Take a break from the cold this holiday season and instead hit up the beach. You can do this and much more when you spend your holiday season with us here in Oceanside. Our southern California community has so much to offer during the holidays, from festive events to lively activities around the area. Keep track of your time together as a family by taking family holiday photos during your stay. Instead of a classic studio picture head out around Oceanside for your picture. Here are some great spots and events where you can get the best Oceanside holiday photos:
SnowSide Winter Festival
If you do happen to miss the snow back home when you visit Oceanside for the holidays you can always join the fun over at SnowSide Winter Festival. This annual event takes place over at Emerald Island Golf Course for three full days of holiday fun. SnowSide Winter Festival brings out real snow for a holiday treat like no other. In addition to the snow you can also enjoy live music, arts and crafts, festive drinks, and a visit from Santa Claus. Get the family together to take a unique pic with Santa Claus having snow in the background of a golf course while sunny skies are overhead. Your picture will have everyone guessing where you are at! This year’s SnowSide Winter Festival will take place December 6th through the 8th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM each day.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
You can knock off two things on your bucket list in Oceanside by attending the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and getting a wonderful family picture just in time for the holidays. Each year, the holiday tree lighting in Oceanside takes place in conjunction with the Holiday Sunset Market. This year’s festivities will take place on Friday December 5th with a whole evening of fun planned out. Arrive early at 5:00 PM where holiday music and festivities will kick off for the event. The festivities include live music, incredible holiday decoration, family friendly games and entertainment, zip lines, bounce houses, amusement park rides, and much more. There will even be a free holiday arts and crafts area for the kids in addition to free milk and cookies. Santa Claus will arrive at the party at 6:00 PM by fire truck, where he will assist the city mayor in the tree lighting countdown. After the holiday tree has been lit for the season Santa will be around for the evening to take pictures with the family. You will be able to get a wonderful picture in front of the giant Oceanside holiday tree making for an incredible holiday card. Make sure to stick around after the ceremony and picture is over to explore the Sunset Market that offers countless vendors. You will find plenty of unique gifts for loved ones back one all in one spot.
Oceanside Pier
You simply cannot visit Oceanside and not stop by the Oceanside Pier and snap a few pics. You come to Oceanside for the beautiful beaches but they will be put in even more perspective when you have the Oceanside Pier close by. This pier has been around for decades and is a part of Oceanside’s history here in Southern California. The pier stretches out westward onto the water and is over 1,900 feet long. Get family photos on the beach with the pier in the background as the sun sets behind you. This will make for an ambient family photo that only somewhere such as Oceanside can provide. Try to visit during low tide where you will be able to take pictures underneath the pier. Being right under the pier for your family holiday photo will offer a window for your framing with the ocean in the background. This is a unique vantage only available at certain points of the day!
Oceanside Murals
Get a little bit of the city in your family holiday photo by taking it in front of one of the local murals in the area. Local artists have created several incredible murals over the years that can be found all over Oceanside. Finding the murals can take a little bit of searching if you do not check online but are worth the effort. Many of the murals focus on the ocean habitat and sunset views making for a perfect photo backdrop.
Book Your Stay at The Brick Hotel
Finding the perfect photo spot for your holiday family photo is just the start. You will find the best stay in town over at The Brick Hotel. In addition to comfortable amenities and a historic building you will find onsite restaurants and lounges that also provide a great spot for family photos. Come check out our Oceanside vacation rentals this holiday season!
