

Dates and times: December 1, 2024, from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Address: Pioneer Park, G Street
Entrance price: Free

Christmas in the Park in Reedley, Fresno is a delightful community celebration that transforms the city's downtown area into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Visitors can stroll through beautifully decorated displays, enjoy festive lights, and partake in activities like carriage rides, ice skating, and live entertainment. There will be food trucks, pony rides, and photos with Santa.

Christmas Market Craft Fair

Dates and times: November 18, 2024, from 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Address: 5435 N. Fresno Street
Entrance price: Free

The Fresno Christmas Market Craft Fair is a delightful holiday event in Fresno, California, that showcases local artisans and crafters. Visitors can explore a wide variety of handmade goods, from unique gifts to festive decorations, while enjoying the warm and festive atmosphere of the market.

Christmas Markets near San Diego

December Nights in Balboa Park

Dates and times:
December 1, 2024, from 3.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m.
December 2, 2024, from 11.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.
Address: Balboa Park
Entrance price: Free

December Nights in Balboa Park is an annual holiday tradition in San Diego, California, where the park is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with dazzling lights, festive decorations, and cultural performances. This beloved event brings together people of all ages to enjoy a magical evening of holiday cheer, including food vendors, music, dance, and a unique opportunity to explore the park's museums and gardens after dark.

Christmas Markets near Palm Springs

Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade

Dates and times: December 7th, 2024
Address: Palm Canyon Drive
Entrance price: Free

The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is a spectacular holiday event that lights up the desert city's streets with festive colors and holiday cheer. Featuring elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, and a dazzling display of holiday lights, it draws both locals and visitors to celebrate the season in style. It’s the perfect excuse to stay in Palm Springs with your family.

Other Christmas Markets in California

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Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Village Holiday Festival

Dates and times: November 24th, 2024 - December 31st, 2024 6:30pm - 7:30 pm
Address: 1001 Heavenly Village Way
Entrance price: There are free and paid activities. Check out their website for more information.

Heavenly Holidays Family Festival, running daily November 24 through December 31, 2024: Holiday fun for children and adults alike. Daily tree lighting, Ice sculptures, Breakfast with Santa, meeting your favorite Disney Characters, A Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring a fireworks show with live music starting at 9:00 pm, and much more!

Sawdust Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach

Dates and times: Open weekends from November 22nd, 2024 - December 22nd, 2024
Address: 935 Laguna Canyon Road
Entrance price: $10 for adults

The Sawdust Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach is an enchanting annual holiday event that transforms the Sawdust Art & Craft Festival grounds into a winter wonderland. This immersive experience showcases local artists' handcrafted creations, offers live entertainment, and offers visitors a unique opportunity to shop for distinctive holiday gifts in a picturesque coastal setting.

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