Location: Old World Village, Huntington Beach, CA
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Good day local adventurers, Thomas here with a delightful coastal holiday experience. Just about 2.5 hours from Lancaster, The Old World Huntington Beach Christmas Market brings authentic German-style holiday festivities to sunny Southern California. Running daily from November 16th through December 28th, this charming seasonal market transforms Huntington Beach into a European winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights, festive wooden vendor huts, and the enticing aromas of traditional holiday treats.
Step through the entrance and you’ll feel transported to a traditional German Christkindlmarkt, where rows of decorated market stalls offer handcrafted gifts, artisan goods, and imported European treasures perfect for holiday shopping. The atmosphere buzzes with holiday cheer as live music fills the air – from traditional German folk bands to contemporary holiday performances that appeal to all ages. Kids (and kids at heart) will delight in scheduled Meet & Greets with Santa, while the Girl Scouts provide complimentary gift-wrapping services to make your shopping experience even more convenient.
Making it a Full Day:
Since you’re already at the beach, start your morning with a stroll along the iconic Huntington Beach Pier – watch surfers catch waves at Surf City USA and grab breakfast at Ruby’s Diner at the pier’s end. Explore Main Street’s downtown district with surf shops, boutiques, and the International Surfing Museum. For lunch, head to Pacific City, an open-air complex with ocean-view dining options ranging from poke bowls to Italian fare.
Nature lovers should visit the nearby Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve for free coastal wetland trails before heading to the Christmas Market in late afternoon. Time your arrival for 4-5pm to experience the market in both daylight and under the magical glow of twinkling evening lights.
Thomas’s Local Tips:
- 🎅 Plan for Santa – Check the market’s schedule in advance for specific Meet & Greet times, as these sessions can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
- 🅿️ Parking strategy – The market location may have dedicated parking, but Huntington Beach can get crowded. Arrive early or consider parking in the downtown area near Main Street and PCH and enjoying a short walk.
- 🧥 Beach weather, market atmosphere – Even though it’s SoCal, December beach evenings can be surprisingly cool, especially after sunset. Bring a light jacket or sweater to stay comfortable as you browse the outdoor market stalls.
- 💰 Bring cash – While many vendors accept cards, some smaller artisan stalls and food vendors may be cash-only. Hit an ATM before arriving to avoid lines at the market.
- 📸 Golden hour magic – Arrive around 4-5pm to catch the beautiful coastal sunset light, then stay as the market lights illuminate. This timing gives you the best of both worlds for photos and ambiance.
Nature’s calling, it’s time to pick up… See you out there!
