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55 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Los Angeles for Kids

The lights of Sparkle DTLA make for a magical walk. Courtesy of The Bloc, Facebook
The lights of Sparkle DTLA make for a magical walk. Courtesy of The Bloc, Facebook
12/3/23 - By Kylie Williams

Merrily, there are loads of free holiday and Christmas events in Los Angeles for when you've blown your budget on Barbie's Little Dream House and a home Skee-Ball game but still need fun, festive things to do with the family. 

Christmas in Los Angeles is dazzling, magical, and frankly a little overwhelming. There are more light displays, Christmas parades, tree lightings, immersive experiences, holiday walk-throughs, and Santas to visit than any reasonable family can handle. Don't get your tinsel in a tangle, though. Before you tap your Apple Pay for every Christmas experience in the county, check out our list of totally free holiday and Christmas events. You'll be shouting "joy to the world" for these free parades on land and water, tree lightings, Santa Claus visits, and that's before we even start with the menorahs and gelt drops for Hanukkah celebrations. 

Save your cash for the stocking stuffers by filling your festive days and evenings with these fun, free holiday and Christmas events, and visit these free neighborhood light displays in LA. If you need even more ideas for holiday events, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Los Angeles Families. 

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Meet Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. Photo courtesy of Citadel Outlets
Meet Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. Photo courtesy of Citadel Outlets

Best Free Holiday & Christmas Events in Los Angeles for Families

'Twas the Heist Before Christmas Escape Room

Manhattan Beach - Select dates from November 14 , 2023 - January 14, 2024
This free (yes, free!) escape room in Manhattan Village tests your critical thinking skills as you attempt to break into Santa's toy workshop and retrieve a gaming console that Santa failed to deliver. This temporary escape room is a promotion for Disney+'s new original movie, The Naughty Nine in partnership with Back in Time Escape Rooms. Make sure to book your slot soon if you want to participate- room availibility is going fast.  READ MORE

Sparkle DTLA

DTLA - Nightly, November 17 - December 31, 2023
The magic of the holidays is alive and well at the Bloc in Downtown LA. Each night, millions of lights (over 18 million!) illuminate the night and synchronize to festive tunes, for one of LA’s largest multi-colored interactive holiday displays. READ MORE

Mission Inn Festival of Lights

Riverside - Nightly, November 18, 2023 - January 7, 2024
What could be worth the trip to Riverside? How about one of the nation's largest holiday light collections! READ MORE

Selfies with Santa - 2nd & PCH

Long Beach - Tuesdays & Wednesdays, November 21 - December 20, 2023
Santa is waiting by the sailboat at 2nd & PCH to take free photos with kids of all ages on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. No professional photographer is present, and families must wait in a queue for their chance to snap a photo with Santa. READ MORE

Annual Lighting of the Bay

Newport Beach - Nightly, November 24, 2023 - January 1, 2024
The 34th Annual Lighting of the Bay kicks off the holiday season at Newport Dunes,  illuminating the bay each evening at dusk with more than 50 electric Christmas trees and holiday decorations. Opening night festivities include holiday crafts, festive food and concessions, photos with Santa, a fire dance performance, and a holiday movie on the beach. Santa takes center stage at dusk as he flips the magic switch to illuminate the bay with more than fifty floating holiday decorations and Christmas trees.  Opening Night is also the launch of the  Fire... READ MORE

Parks After Dark: Winter Wonderland

Various locations - Fridays & Saturdays, December 1 - 16, 2023
31 LA County Parks turn into winter wonderlands - complete with snow! - on select Fridays and Saturdays this December. The free events include sled and snow play areas, visits with Santa Claus, holiday crafts, hot cocoa and snack stations, edible holiday crafts, stocking decoration, craft zone, and carnival games. The Teen Zone features a DJ, holiday t-shirt silk screening, and Santa hats. There is a toy giveaway with Santa Claus and his helpers give toys to kids 0 to 17 (while supplies last) READ MORE

Cocoa and Carols at Runway Playa Vista

Playa Vista - Fridays, December 1 - 22, 2023
Head to the Runway turf for complimentary hot cocoa with a host of toppings and enjoy the music of acapella carolers. Epic Mega Cookie Co. will be popping in for the final three Fridays of this holiday season, in case you want a sweet treat to go with your hot drink.  READ MORE

Marina Lights

Marina del Rey - Nightly, December 1 - 31, 2023
Marina del Rey's Burton Chace Park twinkles to life each evening with a nightly seasonal holiday lights program.  READ MORE

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree Holiday Kick-Off

Mid- City - Sunday, December 3, 2023
The Farmers Market welcomes the holidays with a rockin' kick-off celebration. Guests can enjoy live music and entertainment, youth performances,  a holiday photo booth, and more. The Salvation Army Hollywood Corp offers gift wrapping services (donation-based). READ MORE

44th Annual San Pedro Spirit of the Holidays Parade

San Pedro - Sunday, December 3, 2023
The annual San Pedro Spirit of the Holiday Parade celebrates its 44th year. This festive tradition brings families, little leagues, scouts, students, high school bands, equestrian units, and volunteers to downtown San Pedro to celebrate the holiday season and the community. READ MORE

Santa Cares - Citadel

Commerce - Sundays, December 3 & 10, 2023
Santa Cares is a sensory-friendly opportunity for children with special needs to enjoy the time-honored tradition of meeting Santa Claus. Citadel Outlets turns down overhead music, eliminates the need to stand in line by using a reservation system and provides special activities to keep children engaged and prepare them for their visit with Santa. READ MORE

Holiday Storytime at Westfield Culver City

Culver City - Sundays, December 3 - 17, 2023
Join friends at Malik Books in the Westfield Culver City mall for an interactive holiday storytime filled with cheer straight from the North Pole. All storytime events are hosted by local children's book authors. Kids are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite holiday outfit or their Christmas jammies.  READ MORE

Santa Claus at the Brentwood Country Mart

Brentwood - Sundays, December 3 - 17, 2023
Kids are invited to meet Santa Claus at the Brentwood Country Mart and take free photos with him. READ MORE

Santa Snacks and Stories

Pasadena - Sundays, December 3 - 17, 2023
Stories and snacks, just what was on our wish list! One Colorado and Santa Claus host an enchanting afternoon filled with festive fun and holiday cheer. READ MORE

Winter Workshops at the Marketplace

Tustin - Sundays, December 3 - 17, 2023
Enjoy holiday fun with family experiences every Sunday afternoon that include crafts, entertainment, giveaways, and more.  READ MORE

Runway Kids Club

Playa Vista - Wednesdays, December 6 - 20, 2023
Runway Playa Vista hosts monthly kids clubs with partners such as Wild Child Gym, Books & Cookies, and Zooga Yoga. Little ones and their caregivers are invited for active, playful fun.  READ MORE

Grand Menorah Lighting at Culver Steps

Culver City - Thursday, December 7, 2023
The Grand Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration features a special magic show for all ages. Every child gets a free gift.   READ MORE

Menorah Lighting at Palisades Village

Pacific Palisades - Thursday, December 7, 2023
Chabad Jewish Community of Pacific Palisades helps Palisades Village get in a Festival of Lights mood at this annual menorah lighting event.  READ MORE

Hanukkah in Santa Monica

Santa Monica - Nightly, December 7 - 14, 2023
Downtown Santa Monica celebrates Hanukkah with a traditional menorah lighting at sundown each night during the holiday. READ MORE

Holiday in the Park (LA County Parks)

Various Locations - Thursday - Saturday, December 7 - 16, 2023
Multiple LA County Parks celebrate the holidays with free events on select nights this December. Angelenos can enjoy a festive night with holiday characters, snacks, arts & crafts, games, caroling, special performances, music, children's story time and more.  READ MORE

La Pintoresca Tree Lighting Ceremony

Pasadena - Friday, December 8, 2023
Neighbors, family, and friends gather to celebrate the holiday season at La Pintoresca Park. Guests can enjoy arts &crafts and storytime while awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. READ MORE

Boat Parade of Lights at Dana Point

Dana Point - Friday - Sunday, December 8 - 10, 2023
The annual Boat Parade of Lights returns with the theme: Santa’s Seaside Carnival READ MORE

38th Annual Candlelight Walk

Lake Forest - Friday - Sunday, December 8 - 10, 2023
Hundreds of luminarias light Heritage Hill’s pathways of the historical buildings adorned in period décor, a tradition now in its 38th year. Guests can stroll festive grounds to enjoy an evening filled with live musical performances from carolers and brass band musicians, holiday crafts for children, puppet show productions of “Thumbelina”, and a chance to meet with Santa Claus.  READ MORE

Sand Snowman Contest

Hermosa Beach - Saturday, December 9, 2023
Who needs snow?  In Hermosa Beach, families can make their snowmen out of sand.  READ MORE

Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade

Long Beach - Saturday, December 9, 2023
The Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade returns to its historic format this year. This neighborhood parade is unique in that it runs through a residential street, not a commercial district. The procession includes marching bands, musical groups, and great floats. READ MORE

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade and Fireworks

Marina del Rey - Saturday, December 9, 2023
The Marina del Rey Boat Parade returns for its 62nd year! Prepare to be awed as spectacularly decorated boats light up Marina del Rey's main harbor. This year's theme is a Margaritaville Holiday. READ MORE

Miracle on Main Street (Santa Monica)

Santa Monica - Saturday, December 9, 2023
The businesses of Santa Monica's Main Street host an evening of holiday fun for the whole family. The festivities start at the lawn of the California Heritage Museum with crafts and activities for kids, and the lighting of the tree. Festivities then move to Edgemar, where the iconic Shopping Cart Tree is lit. Santa Claus greets kids and poses for photos (bring your own camera). READ MORE

Annual Holiday Concert on the Pier

Redondo Beach - Saturday, December 9, 2023
Redondo Pier celebrates the holidays with the Annual Concert on the Pier. The festivities include live holiday music, activity books, a charity toy drive, a holiday photos, and sponsor giveaways. READ MORE

Apollo Lighting

Downey - Saturday, December 9, 2023
Anyone can light a tree, but it takes rocket scientists to light a space capsule!  Columbia Memorial Space Center illuminates its Apollo capsule, its unique tradition to ring in the holiday season. READ MORE

Santa Cruise: A Rolling Holiday Party

Santa Monica - Saturday, December 9, 2023
Roll along the Santa Monica beach path with other Christmas enthusiasts at this free organized group ride. Parents and kids are welcome to ride along on any set of wheels they desire, be it roller blades, scooters, or bikes. Keep in mind that the after-party is 21 and over. Costumes are encouraged. Make sure to RSVP.  READ MORE

Glendora Hometown Christmas Parade

Glendora - Saturday, December 9, 2023
Santa Claus is coming to Glendora: he wouldn't want to miss the parade!  READ MORE

Huntington Harbour Holiday Boat Parade

Huntington Beach - Saturday & Sunday, December 9 & 10, 2023
The 61st annual Huntington Harbor Holiday Boat Parade cruises through the harbor for two nights, sharing brightly-colored displays. Judging occurs on the first night, and the honorees strut their stuff on the second night. This year, the parade is themed The Power of Music and will be led by Grand Marshall Weikko Wirta.  READ MORE

Movies Under the Stars: Holiday Edition

Playa Vista - Saturdays, December 9 & 16, 2023
Celebrate Christmas by cozying up in a blanket at this open-air cinema on the "Turf" at Runway Playa Vista for a free Christmas movie. Before the movie guests can grab complimentary popcorn.  READ MORE

Manhattan Beach Annual Holiday Fireworks Festival

Manhattan Beach - Sunday, December 10, 2023
Manhattan Beach's annual fireworks extravaganza returns in 2023! Activities throughout the day include the SKECHERS Snow Park,  Santa Claus, live musical performances, and of course, fireworks! READ MORE

Hanukkah Celebration at The Point

El Segundo - Sunday, December 10, 2023
The Point in El Segundo celebrates Hanukkah for the 7th year with children’s activities, storytelling, crafts, balloon animals, latkes, magic & crafts, and festive eats.  READ MORE

El Segundo Holiday Parade

El Segundo - Sunday, December 10, 2023
Play ball!  The 60th Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade is themed "Candy Cane Lane on Main". READ MORE

Homestead Holiday Open House

City of Industry - Sunday, December 10, 2023
The Homestead Museum invites families to discover how Christmas traditions in Los Angeles have changed from the days of the Mexican ranchos.  Tour the museum’s 1920's decorated mansion, La Casa Nueva, take photos, hear holiday music, visit with Santa, sit in for a story, or make a craft. READ MORE

2023 South Gate Children's Christmas Lane Parade & Festival

South Gate - Sunday, December 10, 2023
The Annual Children's Christmas Lane Parade & Festival has traditionally attracted more than 50,000 residents of South Gate and the surrounding communities. READ MORE

Chatsworth Holiday Parade & Festival

Chatsworth - Sunday, December 10, 2023
The 2023 Annual Chatsworth Holiday event is filled with marching, equestrian, motorized, and float units. This community event also includes a festival area with food vendors, a holiday boutique, games, and more. READ MORE

Hanukkah Celebration (Original Farmers Market)

Mid-City - Sunday, December 10, 2023
Nothing says Hanukkah like a giant Lego menorah! The Farmers Market celebrates Hanukkah with youth performances by JLA, a sing-along, arts and crafts, and Lego menorah building. READ MORE

Menorah Lighting Ceremony (Ovation Hollywood)

Hollywood - Sunday, December 10, 2023
The Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Ovation Hollywood is held in the Center Courtyard. Hanukkah is celebrated with donuts, latkes, gelt, dreidels, music, crafts for children, and a show. READ MORE

Gelt Drop & Menorah Lighting at the Platform

Culver City - Monday, December 11, 2023
Oh Hanukkah, oh Hanukkah come see the lighting of the giant menorah at Platform Culver City. Highlights include hot latkes, donuts, live music,  face painting, crafts for kids, a free raffle, and hundreds of chocolate coins, which are dropped from a Culver City Fire Truck! READ MORE

Hanukkah at the Shoppes - Grand Menorah Lighting (Westlake Village)

Westlake Village - Monday, December 11, 2023
Celebrate Hanukkah with The Shoppes and Chabad of Conejo. In addition to the grand menorah lighting, guests can enjoy special performances, singing, latkes, jelly donuts, crafts, and more. READ MORE

Menorah Lighting Ceremony + Fireworks (The Commons at Calabasas)

Calabasas - Tuesday, December 12, 2023
The annual menorah lighting & Hanukkah celebration at the Commons at Calabasas is hosted by the Calabasas Shul. This event includes a spectacular fireworks show! Space is limited and entry is not guaranteed.  READ MORE

Newport Beach Boat Parade

Newport Beach - Nightly, Wednesday - Sunday, December 13 - 17, 2023
A Christmastime tradition celebrating its 116th year, the country's oldest boat parade sets the harbor alight for five consecutive nights. Beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes flow to a holiday theme. READ MORE

Hanukkah Winter Wonderland

Malibu - Thursday, December 14, 2023
The Chabad of Malibu invites locals to this festive celebration to kick off Hanukkah with donuts, music, dreidels, hot latkes, snow globe making, a golf cart parade, and a grand menorah lighting. All the fun takes place at Point Dume Village in Malibu.  READ MORE

Hanukkah in the Foothills 2024

Sunland - Thursday December 14, 2023
Families can celebrate the season at the annual Hanukkah in the Foothills celebration.   The free evening includes a candle lighting, along with food, games, and door prizes. Guests at the celebration can enjoy latkes. READ MORE

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights 2023

Ventura - Friday & Saturday, December 15 & 16, 2023
Aloha Ventura!  The theme of this year's boat parade is Hula Holiday! The annual boat parade kicks off the holidays in Ventura Harbor. READ MORE

Union Station Holiday TrainFest and Toy Drive

DTLA - Saturday, December 16, 2023
The Union Station Holiday Festival is an annual pop-up artisan marketplace. The event is back at full steam on the station’s South Patio, featuring artists and artisans, live entertainment, free activities for kids, and food for holiday shoppers. The day-long, family-friendly holiday festival celebrates the season with live entertainment from the SoCal style Top Shelf Brass Band and local favorites The Joy Machine. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Ventura Harbor

Ventura - Saturday, December 16, 2023
Snow is falling at the harbor at this special celebration complete with a visit from Santa, arts and crafts, live music, and more. Winter Wonderland is a free event perfect for all ages. Four-legged friends are welcome to join in the fun, as well.  READ MORE

Shogun Santa Comes to Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo - Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17
Shogun Santa is coming to town, and the town is Little Tokyo. (Get your cameras ready!) READ MORE

Holiday Celebration at the Long Beach Towne Center

Long Beach - Sunday, December 17, 2023
Long Beach Towne Center holds its annual Christmas extravaganza. There will be stilt walkers, balloon twisters, face painters, and Santa.  READ MORE

Yuletide Caroling at the Original Farmer's Market

West Hollywood - Wednesday - Friday, December 20 - 22, 2023
The Farmers Market offers holiday fun in the days leading up to Christmas with special caroling performances by a Dickensian group of singers.  READ MORE

65th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration

DTLA - Sunday, December 24, 2023
Choirs, music ensembles, and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of LA celebrate the season during this free, three-hour extravaganza. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Fireworks + Glow Party (MDR)

Marina del Rey - Sunday, December 31, 2023
Marina del Rey celebrates the new year with two fireworks displays,  the first on east coast time, the second at our own midnight. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Heritage Hill Historical Park
Daisy Avenue, starting at West Burnett Street
Glendora Chamber of Commerce
Numerous Viewing Spots in Newport Beach/ Balboa, including 10th Street Beach