A Coastal Christmas: Celebrating the Holidays in Cambria
The holiday season looks a little different on California’s Central Coast. Instead of snow-lined streets and icy commutes, we celebrate with ocean views, festive lights, and salt air. In Cambria, the whole town feels like it’s wrapped in a ribbon of small-town charm and holiday spirit. If you’re planning a visit this year, there’s a lot to look forward to! Christmas markets, boat parades, and festive dinners are just the beginning. Get all the details for your upcoming yuletide trip right here, and start dreaming up all the ways you can make your holiday merry and bright in Cambria.
Want more inspiration for your holiday trip? Sign up for our Cambria Vacation Rentals newsletter and get local tips, seasonal updates, and exclusive offers delivered straight to your inbox.
In This Article:
- Cambria Christmas Market
- Harmony Christmas Market
- Holiday Fun in Morro Bay
- Hearst Castle Holiday Twilight Tour
- Holiday Dining & Wine Dinners
- Other Ways to Enjoy a Cambria Christmas Getaway
- Cambria Christmas Vacation Homes
- FAQs
Cambria Christmas Market
The Cambria Christmas Market is the crown jewel of the season and one of the most popular holiday events on the Central Coast. Modeled after traditional German markets, it brings together twinkling lights, artisan vendors, seasonal bites, and plenty of cheer.
Market Details
- Dates: November 28 – December 31, 2025 (closed Dec. 1–2, 8–9, 24–25)
- Hours: 5–9 PM nightly (last entry at 8:30 PM)
- Tickets: $27–$45 depending on the date; $10 more at the door if available. Children 5 and under are free.
Wander through 3 million festive lights, get your photo with Santa, browse 48 vendor booths for handmade ornaments and unique Christmas gifts, or sip glühwein by the fire pits. Train rides ($5 per person) add another layer of holiday magic, weaving through displays you can’t see on foot. Nightly live music and a cozy biergarten will keep your spirits bright as you explore. As arguably the most popular Christmas event in Cambria, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Parking & Shuttles
The best option for most visitors is the complimentary shuttle, which runs from 4:30 - 8:15 PM with the last return trip leaving the market at 9:15 PM. Strollers are welcome on the shuttles, but pets are not.
Bringing Your Pup
Your furry friend will love being a part of the excitement, wandering through the tunnel of lights, and posing for the perfect holiday card photo. Just note: If you’re bringing your pup, you’ll need to purchase VIP parking at Cambria Pines Lodge ($60). This lets you park on-site and allows access to the market without walking through dog-free zones.
For more tips on traveling with your pet, check out our Ultimate Dog-Friendly Cambria Guide, and find a dog-friendly home your pooch will love!
A Christmas Carol with Gerald Charles Dickens
Before the Cambria Christmas Market even opens its gates, the holiday spirit kicks off with a special performance of A Christmas Carol. Gerald Charles Dickens — the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens — brings this classic tale to life in a captivating one-man show at Cambria Pines Lodge. After the show, stick around for a meet-and-greet with Dickens himself!
- Dates: November 14–16, 2025
- Performances: Matinee and dinner show options
- Tickets: $22.67 for lunch shows; $63.54 for dinner shows
Harmony Christmas Market
For something a little more low-key, head 10 minutes south to the one-block town of Harmony. Its quirky history and artisan vibe make the Harmony Christmas Market a fun complement to Cambria’s larger festivities.
- Date/Time: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11 AM–4 PM
- Location: 2177 Old Creamery Rd, Harmony, CA
Here, you’ll find local makers selling pottery, jewelry, and hand-crafted gifts. Food and drinks will also be available, with wine and tasty treats from Harmony’s Tiny Kitchen food truck, scoops from Harmony Valley Creamery, and coffee from Morii. The market features live music from local bands and gives you a chance to support and shop local this holiday season.
Holiday Fun in Morro Bay
Just 25 minutes from Cambria, Morro Bay offers its own selection of holiday magic by the water.
- Holiday Tree Lighting – Dec. 5, 2025 - Family activities begin at 3:30 PM in City Park with music, crafts, and cocoa. The big tree lights up at dusk.
- Santa’s House on the Embarcadero – First two weekends of December - Find Santa at the Giant Chessboard Fridays and Saturdays (4 - 8 PM) and Sundays (noon - 4 PM) for photos, cocoa, and cookies.
- Lighted Boat Parade – Dec. 6, 2025 – Boat owners deck the hulls in lights and holiday decorations for this coastal take on the traditional Christmas parade. Watch as they sail through the harbor starting at 6:30 PM. Be sure to get there early for music and free cocoa at 5:30 PM, and find a spot near the South T-Pier and Morro Rock for the best views.
- Crab Pot Christmas Trees - Throughout December, you’ll spot twinkling “trees” made from stacked crab pots all across town. See how many different ones you can spot!
- Holiday Markets – The Winter Faire & Juried Craft Show at the Morro Bay Art Center runs through most of December, highlighting pottery, jewelry, paintings, and more. Find one-of-a-kind gifts for your family, or a holiday souvenir to remember your trip.
Hearst Castle Holiday Twilight Tour
Step into another world at Hearst Castle’s Holiday Twilight Tour, offered on select nights Nov. 25 – Dec. 30, 2025. This 75-minute guided experience winds through Casa del Sol, the grand social rooms of Casa Grande, the Kitchen, Theater, Neptune Pool, and Roman Pool, all decorated with towering Christmas trees and glowing lights. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of how Hearst and his guests celebrated the season in this lavish architectural icon.
Tour Details
- Length: 75 minutes
- Accessibility: Two tours per night are designed for limited mobility and wheelchair access. The regular tour requires guests to climb roughly 190 stairs and walk 2/3-mile.
- Reservations: Strongly encouraged; tickets are non-refundable but can be modified in advance.
Holiday Dining & Wine Dinners
Foodies will find plenty to celebrate in Cambria during the holidays. Local chefs and winemakers often create special multi-course meals paired with boutique Central Coast wines. While 2025 menus aren’t out yet, past years have seen festive dinners at spots like Madeline’s, Cambria Pines Lodge, and Harmony Cellars, each offering seasonal ingredients, thoughtful pairings, and an intimate atmosphere. Reservations are essential, as these events tend to sell out quickly during Christmas week.
Other Ways to Enjoy a Cambria Christmas Getaway
Beyond these holiday events and markets, one of the best parts of celebrating Christmas in Cambria is just enjoying your surroundings. Take a walk along Moonstone Beach and enjoy a peaceful boardwalk stroll and the chance to watch waves crash against the rocks at sunset. At Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, coastal trails wind past gorgeous views, making it a perfect way to spend a winter afternoon. December is also peak season for the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas, where the viewing platform north of town gives you a front-row seat to these spectacular creatures. Combined with crisp, mild weather, fewer crowds, and a cozy small-town feel, Cambria makes it easy to slow down and relax into the most wonderful time of the year.
Book Your Cambria Christmas Stay
Featured Property: 1965 Benson
After a day exploring all Cambria has to offer at Christmas time, there’s nothing better than returning to your cozy and inviting beach house. With oceanfront properties, dog-friendly homes, and houses with hot tubs and fireplaces, Cambria Vacation Rentals has the perfect spot for your holiday vacation.
This Christmas, skip the stress of snowstorms and crowds. Celebrate on the coast with twinkling lights, charming markets, ocean views, and the comfort of a private vacation rental. Browse our collection of Cambria Vacation Rentals today and find the perfect place to make holiday memories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Cambria
Is the Cambria Christmas Market worth it?
Absolutely! With 3 million lights, local vendors, Santa, live music, and festive food and drinks, it’s one of the premier holiday attractions on the Central Coast.
What is Cambria like in December?
December in Cambria is cool but mild, with average highs in the 60s and evening lows in the 50s. Perfect for nights by the fire or soaking in the hot tub with a glass of wine from a local winery. With fewer crowds, you can explore the local shops and wineries with ease, making it a popular spot for folks looking for a peaceful holiday getaway.
Is there food at the Cambria Christmas Market?
Yes. You’ll find plenty of holiday bites ranging from soft pretzels and German bratwurst to sweet treats like roasted nuts and bread pudding. The Biergarten also serves local beer, glühwein, and more.
What are the dates of the Cambria Christmas Market?
The 2025 Cambria Christmas Market runs from November 28 – December 31, 2025, on select nights (closed Dec. 1–2, 8–9, and 24–25).
Categories: