Top California Christmas Tours

What you'll do this Christmas? The holiday season is a time to spend with family, eat big and delicious meals, exchange gifts, and go to holiday office parties. Of course, you won't want to miss out on festive holiday lights and decorations either. The answer, The Newport Beach Harbor Cruise Of Lights has it all. Elaborate Christmas light displays of Bayfront estates with their Ring Of Lights competition and one of the largest decorated boat parades in the country. Hundreds of decorated ships of all sizes compete for top awards in over a half dozen categories. The Newport Beach Boat Parade is viewed by over 1.5 million people each season and is one of the largest boat parades you will likely ever see. Millions of holiday lights are a part of the Newport Beach Boat Parade and Ring Of Lights decorations making Newport Bay a "must see” for the holiday season. Jump on board one of our 9 tour vessels to view this spectacular event, that will also be decorated with holiday cheer!

Enjoy easy skip-the-line access to the California Academy of Sciences with this pre-paid ticket. Walk right in to explore the museum's 4-story rainforest, planetarium, and aquarium, plus the new Tiny Chef, Big Impact exhibit celebrating small actions for the planet.

Peek behind the scenes at the California Academy of Sciences with VIP tickets to the Thursday NightLife—an adults-only event that proves museums aren’t just for kids. Sip cocktails and nibble hors d'oeuvres at a private reception, then go inside “The Vault” to see glittering gemstones and prehistoric treasures not on view to the general public. You’ll also take a walk on the wild side with express entry to the Osher Rainforest dome and get starry-eyed during a planetarium show.

Donut culture runs deep in California, and the holidays are the perfect time to celebrate. Join us in West LA for a festive donut tour filled with seasonal flavors, twinkling lights, and California charm. We start at fōnuts, where every donut is baked, not fried, for a lighter treat that still delivers big flavor. Their holiday lineup features warm spices, sweet glazes, and cozy textures that pair perfectly with the cool SoCal breeze. Next, we pass Television City and CBS studios on the way to an artisan shop known for bold, rotating flavors like peppermint bark, gingerbread, and cranberry orange. Across the street, we visit the Original Farmers Market, decked out in lights and full of holiday cheer. Depending on your group and the weather, we’ll sample donuts, pastries, or other seasonal treats to wrap up this sweet journey. If you love donuts and holiday magic, this tour is for you. Book your spot today!

Celebrate the season with a holiday-themed Underground Donut Tour in San Diego’s Little Italy! Over two festive hours, you’ll visit four hand-picked stops featuring the city’s most delicious seasonal donuts and pastries. Stroll past twinkling lights, decorated lampposts, and the charming holiday market while soaking in the joyful neighborhood vibe. We kick things off at Devil’s Dozen Donuts with rooftop views and devilishly good flavors. Then, it’s off to a cozy local bakery known for its festive sweets, followed by The Donut Bar—famous for outrageous creations like peppermint, red velvet, and gingerbread. Finally, wind down at a local coffee roastery with a fresh brew to pair with your treats. This tour blends holiday cheer, waterfront charm, and sweet bites into a delightful winter experience. If you love donuts, lights, and holiday magic, this tour is your perfect seasonal outing. Book now and make some sweet memories!

Skip the limitations of fixed itineraries and explore San Francisco on your own terms with a flexible bike rental. Starting from Fisherman’s Wharf, you can create a route that matches your interests, whether that means riding along the waterfront, exploring city neighborhoods, or cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. Choose the pace and sights that suit your day while enjoying the freedom to discover more than you would on foot.

Explore stunning San Francisco by bike with pre-booked bicycle rentals. Choose from two-hour, half-day, and full-day options, and pick up your bicycle right in the center of the city. Maps are included, plus a basket, helmet, and bike lock, leaving you free to get down and explore.

Pair science with San Francisco nightlife and you have NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences. Prebooking your admission ticket is the perfect, child-free way to explore the museum after hours. Make your way inside and enjoy a lively venue of music, provocative science, and exhibits. Each special program changes weekly and is well worth exploring.

Group tours that involve exercise can either go way too slow or end up leaving you in the dust. Don’t settle to explore a new area uncomfortably. Instead, prebook this Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Bike Tour of North Shore, and ride at your own pace. Pedal along bike paths away from heavy car traffic, and see stunningly beautiful areas like San Harbor, Hidden Beach, Memorial Beach, and Kings Beach.

Keep your holiday merry and bright with a Christmas Eve Premier Brunch Cruise departing from San Diego. Featuring festive decor and a delicious meal, your Christmas on the water is sure to be a gift to yourself and your loved ones. Deck the halls with limited-time holiday entertainment and a festive retreat from land.

Enjoy a uniquely festive way to explore San Francisco’s holiday lights displays—and have the special chance to travel aboard a vintage, open-air Mack fire engine—on this small-group, evening tour. Listen to your guide's commentary and holiday music as you travel to Fisherman's Wharf, the Embarcadero, and Union Square to see holiday light displays. Plus, have the option to wear provided firefighter gear to stay cozy and pose for photos.

Bring the magic of the season to life with a Newport Beach Christmas Day Premier Dinner Cruise departing from Newport Beach. With cruises featuring festive décor and a delicious meal, celebrating Christmas along Newport Beach with your friends and family will keep your holiday merry and bright!

Immerse yourself in Los Angeles’ holiday cheer on this fascinating 2-hour private tour. Meet your guide at Laduree, world-famous French pastry shop at the time of your choosing, enjoy complimentary coffee accompanied with extremely delicious macaron and set out to see Beverly Hills in its Christmas best. Wander along the Beverly Canon Gardens, Wilshire Blvd, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Garden Park and Canon Drive, glowing with breathtaking lights and impressive light installations. Hear narrative commentary from your knowledgeable guide, enjoy numerous photo ops and please your palate with world-class gourmet chocolate.

Keep your holiday merry and bright with a dinner cruise departing from San Francisco. Featuring festive decor and a delicious meal, your Christmas on the water is sure to be a gift to yourself and your loved ones. Deck the halls with limited-time holiday entertainment and a festive retreat from land.

The Santa Monica Donut Tour is your first sweet adventure into sunny Southern California, and the holidays are the perfect time to visit. As palm trees glow with lights and festive decorations fill the 3rd Street Promenade, this tour blends seasonal cheer with coastal charm. We begin at a California icon, Randy’s Donuts. You may know their famous giant donut from movies and music videos. While the donuts here are smaller, the bold flavors and classic recipes are just as unforgettable. Next is Sidecar Doughnuts, known for handcrafted creations that feel like gifts with every bite. These gourmet donuts are sure to impress. Your third stop features another California favorite: churros. Warm, crispy, and coated in sugar, they’re the perfect holiday street snack. We finish with a surprise stop that may change based on the group and weather, but always ends the tour on a high note. Book now and taste the season in Santa Monica!

Ghirardelli Square is on the north-central tip of San Francisco near Fort Mason, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Marina District. Rather than taking a guided tour of these attractions, explore the area (or farther afield) at your own pace with this full-day bike rental from the square. Travelers receive a color-coded map for easy exploration and can rent e-bikes, tandems, and kids’ bikes.

Celebrate the magic of the season on the water with a Christmas Day Premier Brunch Cruise in San Diego. You and your guests will enjoy a holiday brunch buffet freshly prepared by our chef, full bar service, and City Cruises’ distinctive hospitality. While onboard, experience exceptional views of San Diego’s iconic skyline and waterfront, entertainment, and festive décor. Our team will happily take care of the details, leaving you to celebrate the holidays on the San Diego Bay with your friends and family. Happy Holidays!

Private festive discovery begins in the historic heart of San Francisco. You will explore elegant streets illuminated by seasonal lights and cultural traditions. Historic architecture and classical landmarks reflect the city’s rich heritage and transformation. The festive atmosphere blends modern celebration with stories rooted deep in American history. What traditions shaped San Francisco into a celebrated cultural destination during Christmas? Architectural beauty and vibrant holiday decorations create a refined seasonal experience. You will walk through historic districts filled with cultural charm and artistic influence. The city’s heritage reveals stories of migration, innovation, and transformation across generations. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Bring the magic of the season to life with a Marina del Rey Christmas Day Premier Brunch Cruise departing from Marina del Rey. With cruises featuring festive décor and a delicious meal, celebrating Christmas on the marina with your friends and family will keep your holiday merry and bright!

Bring the magic of the season to life with a dinner cruise departing from San Diego. With cruises featuring festive décor and a delicious meal, celebrating Christmas on the San Diego Bay with your friends and family will keep your holiday merry and bright!

Bring the magic of the season to life with a Marina del Rey Christmas Day Premier Dinner Cruise departing from Marina del Rey. With cruises featuring festive décor and a delicious meal, celebrating Christmas on the marina with your friends and family will keep your holiday merry and bright!

Experience one of San Francisco’s most popular activities—biking across the Golden Gate Bridge—with this bike rental from the Marina District, conveniently located near Crissy Field and the route to the bridge. A bike, map, helmet and lock are provided with this rental, plus you’ll receive tips on the best ways to bike to the bridge and around the city. On the other side of the bridge, you can explore the waterfront town of Sausalito before returning to the city.

Bring the magic of the season to life with a dinner cruise departing from San Diego. With cruises featuring festive décor and a delicious meal, celebrating Christmas on the San Diego Bay with your friends and family will keep your holiday merry and bright!