Cambria is a beautiful town to visit during the winter, especially during the Christmas season. The Cambria Christmas Market is a highlight, with lots of festive stalls selling handcrafted gifts and tasty treats. The event takes place each evening, so be sure to arrive at the opening to have time to visit all the stalls and attractions.
In this guide, I share the essential details for planning a visit, including confirmed 2023 dates, opening times and how to buy tickets.
Cambria Christmas Market 2023
The Christmas market in Cambria is California’s most popular winter celebration. It features a Christmas train ride, live music, a German-style biergarten and a great coastal location.
The Christmas lights are particularly beautiful at this event, so allowing a couple of hours to see everything on display is recommended.
Dates and Location
Note that this is an evening-only event, and parking is available offsite only.
Cambria Christmas Market dates: 24th November to 23rd December 2023.
Opening times: 5pm to 8:30pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Location: Cambria Pines Lodge.
Address: 2905 Burton Drive, Cambria, California.
Admission: Tickets are required and are available for purchase online. If not sold out, tickets are available at the door but it’s best to buy in advance. Tickets cost between $15 – $35 (more expensive at the door). Book here.
Payment: This is a cashless event.
Santa: Yes, most nights.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No, pets are not allowed on the shuttle buses or at the event.
Parking: Parking is available offsite with shuttle buses to the event. There is no street parking near the event.
Reason to visit: Christmas train ride, live music, a German-style biergarten and a great coastal location.
Specialities: Bratkartoffeln, currywurst, apple streusel, lebkuchen (gingerbread), stollen (Dresden-style Christmas cake), Gluhwein and hot cider.
Where to stay: Cambria Pines Lodge is the host of the Christmas market and they may still have rooms available.
Hotels near Cambria Christmas Market
Cambria Pines Lodge is the host hotel, and rooms are likely to book out well in advance. Check availability here. However, there are several other nice hotels in Cambria.
I suggest staying at Olallieberry Inn as the reviews are exceptional, and it’s only a 4-minute drive or 20-minute walk to the Christmas market. It’s a great alternative to Cambria Pines.
If that’s not available, then read my guide to hotels near Cambria Christmas Market, which lists several other options, including budget hotels.
Location of Cambria Christmas Market
Cambria Pines Lodge Christmas Lights
As you stroll through the grounds of Cambria Pines Lodge during the Christmas season, you’ll find yourself immersed in an enchanting spectacle of holiday lights. It’s like stepping into a luminous wonderland that sparks joy and stirs the festive spirit.
Cambria Pines Lodge takes the art of festive illumination to a whole new level, meticulously crafting a display that’s nothing short of a visual treat. The lights have become a significant feature of the Cambria Christmas Market and rightly so.
As you make your way through the meandering pathways, you’ll encounter thousands of lights twinkling against the dark night sky, transforming the lodge and its surrounding gardens into a sparkling Christmas landscape. The Lodge leaves no stone unturned, with every tree, bush and building adorned with brilliant lights that shimmer in a myriad of festive colours.
What sets the light display at Cambria Pines Lodge apart is its sheer diversity and attention to detail. Every year, you’ll find a different theme, each one crafted with precision and imagination. Be it enchanting fairy-tale scenes or whimsical festive displays, the lights artfully encapsulate the essence of Christmas.
The Lodge ensures the light display is a sensory delight, not just a visual one. Expect to hear Christmas carols softly playing in the background, their melodies accompanying your journey through this radiant wonderland. And as the chill of the evening descends, warm yourself with a hot drink, adding a touch of cosy comfort to the magical experience.
Christmas in Cambria
Food at the Christmas Market
The Cambria Christmas Market at the picturesque Cambria Pines Lodge presents a blend of local Californian favourites and traditional European treats.
Let me take you through some of the mouthwatering food and beverages you can enjoy:
Bratwurst Sandwich: A Christmas market staple, these hearty sausages in crusty bread rolls are a crowd-pleaser and provide a satisfying bite between browsing stalls.
Hot Dog: A nod to American comfort food, the classic hot dog stands side by side with its European counterparts.
Chicken Schnitzel Fingers: Crunchy, golden, and cooked to perfection, these are perfect for a tasty snack on the go.
Bratkartoffeln: These aren’t just ordinary fries but come laced with crispy bacon and sautéed onions – a tempting, savoury treat.
Currywurst & Fries: This iconic German street food dish, a juicy sausage slathered in curry ketchup, is paired with crispy fries for a hearty meal.
Senfgurken: These homemade pickles add a tangy contrast to the rich, savoury foods available.
Eintopf (Lentil) Stew: A warming bowl of this traditional German stew is perfect for those chilly Californian winter evenings.
Salted Pretzel: This classic German snack is soft, chewy and generously sprinkled with coarse salt.
Mushrooms with Garlic Sauce: A bowl of succulent mushrooms coated in a flavourful garlic sauce, it’s a simple yet delicious option.
Kettle Corn: A sweet and salty American snack that no one can resist, popped fresh at the market.
Candied Almonds: Sweet, crunchy, and utterly moreish, these are perfect for nibbling as you explore the market.
Stollen: This German Christmas bread filled with dried fruit and a vein of marzipan is a holiday classic.
Apfelkuchen mit Streusel: An apple cake topped with crumbly streusel topping, providing a sweet and satisfying bite.
Cinnamon Roll: These soft, sweet rolls are generously dusted with cinnamon sugar, providing a warm, spiced treat.
Lebkuchen: Gingerbread is a must at a Christmas market in Cambria, and these are beautifully spiced and fragrantly sweet.
Chocolate Chip Cookie: A staple in any American market, you’ll find these cookies freshly baked and loaded with chocolate chips.
What to Buy
Visiting Cambria’s Christmas market, you’ll find an eclectic mix of locally crafted gifts and traditional festive products. The gifts you pick here can range from German-style Christmas decorations to artisanal Californian products.
Handcrafted Nutcrackers: Traditional German Christmas decor, these decorative wooden figures are painstakingly handcrafted and display intricate detailing. They are delightful additions to any festive decoration scheme.
Smokers: These charming German smokers, or incense burners, are beautiful decorations and can also fill your home with delightful aromas when used with special incense.
Glass-Blown Ornaments: Adorn your Christmas tree with these delicate, handmade ornaments. Imported from Germany, they can bring a touch of European charm to your holiday decor.
Local Artwork: Cambria is home to a thriving artistic community. A piece of local artwork can be a thoughtful, unique gift or a lovely memento of your visit.
Handmade Jewelry: Beautiful, handcrafted pieces by local artisans are available at the market. They range from stunning statement pieces to dainty everyday wear.
Local Wine: The region surrounding Cambria is renowned for its vineyards. A bottle of local wine can make an ideal gift for the connoisseur in your life or be a nice addition to your holiday dinner.
Hand-poured Candles: These are made with care by local craftspeople, often with locally sourced scents. They can light up your evenings and fill your home with a warm, inviting fragrance.
Organic Beauty Products: Choose from a range of beauty products, from soaps to lotions, made with organic ingredients. They can be the perfect gift for someone who loves natural, eco-friendly products.
Local Gourmet Food: From artisanal cheeses to homemade jams and jellies, you’ll find a range of gourmet food products, each lovingly prepared by local producers. They make for fantastic gifts or delicious treats for yourself.
Remember, every purchase you make at the Cambria Christmas Market helps support local artisans and craft makers, contributing to the vibrant community of this charming Californian town.
Check out my guide to the best Christmas markets in the USA for more places to visit this winter.
If you’re visiting the area, the Cambria tourist office has a helpful website with information on local events, activities, and things to do.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Many of us are increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainability. To be more sustainable this Christmas in Cambria:
Here are some simple, practical ways you can incorporate green practices into your visit:
Choose Accommodation with a Green Policy: Several hotels and lodgings in Cambria and the wider California region have embraced green practices. By choosing such accommodations, you contribute to the promotion of renewable energy sources.
Prevent Food Waste: Embrace the philosophy of ‘buy what you need, eat what you buy.’ Cambria’s Christmas Market is known for its mouth-watering food stalls, and while it’s tempting to over-order, it’s crucial to reduce food waste. Ask for smaller portions if you’re unsure you can finish a full serving, and carry reusable containers for leftovers.
Embrace a Plant-Based Diet: California is famous for its plant-based culinary scene. Try some of the vegan or vegetarian options at the market – not only are they delicious, but choosing plant-based foods can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Buy Local, Ethical and Sustainable Products: The market will be teeming with locally produced gifts and food items. Buying these supports the local economy and reduces the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation. Look for gifts made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials.
Use Public Transportation or Cycle: 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 navigate the town.
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 many vendors at the Christmas Market will be happy to serve food and drinks into your reusable containers.
Save Water: California often faces water shortages. Be conscious of your water usage during your stay. Simple acts like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can make a significant difference.
FAQ
Cambria Christmas Market starts on 24th November and ends on 23rd December 2023.
The Christmas markets in Cambria are held at Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Drive, Cambria, California.
The Christmas markets in Cambria are open from 5pm to 8:30pm.
If you want to leave a review of Cambria Xmas Market, please comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Cambria, California. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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