California Holiday Getaways

NEWS FEATURE

California Holiday Getaways

PHOTO CREDIT RITZ CARLTON LAKE TAHOE

By Michele E. Buttelman

Signal Staff Writer

Iknow many people who enjoy celebrating holidays in Hawaii, Mexico or Las Vegas. However, I am partial to traditional snow-covered “Holly Jolly Sleigh Ride” settings.

However, if you don’t have a 4WD and are not a fan of snow and ice, California also offers some beautiful and special getaways that celebrate the holidays in unique settings.

One of the advantages of living in California is that you can have it all, snow or sun!

Lake Tahoe

If you want full wintry Christmas experience your best bet is to head to Lake Tahoe. It’s a place made to have a magical Christmas.

There’s actually a Hallmark Christmas movie, “Christmas in Tahoe,” (2021) that was inspired by an album of the same name by the band Train. However, the movie was actually filmed in Canada.

If you are unfamiliar with the Lake Tahoe area it comprises the areas of North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe with many different small towns and communities. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains straddling the border between Nevada and California you can choose from casinos, quiet Alpine relaxation or night life and adventure.

Among the activities and sights to experience: 1 The 70-foot-tall Christmas tree in the Heavenly Village will light up Tahoe’s south shore every day at 5:30 p.m. 1 Ice skating is a great holiday activity. South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena, 1176 Rufus Allen Blvd, South Lake Tahoe 96150 Heavenly Village Ice Rink, 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe 96150. This rink is decorated with lights, strung above the ice. Try some nighttime ice skating under the stars. 1 Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) and Alpine Meadows transform into a winter wonderland with holiday decorations, visits from Santa, ice sculpture demonstrations, a Merry Wonderland Ice Garden. The Resort at Squaw Creek, 400 Squaw Creek Road, Olympic Valley 96146, is home to a giant gingerbread village. These gingerbread structures are nearly life-sized standing 4-5 feet tall held together by frosting and sugar confections, and adorned with edible decorations. 1 Noel Nights at Northstar California Resort, 5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee 96161, Dec. 9-17. The resort will be offering horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, s’mores and hot chocolate by the fire pits. Santa will also be visiting the resort every day until Christmas eve. 1 Granlibakken Tahoe, 725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City 96145. This Christmas Eve event features a Torchlight Parade at 5 p.m. Gather family and friends for this free memorable celebration as Santa and his elves arrive on the historic Tucker Snow Cat with its trailer on sleds. Holiday gifts are handed out to children, and then skiers with torches come down the hill with music playing for a spectacular show. It will be followed by s’mores eating, hot chocolate sipping and pictures with Santa. Christmas Day Buffet begins at 6 p.m. at the Gran- ‘80s Pier Summit Ski Lodge Pop-Up libakken Main Lodge. It features a Christmas Day Kimpton Shorebreak Resort meal like no other. Granlibakken’s Norwegian-style 500 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, 92648 menu is served buffet style and everything is made Info www.shorebreakhotel.com by their award-winning culinary team using favor- If you want to stay close to home, but still get that ite family recipes. For more information visit granli bakken.com. ski lodge vibe then a stay in the heart of Orange County might be what you’re looking for. Wake up to stunning pier and ocean views while getting The Pelican Inn nostalgic this holiday season at the Pier Summit Ski 10 Pacific Way, Muir Beach 94965 Lodge, a 1980s-themed pop-up bar at the Kimpton Info www.pelicaninn.com Shorebreak Resort in Huntington Beach.

This is a “bucket list” Christmas destination. If Open now to mid-January 2023, Pier Summit you’ve ever wanted to spend the holidays at an old Ski Lodge welcomes snow bunnies and shredders English country inn, The Pelican Inn is the place. Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5-10 p.m. TransIt is so popular at Christmas that reservations are book months in advance. What makes this destination holiday getaway so special is the attention to detail and the feeling port to the past with neon hues, kitschy ‘80s trademarks, a life-size yeti and outfitted staff in retro ski garb. Experience authentic winter chalet dining complete with European fare. Choose from cocktails such as the Don’t Eat Yelyou’ve escaped to the 16th century English coun- low Snow and Hot Toddy Time Machine. tryside, with modern amenities. Open to the public, guests can expect unique

The Pelican is steeped in the aura of British hos- activations and programming indicative of the detelry with the fellowship of its Tudor bar, country cade like monthly-themed Jazzercise classes and cooking and comfortable four-poster beds. live music. 

The 70-foot-tall Christmas tree in the Heavenly Village. PHOTO COURTESY HEAVENLY VALLEY