Crystal Cove is a treasure any time of year. But during the special winter season the beach lights up with festivities in a very merry, very Southern Californian, and totally delightful way. The annual Crystal Cove Coastal Tree-Lighting Ceremony  transforms historic cottages at Crystal Cove with holiday lights, vintage decorations, giant candy canes, classic cars and Frosty's distant cousin "Sandy ,"a snowman made out of sand. Festivities will begin at 3 p.m. and include holiday tunes performed live by jazz vocalist Brenna Whitaker, hot apple cider provided by The Beachcomber Café and a special visit from Santa Claus. Guests can stick around at sunset and be the first to see the lighting of the only holiday tree displayed on the beach along the California coast. The event, hosted by Crystal Cove Alliance, is free and open to the general public. For those who can't make the ceremony, the Coastal Tree and cottages will remain lit and decorated throughout the holiday season.

crystalcovebeachcottages.org/ Event phone: (949) 376-6200

Where: Crystal Cove Historic District #45, Crystal Cove Newport Coast, CA 92657

Other tree lighting ceremonies you may want to see throughout the state of California include Pismo Beach Pier tree lighting, Legoland Carlsbad Tree Lighting, and Santa Monica Place holiday tree.