Winter on the Central Coast is full of fun activities for the whole family. From a Christmas Market that will dazzle children of all ages to a wine tasting event that will delight wine lovers’ taste buds, the events in and around Cambria are not to be missed.
Cambria Christmas Market
The Christmas Market is a time-honored tradition all over the world, but in on the Central Coast, Cambria’s takes the yule log cake. From lights to live entertainment and more, you and your family won’t want to miss this holiday favorite. Cambria’s 2018 Christmas Market is open from Friday, November 23 through Sunday, December 23, with closures on some dates. Gates open at 5 p.m. and there is no entry after 8:30 p.m. The market closes at 9 p.m. Click here for more information about parking. If you are staying at a lodging property that offers a Christmas Market Package, you also have access to a FREE shuttle that will pick you up at your hotel and take you back after you’re done from 4:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Properties offering shuttle packages include the Sea Otter Inn, Castle Inn, Fireside Inn, El Colibri Hotel & Spa, Cambria Landing Inn, Oceanpoint Ranch, Fogcatcher Inn, and Pelican Inn & Suites. Call your lodging property for more information. You should allow yourself at least an hour to see the lights, open-air stalls, and performances, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself lost in this winter wonderland for hours!
Hearst Castle Holiday Tours
Every year from the end of November through the end of December, Hearst Castle is decked out in holiday splendor. View the estate as Mr. Hearst’s guests enjoyed it in the 1920s and 1930s during the Christmas season. From the large outdoor wreaths to towering trees in the large social rooms, you will enjoy the extravagant décor and endless holiday cheer during the month of December. Today, Hearst Castle staff proudly carries on the historic tradition of decorating the estate for the holidays, adding beauty to the estate and a special and warm experience for visitors.
Cambria Art & Wine Festival
From Friday, January 25, through Sunday, January 27, the Cambria Art & Wine Festival will celebrate two of the things that make Cambria so unique. With wine tasting, art shows, auctions, wine and food pairings, and artist demonstrations, wine and art lovers from all over California will find plenty to do during this festival weekend.
Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration
For the sixth consecutive year, the Central Coast will again host the Coastal Discovery Celebration from Saturday, January 12 through Thursday, February 28, 2019. Visitors can choose from a selection of 32 events in the area, including the film Disneynature Oceans at Hearst Castle, Central Coast Aquarium Fins & Feathers, Life of the Northern Elephant Seal at the Coastal Discovery Center, Trail Restoration Day at Montaña de Oro, Kayak Back in Time to the Lighthouse, and many others.
The highlight of the celebration is the ocean-focused film with FREE showings on Saturdays at 6pm & 8pm (from mid-January through the end of February) at the Hearst Castle Theater. Back by popular demand, guests are invited to see the film Disneynature Oceans. This is a spectacular story about remarkable creatures under the sea. Stunning images await viewers as they journey into the depths of a wonderland filled with mystery, beauty and power. It’s an unprecedented look at deep-water creatures through their own eyes. Incredible state-of-the-art underwater filmmaking will take your breath away as you migrate with whales, swim alongside a great white shark and race with dolphins at play. Filled with adventure, comedy and drama, Oceans is a fascinating and thought-provoking experience you will not soon forget.
Cambria Film Festival
With a theme of “Love is in the Air,” the Cambria Film Festival will bring films about romance, romantic comedies, and the complexities of love to the Central Coast for an exciting four-day event. From Thursday, February 7, through Sunday, February 10, the festival will showcase more than 50 features and shorts from around the world in four different venues, including a closing gala at the Hearst Castle Theater at Hearst Castle Visitor Center. Book your stay in Cambria and purchase your tickets now for this much-anticipated event!