Best Places to Host a Beachside Christmas or New Year’s

Thinking about hosting a festive holiday gathering this December, but with a twist?

For families looking for luxury and coastal charm, planning a seaside holiday in San Diego County offers a unique alternative to the usual snowy or cabin-style Christmases.

With mild winter weather, scenic beaches, and festive holiday events nearby, it’s no wonder more people are trying to book Christmas vacation rentals in San Diego.

Today, we will walk you through why the coast is a great choice and how to make it a truly memorable celebration with PS Platinum.

Why Celebrate the Holidays by the Beach?

Mild, pleasant weather. Winter in San Diego means sunshine and mild temperatures. The coast offers a refreshing escape from harsh winters.
Ocean views and relaxing vibes. Instead of shoveling snow or staying indoors, you and your group can walk on the beach, watch sunsets, or sip hot cocoa by a fireplace. That sense of calm and space is hard to replicate elsewhere.
Less crowded beaches and more privacy. The holiday season in San Diego is outside of peak summer tourist rush, which means beaches are quieter, and you get more peaceful seaside time.
Unique holiday experiences with a twist. From holiday light shows to coastal events and outdoor activities, San Diego’s winter combines holiday cheer with SoCal charm.

All of this makes a compelling case for why many families and large groups are considering holiday gathering vacation homes over traditional winter holiday destinations.

What Are The Top Coastal Locations in Del Mar for Holiday Gatherings

When it comes to coastal charm, convenience, and festive surroundings, a few areas around Del Mar, CA, stand out. Here are some of the top coastal pockets to keep on your radar.

Coastal Location/Area	Why It’s Great for Holidays
Del Mar Village or Fairgrounds area	Hosts fun seasonal events like Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular featuring lights, skating, igloos, and family-friendly activities.
Del Mar City Beach/ Shores near downtown Del Mar	Easy beach access, charming coastal vibe, and close to local dining and shopping, which is perfect for families wanting Christmas vacation rentals in San Diego.
Residential coastal streets near the beach and bluffs	Great for group vacation rentals in the San Diego coast with roomy homes with ocean views, short walk to the beach, and often more privacy than central tourist zones.

What the Data Shows

The Coastal Christmas event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds runs mid-December to Christmas and sometimes extends around holidays, offering a festive light trail, an eco-friendly skating rink (“Glice”), Frosty’s Fun Zone for kids, and even private igloos for a cozy, elevated holiday experience.
For anyone looking for family holiday rentals in Del Mar, choosing a location near these hubs in Del Mar gives the easiest access to both beach calm and holiday activity.

What Are The Best Beachside Spots in Solana Beach for Festive Events

Just north of Del Mar lies Solana Beach, CA, which is another coastal gem that blends relaxed seaside living with charming community events. If you’re open to a short drive or train ride, Solana Beach offers a peaceful alternative for a holiday stay.

Holiday Express Train to Solana Beach. Each December, the community hosts the COASTER Holiday Express, which is a decorated train ride from Oceanside to Solana Beach, complete with Santa, elves, live music, festive decorations, and holiday fun for the entire family.
Access to natural coastal beauty and calm. The beaches in Solana Beach, along with nearby nature areas like San Dieguito River Park, give your group options for walks, bird-watching, quiet mornings by the water, or relaxed days outdoors.

For families, friends, or multi-generation groups aiming for a stress-free, scenic holiday by the sea, vacation rentals in Solana Beach, CA are an excellent option.

What Makes a Luxury Vacation Rental Ideal for Holiday Hosting

Some large group coastal rentals stand out as perfect for festive beachside celebrations, especially when you book through PS Platinum. Here’s what to look for to ensure you have a memorable, comfortable, and stress-free holiday gathering:

Space for everyone. Large living rooms, multiple bedrooms, possibly guest-houses or separate suites, which are ideal for extended families or groups of friends. That way, you avoid cramped hotel rooms and get a shared “home base.”
Ocean or beach-view proximity. Waking up to the sound of waves or watching the sunset from a balcony or bluff adds magic to a beachside holiday.
Indoor-outdoor living. Decks, patios, and outdoor dining are perfect for holiday dinners, morning coffees, or stargazing on New Year’s Eve.
Comfort & convenience. Well-equipped kitchens are great for cooking holiday meals. Fireplaces and plenty of bathrooms make group living easier and more comfortable.
Holiday flexibility. Ability to host dinners, decorate, and maybe light a fire, while following local regulations. Some luxury rentals also offer concierge-style services or local recommendations.

When your large group coastal rentals check most of these boxes, it becomes a hub for memories. It’s no wonder that vacationers looking for New Year’s Eve rentals in San Diego gravitate toward high-quality coastal rentals.

Which Holiday-Friendly Amenities to Look For in a Rental Home

When you’re considering potential rentals for your holiday stay, especially if you are planning a big group celebration, these amenities can make a big difference:

Ample bedrooms and bathrooms so everyone has their own space.
Large kitchen and dining area to cook and enjoy holiday meals together.
Outdoor deck or patio with seating for sunset dinners or morning coffees by the sea.
Fireplaces or cozy common rooms add warmth and holiday ambience, especially for December evenings.
Easy beach access or short walk to shore for beach walks, sunrise watching, or beachside fun.
Proximity to festive events or community holiday attractions makes it easier to experience holiday vibes without driving far.

What Are Some Tips for Planning a Beachside Christmas or New Year’s Celebration?

Here are some quick pointers to help make your holiday gathering smooth, joyful, and unforgettable:

Book the holiday rentals early, especially in coastal areas popular with families and groups, as they tend to fill up quickly. If you aim for New Year’s Eve rentals in San Diego, reserve several months ahead.
Check for group-friendly layouts to make sure that there are enough bedrooms and beds for your group, communal spaces, and ways to prepare meals together.
Plan around local events if you want to enjoy things like Coastal Christmas or the Holiday Express in Solana Beach, and coordinate your dates accordingly.
Pack for winter beach weather. Even though winters are mild, evenings can be cooler. Bring layers and maybe plan a cozy indoor night with hot drinks, blankets, and holiday games.
Coordinate transport & groceries ahead. For large group meals or parties, grocery delivery or early shopping helps avoid busy holiday-day shortages.
Respect local rules & holiday etiquette. Some coastal towns have specific regulations around noise, fireworks, and beach use. So, make sure your gathering is festive yet responsible.

Host Your Holiday Gathering with –
PS Platinum Luxury Rentals

If you’re ready to bring this dream holiday to life, PS Platinum vacation rentals in Del Mar, CA, are places to look into. With a curated selection of premium coastal homes, PS Platinum offers the ideal base for your festive celebrations.

Every home is chosen for its comfort, style, and proximity to the beach and community holiday events.

Here is why you should choose PS Platinum for your holiday stay:

High-quality rentals suited for groups and families.
Prime coastal locations, whether near Del Mar’s holiday festivities or the peaceful shores of Solana Beach.
Amenities like fully equipped kitchens, roomy common spaces, beach access, and indoor-outdoor living are designed for holiday hosting.

Final Thoughts

A beachside holiday can be an unforgettable alternative to the traditional winter celebration. With San Diego County’s mild winter climate, scenic coasts, and festive community events, it’s an ideal time to consider holiday gathering vacation homes in this area.

If you’re ready to start planning, PS Platinum welcomes your family for a beachside Christmas or New Year’s you’ll remember for years.