Winter Wonders in Anaheim
In Partnership with Visit Anaheim
Winter is in full swing in Anaheim! from retro Christmas hotels, festive cocktail bars, tree lightings, and so many lights, Anaheim is a city filled to the brim with holiday spirit! We spent the weekend enjoying a selection of winter themed activities in Anaheim and have some recommendations for your next trip!
Winter Wizard Speakeasy at The Blind Rabbit
Enjoy Festive & Historic Mission Lights!
On the drive up from San Diego towards Anaheim you will pass right by the adorable town of San Juan Capistrano. Normally a quick stop for many, we took our time and explored their incredible limited nighttime light show at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Capistrano Lights
“Capistrano Lights” takes place on select nights from December 3rd to December 30th and features festive food and wine from local vendors, Christmas Tree lighting, and Photo Opportunities including a new lighted halo grove, butterfly orchard, and dancing swallows!
Kids can find visits with Santa, holiday craft tables, sweet treats and even Dickens-era style carolers!
Tables ready for enjoying tamales and lights!
We loved stopping by for this cute nighttime activity, we. found the lights mixed with the historic ar architecture to be breathtaking and very unique!
Stay at Retro Disneyland Hotel with Charm!
Once arriving in Anaheim, we love staying near Disneyland, as parking is always a limited commodity. Staying at the Howard Johnson Anaheim is one of our new favorite picks!
Holidays at the Howard Johnson
This affordable family style hotel is a perfect choice for families or those who love vintage Disney! From the retro artwork, Art Deco decor, and classic styling this hotel nails Disneyland in the 60’s!
The rooms, spacious and so retro!
Kids and Adults will be in luck here, with a waterpark featuring waterslides and tons of activities if Disneyland didn’t tire them out this will!
The Waterpark at the Howard Johnson
Stopping by for Christmas also means a plethora of retro holiday decor including a Letter to Santa Mailbox with custom papers to fill out, holiday decor, and plenty of christmas trees!
Winter Wizard Speakeasy Worth a Visit
The Blind Rabbit is consistently ranked one of the best speakeasies in America and it shows! This intimate prohibition style speakeasy might be small but it packs a boozy punch with a festive punch this time of year.
Interior of the Winter Wonder Speakeasy
From now till the end of December, The Blind Rabbit has transformed into a Winter Wizard Wonderland full of the festive decor, creative drinks and photo worthy opportunities! We stopped by for two drinks and a bite and were blown away!
The Christmas Curse
We loved the “Nearly Hatless St. Nick” that was made with Community Vodka, Aperol, St. Elizabeth Allspice, Lemon, Pineapple , Cranberry, and Vanilla that Ashley throughly enjoyed. Meanwhile I thought that the “Christmas Curse” was the way to go, made like a seasonal zombie cocktail this boozy drink has a limit of two and for a reason!
Tree Lighting at Nutcracker Village
This annual event situated near City Hall is all about local community! Celebrating local food and craft vendors this free event is perfect for families and foodies! From photos with Santa, tree lighting ceremonies, and so many local shops its the perfect way to spend a holiday afternoon!
From live music from local schools and performers, we love walking the streets taking in the sights and sounds all while shopping for Christmas gifts and snacking on artisan goodies! We headed over to Q Cute Bao for some delicious Xiaolongbao soup dumplings and Mochimas for their delicious mochi custard tarts!
Holiday Tiki Drinks at Strong Water
Strong Water is for sure one of the best hidden gems we have found in Anaheim. Tucked away behind an unmarked door in the City Center section of Anaheim, Strong Water focuses on creating a unique experience that truly transforms the guests into another world.
We love the decor at Strong Water!
With water features, smokey cocktails, tasty asian fusion cuisine and great service, Strong Water is the perfect spot for a dinner or a drink! We ordered two drinks off their festive holiday menu and were blown away with the creativity and overall ““drinkability”.
Cocktails at Strong Water
We ordered the “Frostbite” made with Overproof Rum, Mint Amaro, Chocolate Liquor, Orange, Pineapple, Demerara, and Coco Lopez. This delicious drink, Ashley swears is christmas in a glass!
The holiday menu at Strong Water
As well as the “Midnight Sleigh Ride” made with British- Style Black Rum, Flarenum, Lime, Pineapple, Demerara, Angostura Bitters, and Pernod. I thoroughly enjoyed the balance of bitterness in this. If your not into overly sweet drinks its the perfect order!
