Getting the 2024 Holiday Season Started in Carlsbad

Nov 19, 2024

With the holiday season around the corner, it's time to start feeling festive in Carlsbad. We’ve got luxury, charm and a laid-back vibe that makes kicking off the holidays comfortable and stylish. If you’re headed into town to see family or just need a getaway by the coast, Carlsbad’s hotels and resorts have all the trimmings for a memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

Here’s a few places to keep on your radar if you want to welcome the season in the warmest, most inviting way possible.

Park Hyatt Aviara

First stop on the holiday circuit is the Park Hyatt Aviara, overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon. This five-diamond retreat offers top-tier service and scenic views, setting the tone for a cozy holiday experience. Thanksgiving here is practically essential, and on November 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Park Hyatt Aviara serves an exceptional Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet.

The festivities continue in December with the resort’s Cabana Christmas Village, turning the Splash Pool area into a winter wonderland from December 11 to 24. The holiday spirit shines with family-friendly crafts, a seasonal poolside menu and visits from Santa. For a cozy afternoon, Park Hyatt Aviara also hosts a Santa Claus Tea on select dates, featuring seasonal teas and nostalgic treats in an intimate setting.

Omni La Costa

Just a short drive away, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa offers a distinct holiday vibe, combining the beauty of Carlsbad’s ecosystem with the warmth of Spanish Mission-style architecture. Thanksgiving Day, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Omni La Costa hosts a Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet. For a quiet celebration, Omni La Costa’s "Home for the Holidays" Thanksgiving Meal Boxes are also a hit. These boxes serve 4-6 people with a full spread, including pre-roasted turkey, garlic-smashed potatoes, sweet potato pecan soufflé and optional add-ons like apple pie and green bean casserole. You can place orders by November 22 for a seamless holiday meal at home or in your vacation rental.

As December arrives, the holiday magic continues with Omni La Costa’s Winter Wonderland Gala on December 7, an elegant evening under the stars and a Holiday Dinner Series with Santa at Bob’s Steak & Chop House on December 16.

Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach

If you want the best of all seasons, Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach is just the right blend of holiday festivities and summertime sun. Right on the beach, it’s a place where you can ease into winter with an ocean view. On Thanksgiving Day, Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining at Cape Rey serves up three culinary options. Start with the Breakfast Buffet (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.) featuring scrambled eggs, applewood smoked bacon, and challah French toast. The Brunch Buffet (11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) is a more indulgent experience, with a raw bar of lemongrass-poached shrimp and oysters, prime rib, roasted turkey and seasonal desserts. In the evening, Chandler’s offers a three-course, prix fixe dinner (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) with choices like herb-crusted turkey breast or coastal California cioppino, followed by crème brûlée or Carlsbad pumpkin cheesecake.

On December 5, Cape Rey invites locals and guests alike to its annual Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. The evening starts with a tree lighting ceremony, followed by the Kris Kringle Market featuring local artisans, family photos with Santa and live performances by Carlsbad High School bands and holiday carolers. For kids, the cabanas transform into Santa’s workshops, complete with art stations, crafts, and cookie decorating. Complimentary cocoa, cider and holiday treats will be available throughout the evening, with proceeds benefiting the Carlsbad Education Foundation.

LEGOLAND California Resort

And last but certainly not least, from November 23 to January 5, LEGOLAND California Resort becomes a LEGO-themed holiday wonderland. Thanksgiving weekend kicks off the festivities with themed dining, LEGO holiday building activities and live entertainment. Throughout the season, the park’s iconic LEGO Christmas tree, built from thousands of bricks, hosts nightly light shows synchronized to holiday tunes. LEGOLAND’s lineup includes “The LEGO Friends Holiday Show,” a cappella performances by "The Yule Tides" and interactive shows like “Santa’s Top Elf,” where young guests help Santa’s elves prepare for Christmas.

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As 2024 starts to wind down, Carlsbad’s festive spirit is just getting started. Whether it’s a stay at the Park Hyatt Aviara, Omni La Costa, or Cape Rey, there’s no better way to embrace a season filled with comfort, connection, and joy.

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