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Snow in Santa Monica? It's part of the holiday magic. Photo courtesy of the City of Santa Monica
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11/5/23 - By Toby B

'Tis the season for Christmas events and holiday activities in Los Angeles! From the thousands of Christmas events and holiday activities taking place this year, we've managed to trim our list to the top family favorites.

This year, Santa's bag is overflowing with festive fun in Los Angeles for families. This holiday season's stockings are full of theme parks dressed up in their holiday finest, traditional holiday parades, only-in-LA holiday shows, and other beloved holly jolly traditions. We can barely keep up with all the fun Christmas events and holiday activities in Los Angeles this year. 

Bookmark this page—we'll update it with amazing new holiday events in Los Angeles as we learn about them. For more holiday activities, don't miss our Holiday Events and Christmas Activities Guide for Los Angeles, packed with every possible Santa breakfast, holiday and Christmas light shows, Nutcracker shows, Polar Express holiday trains, outdoor ice skating rinks, and so much more.

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Try sock skating at Kidspace Winter Frolic. Photo by Jamie Pham courtesy of the Museum
Try sock skating at Kidspace Winter Frolic. Photo by Jamie Pham courtesy of the Museum

Special Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in LA

Christmas Nights at 123 Farm

Beaumont - November 9, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Over 1 million lights shine on acres of lavender, a century-old olive grove, towering oak trees, and the farm's historic buildings. On weekends and a few other select dates, you can take a free photo with Santa! READ MORE

Kidspace Winter Frolic

Pasadena - November 10, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Kidspace Children’s Museum transforms into a land of wonder and delight at its second annual Winter Frolic. The Winter Frolic offers a flurry of experiences and programs, including no-ice sock skating, "ice" play, and a snowman photo op. READ MORE

Christmas on the Farm

Moorpark - November 24 - December 24, 2023
Underwood Farms' Moorpark Farm Center is brimming with activity this holiday season. A wide range of activities are included with admission, such as visits to the Animal Center, holiday photo ops, tractor-drawn wagon rides, animal shows, a baby goat experience, and combine & harvester slides. And on two select weekends: Santa"s Reindeer!  READ MORE

Tamale Festival

La Habra - Saturday, December 2, 2023
Free admission
La Habra's annual Tamale Festival is the largest tamale festival in the OC. The event includes the Holiday Tree Lighting and a holiday fireworks show. READ MORE
Animals light up the night at Zoo Lights. Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo
Animals light up the night at Zoo Lights. Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo

Best Holiday and Christmas Light Shows in Los Angeles

Astra Lumina

Palos Verdes - November 9 - December 31, 2023
There are stars in the sky, then there are the stars in the garden: visiting stars create an enchanted night walk at South Coast Botanic Garden. READ MORE

Lightscape at the Arboretum

Arcadia - November 17, 2023 - January 2, 2024
The Arboretum is looking bright with the return of Lightscape, an immersive light experience that has been reimagined for 2023. The enchanting, after-dark, illuminated trail spans over one mile and features spectacular sights with eye-catching artistic installations that come alive at night with color, imagination, and sound. New this year:  visits with Santa Claus! READ MORE

LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow

Griffith Park - November 17, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Zoo Lights once again lights up the night with a holiday light display at the LA Zoo. The event transforms select areas of the zoo into an immersive landscape filled with spectacular lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and more. This year, Santa returns to join in the fun.  READ MORE

Enchanted: Forest of Light

La Canada - November 19, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Enchanted: Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience, featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting displays throughout Descanso Gardens.  READ MORE

Holiday Road Walk-thru at King Gillette Ranch

Calabasas - November 24 - December 27, 2023
Holiday Road returns as a walk-thru immersive holiday lights experience. King Gillette Ranch transforms into a winter wonderland filled with larger-than-life holiday displays and millions of Christmas lights. Guests can enjoy countless photo ops, a festive souvenir shop, and all of the holiday cheer. Santa Claus is available for photos on select days. READ MORE

Annual Lighting of the Bay

Newport Beach - November 24 , 2023 - December 31, 2023
Free
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
Families can dance the Hora at the Skirball. Photo courtesy of the Skirball Center
Families can dance the Hora at the Skirball. Photo courtesy of the Skirball Center

Best Hanukkah Activities in LA: Menorah Lightings and More

Hanukkah in Santa Monica

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

SIJCC Festival of Lights

Silver Lake - Saturday, December 9, 2023
Silverlake Independent JCC's Festival of Lights carnival is open to the entire Silver Lake community and annually draws hundreds of families to the SIJCC campus Highlightsof this winter block party include the Critter Squad, a Game Zone, craft booths, a Toddler Zone, music and magic, and activities for all ages. The Hollow Trees perform at 11:30am. READ MORE

Skirball Hanukkah Family Festival

West LA - Sunday, December 10, 2023
The Skirball Hanukkah Family Festival welcomes families of all backgrounds to revel in the spirit of the holiday with music, dance, and storytelling.  READ MORE

Chanukah Celebration (Original Farmers Market)

Fairfax - Sunday December 10, 2023
Free
Nothing says Chanukah like a giant ice sculpture menorah! The Farmers Market celebrates Chanukah with performances, a sing-along, arts and crafts,a menorah ice sculpting demo, and a special menorah lighting ceremony. READ MORE

Outlets at San Clemente Menorah Lighting

San Clemente - Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Free
The Outlets at San Clemente light up for Hanukkah -- thanks to a Dancing LED 10-Foot Robot show! Other fun at this free family-friendly celebration includes a balloon artist, crafts for kids, hot latkes, doughnuts, dreidls and gelt, and glow sticks. READ MORE
Find the perfect Nutcracker performance for your kids. Photo courtesy of Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater
Find the perfect Nutcracker performance for your kids. Photo courtesy of Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater

Favorite Holiday Shows in LA for Kids: Nutcracker Ballets and More

Bob Baker’s Nutcracker

Highland Park - November 25, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Bob Baker's Nutcracker is spinning a tale of Christmas lore at the Sierra Madre Playhouse this year! This beloved version of the story has been running since 1969, and every performance ends with ice cream. Don't miss this LA holiday tradition!  READ MORE

A Christmas Carol

Pasadena - December 1 - 24, 2023
A Noise Within brings back its popular annual production of the Dickens classic. Production quality is high, with beautiful costumes, fun ghost effects, and a large, talented cast presenting a highly traditional rendition of the Victorian Christmas tale of goodwill to all men. READ MORE

Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Dolby

Hollywood - December 1 - 26, 2023
Los Angeles Ballet's production of The Nutcracker returns for another season, as Clara and her Nutcracker journey to the magical Land of Snow, and to the enchanted Palace of the Dolls where all of Clara's favorite companions come to life.  READ MORE

Nochebuena Christmas Spectacular

Northridge - Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17, 2023
The Soraya's annual Nochebuena celebration returns for its 8th year to celebrate the holiday traditions of Mexico. Special guest vocalist Camila Fernández, the granddaughter of the legendary Vicente Fernández and daughter of Alejandro Fernández, joins the Mariachi-infused holiday performance. READ MORE

64th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration

DTLA - Saturday, December 24, 2023
Free
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
Though the tree lighting ceremony at the Grove is quite the show, the tree stays lit all season. Photo courtesy of The Grove LA
Though the tree lighting ceremony at the Grove is quite the show, the tree stays lit all season. Photo courtesy of The Grove LA

Christmas Tree Lightings in Los Angeles

Christmas Celebration & Tree Lighting at The Grove

Fairfax - Monday, November 13, 2023
Free
The Grove launches its holiday season with a spectacular tree lighting event, featuring all-star performances and a fireworks spectacular. This year the Grove partners with Hallmark Channel for its annual star-studded show. The magical evening features special performances by David Foster, Katharine McPhee, and other special guests. READ MORE

Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration & Fireworks

Beverly Hills - Thursday, November 16, 2023
Free
A spectacular shimmering glow of lights brightens up Rodeo Drive during the annual Beverly Hills Holiday Lighting Ceremony.  ​The evening includes live entertainment, festive decor, and the arrival of Santa Claus.. The evening ends with fireworks over Rodeo Drive. READ MORE

City of Santa Monica's Official Tree Lighting Ceremony

Santa Monica - Thursday, November 16, 2023
Free
Santa Claus kicks off the holiday season at the City of Santa Monica's official holiday tree lighting ceremony on Third Street Promenade. The annual event features performances by local school groups. READ MORE

Tree Lighting and Cocoa at Union Station

DTLA - Monday, November 20, 2023
Free
Union Station becomes a holiday hub with its annual tree lighting under the stars. The historic station lights a towering tree with thousands of glistening lights on the majestic South Patio in a classic kickoff to the holiday season featuring live music, holiday crafts, photo booths, and Santa selfies. Festive treats include hot cocoa & sweet bites. READ MORE

LA County Tree Lighting

DTLA - Monday, November 27, 2023
Free
A majestic tree is the centerpiece of LA County's annual tree lighting ceremony,  held on the Music Center's Jerry Moss Plaza. READ MORE

2023 Annual Downtown Culver City Tree Lighting Sled-tacular

Culver City - Thursday, November 30, 2023
Free
The annual Culver City holiday tree lighting ceremony ushers in the holiday season. Plus snow play in Downtown Culver City?  That's sled-tastic! Downtown Culver City businesses provide holiday treat bags, with along with hot chocolate, popcorn, and other festive treats. READ MORE
Holiday parades take place in cities across the Southland. Photo courtesy of the City of Laguna Niguel
Holiday parades take place in cities across the Southland. Photo courtesy of the City of Laguna Niguel

Christmas Parades in Los Angeles

Hollywood Christmas Parade

Hollywood - Sunday, November 26, 2023
Free
When  it comes to parades, New York may own Thanksgiving, but no one beats Hollywood for Christmas. The slightly kitschy, but very lovable Hollywood Christmas Parade airs across the country throughout December, but the live event takes place on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. READ MORE

43rd Annual San Pedro Spirit of the Holidays Parade

San Pedro - Sunday, December 3, 2023
Free
The annual San Pedro Spirit of the Holiday Parade celebrates its 43rd 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

72nd Annual Downey Christmas Parade

Downey - Sunday, December 3, 2023
Free
The theme of the 72nd Annual Downey Christmas Parade is “Holidays at Home.” The procession goes through Downtown Downey.  After the parade, guests can enjoy shopping and holiday treats in Santa's Village. Photos with Santa Claus are available from 1pm to 4pm, ($5 fee). READ MORE

Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade

Long Beach - Saturday, December 9, 2023
Free
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

El Segundo Holiday Parade

El Segundo - Sunday, December 10, 2023
Free
Play ball!  The 59th Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade is themed “A  Home Run for the Holidays.” This year's Grand Marshals are the El Segundo Little League 2023 World Series Championship Team! READ MORE
All aboard the Polar Express! Photo courtesy of the Southern California Railway Museum
All aboard the Polar Express! Photo courtesy of the Southern California Railway Museum

Best Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in Los Angeles

The Southern California Polar Express Train Ride

Perris - November 19 - December 30, 2023
Step inside a holiday classic! The Polar Express Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor. Guests are served hot chocolate and shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book, and get a gift from Santa. READ MORE

Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train

Orange - November 24 - December 23, 2023
Irvine Regional Park's annual Christmas Train offers both daytime and nighttime rides through the historic park to meet Santa at his Village. Grab your tickets fast- this event sells out every year!  READ MORE

Holiday Train Ride at Griffith Park Southern Railroad

Griffith Park - November 24, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Hooray! Griffith Park and Southern Railroad brings back its popular Santa train ride this year. The evening ride is gentle, and just the right size for kids and their parents to take in the festively decorated mile of track with thousands of twinkling lights.  READ MORE
Merry Christmas, Mickey! Photo courtesy of the Disney Resort
Merry Christmas, Mickey! Photo courtesy of the Disney Resort

Holiday and Christmas at SoCal Theme Parks

Holidays at Disneyland Resort

Anaheim - November 10, 2023 - January 7, 2024
The Happiest Place on Earth becomes the merriest place on Earth this holiday season.  Disneyland Resort celebrates the holidays with themed shows and rides, festive decor, and seasonally dressed character favorites. (This year, Mickey and his friends are debuting new, midcentury modern-inspired looks!) READ MORE

Knott's Merry Farm

Buena Park - November 17, 2023 - January 7, 2024
'Tis the season to celebrate at Knott's Merry Farm. Knott’s Christmas celebration transforms the entire park into a classic holiday festival, featuring a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland, jumbo snowflakes, and a variety of picturesque seasonal settings. READ MORE

Holidays at Legoland

Carlsbad - November 18, 2023 - January 7, 2024
The holidays click into place at Legoland California. Shimmering lights, seasonal treats, the famous Lego Christmas tree, and festive décor help celebrate the season. READ MORE

Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal City - November 24, 2023 - January 1, 2024
The magic of Christmas comes alive at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Hogsmeade transforms with enchanting spirit, festive décor, and holiday-themed food (cheers to a toasty mug of hot butterbeer!).  At night, Hogwarts Castle is illuminated in a dazzling display of festive lights and music. Is your heart two sizes too small? Perhaps you need a big dose of holiday cheer, courtesy of the Who-tacular festivities with The Grinch, Max, and Who-ville with the return of Grinchmas. New for 2023: an all-new daytime performance featuring the Who-Bee Doo-Wops... READ MORE
See the boats alight in the Newport Beach Boat Parade. Photo courtesy of newportcoastmarine.com
See the boats alight in the Newport Beach Boat Parade. Photo courtesy of newportcoastmarine.com

Christmas and Holiday Boat Parades

Boat Parade of Lights at Dana Point

Dana Point - Friday - Sunday, December 8 - 10, 2023
Free
The annual Boat Parade of Lights returns with a Candyland theme for 2023. READ MORE

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade and Fireworks

Marina del Rey - Saturday, December 9, 2023
Free
The Marina del Rey Boat Parade returns for its 61st year! Prepare to be awed as spectacularly decorated boats light up Marina del Rey's main harbor. READ MORE

Oxnard Parade of Lights Celebration and Boat Parade

Oxnard - Saturday, December 9, 2023
Free
The Channel Islands Harbor kicks off the holidays with its 57th annual Parade of Lights. This year's theme is “Santa’s Workshop Creates a Spark of Love.”  The parade starts at 7pm. READ MORE

Holiday Parade of Lights at the Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara - Sunday, December 10, 2023
Free
The holiday spirit is afloat at the Santa Barbara Waterfront with an afternoon and evening of fun at the 37th Annual Parade of Lights The parade will be capped off by a brief fireworks show. Best viewing locations for the boat parade and fireworks include Stearns Wharf, the breakwater, West Beach, and East Beach.    READ MORE

Newport Beach Boat Parade

Newport Beach - December 13 - 17, 2023
Free
A Christmastime tradition celebrating its 115th 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

Places featured in this article:

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center
Downey Avenue
Southern California Railway Museum
Griffith Park and Southern Railroad