Hospitality Night is Laguna Beachβs annual holiday street festival, held the first Friday of December. Forest Avenue closes to traffic and downtown transforms into a walking promenade of open galleries, live music, and holiday lights. The event marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in town.
At a glance: Free street festival the first Friday of December on Forest Avenue; galleries pour wine, multiple stages have live music, and a tree lighting kicks off the evening.
History
The tradition dates to the 1980s, when downtown merchants began staying open late on a December evening and offering refreshments to shoppers. The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce formalized the event, and it grew from a modest shop-walk into a full street festival drawing thousands of visitors each year.
The Experience
Forest Avenue between Broadway and Ocean Avenue fills with pedestrians. Galleries and shops open their doors with complimentary wine, cider, and snacks. Multiple stages host live bands and carolers. A tree lighting ceremony anchors the evening, typically near the intersection of Forest and Coast Highway. Santa makes an appearance for photos, and kidsβ craft stations line the side streets.
The atmosphere is casual and walkable. Most visitors drift between galleries, stop for music, and browse holiday merchandise from local vendors set up along the sidewalks.
Practical Information
- Time: First Friday of December, typically 5-9 PM
- Admission: Free
- Location: Forest Avenue, Downtown Laguna Beach
- Parking: City lots fill early; arrive before 5 PM or use the trolley service from remote lots
- Weather: December evenings are cool (mid-50s F); bring a layer