I finally made it back to the Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival in Laguna Beach – and wow, I forgot how magical this event really is.
I grew up going to the summer festival with my family (plus the Pageant of the Masters every year), so coming back for the winter version felt nostalgic… but also brand new.
If you’ve never been, the Winter Fantasy Festival is basically a cozy holiday market meets a giant local art fair.
The festival features 180+ artists, live music, food, drinks, art classes, and the cutest festive vibes everywhere. It runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 21–December 21, 2025, 11 AM–7 PM.
And because it’s Laguna… yes, it gets busy. Like really busy. But it’s so worth it. Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
Tips for Visiting the Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival
1. Arrive Early
The festival opens at 11 AM, and I recommend being there right around then. Laguna Beach traffic gets wild during festival season, and parking gets even wilder. Early arrival for a smooth morning with low crowds and more time to explore.
2. Park in a Satellite Lot + Take the Free Trolley
The trolley is your best friend.
- I parked in Lot 16 – it was $5 for all-day parking
- The trolley picks you up inside the lot – it comes every few minutes and stops in Downtown Laguna before heading to Sawdust.
Super easy and actually part of the fun. They had it all decorated for the holidays! I loved it!
3. Sign Up for Art Classes Right Away
One of the best parts of Winter Fantasy is the hands-on art.
- Free 15-minute ceramics class → fills up fast.
- You can make a cute cup, tray, or bowl.
- My cousin is actually one of the teachers this year, so I signed up with her!
- There are also paid classes, and those do sell out – so book online early if you have a specific one in mind.
- Free classes are more arts & crafts based, while paid ones dive deeper into technique.
Grabbing your class spot early means you don’t have to worry about it later.
4. Say Hi to Santa + Wear a Cozy Holiday Outfit
Santa is there (!!) and the setup is really cute. If you want a fun holiday photo, dress up in your cozy festive outfit and come ready. The whole festival feels like a holiday village, so you’ll blend right in.
5. Enjoy the Food, Drinks & Live Music
There are snack booths, bars, and tons of live music scattered around the festival.
You can grab:
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Treats
- A bunch of warm comfort foods
It’s the perfect vibe for wandering, sipping, and shopping.
6. Shop Local – the Artists Are Amazing
This is where the festival shines.
There are 180+ local artists selling everything from:
- Ceramics
- Paintings
- Jewelry
- Photography
- Handblown glass
- Clothing
- Home décor
Everyone is so talented. And every purchase directly supports Laguna’s artist community.
Bring a reusable tote. You will buy things. I went for holiday gifts and left with… mostly gifts for myself. Oops.
7. Make a Day Out of It
When you’re done at Sawdust, take a stroll into Downtown Laguna – tons of great restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. It’s such a walkable, relaxing area, even when it’s busy.
Visiting the Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival
I absolutely loved the Winter Fantasy Festival. It feels festive, local, creative, and just really joyful. If you’re into art, handmade gifts, holiday markets, or supporting local creators, this is truly a must-do SoCal event.
I’m already planning to come back for the Summer Sawdust Festival – it’s one of my favorite traditions and such a fun way to spend a day in Laguna Beach.
If you haven’t been yet, go!! And sign up for the ceramics class.
XOXO,
Julia
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About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of visiting Laguna Beach and beyond!
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