← Back to ‘Discover the Best Things to Do, Everywhere’
It’s nearly that time of year again and there is no better way to get in the mood for Christmas than at one of the world’s most magical markets. Cambria Christmas Market in California is a traditional German market filled with twinkling lights, stalls serving delicious food, mulled wine to warm your cockles and much, much more. The Cambria Christmas Market is an unmissable event to really get you in the mood. Here is all the info you need:
Things to Do
The charming market has everything from winter-wonderland-themed decor, artisan vendors, a real-life Santa, music and traditional German foods. Some of our top picks of things to do at the Cambria Christmas Market are:
Meet Santa!
Yes, he really exists! You can meet Santa every night from 6 pm – 8:30 pm and get photo-evidence of your encounter. A photo with Santa costs just $5 with your own camera or $10 for a framed photo.
See Live Carols
There will be live music and carol singers performing every night to really get you in the mood for Christmas. From choirs to groups, soloists and acoustic performers there’s something for everyone.
Twinkling Train Ride
Hop on a train ride around the market and catch a glimpse of all the lights from afar — with over two million lights illuminating the festival, the sight is truly spectacular!
Explore the Artisan Market
The Cambria Christmas Market was created to reflect traditional German Christmas markets that emerged in Europe in the late Middle Ages. The markets were historically held in town squares and featured traditional songs, dance, and food. Some of the top artisan stalls at the Cambria Christmas Market include:
Aww Fudge, which specializes in various delicious flavors of fudge including the likes of pumpkin, peppermint, Mexican hot chocolate, and Guinness & coffee flavor.
Yes Cocktail Co., which makes all-natural craft cocktail mixers and syrups.
Seaside Treasures, which sells stunning handmade jewelry from locally sourced sea glass.
The Love Story Project, which sells beautiful personalized Christmas gifts such as printed photographs and trinkets.
Party in the Beer Garden
The Cambria Christmas Market has its very own beer garden, or Biergarten in German, where you can kick back and enjoy live music and a delicious selection of beers. There’s also plenty of warm alcoholic drinks including hot buttered rum, German mulled wine, and eggnog. Food stalls to line your stomach include things such as bratwurst, warm German potato salad, and pizza.
When is it?
The Cambria Christmas Market takes place from November 23 – December 23, 2018. The market opens from 5 pm – 9 pm almost every day (be sure to check the website for your exact dates).
Tickets
We recommend buying tickets beforehand, as it’s often a sellout. Buy tickets for the Cambria Christmas Market.
Parking Information
Parking at the market is limited to a few handicap spots only and there’s no drop-off zone at the site. There are off-site parking spaces, with a complimentary shuttle service to get you to the market.
If you want some more winter-wonderland inspiration to get you in the mood, check out our Guide to the Best Christmas Markets Around the World.