Your Guide to Holiday Magic in Carlsbad: Crafts, Cocktails & More 2025

Find time to connect with your loved ones and spark joy this season with experiences from hands-on workshops to festive cocktails. Here’s our guide to the best ways to celebrate the holidays and get into the spirit!

As the days get darker earlier, it’s important to appreciate the sun even more, and that includes admiring the spectacular sunsets along our coast. Head to The Camp Store for a prime view of the sunset while overlooking the crashing waves at South Carlsbad State Beach. Their menu includes an assortment of pizzas made in their wood-stone oven, as well as salads, snacks and smaller bites for the kids. Before your visit, check their calendar
for information on live music performances.

Their popular free holiday light show kicks off Nov. 20 and starts at sunset every night through the holiday season. You can expect a magical show timed to festive music, playful displays like alien elves and even snow!

If you’re already planning your December calendar, make a note for Dec. 11 for their “The Sound of Light” toy drive. This special event will run for 12 hours, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and include a visit from the Carlsbad Fire Department and Carlsbad Police Department, as well as an ugly sweater lunch and live music. The toy drive aims to collect unwrapped new toys for Toys for Tots and raise money for other local causes.

Every Monday through Sunday this November you can celebrate the season of thankfulness and create the perfect gift for our feathered friends. Stop by the Discovery Campus anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and visit the Crafting Gratitude Station to make your very own eco-friendly bird feeder. Using pinecones and other natural materials you’ll have the chance to make a special treat for birds to hang outside your home or in your neighborhood. This hands-on activity is suitable for all ages and a great way to give thanks to nature by supporting local wildlife. Participation is included in your $15 admission donation and free for Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation members.

The signature Christmas-themed pop-up bar, has returned to Omni La Costa for another year. From Nov. 13 through Jan. 2 you can pay a visit and celebrate the season with one of their creative cocktails crafted by renowned mixologist, bar owner and author Julie Reiner. The menu features a selection of cocktails that truly capture the essence of the holidays, from the Mistletoe Martini to the Gilden Grinch which is a luscious Dubai hot chocolate that can be jazzed up with your choice of liquor. With tinsel, ornaments and lights galore, Blitzens is the perfect spot to have a night of fun with your loved ones.

Holiday decorations are that much more special when they are made by hand, but it can be daunting to endeavor on a craft project. Luckily for you, Handled Pottery Studio is hosting multiple clay-building workshops that give you the chance to create your very own holiday decor. No previous pottery experience is necessary as their expert staff will guide you every step of the way. Join on either Nov. 29 or Dec. 5 at one of their votive house workshops, on Nov. 23, Nov. 28 or Dec. 6 for their tree making workshop, or Dec. 3 or Dec. 13 to hand build ten unique ornaments.

Whether you’re trying to cross off an art-centered resolution before the year ends or looking to add a personal touch to your seasonal decorating, these workshops are a great way to come together and express your creativity in a welcoming environment.

Sur la Table at The Forum Carlsbad is hosting a lineup of cooking classes that will teach you how to make amazing seasonal sweets and show-stopping bakes. Learn how to make mouthwatering holiday treats such as homemade marshmallows and peppermint crunch fudge at one of their Handmade Holiday Treats classes. If you’re hoping to make a grand piece for an upcoming get-together, give the Festive Bread Workshop a try! You’ll try your hand at creating a snowflake pull-apart wreath and chocolate hazelnut babka that will definitely wow your guests.

For the young chefs, there’s a Kids 5-Day Winter Series focused on holiday baking that takes place over winter break. Over the 2-hour classes they’ll work together to bake warm winter pies, festive cookies and other delicious treats.

From Nov. 2 through Jan. 4, you can experience the jolliest time of year at LEGOLAND California Resort. Sip and enjoy limited-time holiday drinks and bites, dance around the spectacular giant LEGO Christmas tree and take plenty of photos with all the holiday LEGO characters around the resort. There are even a variety of holiday shows taking place, including some classic favorites as well as newer ones like the LEGO Nutcracker Marching Band! On select nights the sky will light up with a colorful fireworks show as an end to a perfect day. Book your tickets today and browse their hotel and ticket packages for a holiday getaway full of fun.

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Here's to a holiday season filled with coastal cheer, creativity and unforgettable memories.