I was lucky enough during one December several years ago to cruise the Danube River and visit several European countries, including the many Christmas Markets along the way.  I remember the smell, the flavors, the ambiance. It was magical.  I’ve longed to go back ever since.   

 

Thankfully, there is a bit of that magic nearby in the seaside village of Cambria. Most of us know this town well. Enjoying the smell of the ocean while walking along the wooden walkway on Moonstone Beach, enjoying food and drinks with friends and family at the Sea Chest, wandering through your favorite shops along Main Street in town, while stopping to sip some coffee, sample wines at Moonstone Cellars, or trying craft beer at The Coastal Tap Room.  When it’s time for a bite to eat, Robin’s on Burton Drive or Linn’s on Main Street will satisfy pretty much anyone in your party. On my last trip, I lingered over a bowl of creamy clam chowder at Linn’s, paired with a glass of local Chardonnay. I had to leave room for “something Olallieberry” – Linn’s signature dessert fruit. 

 

Cambria is charming year-round, but if you haven’t visited during the holidays, maybe it’s time to discover the magic that happens every year in late November – December. Those same shops in the historic East and West Villages overflow with twinkling lights, greenery, and holiday displays that invite you to slow down and linger just a little longer. The boutiques here aren’t the cookie-cutter variety — they’re brimming with one-of-a-kind finds, artisan creations, and seasonal décor that would make even the Grinch want to redecorate. 

 
Each night, beginning on November 28th, as the sun dips below the ocean’s horizon the excitement of the holidays can be found at Cambria Pines Lodge for their enchanted Cambria Christmas Market. Imagine more than three million holiday lights draped through the gardens and walkways, forming tunnels of color, glowing archways, and whimsical displays that are pure joy to wander through — with plenty of photo ops to show off to your friends. 

 

The market itself is inspired by the traditional Christmas markets of Germany — rows of boutique booths offering everything from handcrafted ornaments and home décor to gourmet treats and unique holiday gifts. You can shop with a cup of hot cocoa in hand, or perhaps a mug of mulled wine, and snack on seasonal bites that feel like they’ve been plucked straight from a storybook. There’s live music in the beer garden, performers scattered throughout the evening, and Santa making his rounds for photos and wish lists. If you’re traveling with kids (or just a kid at heart), the train ride through the light displays is a must. 

 

One of my favorite parts of the experience is that it doesn’t end at the lodge. The festivities extend next door to their sister property, Cambria Nursery, which transforms into a winter wonderland all its own. Their Christmas Shoppe could easily keep you busy for hours — aisle after aisle of ornaments, décor, and gifts, all surrounded by gardens strung with lights. 

 

Built nearly 100 years ago, Cambria Pines Lodge is a cozy, tranquil, and relaxing boutique hotel nestled in the hills just above the village surrounded by a magical landscape of gardens and Monterey Pines.  They offer a wide variety of accommodations that include private cottages or family and pet friendly options that are perfect for family reunions, nicely appointed with cozy fireplaces, farmhouse style furnishings, free Wi-Fi, sleep worthy mattresses and flat-screen televisions.  Options abound on their website cambriapineslogdge.com.   

 

Staying at Cambria Pines Lodge for this event is the ultimate way to do it. After all, the holiday season is supposed to be joyful — not stressful. Guests who book the Lodge’s Christmas Market package get guaranteed onsite parking (a serious perk, since general parking is off-site, in the Village, with long lines for shuttles), along with breakfast in their Cambria Pines Lodge Restaurant.  After an evening wandering the grounds, you might want to slip into the inviting Fireside Lounge for a hot toddy and some nightly entertainment.   

 

The best part of staying at the Lodge is your room is just a short, easy walk across the property to the Market and the Lights. You can wander as long as you like without glancing at your watch, knowing your bed and a flickering fireplace is just steps away. 

 

And it’s not just the convenience — the lodge itself feels like part of the experience. Rooms are warm and inviting, the lobby is decorated for the season, and there’s a sense of being tucked away in a peaceful retreat, even with all the festivities nearby. For those who prefer a quieter pace, the Lodge also offers “Lights at Cambria Pines” nights on select dates in December (Dec. 1-2, 8-9, & 24-25), where you can enjoy the illuminated displays without the market bustle (no vendors, train, Santa, music, or food on these night) — perfect for photographers, couples, or families with little ones.  

 

Whether you spend the day wandering Cambria’s charming boutiques, sampling local wines, or strolling along the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, ending the night under millions of twinkling lights is an experience that’s hard to match. Cambria in December is everything you want the holidays to be — joyful, cozy, and just a little bit magical. 

 

If you go, do yourself a favor: stay at the Lodge, slow down, and let the season wrap around you like cozying up on the couch with a warm blanket while watching holiday movies. 

 

Explore the details, then book your visit and your stay now.  Tickets and rooms sell out fast!