Known for it’s 2 month long art celebration every summer, the Sawdust Festival grounds in Laguna Beach, CA are also home to the Sawdust Winter Fantasy.
Generally, running for 5 weekends from end of November through December, you can find food, live music, festive decorations, beautiful art, jewelry, glass blowing demonstrations and art classes for all ages.
You can even enjoy a light “snow fall” in the town square every 20-30 minutes made of soap bubbles. Make sure your phone is charged and you have extra batteries for your camera. The photo ops are non stop.
There is live music on two stages and a quartet of carolers meandering down the paths, stopping frequently for a couple of songs and photos.
Food was higher quality than expected. I had some chicken taquitos with homemade guac and sour cream and was very surprised at how good they were. Appeared to be filled and fried to order. Not stale or chewy, very crisp and not greasy.
I also bought a pair of sterling silver earrings from one of the vendors which cost $125. I saw others that were around $65 and very small earring sets for less.
There are paintings, sculptures, glass, practicle items, highly impractical items and everything in between. Not the least expensive place to go shopping but, you will certainly find something handmade and very unique for that “difficult” person on your holiday gift list.
Parking is rough. The lot next door will cost $20 but, if you can find an open meter, it will be closer to $12.
Definitely worth a trip if you are in the area although, I don’t see buying their “season pass” unless you live near by and have kids who will enjoy seeing the “snow” 3-4 times during the holiday season.
Cheers!
Travel Chick 