Cambria is a lovely place to visit in winter, with the market being a unique highlight. The Cambria Christmas Market features festive stalls with classic handcrafted gifts, meals and entertainment. Arrive at the opening to get the best out of this evening-only event.
Read on for the confirmed 2024 dates, opening times and how to buy tickets.
Cambria Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Cambria Christmas Market dates: 29th November to 31st December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in May. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the organiser, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Cambria Pines Lodge.
Address: 2905 Burton Drive, Cambria, California.
Opening times: 5pm to 8:30pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Public transport: Limited buses and Amtrak serve the town.
Parking: Parking is only available offsite with shuttle buses to the event. There is no street parking nearby.
Where to stay: Cambria Pines Lodge is the event host. Rooms are still available.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Tickets are required. Available online and at the door if not sold out.
Tickets: From $27.64 to $43.48 (more expensive at the door). Book online before you go.
Payment: This is a cashless event.
Santa: Yes, most nights.
Reason to visit: Train ride, live music, a German-style biergarten and the coastal location.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Bratkartoffeln, currywurst, apple streusel, lebkuchen (gingerbread), German stollen, mulled wine and hot cider.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes! But dogs are not allowed on the free shuttle buses.
Convenient Hotels
Cambria Pines Lodge is the host hotel, and it is the most convenient place to stay. Rooms are booked well in advance, but some are still available at the time of writing. Check availability here.
A great alternative is Olallieberry Inn. The reviews are exceptional, and it’s a 4-minute drive or 20-minute walk to the event.
As both these options fill up early, read my guide to hotels in Cambria for more places to stay.
Event Location
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
Christmas Lights
The light display at Cambria Pines Lodge is a key attraction, transforming the grounds into an evening spectacle.
As you stroll through the pathways, you’ll see thousands of lights illuminating the lodge and its gardens. Each year features a different theme, with intricate displays that change annually.
In addition to the lights, the event includes a train ride, live music, and a German-style biergarten. The lodge also plays music in the background, creating a cosy atmosphere as you explore.
Travel tip: Set aside a couple of hours to take in all the displays.
At the Food Stalls
- Bratwurst Sandwich: Hearty sausages in crusty bread rolls.
- Hot Dog: Compare the classic hot dogs with German bratwurst.
- Chicken Schnitzel Fingers: Crunchy, golden chicken snacks.
- Bratkartoffeln: Loaded fries with crispy bacon and onions or your choice of toppings.
- Currywurst and Fries: Iconic German street food.
- Senfgurken: Homemade pickles.
- Eintopf (Lentil) Stew: Traditional German stew.
- Salted Pretzel: Classic German chewy snack sprinkled with coarse salt.
- Mushrooms with Garlic Sauce: A popular plant-based dish.
- Kettle Corn: A sweet, salty snack, freshly popped at the stall.
- Candied Almonds: Sweet, crunchy almonds and other nuts.
- Stollen: Christmas bread filled with dried fruit and marzipan.
- Apfelkuchen mit Streusel: An apple cake with crumbly streusel topping.
- Cinnamon Roll: Soft, sweet rolls are dusted with cinnamon sugar.
- Lebkuchen: Spiced and fragrantly gingerbread cookies.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie: An American staple.
What to Buy
- Nutcrackers: Traditional German decoration.
- Smokers: Incense burners.
- Glass-Blown Ornaments: Imported from Germany.
- Local Artwork: Cambria is home to a thriving artistic community. A piece of local artwork can be a thoughtful, unique gift or memento.
- Handmade Jewelry: Beautiful pieces by local artisans.
- Local Wine: Cambria is renowned for its vineyards. Grab a bottle or two of Californian wine.
- Hand-poured Candles: Soy candles scented with local ingredients.
- Organic Products: Soaps, lotions and skincare made with eco-friendly and organic ingredients.
- Gourmet Food: Artisanal cheeses, jams, jellies and more.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Green Hotel: Book a hotel prioritising green practices like renewable energy use and water conservation.
- Food Waste: When ordering, ask for smaller portions if unsure about finishing a full serving. Carry reusable containers for leftovers.
- Plant-Based Diet: California is famous for its plant-based food scene. Try some vegan or vegetarian options at the market for a lower impact.
- Ethical and Sustainable: The market is full of locally produced gifts and food items. Buying these supports the local economy. Look for gifts made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials.
- Public and Active Transport: Cambria is a beautiful town to explore on foot or by bike. If you’re travelling from afar, consider using public transport to reduce carbon emissions. The Cambria Trolley provides a fun and convenient way to get around.
- Say No to Plastic: Carry reusable shopping bags, water bottles and cups with you. California has long been at the forefront of the anti-plastic movement, and vendors can serve food and drinks in reusable containers.
- Save Water: California often faces water shortages. Be conscious of your water usage during your stay.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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