The Central Coast is a magical place during this time of the year. We do California Christmas right with beautiful sunsets as our back drop for paddle-boarding angels, palm trees engulfed in lights and Christmas Parades in every town with a population of 1000 or more. In fact, we have so many events that highlight and showcase our wonderful local businesses and restaurants that we don’t just do “Small Business Saturday.” We do “Small Business December!”
A relatively new holiday experience is in its fourth year at the historic and beautiful Cambria Pines Lodge is the Cambria Christmas Market! It is described as a “festive ongoing gathering in the style of Germany’s Christmas Markets”. I would describe it as literally something for everyone.
| CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS MARKET 2905 Burton Drive Cambria, California 93428 (805) 927-6109 GeorgeM@MoonstoneHotels.com |
For the engineers in the group, the organization, execution and sheer volume of lights displayed are a wonder. There are tunnels of lights, pathways of lights, meticulous scenes made with lights, trees dripping with lights. It goes on for what seems like acres — and they allow you to walk through and be in the midst of the display — it’s interactive!
For the hungry (like my father) the market offers local vendors and in the theme of the German style, there are “Brats”, fresh baked treats and “Gluhwein” — a German spiced wine that will keep you warm-and-toasty on your stroll through the lights.
And for the shoppers there are dozens of artists and local vendors who call this Market home for the season. Lavender products, hand carved toys, fused glass creations, fresh olives, fresh preserves, jewelry, pottery — just to name a few! You can find some unique and locally crafted Christmas gifts before or after you take your tour!
Cambria was and is a gem to begin with but this Christmas Market has given locals and visitors alike another reason great reason to make a stop on the way up or down the North Coast. Make sure you check their web site for parking directions as it does get busy! And there are small admission fees and some nights when they are not open so visit the site — it changes year to year! Enjoy this new Christmas adventure and have a Merry Christmas from the Live Pismo Beach team!