Although it usually remains warm and sunny in Southern California during winter, there are many fun ways to make the holiday season one to look forward to. Creating exciting plans and trying new things can add a layer of magic to the season. Building traditions and romanticizing holidays is what truly makes them special. I am so grateful that my childhood holidays were spent creating core memories; here are a few places in Southern California where you can create life-long memories too.

Located in Los Angeles, the Grove is a stunning outdoor shopping mall fully embracing the holiday spirit. The beautiful lights and Christmas tree help encapsulate the holiday magic, especially after dark. I have so many special memories spent at The Grove each Christmas season, whether it be having brunch with my dolls at the American Girl store when I was little or enjoying dinner with my family. I remember December evenings spent window shopping and laughing while glimmering Christmas lights filled the streets. The Grove has several diversions, including a trolley, the nightly snowfall, and a market filled with a wide range of foods that cannot be found at any other outdoor mall. 

Another great place to visit is the Surf City Winter Wonderland in Huntington Beach. The Winter Wonderland transforms Huntington into the most beautiful and cozy holiday scene. Groups of families and friends glide across the glistening, frosty ice, and many hold warm mugs of hot chocolate. For Emily Laterneau (10), “…ice-skating with [her] family and friends is something [she] looks forward to each year, and helps [her] feel the magic of Christmas.” Located at Pier Plaza, this temporary skating rink opens from November through January. Ice rink admission is only $22 per person with gloves, socks, and skating aids available for separate purchase! 

One of my all-time favorite spots during Christmastime is Roger’s Gardens, in Newport Beach. While walking into the garden, lush greenery, holiday music, and Christmas trees surround guests. Timeless holiday decor and gorgeous ornaments fill the gift shop in the center of the gardens. It has become a tradition in my family for each of us to pick out an ornament every year to go on our Christmas tree. Now, it’s nostalgic to look at my tree and see the ornaments I’ve collected, along with the memories and moments that come with them. Rogers Gardens also includes a beautiful restaurant and the Farmhouse that serves delicious and fresh salads, burgers, and vegetables. 

One event many Yorba Linda families have made a tradition is the Eastlake Boat Parade. I’ve grown up watching the boat parade with my grandparents and cousins and drinking hot chocolate in the Club House as the boats glide through the lake. Residents’ boats are decorated with snowmen, reindeer, candy canes, and Santas. Each year, Yorba Linda gathers for beautiful lights, holiday music, and a good time. Aside from the decorated boats, the entire Eastlake community decks out their homes with lights, decorations, and inflatables. Each street follows a theme, a notable one being Candy Cane Lane. During the parade, food trucks with burgers, chicken, tacos, and more are provided, as well as free hot chocolate and cookies inside the clubhouse.