The Coastal Christmas holiday event returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds on select nights December 11–26, 2026, anchored once again by food, beverage, and experiential programming that has made it a recurring destination for Southern California consumers and a noteworthy model for event-driven hospitality revenue.
Food & Beverage Draws
Produced by CBF Productions, the event's food and beverage footprint includes a Holiday Wine Walk, seasonal food and beverage vendors, cozy Fire Pit Tables, and bookable private Igloos — a format that has become increasingly common in experiential hospitality as operators seek to capture premium spend through semi-private dining environments. The Holiday Market adds a retail layer, while the immersive Holiday Light Trail and eco-friendly Glice® skating rink drive foot traffic that benefits on-site vendors.
For foodservice and beverage operators evaluating seasonal pop-up and partnership opportunities, the Coastal Christmas model reflects a broader industry shift toward experiential beverage programming embedded within ticketed events. Wine walks, in particular, have proven effective at elevating average per-guest spend and extending dwell time — metrics that translate directly to vendor revenue.
Operator Relevance
CBF Productions, which has been producing live events and experiential festivals in California for more than 17 years, has built a portfolio that consistently centers food and beverage as a primary attraction rather than a secondary amenity. Its roster includes Tequila & Taco Music Festival and seasonal Wine Walks alongside Coastal Christmas — a programming strategy that positions the company squarely within the growing restaurant and hospitality events sector.
"Every season we look forward to welcoming families back to experience the joy, wonder, and togetherness that make the holidays so meaningful," said Vincenzo Giammanco, Founder and CEO of CBF Productions. "Whether it's your first visit or an annual tradition, we want every guest to leave with memories they'll cherish for years to come."
Admission on select nights starts at $23 for adults and $17 for children, plus applicable fees. Tickets are available now at coastalchristmasdelmar.com. For foodservice vendors or beverage brands exploring event partnership channels heading into the 2026 holiday season, the event's established attendance base and multi-night run make it a viable activation window in the competitive Southern California market.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
