If you’re not hopping on a plane this holiday break, but still itching for a little family getaway, SoCal has plenty of family-friendly options within a 2-hour drive. Carlsbad, San Diego’s laid-back little cousin, is just 90 miles south of L.A. and is full of festive magic this time of year.
We’ve rounded up some things to do in Carlsbad this holiday season:
Grab photos with Santa at The Shoppes at Carlsbad. Other family-friendly merriment includes a Frozen Dance & Sing Along and festive storytelling with The Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who on Dec. 19.
Take in a choreographed light and music show at Christmas Tree Wonderlights at The Forum Carlsbad. The show takes place daily on the hour from 5 – 9 p.m.
Step into a magical wonderland at Stocking Full of Christmas at Park Hyatt Aviara, an immersive all-ages holiday journey complete with caroling, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus and more. The all ages event takes you through five themed rooms, featuring musical performances, meet-and-greets and stocking stuffers you get to take home.
Hop aboard the Poinsettia Express at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, where little ones enjoy hot cocoa and falling snow on a train ride through the property. The Resort also offers brunch with Santa, holiday movie nights and more.
See a seasonal show, snap photos with LEGO Santa and his sleigh and reindeer and take The Elf Build Workshop to make your own LEGO presents at Holidays at LEGOLAND.
Extend your vacation, and drive 30 minutes further south to San Diego. Catch Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, both running through Jan. 4, or “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” playing at The Old Globe through Dec. 31.
