Holidays in Paradise
Spend the holiday season in paradise with some unique shopping, Christmas cheer and a New Year’s Eve celebration on Catalina Island.
Shop Catalina
The 31st Annual “Shop Catalina” Holiday Kick Off & Tree Lighting is coming back to town on Saturday, December 7th with a full schedule of events and activities from 12pm to 8pm. Shop locally this year and mark off gifts from your list at the many small businesses in Avalon that are offering exclusive discounts during the event. After you have finished shopping, experience the holiday magic on the beaches of Avalon with arts and crafts, live caroling, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the lighting of the tree on the Wrigley Stage.
Holiday Concert
The Catalina Museum for Art & History is hosting a free holiday concert from 6pm to 7:30pm on Saturday, December 14, featuring a performance by the Loyola Marymount University Choir. This annual tradition invites visitors and locals to view the museum’s galleries and enjoy holiday classics in the Shreiner Family Plaza. Tamales and refreshments will be available for purchase. Register for the concert at CatalinaMuseum.org!
51st New Year’s Eve Celebration
Make a toast to 2025 at this year’s 51st Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration in the famous Casino Ballroom! Indulge in a glamorous night of buffet style dining, musical entertainment, a champagne toast and the classic midnight balloon drop. The ambiance of the Casino Ballroom will bring you back in time for an evening of glitz and celebration. Don’t forget to dress in your finest attire. Book your reservations now at LoveCatalinaIsland.com!
Two Harbors New Year’s Eve Celebration
The West End of Catalina Island is ringing in 2025 at the Two Harbors New Year’s Celebration. Celebrate another year around the sun on the beaches of Two Harbors at the Harbor Reef Restaurant! Cheers to the New Year with a delicious meal, dancing and of course, a champagne toast at midnight. Spend the New Year in a more intimate setting at the Harbor Reef Restaurant. Make sure to call beforehand to book a reservation.
Polar Bear Swim & Plunge
Take a swim and plunge to celebrate New Year’s Day at Catalina Island’s annual Polar Bear Swim & Plunge. The City of Avalon and the Catalina Swim Club are hosting another plunge into 2025 at the Casino Dive Park and Middle Beach. The Polar Bear Swim will begin at 7:30am at the Casino Dive Park followed by the Polar Bear Plunge at 11:30am at Middle Beach. Hot chocolate and light refreshments will be served after.
Best of Winter
Save big this holiday season with our Best of Winter Boat and Hotel Packages! Get our best deals of the season from your choice of comforting hotel stays on Catalina Island. Head to CatalinaPackage.com to reserve your perfect getaway.