Which California Destination Is Considered the “Best Christmas Town?

You might want to pack your clogs with that kringle.

Most cities, big and small, turn up the charm for the holidays … and our California enclaves rarely disappoint. From pier lightings to mountain top carols, there’s no shortage of holiday spirit all month long. So is it even possible to single out just one community for its chosen merrymaking? Reader’s Digest thinks so, identifying a festive favorite for each of the 50 states. Taking the Christmas crown for the Golden State: Solvang.

“Visiting this captivating town north of Santa Barbara at holiday time will have you thinking you’ve been transported to the Old World. Founded by settlers from Denmark, the village features architecture (including a windmill!), restaurants, and goodies that are distinctively Danish. In December, Solvang goes all-out for its Julefest, featuring downtown candlelit caroling tours, nativity pageant, wine and beer tours, live music programs, parade, and tree lighting. The festival also takes visitors on a Holiday Lights Tour through the Santa Ynez Valley to see the best-illuminated homes and on a ‘Nisse adventure’ scavenger hunt to find these Danish gnome-like creatures throughout the downtown.”

Do you agree with their pick? You can read about all 50 Christmas towns here.

More Stories

Giving Back, Makers + Entrepreneurs, Sustainability

These Californians are Stepping Up to Save America’s Wild Mustangs

They include a young competitive horsewoman, a daredevil cowgirl and a 1970s rock musician.

Homes + Spaces

Cheery Hues and Classic American Style Inspire a Modern Family Home

Although there’s not one yard of renowned Lilly Pulitzer fabric in the home of Jill and Clark Soderlund, their Manhattan Beach house oozes the breezy, Palm Beach style of the famous 20th-century doyenne of Worth Avenue. Pops of bright colors abound with plenty of light and space, while the wide floor plan is reminiscent of East Coast architecture.