SeeCalifornia.com

Does it seem Californians celebrate Christmas too early? Don’t blame locals. In Mediterranean climates where the majority of the state’s residents reside there’s no snow to signal seasons that herald winter holidays. And songs such as “White Christmas,” “Sleigh Bells Ringing,” and “Let it Snow,” don’t jog memories — many have only seen snow trucked in for a party in the park. That’s when we throw a winter scarf over a tank top and put on furry boots instead of flip flops.

What Californians do best at Christmas is brag about the weather, especially when it’s 80 degrees and those beautiful palm trees sway in the breeze.

Speaking of boasts, fashion malls like to tout having the biggest or tallest holiday trees in the state, the nation, etc.

Californians live life large and do so with extended Christmas celebrations offering ample time to see attractions ranging from ice rinks at beaches to lighting of  palm trees and piers.

California’s First Holiday Lightings

• November 13, 2018 Santana Row – Light up the Row Tree Lighting features a 40-foot Christmas Tree and a snow shower of confetti in San Jose.
• November 14 Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting offers a special day coinciding with Light Gate Sunset. Get your camera ready. Every year on this day, the sunset alights perfectly through the keyhole of a public artwork.
• November 15 Beverly Hills Holiday Lighting Celebration always makes a BOLD statement with celebrity entertainment and impressive decor.
• November 15 South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting
• November 16-17 Join Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Allison Holker in Newport Beach for Fashion Island Tree Lighting Ceremony.