As soon as December hits, I’m on a mission to find that special holiday feeling. This year, I discovered it at the Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach!
This beloved Christmas Laguna Beach tradition has been transforming into a dazzling winter wonderland for 33 seasons, and let me tell you, it’s pure magic.
Imagine yourself strolling through a forest of eucalyptus trees, twinkling lights illuminating the path to charming artisan shops. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of unique art pieces, handcrafted with love by local artists. Live music fills the air, adding to the festive atmosphere, and delicious treats tempt you around every corner.
It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts, soak up the holiday spirit, and create lasting memories with loved ones.
If you’re looking for a holiday dream come true, I highly recommend checking out the Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy. It’s an experience you won’t forget! ✨
Stroll Through An Artisan Cottage Village in Laguna Beach
Stepping into the Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy felt like stepping into a magical, handcrafted world. What started as a humble summer art fair in 1965 has blossomed into a three-acre village brimming with holiday cheer and unique treasures.
My friends and I wandered through the charming cottages, each one bursting with creativity. We discovered a hidden gem around every corner: vibrant watercolor paintings, delicate glass sculptures that captured the essence of the ocean, and even a whimsical display of oversized porcelain mushrooms.
It was like a treasure hunt, with each cottage unveiling a new wonder. The atmosphere was pure cottage core magic, filled with the warmth of handmade creations and the excitement of discovering something special.
If you’re looking for unique gifts, a touch of holiday magic, and a truly delightful experience, the Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy is a must-visit!
Witness the Enchantment of Glassblowing 🔥
Forget just admiring the finished pieces in cozy shops! The real magic of the Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy unfolds in the live demonstrations.
Our personal highlight was the hot shop, where skilled glassblowers transformed molten orbs into breathtaking sculptures right before our eyes.
The process was mesmerizing: the glassblower expertly used a steel blowpipe to collect molten glass from the scorching furnace, heated to a staggering 2100°F. With a practiced twirl, she blew a delicate bubble, then rolled it on a steel table to smooth its shape. Using large tweezers, she added intricate details and patterns before carefully placing the glowing creation into a waiting oven to cool.
The glassblowing demonstrations were a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to see why. Witnessing such a precise and captivating craft firsthand adds a whole new dimension to your holiday market experience.
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 2023 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
Admission for the 2023 Sawdust Festival Christmas Market:
This Laguna Beach Christmas Festival runs from November 17th to December 17th for the 2023 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: $10
- Seniors (65+): $7
- 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 2024!
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!
