Three ways to enjoy the spirit of the holidays on Catalina Island

Now that Thanksgiving has passed and all the leftovers have been consumed, we can officially start getting into the spirit of the season. Here are three ways to enjoy the holidays on Catalina Island.

For 25 years, Catalina Island has welcomed the season with shopping, carolers and seasonal cheer at an Avalon event now known as Shop Catalina. Dozens of local shops will be open late and offering discounts throughout the evening on Dec. 1. It all starts with the community tree lighting at 5 p.m. and includes musical entertainment, prize drawings and plenty of good cheer. Don’t forget to contribute to the community food drive by trading two cans of food for a photo with Santa at El Galleon.

Kick off the holidays on Catalina with the tree lighting.

Catch a Christmas movie with the museum. The Catalina Island Museum has found several ways to bring the holiday spirit to Avalon. From holiday concerts to special film screenings, these events have become a tradition for visitors and locals alike. This year, the Museum will be screening the holiday classic A Christmas Story in the Avalon Theatre on Dec. 8. Before the film, there will be photos with Santa, appetizers and holiday music. Click here for tickets.

Santa’s Happy Hour Tour If you’d like a little holiday spirits with your holiday spirit, you won’t want to miss Santa’s Happy Hour Tour. Our friends over at Catalina Food Tours had so much fun with this holiday version of their popular Happy Hour Tour that they decided to do it all again. Perfect for a company Christmas party or a getting your crew together for the season, Santa’s Happy Hour Tour features spirited shenanigans, holiday cocktails and a solemn promise not to reveal to Santa that you probably belong on the Naughty List. The tour is only available through the end of the year, so book yours today.