For those seeking to trade in ordinary for extraordinary this holiday season, Southern California has emerged as a festive destination of choice. Snow may be scarce on the Golden State's shores, but its warm climate is more than made up for by an explosion of twinkling lights, merry celebrations, and seasonal delights that make each night feel like Christmas.
For those planning a staycation or a special getaway from afar, some SoCal hotels have elevated the holiday experience to new heights. Among these are Hotel Bel-Air, Rosewood Miramar Beach, and The Lafayette Hotel – elegant establishments where taste and sophistication reign supreme, rather than tacky kitsch. Whether you're a local looking for inspiration or an out-of-towner seeking a home away from home, these hotels offer the perfect antidote to holiday stress.
Beyond traditional Christmas Eve and Day festivities, many of these top-tier accommodations are getting in on the action with festive fun that's equal parts nostalgic and new. From fondue dinners to themed cocktail menus and gingerbread-making classes, there's no shortage of ways to get into the holiday spirit. Take San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, where a secret speakeasy is transformed into an ornament-adorned wonderland; or Hotel del Coronado, where fireside igloos on the beach and an ice skating rink by the sea are just two of its seasonal offerings.
For those seeking to make this holiday season one for the books, we've rounded up the best SoCal hotels to help you plan your coastal California Christmas like a local.
For those planning a staycation or a special getaway from afar, some SoCal hotels have elevated the holiday experience to new heights. Among these are Hotel Bel-Air, Rosewood Miramar Beach, and The Lafayette Hotel – elegant establishments where taste and sophistication reign supreme, rather than tacky kitsch. Whether you're a local looking for inspiration or an out-of-towner seeking a home away from home, these hotels offer the perfect antidote to holiday stress.
Beyond traditional Christmas Eve and Day festivities, many of these top-tier accommodations are getting in on the action with festive fun that's equal parts nostalgic and new. From fondue dinners to themed cocktail menus and gingerbread-making classes, there's no shortage of ways to get into the holiday spirit. Take San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, where a secret speakeasy is transformed into an ornament-adorned wonderland; or Hotel del Coronado, where fireside igloos on the beach and an ice skating rink by the sea are just two of its seasonal offerings.
For those seeking to make this holiday season one for the books, we've rounded up the best SoCal hotels to help you plan your coastal California Christmas like a local.
I'm not sure if I'd call this a trend that's really going to last, but I do love a good excuse to splurge on some fancy hotel stays 
. Those LA hotels are always so on point with their holiday decor and events. But let's be real, it's all about the icing on the cake (or in this case, the gingerbread men) - who really has time or money for that much festive fluff? 
And what's up with the idea of a secret speakeasy becoming a winter wonderland? Sounds like just another marketing ploy to me... 
I'm so done with all these fancy hotels trying to be extra during the holidays 
. I mean, who needs gingerbread-making classes and fondue dinners when you can just have a cozy movie night by the fireplace with some hot cocoa 
? But at the same time, if it's gonna be festive and fun, I'm all for it 
. Hotel Bel-Air looks super luxurious and relaxing, perfect for a winter getaway from LA traffic 
. And San Ysidro Ranch sounds like so much fun, especially that secret speakeasy 
️. Maybe I'll have to splurge this year... but only if they have a hot tub with a fire pit, obvi! 
! Ditching the snow for twinkling lights and festive vibes sounds like the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit 
. Like, who doesn't love a fondue dinner or making gingerbread with a pro? 
It's all about creating those special moments with loved ones... even if it's just a staycation 
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. I mean, who doesn't want to trade in the hustle and bustle of daily life for a fancy hotel room with a fireplace? The fact that these high-end hotels are getting into the holiday spirit with all sorts of fun activities like fondue dinners and gingerbread-making classes is just the cherry on top 
️
and it's so Instagrammable with those twinkling lights everywhere 
, like The Holiday or something! i'm totes obsessed with Rosewood Miramar Beach too, they have this fire pit on the beach that's just, wow 
