The Best Holiday Displays in California

During the holidays, some of the most luxurious hotels in California have constructed the largest and most spectacular gingerbread houses and holiday displays that are featured throughout the lobby and hotel. Here are the best of the best:

This Nutcracker is made of fondant

Montage Beverly Hills

Guests and visitors at the Montage Beverly Hills are dazzled with multiple brightly lit trees, a menorah, and life-size sleigh with mistletoe above to sneak a memorable kiss. Life-size nutcracker soldiers made of fondant stand at attention in the lobby of the hotel. The Montage Beverly Hills is offering special programs for the entire family. Younger guests can partake in unique holiday activities all season that include Letters to Santa. Cozy up by the warm fireplace and write letters to Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the North Pole. Bring an unwrapped toy to deposit into the non-profit charity Miracles for Kids. On Dec. 22 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Executive Pastry Chef Amanda Lavin is leading an interactive children’s cookie baking class in the hotel’s pastry kitchen. Participants will receive light bites, a chef’s hat and a signature apron, plus take home their baked goods. Outside at the Beverly Gardens Park, the city of Beverly Hills has installed spectacular BOLD illumination decorations for festive photo opportunities.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Every year 16 talented bakers and pastry chefs bake 600 pounds of gingerbread, and 250 pounds of fondant to make the iconic Grand Gingerbread House showcased in the towering lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel. It takes 6 craftsmen, two electricians, and 1,225 cast member hours to design and craft the 7 1/2 feet high and 12 feet wide detailed house. This year the hotel is offering a new Grand Gingerbread House Experience, where guests of all ages get to work with Disney’s talented pastry chefs in a hands-on workshop. It’s a fun holiday activity, complete with hot cocoa and cookies to enjoy. At the end, guests get to take a miniature version home The class takes place in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa from 2-3:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, 11, 20, 21, 22 and 23. For the workshop details, pricing information and to register for this experience, hotel guests may call Guest Services at 714-635-2300.

The Mission Inn & Spa

This year Executive Pastry Chef David Blaine and his team made a life-size “Santa’s Wonderland House” displayed in the lobby. It took ten weeks in the making to bake 800 gingerbread bricks and 200 gingerbread tiles. Exquisite details include a white picket fence, mailbox, planters and candy trees surrounding the house. The interior of the house is decorated with pink and white striped wallpaper, and a fireplace with stockings for each member of the owner’s family, and a Christmas tree with presents underneath. The best way to see this one-of-a-kind sweet creation is to make a dinner reservation in one of the hotel’s restaurants or stay overnight. The gingerbread house is just one of many holiday experiences offered at The Mission Inn & Spa during the holidays.

Other highlights include the Festival of Lights with a record-breaking 5 million colorful lights; 400 animated figures; appearances by Santa Claus and Sugar Plum Fairy ballerinas; and an elf tuck-in amenity for overnight guests. To make a dinner or hotel reservation visit missioninn.com.