Five California main streets voted among best in US for Christmas shopping

Posted by Admin December 7, 2024 Shopping

Spread the love

Five California main streets, including two in the top 10, were voted favorite holiday shopping destinations in a poll recognizing the top 150 U.S. main streets for Christmas shopping.

Present.com, a website focused on gifts for different holidays, surveyed 3,000 respondents to find America’s favorite main streets to go Christmas shopping.

While online shopping continues to grow in popularity, the list includes main streets that are “hidden gems” and “have retained their unique character and charm, beloved by locals and those visiting from out of town,” according to a news release.

Here are the top five main streets in California voted as top Christmas shopping destinations.

Top California main streets for holiday shopping

Ocean Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

No, 5 on the list nationally is Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea in. Already quite the upscale town, its main street features European-inspired architecture and elegant boutiques, making a must-visit for luxury Christmas shopping sprees.

Broad Street, Nevada City, California

The No. 7-rated main street in the nation makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time, thanks to the city’s gold rush-era architecture and Victorian Christmas celebrations. Occasional carolers and twinkling lights add to the festive atmosphere.

Three other California main streets were included among the nation’s top 150 for Christmas shopping:

No. 12 Mill Street, Grass Valley

Grass Valley’s Mill Street offers a cozy holiday experience, with local shops, festive lights, and a historic vibe that make for enjoyable Christmas shopping.

No. 24 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang

Solvang’s Danish-inspired Copenhagen Drive turns into a Christmas village with unique European shops, bakeries, and decorations that transport shoppers to a festive wonderland.

No. 41 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg

Healdsburg Avenue sparkles during the holidays, with boutique shops, local wines, and cozy cafes in a beautiful wine-country setting ideal for Christmas shopping.

Survey focused on what makes Christmas shopping destinations unique

According to Present.com, the survey also focused on specific things respondents value and enjoy during their holiday shopping experience and why small-town main streets are special shopping places.

The survey found that 36% of respondents value “unique and locally made gifts,” while 34% value festive decor and atmosphere. Others said customer service, historic charm, and accessibility were also important.

In the types of stores people enjoy, 30% ranked “boutique clothing and fashion stores” the highest, while 22% were for “vintage and antique shops,” 20% for “unique offerings,” 16% for “bookstores and specialty shops” and 12% for “local food and wine shops.”

Regarding specific elements of holiday shopping, the survey found that 46% enjoyed the “light displays and festive decorations,” and 22% chose “winter markets and seasonal pop-ups.” The rest enjoyed warm, relaxing spaces, horse-drawn carriages, and street performances.

When asked to describe the ideal main street for holiday shopping in one word, 66% said festive, 10% said cozy, another 10% said quaint, 8% said vibrant, and 6% said elegant, according to the survey.