If you’ve ever dreamed of a winter getaway where sunshine meets surf, Southern California in December might just steal your heart. While most parts of the country are bundled up under layers of snow, SoCal is busy showing off its best weather—mild days, cool evenings, and a golden glow that makes everything look just a little more magical.
I still remember my first December trip to Southern California. I expected palm trees and beaches, sure, but what I didn’t expect was how festive the region feels that time of year. From the twinkling lights along Rodeo Drive to the snowy slopes just two hours away, it’s the kind of place where you can surf in the morning and sip hot cocoa by a fire at night.
What I love most about December here is the variety. You can hike under crisp blue skies, wander through holiday markets, or explore quiet coastal towns without the summer crowds. The air feels fresh, the locals are cheerful, and there’s this cozy yet adventurous vibe that makes every moment feel special.
So if you’re planning a December vacation, you’re in for a treat. In this article, I’ll share my picks for the 10 best places to visit in Southern California in December—from iconic beaches and cozy mountain towns to lively cities decked out in lights. Each spot has its own kind of magic this time of year, whether you’re chasing warmth, nature, or just that easy SoCal spirit.
Before we dive in, here’s what makes December such an underrated month for Southern California travel:
- Comfortable weather: Temperatures hover around 65–75°F (18–24°C) along the coast—perfect for outdoor exploring.
- Holiday festivities: From boat parades to mountain snow festivals, the region bursts with seasonal cheer.
- Fewer crowds: Major attractions like Disneyland, Joshua Tree, and Malibu are easier to enjoy without long lines or packed parking lots.
- Breathtaking scenery: The desert blooms, sunsets are vibrant, and the Pacific sparkles like glass.
1. Santa Monica – Sunshine, Sand, and Holiday Lights
There’s something almost cinematic about Santa Monica in December. The ocean breeze feels just a little cooler, the sunsets are richer, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier glows under a sea of twinkling holiday lights. I remember walking down the pier one December evening with a cup of hot chocolate in hand—it was breezy, quiet, and absolutely perfect.
The best part? The crowds are gone. You can actually find a seat at your favorite beach café or wander Third Street Promenade without bumping shoulders. The city still hums with life—street performers, holiday shoppers, and the faint sound of waves crashing nearby—but it feels more relaxed, more local.
Don’t miss:
- The Santa Monica Pier for sunset views.
- The Third Street Promenade for outdoor shopping and holiday décor.
- A bike ride along The Strand, which stretches all the way to Venice Beach.
Santa Monica in December feels like a reset button—peaceful but vibrant enough to remind you you’re still in sunny California.
2. Laguna Beach – Art, Serenity, and Oceanfront Magic
Laguna Beach is one of those rare places that manages to feel like a summer postcard year-round. But December adds a twist—it’s quieter, more soulful, and you get that sweet mix of holiday spirit and coastal calm.
One of my favorite December experiences here was visiting the Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival, where local artists transform a wooded canyon into a handmade winter wonderland. There’s live music, warm cider, and enough unique art to fill your suitcase twice over.
The weather stays mild, so you can still explore the tide pools at Shaw’s Cove, hike through Crystal Cove State Park, or simply watch the waves crash along Heisler Park. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down without even trying.
Pro tip: Book a stay at one of the boutique hotels perched above the cliffs—many offer firepits overlooking the ocean. Nothing beats sipping cocoa while watching dolphins swim below.
Read more about: 5 Best Places to Visit in Southern California with Family
3. San Diego – Beach Days and Festive Nights
If I had to pick one city that truly shines in December, it’s San Diego. The weather is practically perfect—mid-60s during the day, just cool enough at night for a cozy sweater. What makes San Diego so special this time of year is how it balances beach vibes with full-on holiday spirit.
Balboa Park December Nights is one of the city’s biggest celebrations—think lights, music, international food, and free museum access. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, where boats are decked out in dazzling displays, is another must-see.
During the day, you can wander the sands of La Jolla Shores, visit the seals at Children’s Pool, or take a sunset stroll through Coronado Beach. It’s festive, beautiful, and somehow never feels rushed.
Bonus tip: If you love nature, head to Torrey Pines State Reserve. The ocean views from the cliffs are jaw-dropping in winter light, and the trails are less crowded.
4. Joshua Tree National Park – Starry Nights and Solitude
If you’re craving peace and wide-open space, Joshua Tree in December feels like a quiet dream. The summer heat is long gone, replaced by crisp air and that otherworldly desert calm you can’t find anywhere else. I remember my first December visit—I bundled up in a jacket, stepped out of the car, and just stood there, stunned by the silence and the massive, alien-like rock formations glowing pink under the setting sun.
December is perfect for hiking here. You can tackle trails like Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, or Ryan Mountain without worrying about the heat. And when night falls, the sky transforms into one of the clearest celestial shows in the country. Bring a blanket, some hot tea, and look up—you’ll see constellations you never knew existed.
Good to know:
- Daytime temps: around 60°F (15°C). Nights can drop below freezing, so pack layers.
- Stay nearby in Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree Village for cozy desert lodgings with stargazing patios.
- Many artists and musicians host pop-up events during the winter months—keep an eye out for community happenings.
Joshua Tree in December feels like another planet, one that slows you down and fills you with quiet awe.
5. Big Bear Lake – Snow, Slopes, and Cabin Feels
If you want a classic winter wonderland without leaving Southern California, Big Bear is where it’s at. Just a couple of hours from Los Angeles, this mountain town is dusted in snow by December and buzzing with cozy cabin energy.
I still remember the smell of pine in the air and the sound of fire crackling inside a wooden lodge after a long day of skiing. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to wear fuzzy socks, sip cocoa, and never check your phone again.
Things to do:
- Ski or snowboard at Bear Mountain or Snow Summit.
- Take a snowshoe hike through forest trails.
- Explore the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which rescues and rehabilitates native wildlife.
- End your day at The Village, the heart of Big Bear, where you’ll find twinkling lights, local shops, and hearty winter meals.
December weekends can get busy, but the weekdays are pure peace. Whether you’re on the slopes or curled up by a window watching snow fall, Big Bear captures that perfect winter mood—without needing to fly across the country.
6. Palm Springs – Mid-Century Cool Meets Desert Warmth
Palm Springs is the ultimate warm escape when the rest of the world is freezing. In December, the desert sun feels like a gentle hug—just enough warmth to make you forget it’s winter. The town has a certain retro charm this time of year, with palm trees wrapped in lights and mid-century homes glowing in the evening.
You can spend your mornings at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which climbs to snow-dusted peaks, and your afternoons lounging by a pool in 70°F weather. That’s the kind of contrast that makes SoCal so special.
If you love art and design, check out the Palm Springs Art Museum or take a self-guided drive through the city’s iconic architecture routes. For a bit of nature, the nearby Indian Canyons offer peaceful hikes surrounded by palm groves and desert streams.
Why go in December:
- Hotel prices drop compared to peak spring season.
- The air is cool but comfortable—perfect for outdoor dining and exploring.
- The Festival of Lights Parade brings downtown alive with floats and music.
Palm Springs in December feels like cheating winter—sunshine, style, and a slow pace that makes you exhale.
7. Los Angeles – Festive Lights, Culture, and Cozy Evenings
Los Angeles in December is pure magic. It’s the time of year when the city trades in its beachy vibe for a more cinematic sparkle. You’ll still catch the sunshine, of course, but it’s paired with cool evenings, glowing palm trees wrapped in lights, and just enough of that holiday buzz to make everything feel special.
One of my favorite things to do in LA this month is wander through The Grove. The 100-foot Christmas tree, live music, and fake snow (yes, even in Southern California) make it feel like a movie set. If you’re more into quiet beauty, the Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light is breathtaking—a mile-long illuminated path through trees, color, and soft music.
LA also has its own version of winter adventure: you can hit the beach at Malibu in the morning, then head up to Mount Baldy in the afternoon for snow. And if you’re into art, December is a great time to visit the Getty Center or LACMA without the crowds.
Local tip: Don’t miss the Hollywood Christmas Parade or a show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, where the acoustics make holiday performances feel almost spiritual.
Los Angeles in December feels like a reminder that winter doesn’t have to be gray—it can be full of color, sound, and sunlight.
8. Malibu – Quiet Shores and Coastal Hikes
Malibu in December is my kind of calm. The summer crowds disappear, leaving behind a stretch of coastline that feels intimate and pure. I once spent a winter afternoon hiking Solstice Canyon, where waterfalls trickled through the brush, and the air was cool enough for a sweater but warm enough for a picnic.
This is the best time to explore Malibu’s beaches without the chaos—El Matador State Beach is especially beautiful at sunset, with its sea caves and dramatic cliffs. And if you love scenic drives, cruising down Pacific Coast Highway in December feels like therapy—blue skies, open road, ocean to your left.
For food, try Malibu Farm Pier Café, where you can sit above the waves with a cup of hot latte and watch surfers catching winter swells. The view is unreal, and the atmosphere feels like you’ve stepped out of time.
What to expect:
- Daytime temps hover around 65°F (18°C).
- Perfect light for photography—especially around golden hour.
- Plenty of ocean wildlife sightings, including migrating whales.
Malibu in December is understated luxury—peaceful, naturally stunning, and deeply restorative.
9. Solvang – A Danish Christmas Village in California
If you’ve ever wished for a European Christmas market without leaving the U.S., Solvang is your answer. This little Danish-inspired town in the Santa Ynez Valley turns into a holiday postcard every December.
I went there once for a weekend trip, and honestly, it felt like stepping into a snow globe (minus the snow). Half-timbered buildings, windmills, and twinkling lights everywhere—it’s small-town charm turned up to eleven.
The town hosts Julefest, a month-long Christmas celebration featuring candlelight tours, a parade, carolers, and traditional Danish pastries you’ll dream about later. My personal favorite? A warm aebleskiver topped with powdered sugar and raspberry jam from Solvang Restaurant—it’s simple but unforgettable.
Coastal Grandeur & Final Thoughts
10. Santa Barbara – Coastal Elegance with a Warm Winter Glow
If I had to choose one place that captures everything I love about Southern California in December, it would be Santa Barbara. The city is like a blend of coastal grace and small-town warmth, with Spanish-style architecture, golden beaches, and just the right amount of festive sparkle.
I still remember sitting on Stearns Wharf one December evening, watching the lights reflect on the calm Pacific while locals strolled by in sweaters instead of heavy coats. The air smelled faintly of the ocean and roasted chestnuts from a nearby vendor. It felt like the perfect balance—holiday magic without the frostbite.
In December, the Holiday Parade of Lights turns the harbor into a floating festival, with decorated boats gliding through the water. The Santa Barbara Mission also looks stunning at this time of year, especially during candlelight events.
For daytime adventures, the options are endless:
- Hike the Inspiration Point Trail for sweeping coastal views.
- Stroll through the Funk Zone, where art galleries and wine-tasting rooms buzz with relaxed winter energy.
- Visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, which stays green and fragrant even in the cooler months.
Final Thoughts
\What makes Southern California in December so unforgettable isn’t just the warm weather or the postcard scenery—it’s the way the region seems to slow down and breathe. You’ll find surfers paddling out under pink skies, hikers bundled in light jackets, families strolling down palm-lined streets wrapped in fairy lights. It’s peaceful but never dull; festive but not forced.
For me, traveling through SoCal in December always feels like a gentle reminder that joy doesn’t have to look like a snow-covered mountain or a roaring fireplace. Sometimes, it’s the feel of sand under your boots, the glow of city lights on ocean waves, or the laughter of strangers at a pier café.
Each place—from Santa Monica’s easy charm to Santa Barbara’s quiet grace—offers its own kind of beauty. Together, they form a mosaic of moments that define what winter in California truly feels like: warm, vibrant, and endlessly full of life.
So if you’re looking for somewhere to go this December, skip the snowstorms and head south. Pack a sweater, a sense of adventure, and an open heart—you might just find your own sunshine-filled version of winter magic among the 10 best places to visit in Southern California in December.
