Great Holiday Destinations in California

California is known for its Fun-in-the-Sun destinations but there are some wonderful places you can visit that embody the holiday spirit of California. Here are just a few.

Dickens Christmas Fair: San Francisco, CA

Charles Dickens and the Victorian era in London make for a memorable

holiday and you will feel as if you have stepped back in time with this enjoyable Dickens Christmas Fair. There are hundreds of costumed players in the music halls, dance parties, Christmas shops, and pubs as you walk down the lanes of this quaint recreation of Charles Dickens' London Town.

The smells of roasted chestnuts and many foods from the Victorian era fill the air with holiday spirit. Gourmet chefs from all over the world contribute their talents with English bangers, delicacies, fish and chips, and many delectable desserts. There are also wide selections of champagne, ales, and fine wines that will satisfy. Visit the traditional decorated shops with one of kind gifts from clothing to fine art. There are five stages filled with continuous performances of characters from Dickens era. Join in with the song and dance at Fezziwig's Warehouse along with chimney sweeps, Fagin, Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim at Mad Sal's Dockside Alehouse. The kids will enjoy puppet shows, Victorian fairies, holiday activities, and even a visit from Father Christmas. This event is sure to please anyone in your family who loves the nostalgia of a Dickens' Christmas.

Carols in the Cave: Napa Valley, CA

Here's an unusual one for you that will leave you wanting more: Christmas Carols in a Cave! This tradition began over twenty years ago with David Auerbach who wanted to share the old music of Christmas and as people asked for more, it became an annual event. Cave concerts produce an amazing sound with dozens of rare wind, string, and percussion instruments. There are harps, flutes, panpipes, concertinas, dulcimers, and many more. This is a unique experience you don't want to miss. Songs that are well loved as well as others that are little known are all woven into a musical tapestry of holiday lore. And you can become a part of the show as the audience is the choir. The acoustics are amazing in this truly one of a kind holiday destination.

Bracebridge Dinner: Yosemite

This event has been celebrated since 1927. The Bracebridge Dinner is a four hour pageant of Renaissance rituals and entertainment and classic carols. The Ahwahnee dining room is transformed into a 17^th century English manor for feasting and merriment. This is the epitome of an English Christmas of the middle Ages. The Great Hall is beautifully decorated with holiday wreaths and Yuletide decorations. A delectable banquet from days gone by is prepared by the Ahwahnee's world class culinary staff. Get ready and prepare yourself for the best meal you will ever put in your mouth.

Huntington Harbor Cruise of Lights: Huntington Beach, CA

The theme for this year's Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights will be Broadway Melodies and will feature boat rides that sail through the five channels of Huntington Harbour to view the beautifully decorated house and boat lights. This event is sponsored by the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic and is now in its 45^th year where more than 20,000 people visit every year. You'll take a 45-minute boat ride with festive holiday music and beautiful colorful reflections as you see the docks and mansions decorated for the holidays along the water inlets. There are animated displays as well that compete for awards in this incredible event.

Roaring Camp Railroad: Felton, CA

Ready for a fun filled train ride through the towering redwood forests? You can travel by steam train through the Big Trees to Bear Mountain or take the beach train to the sunny beaches of Santa Cruz. In the 1880's, the steam locomotives were used for hauling the monstrous redwood logs out of the mountains and you now have the chance to ride one of these classic steam engines that are among the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow gauge steam engines anywhere. You'll travel over trestles through the redwood groves up the winding grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as the train conductor narrates the history of Roaring Camp. You can view the holiday decorated trees along the Holiday Tree Walk. If you prefer a passenger and freight train the Santa Cruz beach train is what you will want to ride. The Santa Cruz, Big Trees and Pacific Railway Company operate the passenger and freight services on one of the most historic and oldest lines in California. Today's Beach trains travel through the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the beautiful San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1900's steel truss bridge, and arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The holiday lights are beautiful as you feel you are traveling back in the old days.

Resources:

Dickens Christmas Fair: www.dickensfair.com

Carols in the Caves: www.carolsinthecaves.com

Christmas Bracebridge Dinner: www.yosemitepark.com

Huntington Harbor Cruise of Lights: www.huntingtonbeachevents.com

Roaring Camp Railroad: www.roaringcamp.com