As soon as December arrives, I’m ready to dive into the holiday spirit, and this year, I found it at the Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach! This enchanting festival has transformed Laguna Beach into a holiday wonderland for over 33 seasons, and experiencing it firsthand was nothing short of magical.
Picture yourself wandering under towering eucalyptus trees draped with twinkling lights, exploring cozy artisan booths filled with one-of-a-kind gifts, handcrafted treasures, and art created by local artists. Festive live music fills the air, setting the holiday vibe, while tempting treats are just around every corner.
The Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy is the ideal spot to find unique holiday gifts, soak in the Christmas spirit, and create cherished memories with family and friends. If you’re searching for that ultimate holiday experience, add this Laguna Beach gem to your list—it’s a Christmas dream come true! ✨
Want to know more about what makes the Sawdust Festival unforgettable? Keep reading for tips on must-see highlights, activities, and everything you need to plan the perfect holiday visit!
*Updated to reflect 2024 Schedule and Ticket Prices*
Guide to Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy 2024:
Wander Through a Whimsical Artisan Village in Laguna Beach
Stepping into the Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy felt like entering a fairytale world! This Laguna Beach favorite began as a humble art fair back in 1965, and now, it’s a three-acre village bursting with holiday magic and artisan treasures.
As my friends and I explored, each cozy cottage had something new to discover. We stumbled upon vibrant watercolor paintings, ocean-inspired glass sculptures, and an adorable display of oversized porcelain mushrooms. It was like a holiday treasure hunt, each corner revealing a hidden gem!
The whole experience was pure cottage-core magic, filled with the warmth of handcrafted art and the excitement of finding unique gifts. If you’re on the hunt for one-of-a-kind presents and a sprinkle of holiday spirit, the Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy is the place to be!
Feel the Heat of Live Glassblowing Magic 🔥
Forget just browsing—at the Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy, the real magic happens in the live demos! Our favorite was the glassblowing station, where talented artists transform glowing molten glass into dazzling art right before your eyes.
The process was enchanting: the glassblower collected molten glass from a 2100°F furnace, twirling it on a steel pipe to shape a delicate bubble. With large tweezers, she added intricate designs, finishing with a smooth roll on the table. Each piece was a work of art—still glowing as it went into the oven to cool!
Watching this ancient craft unfold was mesmerizing and added a whole new level of holiday enchantment. Don’t miss this incredible experience at the Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy—it’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!
Music & Holiday Cheer: 3 Stages of Live Entertainment 🎶🎄
Get ready for a festive explosion of music and fun! The Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy boasts 3 lively stages, each adorned with twinkling lights and towering Christmas trees.
Throughout the event, diverse bands take the stage, setting the mood with a mix of classic holiday tunes and upbeat music that’ll get you moving. Don’t miss the charming marionette show, perfect for keeping the little ones entertained!
The children’s area is a hive of activity, with young artists giggling over their messy pottery creations and others eagerly awaiting their turn for whimsical balloon animals and Santa photos. And speaking of Santa, you might even spot him strolling through the stalls during his breaks, soaking in the music and spreading holiday cheer!
The Merriest Of Holiday Treats
Wandering mile after mile gazing at art quickly works up appetites. Take a break from shopping at one of the Sawdust Festival’s delicious dining spots like:
Sawdust Saloon:
Laguna’s iconic Saloon is nestled under the Sawdust pepper trees where craft beer and wine are served all day long. With 17 taps of popular wine varietals, hard kombucha, cider, bubbles and non-alcoholic options, there’s something for everyone! Enjoy a drink while listening to live music on the Tavern stage right beside the relaxed Saloon.
Fran’s Popcorn:
Fresh popcorn, ice cream, candies and other frozen treats are perfect for snacking while gift gathering or just resting your feet! The smells wafting from Fran’s stall have lured in many a hungry shopper over the years.
Taco’s Durrell:
This lively taco stand plates up tasty tacos, giant burritos, mouthwatering nachos and awesome breakfast items daily. Be sure to sample their scratch soups, salsa, guac and homemade seasonal pies too!
Your Guide For Planning A 2024 Winter Visit
After over 50 years, the Sawdust Festival still remains at 935 Laguna Canyon Road. If you’re planning to attend, there are a few things to know about parking:
- Free parking is available on Act Lot 16 1900 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, with access to a complimentary trolley.
- Limited metered parking is available in front of the festival on Frontage Road and along Laguna Canyon Road, priced at $2.50 to $4.00/hour. Meters accept quarters and credit cards.
- Additional paid public parking lots and metered parking areas are located near downtown Laguna Beach (a short walk), such as Lot 10 and Lot 11 located at 635 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
- Check out their Parking FAQ for more info
Ticket Prices for the 2024 Sawdust Festival Christmas Market:
This Laguna Beach Christmas Festival runs from November 22nd to December 22nd for the 2024 event festival. The Christmas village will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10AM to 7PM, regardless of rain or shine. Below are the admission prices:
- Adults: $12
- Seniors (65+): $10
- Children (ages 6-12): $5
- Kids under 5: free
- Veterans with ID are free
And if you fall head over heels, they also host a summer festival celebrating creativity. It makes for the perfect reason to book another weekend of beachfront fun come June 2025!
Holiday Magic Awaits: Discover the Enchantment of the Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy in SoCal
So, there you have it! The Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy is a magical wonderland waiting to be explored. From unique art finds and live demonstrations to festive music and Santa sightings, it’s the perfect Christmas market SoCal to get you into the holiday spirit. 🎄✨
Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, a fun family outing, or simply a dose of holiday cheer, the Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy has something for everyone. So grab your loved ones, bundle up, and get ready to experience the magic!
