Located less than an hour outside of Orange County, Bravo Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Alhambra is conveniently situated among a wide array of holiday shopping options. And while Orange County might be more well-known for its picturesque beaches and resort attractions like Disneyland, its holiday shopping options are no disappointment. We’ve highlighted a few of our favorite local events and shops to help you get prepared for the coming season.
Sawdust Winter Fantasy
The Sawdust Art and Craft Festival is a nonprofit group with a mission centered on public education and the promotion of local artists. They host a number of events throughout the year, but the most exciting may be the annual Winter Fantasy festival in Laguna Beach. Attendees will enjoy shopping for ceramics, clothing, glassware, jewelry, paintings, photography prints, sculptures, woodworking, and more. The vendors’ booths are decorated for the festive season, and the entire atmosphere is one of holiday cheer.
The 2017 Winter Fantasy runs on weekends from November 18 through December 17, and the 2018 event is expected to follow a similar schedule.
Old World Christmas Market
Located in Huntington Beach, the Old World Christmas Market emphasizes a German perspective on the season. The Old World organization is known for its popular German restaurant and Oktoberfest celebration, but its annual Christmas Market event is no less remarkable.
The event features German food, arts and crafts, handmade gifts, and a stunning selection of Christmas cookies. Children will enjoy taking photos with Santa, and the whole family will appreciate the schedule of live music. The Old World organization also puts on a Christmas and Nativity Play in mid-December, a collaboration between several local churches.
Winter Market
This holiday shopping event takes place in downtown Fullerton every year in early December. In addition to browsing plenty of vendors to select the perfect Christmas gift, visitors will also enjoy a beer and wine garden and a number of unique food booths.
Face painting and photos with Santa are available for younger attendees, and donations are taken for the “Spark of Love” toy drive, which is organized by Fullerton’s firefighters. The Fullerton Winter Market is a great option if you’re looking for holiday entertainment and shopping in a convenient location.
Anaheim Town Square
If you’re on the lookout for a more conventional holiday shopping experience, you’ll find all of the familiar major retailers at the Anaheim Town Square. The shopping center runs a number of sales throughout the winter season, so you won’t have any trouble finding the hottest gifts at a reasonable price. The Anaheim Town Square also features a few specialty stores. By visiting some of these boutique shops, you’ll expand your shopping options beyond the usual big box stores.
These events and markets provide a stress-free alternative to holiday shopping at the crowded local mall. Orange County has a lot to offer during the winter season, and these selections are a great way to start taking advantage of the best local options.
Image “West Side Market” by EDrost88, used under CC BY 2.0
