Spend the Holidays in Style at SoCal’s Most Glamorous Hotels
From beachside fireside igloos to Nutcracker-inspired afternoon teas, these SoCal hotels have everything you need for a holiday getaway with style.
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Southern California might be a stranger to snow, but that doesn’t stop the Golden State from getting in the holiday spirit. From San Diego to Santa Barbara, the entire coast lights up with festive decor, merry celebrations and plenty of themed culinary happenings throughout the holiday season.
Whether you’re a local planning a special staycation or an out-of-towner hoping to feel at home during a holiday away, several of SoCal’s most high-end hotels offer a spirited escape during the month of December. While some hotels lean a bit too far into the kitschy and overdone, elegant properties like Hotel Bel-Air, Rosewood Miramar Beach and The Lafayette Hotel have become staples for travelers seeking a cheery yet tasteful stay.
In addition to the standard Christmas Eve and day dinners, many of these luxe accommodations offer festive activities like fondue dinners, themed cocktail menus, gingerbread making classes and nostalgic movie screenings. At Montecito’s San Ysidro Ranch, an entire speakeasy transforms into an ornament-adorned wonderland, while the iconic Hotel del Coronado hosts fireside igloos on the beach and an ice skating rink by the sea. Ready to see what a coastal California Christmas is all about? We’ve rounded up the best SoCal hotels for celebrating the holiday season.
The Best SoCal Hotels for the Holiday Season
San Ysidro Ranch
- 900 San Ysidro Ln, Montecito, CA 93108
San Ysidro Ranch offers a special kind of magic that even Saint Nick himself can’t conjure. With just 38 bungalows across the property, guests enjoy unparalleled privacy as they walk around the manicured grounds, admiring the distant ocean view and romantic gardens along the way. The renowned Stonehouse Restaurant is hosting an elegant Christmas Day dinner curated by chef Matthew Johnson, but the hotel’s true holiday highlight can be found in The Speakeasy. Hundreds of red, green and silver ornaments hang from the ceiling, enhancing the already busy space which features rustic stone walls, cheetah print pillows, cozy red booths and a roaring fireplace.
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills
- 1020 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
London is one of the most iconic holiday destinations, but when a plane ticket doesn’t fit in your plans, simply head to the Sunset Strip. The London West Hollywood transports guests across the pond with spacious suites, posh decor and celebratory dinners. The hotel’s beloved afternoon tea is getting a Nutcracker twist with gingerbread cookies and desserts like the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” which includes whirls of creamy vanilla, ripe strawberry and a hint of plum. Executive chef Anthony Keene is crafting a three-course meal for Christmas day, featuring options like roasted beef Wellington, charcoal-grilled sea bass, New England lobster risotto and much more. End the evening with an espresso peppermint martini and an eggnog brûlée.
Pendry Newport Beach
- 690 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
What better way to prepare for the holidays than with a stay in the heart of Fashion Island? Pendry Newport Beach is an upscale, chic accommodation that offers easy access to one of SoCal’s best shopping destinations. Seasonal decor ranges from a towering lobby tree to massive wreaths hanging above garner-adorned archways, but it's the many holiday activities that shine. Throughout December, Pendry Newport Beach is hosting a festive cocktail-making class Thursday to Saturday, but you can also partake in menorah lighting ceremonies, a holiday pastry hour at the Coffee Bar, holiday high teas and more. The stylish property is also transforming its poolside cabanas into private winter wonderlands with firepits, Christmas jingles, seasonal cocktails and curated bites.
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Collection
- 2350 Railway Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Head to Santa Barbara wine country for a holiday escape at Auberge’s Inn at Mattei’s Tavern. This Los Olivos landmark boasts a farmhouse-style property with a giant Christmas tree on the front lawn. There are plenty of festive communal spaces to sit and mingle over Old Fashioneds, many of which feature cozy fireplaces that make you feel right at home. If you’re a fan of bubbles, buy tickets for A Toast to the Coast, taking place at The Wicker Room on December 13, 20 and 27, and January 3. After completing a tasting of sparkling wines with accompanying bites, end with a glass of housemade mulled wine while chatting with local producers. Don’t feel like cooking on Christmas Day? Book The Tavern’s gourmet buffet for a spread of fresh salads, comforting sides, herb-crusted prime rib and decadent desserts.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
- 9882 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
One of the 90210’s most timeless accommodations, The Peninsula Beverly Hills is bringing festive wonder via its “A Flight to Infinity” programming this December. The hotel’s iconic tea service is getting a showstopping upgrade with live ballerinas dancing to The Nutcracker on select weekends. Signature restaurant The Belvedere will also switch up its usual routine by serving brunch seven days a week throughout the whole month, allowing guests to indulge in comforting classics like cinnamon rolls, crème brûlée French toast and streak frites alongside free-flowing Perrier-Jouët champagne. Spend Christmas Eve at the same restaurant for a multicourse prix-fixe menu featuring everything from a short rib pot roast to a winter truffle risotto.
Rosewood Miramar Beach
- 1759 S Jameson Ln, Montecito, CA 93108
Montecito’s oceanfront Rosewood Miramar is one of the most extravagant hotels in Santa Barbara County. Upon entering the grand foyer during the holidays, guests are greeted by checkered marble floors, a garland-covered spiral staircase and a towering Christmas tree adorned with sparkling ornaments and warm lights. Throughout the entire 2025 festive season, each on-site dining concept is pulling out all of the stops for every occasion. On Christmas Eve, enjoy a special Feast of the Seven Fishes at Michelin-starred Caruso’s or a seasonal omakase experience at Ama Sushi before sitting down for festive cocktails and live performances at The Manor Bar. The Revere Room is serving an indulgent brunch buffet on Christmas morning and a four-course family-style dinner in the evening, while Caruso’s is hosting a curated prix-fixe holiday menu with a complimentary welcome glass of champagne.
The Lafayette Hotel and Club
- 2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104
Located in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, The Lafayette takes a maximalist aesthetic to the next level. During December, the entire lobby and accompanying bar gets doused in holiday decor from top to bottom, and when it comes to drinks, you can also order an array of seasonally-inspired libations like the chai Hot Toddy or fig-infused Old Fashioned. If you’re craving a cozy night in your room, order The Lafayette’s signature egg nog and give it a spike from your favorite mini bar spirit. Other festive activities include caroling at the entrance of the hotel and a holiday tea service with themed bites and pastries.
Hotel Bel-Air
- 701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077
During December, Hotel Bel-Air lights up the neighborhood with a head-to-toe holiday transformation. From twinkling lights and giant bows to life-sized ornaments surrounding the enchanting swan lake, this hidden wonderland is the perfect place for a quiet escape in the heart of L.A. Unwind in the fireside Living Room for a festive tea service complete with a complimentary glass of champagne, savory sandwiches and Santa-shaped pastries. Until January 2nd, the Old Hollywood-inspired bar will serve themed sips and creative cocktails with a nostalgic twist, but if you prefer a more formal dining experience, book the buffet-style Christmas Eve dinner and enjoy carol singers, premium seafood, juicy prime rib and more. Hotel Bel-Air’s annual outdoor films al fresco tradition is also coming back, with showings like Elf, The Holiday, It’s a Wonderful Life and Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Hotel Del Coronado
- 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Hotel del Coronado is a historic icon that shines during the holiday season. At the end of November, this 137-year-old hotel decks the halls according to a brand new theme, and in 2025, we’re taking a trip to the Land of Oz. The main lobby Christmas tree features a “yellow brick road” made of balloons, but you’ll find several other Wizard of Oz-themed trees across the property. From festive light shows to oceanfront igloos where you can make s’mores while watching the sunset, the Del is sort of the Disneyland of holiday hotels. After hitting the seaside ice skating rink, sit down for a Stranahan whiskey flight and Nobu sushi pairing in your own handcrafted, reclaimed whiskey barrel while taking in the ocean view.
Fairmont Century Plaza
- 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067
One of the most festive hotels in Los Angeles, the Fairmont Century Plaza is a chic property that puts a modern twist on the holidays. The property's most beloved seasonal offering is the Après L.A.: A Fairmont Century Plaza Chalet Experience. Handmade, cozy chalets set the scene as you sip on Christmas cocktails and indulge in a fondue spread inspired by the Swiss Alps. Guests needing to do last-minute Christmas shopping can simply stroll over to the nextdoor Century City Mall before returning for a well-deserved massage at the 14,000-square-foot spa. Start your Saturday and Sunday mornings right with one of the city’s most lavish breakfasts at French eatery Lumière, where caviar service, lobster omelettes, smoked salmon roulade and champagne await.
Montage Laguna Beach
- 30801 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Montage Laguna Beach is collaborating with Christian Louboutin to bring the house’s signature red hue to the hotel for the holidays. Three Christmas trees inspired by the Maison’s chic style are scattered throughout the property, but you can also enjoy a Christian Louboutin Holiday Fashion Afternoon Tea featuring finger sandwiches and sweets by pastry chef Lee Smith. Before sitting down at Studio Mediterranean for a special Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner, grab a Rouge Stiletto cocktail from the lobby bar and walk the grounds admiring the holiday decor from Roger’s Gardens.
