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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

At Christmastime, Big Bear In Southern California Has The Most Enchanting Main Street In The Country

Big Bear Village in Southern California transforms into a magical snowy Christmas town during the holiday season.

Updated Oct 28, 2023

Written by 

Angela

SoCal isn't exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of a snowy Christmas village. But, if you've spent enough time in the Golden State, you know exactly where to go to find one of the most enchanting Christmas towns in Southern California. There's just something so magical and sweet about Christmas in Big Bear Village in Southern California.

Whether you've visited this destination many times before or you've always had it on your bucket list, a trip to Big Bear's Christmas Village during the holiday season is pure magic. For adults and children alike, there's a little something for everyone here in the city. Take a look and fall in love, friends. Southern California has a little magic yet.

Welcome to Big Bear Village - a charming snowy village in SoCal that captures the magic of Christmas.

Snow-covered street with a wooden welcome arch and trees, creating a winter scene in a quaint village.
Visit Big Bear/Facebook

Big Bear Village is located in the mountains of San Bernardino County

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Map showing Big Bear Village located near Big Bear Lake, surrounded by mountains and forests.
Google Maps

To experience the main street for yourself, you'll want to head to Big Bear Boulevard.

Make a visit to this idyllic small town during the holiday season to experience this charming main street in Southern California that gets decked out for Christmas each and every year.

A charming street scene with festive lights on trees, shops, and a colorful sunset sky.
Big Bear Lake Village/Facebook

We especially love visiting the town of Big Bear when it's covered with a fresh layer of snow.

Snow-covered street lined with festive decorations and charming buildings under a clear blue sky.
Visit Big Bear/Facebook

There's something so Christmassy about taking a walk in a real-life snow globe! You definitely don't want to sleep on a Big Bear Christmas in Southern California.

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Take a stroll through town and you'll find local restaurants and shops along the main street decked out with snow-covered rooftops that look like they are right out of a storybook.

A snowy scene featuring a charming wooden building with a steep roof, surrounded by tall evergreen trees and blue skies.
John Murphy/Flickr

Just look at that traditional architecture! Gorgeous.

Magic is in the air no matter where you stop at Big Bear.

A snowy scene outside a festive restaurant, with people gathered and holiday decorations adorning the entrance.
Big Bear Lake Village/Facebook

Pop inside a local restaurant for a bite to eat or fuel up with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa so you can stay nice and warm even when it's cold outside.

Perhaps our favorite time of day to wander along the main street of the village is when the sun goes down and the trees are all aglow with Christmas lights.

A festive street scene at night, lined with illuminated Christmas trees and holiday lights.
大熊湖之旅/TripAdvisor

Holiday magic is here and ripe for the taking, sweet friends. It's time to plan a visit to Big Bear Christmas Village. There's just something about Christmas in Big Bear Village; it's a picture-perfect place to be!

What a magical place to visit! Where's your favorite Southern California town that offers a fun and festive main street during the Christmas season? Have you ever spent Christmas in Big Bear Southern California?

If you do end up planning a trip to Big Bear Village, be sure to check out Viator, a helpful site that will help make your travel experiences a breeze!

Looking for more ways to embrace this holiday season in SoCal? We think you'll enjoy these amazing Christmas displays in Southern California that love going all-out for the holidays. 

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

This Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It Town in California Is so Worth Exploring

Once you discover the itty-bitty town of Harmony, CA, you'll want to return again and again.

Published Nov 13, 2024

Written by 

Natasha Kayes

When we say a town is “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it,” we mean it’s really small, but in the case of Harmony, California, if you happen to close your eyes for a moment when you pass the small sign on the highway, you will quite literally miss it! I once randomly decided to take the turn-off (not expecting much, to be honest) and discovered an itty-bitty hidden gem. Now, I stop here every time I visit the Central Coast.

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Natasha Kayes/Only In Your State

Tucked on a quiet road off the highway just south of Cambria, Harmony is worth keeping your eyes open for. It is a quirky one-block town with a big heart, a rich history, and an official population of 18.

Harmony was founded around local dairy ranches in 1869 and became the capital of dairy production in California’s Central Coast for some 50 years. The Harmony Valley Dairy Co-Op, founded in 1901, was known for producing traditional Swiss butter, as well as high-quality cheese and other products. It closed around 1955 and the population of the town steadily declined.

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Natasha Kayes/Only In Your State

Beginning in the 1970s, Harmony attracted the attention of a young counter-culture population. The old creamery buildings were restored and turned into shops, studios, and galleries. It has gone through ups and downs, restaurant and shop openings and closings, neglect and restoration. Today, the town survives as a small but vibrant artist’s haven.

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Natasha Kayes/Only In Your State

Harmony Glassworks is one of my favorite spots to visit on the Central Coast. It is a studio, school, art gallery, and shop all in one. You can shop for all kinds of handmade glass items from jewelry and nail files to incredible glass sculptures. You can also watch a master glass-blower at work or even take a class to make your own glass.

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Natasha Kayes/Only In Your State

Across the street, you’ll find Harmony Valley Creamery, where you can enjoy amazing small-batch ice cream, coffee, and pastries. You can also grab a cup or cone at the Scoop Truck in town. Behind the creamery, some of the most unique and beautiful ceramic art and porcelain jewelry can be found at Harmony Pottery Studio and Gallery.

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Natasha Kayes/Only In Your State

Next to the pottery studio is the quaint Harmony Chapel and Gardens, available for indoor and outdoor ceremonies with a guest list of up to 100. You can also enjoy your ice cream or a picnic in the gardens.

There is nothing not to love about the tiny town of Harmony, CA. Have you had a chance to visit yourself? Do you have another blink-and-you'll-miss-it town you'd like to share? Why not nominate it here for a chance to be featured? If you plan to visit the Central Coast, be sure to check out another tiny but wonderful town, Santa Margarita. And if you need a place to stay while you explore the area, check out this lovely beachfront hotel in Cambria.

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

There’s Nothing More Enchanting Than a Winter Getaway to This NorCal Small Town

Twain Harte in Northern California offers a charming winter getaway with snow-covered landscapes and festive small-town charm.

Updated Nov 11, 2024

Written by 

Lauren

The Golden State is one of the most geographically diverse states in the US; the "California Double" (where you surf and snowboard on the same calendar day) is a real possibility here! With a coastline of incredible beaches, diverse desert regions, mountain ranges, and stunning forests, it's no wonder California is one of the most visited places in the country. Exploring California's beauty during the winter can be a totally magical experience, whether you've never been here or you've lived in California all your life! For snowy, small-town charm, a Twain-Harte winter getaway in Northern California just can't be beat.

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A vintage view of Twain-Harte, featuring a sign, shops, and classic cars surrounded by tall trees.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr

Named after authors Mark Twain and Bret Harte, Twain Harte is an adorable town located in the mountains of Tuolumne County. In the towering pines between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, this quaint town in the Sierra Nevadas has been loved by families for generations. Coming to this area is one of the best things to do in Northern California during the winter.

The lake at Twain-Harte is well known as a summer spot, but when temperatures drop, it becomes a winter wonderland. On a weekend getaway in January, visitors can experience this picturesque setting. The lake is a perfect place to take pictures or enjoy the beautiful snow. Twain-Harte has several shops and restaurants that are even more magical during the winter. Past the iconic sign, visitors can explore the downtown area. While the area is small, it lives up to its reputation as a friendly, laid-back environment.

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Getty Images / Lauren Devon / Connect Images

During the holidays, there are several winter-themed events, and the decorations make Twain-Harte all the more festive. The Walk-In Closet Consignment Boutique is especially magical during this time. If you're coming from a warmer place, you'll be amazed by how much snow covers this region in the winter. NorCal winters are quite magical, turning the region into a winter wonderland.

The town is close to many other towns that offer all kinds of winter fun, but the "slow living" of this area is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of a NorCal winter. Scenic spots with incredible views are common throughout the area. A Twain Harte winter is the perfect time for a seasonal getaway!

Take a look at this drone video of Twain Harte during the winter by @NedVenture:

With its close proximity to some larger destinations in the Sierra Nevadas, visitors are only a short drive away from resort activities- they can experience this while also enjoying a quiet, small-town feel in NorCal. For more information, check out the Visit Tuolumne County website.

What are some of your favorite things to do during winter in Northern California? Let us know! To keep you and your loved ones warm throughout the season, check out our Ultimate Winter Packing List for all your cold-weather essentials. Need a place to stay while you're in the area? Check out these amazing vacation rentals in Twain Harte.

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