Dreaming of a holiday getaway where luxury meets festive cheer? Southern California is home to some of the most magical Christmas escapes, blending world-class hospitality with the spirit of the season. As California locals, we’ve uncovered the best spots where you can relax, celebrate, and soak up the holiday magic. From sparkling decorations to unique seasonal traditions, these top 7 Christmas hotels in Southern California promise an unforgettable holiday experience.
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We choose Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for its classic and charming touches that make it hard to say goodbye.
During your stay, you’ll fall in love with the magical holiday cheer and enjoy all the action going on in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park.
Best Christmas Hotels In Southern California
Here’s a quick peek why you’ll love each of these lux hotels:
| The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa | Best Hotel For Architecture |
| La Quinta Resort & Club | Best Hotel For Amenities |
| Hotel del Coronado | Best Hotel For The ‘Gram |
| Montage Laguna Beach | Best Hotel For Luxury |
| Terranea Resort | Best Hotel With A Lot Of Christmas Activities |
| Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel | Best Hotel To Live Like A Celebrity |
| Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel Disneyland Hotel | Best Hotels To Live Your Childhood Dreams |
1. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival and Mission Revival architecture, offers period-style rooms with sweeping views of Riverside, California. You can enjoy the on-site Mission Inn Museum, spa, boutique, fitness center, heated pool, and jacuzzi.
Known for its friendly staff, beautiful rooms, and delicious food, the hotel is conveniently located near attractions like the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, UCR Arts, and Fairmount Park, making it a perfect choice for exploring California’s Inland Empire.
The Mission Inn Festival of Lights is a beloved Southern California tradition with more than 10 million lights, running from November 23, 2024, to January 6, 2025. Started in 1992, this festival attracts over 500,000 visitors annually and has been recognized by USA Today as the “Best Public Lights Display.”
The festival kicked off with exciting performances and appearances from celebrities, setting the tone for a magical holiday season. You can enjoy festive experiences like meeting Santa, live music, and strolling carolers throughout the event.
“The Mission Inn Riverside is a beautiful hotel that is packed with lots of history. It’s a lot like staying in a museum. Beautiful works of art are everywhere. The staff is very caring and will do what it takes to make your stay comfortable.
As an example, my wife was a bit uncomfortable in the chair and they got her a nice fluffy pillow for her back. I have been in quite a few more modern hotels, but the Mission Inn really took care of us and made our stay very memorable. The perfect choice to spend our 40th anniversary.”
– Richard (Mission Inn reviews)
Check rates & availability for The Mission Inn Hotel
2. La Quinta Resort & Club
La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs has been a luxury getaway since 1926. It’s just 2 miles from downtown and 20 miles from Palm Springs International Airport. The resort offers 53 hot tubs, 41 pools, 23 tennis courts, and 5 championship golf courses, ranked among the “Top 100 Best Courses in North America” by Golf Magazine. You can enjoy spa packages, golf deals, and a variety of restaurants, including some with Mexican-inspired menus. You can even host a wedding by the pool or in the chapel.
La Quinta Resort & Club makes the holidays special with fun traditions and relaxing experiences. From November 30 to December 28, you can join cooking demonstrations with top chefs, roast chestnuts on Fridays and Saturdays, and watch holiday movies like Home Alone outside under the stars.
The Annual Tree Lighting on December 1 kicks off the season with live music, cocoa, and carols, while Breakfast with Santa on December 15 and 22 brings holiday cheer. For Christmas and New Year’s Eve, you’ll find delicious prix fixe menus at Morgan’s, Adobe, and Twenty6, offering seasonal dishes in beautiful settings.
The Spa at La Quinta also has holiday-themed treatments like massages and facials to help you relax. End the year with a bang at the New Year’s Eve concert, featuring live music and a champagne toast at midnight. From festive meals to cozy traditions, La Quinta is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays.
“I was impressed with the quietness and the peacefulness of this hotel. whoever teaches their employees customer service deserves an award. I never met an employee without a smile and a spirit of helpfulness. Instead of “it’s over there” they say “let me take you there”. Every employee obviously enjoys their job and is proud to work there. On the last day, the bellman said he had worked there for 26 years.
That says a lot about the company. We loved our stay which was our honeymoon. We will always consider this our special place and will return frequently.”
– Suzette (La Quinta Resort reviews)
Check rates & availability for La Quinta Resort & Club
3. Hotel del Coronado
The Hotel del Coronado is a historic seaside resort near San Diego, known for its famous red rotunda and Victorian-style design. Built in 1888, it’s a National and California Historic Landmark with over 700 rooms and suites, some offering private balconies with ocean or bay views. Considered one of the best places to stay in San Diego, this hotel has a long history of hosting celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Oprah Winfrey, and Brad Pitt, and it was featured in the movie Some Like it Hot.
From November 21 to January 5, Hotel del Coronado sparkles with decorations inspired by Hollywood glamour, featuring ruby and cherry tones, gold, silver, diamonds, and pearls. You can skate on the famous beachfront ice rink, warm up in a Frostbite Lounge with a fire pit, or relax in cozy beach igloos while roasting s’mores.
The “All That Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular lights up the historic pine trees with holiday jazz and even snow flurries. Enjoy outdoor movies on the beach, private Jingle Roasts, and family-friendly activities like gingerbread house decorating, photos with Santa, and elf deliveries. For a classic holiday feel, try Victorian Tea in the Crown Room. Celebrate with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day buffets, and ring in the New Year with a party at The Laundry Pub.
“We love how pet-friendly the hotel is- our Pomeranian had a great time. We really appreciated how nice the staff was. The location is great. The rooms are modern and comfortable and have amazing views! The ghost tour was very interesting. The ice cream shop on site is AMAZING!”
– Luannie (Hotel del Coronado reviews)
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4. Montage Laguna Beach
The Montage Laguna Beach is one of California’s top luxury hotels, with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and Laguna Beach. Guests can pick from a variety of rooms and suites, some with gourmet kitchens, fireplaces, and private terraces overlooking the ocean. Every room includes marble bathrooms, soft robes, high-speed internet, and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also has a beautiful outdoor Mosaic Pool with private cabanas, plus a spa, salon, boutique, and fitness center for a relaxing getaway.
Montage Laguna Beach makes the holidays unforgettable with fun traditions and special events. From November 29 to December 27, guests can take photos under the Montage Mistletoe in the Lobby Lounge and share them online to be featured. Families can enjoy decorating gingerbread houses, face painting, and seeing a life-size gingerbread house display with free hot chocolate, cider, and cookies each afternoon.
Holiday wreath-making workshops let you create festive décor, while the “25 Days of Paintbox” offers kids holiday crafts and fun activities. Hanukkah is celebrated with nightly Menorah lightings, and Christmas Day features a champagne brunch and a four-course dinner at The Loft.
On New Year’s Eve, guests can enjoy live entertainment and countdowns, including a special kids’ party at Paintbox with crafts, dancing, and a milk-and-cookie toast. The celebrations finish with a New Year’s Day brunch overlooking the ocean, making the holidays truly magical.
“I’ve stayed in a lot of really nice places, I don’t think I’ve ever stayed anywhere this beautiful with this level of service. From the time we checked in until the time we left, we were treated like — what I would imagine “celebrities, are treated. Words, and even the magnificent pictures I captured, cannot begin to describe the beauty of this resort. The flowers and greenery are like nothing I’ve seen before.
We live on the East Coast, so we are very familiar with palm trees and beach living, but this was another level of paradise. The Montage Laguna Beach is more than a place to stay, it’s an experience. I will never forget my time there, and I hope one day to be back soon!!!”
– Ginna (Montage Laguna Beach reviews)
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5. Terranea Resort
Terranea Resort is often overlooked by travelers who are unfamiliar with the area – which is a shame because this hotel lives up to its reputation as one of the most scenic resorts in Southern California. The resort sits on a mountain bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean with incredible views from every room. You’ll get a 270-degree view of the ocean, and a view of Catalina Island. Plus, you’re greeted with a free glass of sparkling wine and can enjoy fun activities like kayaking, hiking, painting, and archery,
💡 Pro-Tip: Get to the Lobby Bar before 8 pm to grab a spot near the firepit.
Terranea Resort makes the holidays special with fun activities for everyone. In December, kids can decorate ornaments at the Kids Club or join the search for Terra, the Elf on the Shelf.
You can visit the Gingerbread Lounge for seasonal cocktails, sweet treats, and a giant gingerbread display. On December 21, enjoy Breakfast with Santa, featuring a buffet, kids’ crafts, and photos with Santa. Other events include a Winter Solstice Hike with ocean views, a succulent wreath workshop, and an outdoor movie night showing Elf.
On New Year’s Eve, families can enjoy a buffet dinner with live entertainment, while kids have their own party with a bounce house and countdown. Adults can celebrate at the Midnight Circus NYE party with casino games, a DJ, and delicious food.
“The view is amazing, it is a multi-level property, some with panoramic views of the Pacific and the area around it, others are closer to the shore. Great selection of restaurants, Mar’sel is on the fancy side of the spectrum with the best view of them all, Nelson’s is more casual and cheaper…The service, in general, is great, very clean and well-kept hotel.”
– Husam (Terranea Resort reviews)
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6. Beverly Wilshire
The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, is a historic landmark with beautiful Italian Renaissance architecture. Built in 1928, it has hosted stars like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe and appeared in movies like Pretty Woman and Entourage. Los Angeles is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and living like a celebrity at this luxurious hotel is one of them.
You can try a “Pretty Woman” For A Day experience, enjoy a heated pool, and relax in private cabanas with drinks from the pool bar. Visitors love the friendly staff and thoughtful touches, like complimentary room upgrades, that make every stay unforgettable.
The Beverly Wilshire makes the holidays special with festive dining, fun events, and seasonal treats. Enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners at THE Blvd or CUT Beverly Hills, featuring delicious multi-course menus. The hotel is beautifully decorated with holiday designs inspired by Rodeo Drive, perfect for taking holiday photos.
For relaxation, try the Serenity in the Season spa package with red light therapy and a massage. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style, whether it’s THE Blvd’s Speakeasy Soirée, CUT Beverly Hills’ All That Glitters dinner, or CUT Lounge’s jazz-filled countdown. You can also enjoy champagne toasts, hot cocoa brunches, caviar pairings, live jazz on Wednesdays, and cocktail-making classes on Thursdays for a memorable holiday experience.
“We had a great time and I could not have asked for a nicer and more accommodating staff. We received a complementary upgrade upon check-in which made the room far more comfortable as my husband and I were traveling with our two kids. We ate a majority of our meals at the hotel. My son has celiac disease and has to be strictly gluten-free. I made the hotel aware of this in advance and they were very accommodating and had everything made for him safely.”
– Yarden (Beverly Wilshire reviews)
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7. Disneyland Resorts
Disneyland Resorts bring even more magic to the holidays with stunning Christmas décor and festive lights, making the happiest place on Earth feel even more special. Staying at one of the three Disney hotels keeps you close to the action, with early entry to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers a charming Craftsman-style experience with themed pools, a new Tenaya Stone Spa, and direct access to Disney California Adventure.
Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel, with its coastal theme and rooftop pool, is perfect for those looking for relaxed, family-friendly vibes just steps away from the parks. For a modern yet classic stay, the Disneyland Hotel features luxurious rooms, two monorail-themed waterslides, and a playful water area.
Disneyland Resort celebrates the holidays with magical traditions and new experiences from November 15, 2024, through January 6, 2025. Highlights include the Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park, featuring multicultural music, food, and daily ¡Viva Navidad! celebrations.
Downtown Disney invites families to join Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail or meet Santa Claus and friends at Fantasyland Theatre. Beloved park attractions like it’s a small world Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and the Believe…In Holiday Magic fireworks show add festive charm.
You can enjoy A Christmas Fantasy Parade, the shimmering transformation of Sleeping Beauty Castle, and seasonal rides like Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl in Cars Land. The holiday magic extends to the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the breathtaking World of Color – Season of Light. A guided tour shares stories of Walt Disney’s holiday traditions, making this festive season unforgettable for all ages.
“Our stay was amazing and truly magical. We went for my son’s 11th birthday. When we arrived for check-in they upgraded us to a junior suite. What a nice surprise. We loved the room we were even able to watch the fireworks from our room. The pool was the other star of the stay. My son loved the water slide and pool. We ate dinner at trader Sam’s. The food was great along with the atmosphere. Our trip was a 10!!!”
– Jamie (Disneyland Hotel reviews)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most Christmassy town in California?
Anaheim is the most Christmassy town in California because it has more than 1 million lights, free shows and family events, a Christmas tree at City Hall, and Disneyland!
Where is the best place to spend Christmas in California?
The best place to spend a California Christmas is in Disneyland! The Happiest Place on Earth has been decked out with Christmas decorations since November.
Is there a Christmas town in California?
Many towns in California celebrate Christmas, but there is no official Christmas town. If you’re looking for a festive Christmas town, head to Solvang and Anaheim. If you’re looking for a snowy Christmas town, head to Lake Tahoe or Big Bear Lake.
Where can I spend a white Christmas in California?
California does get its fair share of snow and there are plenty of places in California to spend a white Christmas. The state has many snow-capped mountains and ski resorts that get plenty of snowfall during the winter months.
The Sierra Nevada mountain range is by far the best place to go if you want to experience a white Christmas in California. This mountain range extends across the state from east to west and includes peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a special place to experience Christmas, any of these 7 best Christmas hotels in Southern California would be ideal. Some have great properties and off-site activities, while others offer amazing opportunities for dining and shopping. No matter what you enjoy doing best, there is something for everyone on our list of favorite Christmas resorts. But if you want us to choose, our #1 pick is Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
