Christmas Wonderland Getaways: 8 CA Hotels For Holiday Magic

CALIFORNIA — When it comes to decorating for the holidays, no one does it better than these grand and historic hotels across the Golden State.

Patch explored luxury and historic hotels that regularly dress up their lobbies with larger-than-life gingerbread houses, enormous and uniquely decorated trees, and light displays that will boggle the mind and delight your holiday spirit.

Here are our eight favorite places to visit during the holidays:

1. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside:

The Festival of Lights is back, starting Thursday through early January—over 10 million twinkling lights drip from the exterior and every corner of this holiday hotel. From rows of poinsettias to brightly decorated, treelined halls, Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside amazes with historic charm.

Look for larger-than-life nutcrackers, festive atmosphere and tons of Christmas trees. Come for the evening, stay for afternoon tea, for dinner or for the night, and see what makes this historic hotel such a holiday draw.

2. Hotel del Coronado, San Diego:

From an ice skating rink beachside to massive themed Christmas trees and the illuminated Victorian exterior, the Hotel del Coronado is a must-visit this holiday season. Decked out with Oz-inspired decorations, this year the hotel is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the "Wizard of Oz" story.

"Guests will be able to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters like Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion," with a nod to "Wicked," and to the first holiday theme at the hotel in 1987.

3. Fairmont San Francisco, San Francisco:

Do you love gingerbread houses? The Fairmont San Francisco just may have one of the biggest you've ever seen. Inside the lobby, find massive trees, dripping garland, and even Santa Suites if you want to stay the night for the full effect.

"Holiday magic comes to life with our annual life-sized Gingerbread House on display through the New Year. With hundreds of bricks of real gingerbread baked by our pastry team and pounds of candy, our Gingerbread House display brings out the kid in everyone," the hotel said on its website. Looking for a special treat? Book a dining experience inside the private Gingerbread for up to 10 guests or reserve the Gingerbread House Veranda for semi-private dining for 2-4 guests. Enjoy a truly unique dining experience and take in the sights, sounds, and scents of the holiday season."

4. Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point:

Spend a holiday by the sea, in stunning Orange County, at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Come for special-themed events, such as the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and photos with Santa, and for an evening filled with entertainment. Look for the Breakfast with Santa and Holiday Surfboard auction among the unique Orange County holiday events.

5. Tenaya, at Yosemite:

Whether you’re creating a memory for your family in the Sierra Nevadas or aiming to bestow a handmade gift upon a loved one, Tenaya promises to immerse you in the joy of the holiday season. From their holiday tree lighting ceremony to unique activities during your visit, there will likely be snow to add to your holiday magic this December.

At the tree lighting, enjoy the sparkling lights and festive ambiance, and complimentary mini cookies to add a sweet touch to the evening.

6. The Landsby, Solvang:

If you want to spend the holidays surrounded by that hygge feeling of Scandinavia, look no further than The Landsby. An innovative boutique Solvang hotel in the Santa Ynez Valley. This stunning 51-room hotel offers warm hospitality and refined, stylish accommodations. The Landsby features a clean contemporary design, with a hint of traditional Scandinavian aesthetic, and a nod to the holidays, but it lets Solvang steal the show with lights, music, and festive holiday flavors.

Combine your hotel stay with town-wide holiday activities and delight your spirit.

7. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, Anaheim:

From Nov. 17, 2025, through Jan 6, 2026, visit the hotels of the Disneyland Resort for some extra holiday magic. From the enormous decorated tree in the California Craftsman lobby to Christmas music playing from the downstairs piano, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Disneyland.

Look for more decor in Downtown Disney, and dining experiences. Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunch, and a new dinnertime character experience, Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast. Guests can also dine with Goofy and his pals dressed in their merry best at Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays at the Disneyland Hotel.

8. The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles:

The Beverly Hills Hotel, already a magical place, becomes delightful during the holidays. "We invite you to discover the spirit of the season with us, enjoying everything from festive cocktails to vibrant decorations and – of course – far too much fabulous food," the website says. "The banana leaf halls are decked, and our holiday soufflés are rising.

Check in to our spacious, family-friendly bungalows for a memorable festive stay in California’s most coveted zip code." Here, find holiday afternoon teas, 12 days of Souffles, and uniqe experiences in the Polo Lounge. "At The Beverly Hills Hotel, there’s a little festive merriment around every corner. Explore what we have in store to make your holiday visit enchanting." Yes, and of course, come to see Santa.