Best California town to visit for Christmas? Hint: It’s on the Central Coast
Want to wander through a winter wonderland this December?
California’s Central Coast has one of the best small towns to visit for Christmas in the country, according to HGTV.
The cable network compiled the top spots across the United States that “promise to deliver a storybook Christmas filled with candy canes, hot chocolate and Santa,” HGTV contributors Joe Sills and Meredith Rosenberg wrote in a Nov. 17 article.
To create its lineup of 50 Favorite Small Towns to Visit for Christmas, HGTV showcased a single destination per state.
The resulting list ranges from places with vibrant holiday markets and elaborate performances to towns with cherished local traditions such as lobster boat rides and an elf scavenger hunt.
“Each one delivers major holiday spirit, from magical sleigh rides to impressive light shows,” HGTV said.
Here’s which Central Coast destination landed on the list:
Why is Central Coast town the best to visit during Christmas?
HGTV named Solvang its favorite California town to visit during Christmastime based on its extensive Danish traditions and fun community competitions.
The city, which has about 6,000 residents, was founded in 1911 when Scandinavian settlers traveled from Ohio to California, the network said.
The Danish immigrants made their mark by filling the city center with Danish bakeries and architecture, including several windmills.
Today, Solvang still incorporates Danish traditions into its Christmas customs, HGTV said.
From Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, Solvang holds a Danish-style holiday celebration called Julefest.
The month-long festival is packed with “lights, celebratory events and holiday cheer,” according to the city’s website, including a parade and a Maker’s Market.
“In addition to Santa’s Village, tree lighting, parade and candlelit tours, Danish traditions include the Nisser Adventure,” HGTV said. “Nisser are mischievous elves, and during Yulefest they’re hidden around town making for a fun scavenger hunt.”
What are the best places to visit for Christmas in the West?
Here are the top places to visit during Christmastime in the western United States, according to HGTV:
- Arizona: Flagstaff
- California: Solvang
- Colorado: Breckenridge
- Idaho: McCall
- Montana: Whitefish
- Nevada: Virginia City
- Oregon: Silverton
- Washington: Leavenworth
