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Admire the tradition of boats adorned with holiday lights. Newport Beach Boat Parade photo by #fortherock, via Flickr.
Admire the tradition of boats adorned with holiday lights. Newport Beach Boat Parade photo by #fortherock, via Flickr.
12/1/23 - By Toby B

December brings plenty of things to do in Los Angeles with Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Los Angeles this month.

Top things to do in Los Angeles and unwrap this December include The Skirball's annual Hanukkah Festival, Disney on Ice, Blippi, the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (because fireworks!), and LA County's Annual Holiday Celebration. To end the month in style, ring in the New Year—or Noon Year—depending on your bedtime. There's also a whole bunch of skiing Santas in Wrightwood, a seasonal take on the Warner Bros Studio Tour, and so much more. Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Los Angeles this December.

For even more fun things to do in LA this season, check out our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide for LA Families—which includes a roundup of the Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus, Walk-Thrus, and Christmas Light Shows in Los Angeles, LA-only photo ops with Santa, where to see The Nutcracker and other holiday shows in LA, and more. 

These are just a few of our favorite things to do in Los Angeles in December. We're adding more events to the Los Angeles Family Event Calendar every day. Keep reading for the very best things to do in Los Angeles this December, and don't forget to check back weekly for our picks for the best things to do in Los Angeles each weekend. 

Santa's Circus Cirque flips into LA this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Circus Factory
Santa's Circus Cirque flips into LA this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Circus Factory

The Best Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids in December

Los Angeles Comic Con

DTLA - Friday - Sunday, December 1 - 3, 2023
Los Angeles's own pop culture expo features panels and presentations from the worlds of comics, gaming, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and anime. READ MORE

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (Soraya)

Northridge - Sunday, December 3, 2023
The Soraya unwraps a thrilling holiday event: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. A six-piece rock band, a dozen orchestral musicians, and the infinite possibilities of synthesizers provide the signature holiday sound beloved worldwide. READ MORE

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour (Long Beach)

Long Beach - Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour takes audiences on the ultimate curiosity adventure Kids can dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Everyone can shout out their favorite vehicles, shake out all the wiggles, and OJ Twist their way through this brand-new musical party. READ MORE

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Hollywood - Starts Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale comes to life on stage.  The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. READ MORE

A Cinderella Christmas (Laguna)

Laguna Beach - Starts Thursday, December 7, 2023
The cast has been announced! Starring in this annual favorite are Veronica Dunne as Cinderella, Joely Fisher as Baroness (select dates), Patrick Ortiz as Prince, and Jennifer Leigh Warren as the Fairy Godmother! Once upon a time in a faraway land, Lythgoe Family Productions brought their annual Christmas Panto to the Laguna Playhouse.  And they all laughed happily ever after! READ MORE

Santa's Circus Cirque Show

Hollywood - Starts Friday, December 8, 2023
Added dates!  Santa's Circus has been extended to December 27! Santa and his elves have a tumbling time in this creative, energetic, and thrilling interactive show. Admission includes awe-inspiring cirque acts, gymnastics, a meet and greet with the characters, and a photo with Santa.  READ MORE

Sand Snowman Contest

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

Annual Holiday Concert on the Pier

Redondo Beach - Saturday, December 9, 2023
Free
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

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

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

Krazy Krafts Day for Kids

Carson - Saturday, December 9, 2023
The International Printing Museum hosts a day of family-friendly crafts. Aspiring Gutenbergs can observe and join in on demonstrations, set among a fabulous collection of printing machines READ MORE

Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto (Crypto.com)

DTLA - Saturday & Sunday, December 9 & 10, 2023
Casa Madrigal and Arendelle come to life on the ice, thanks to a touch of Disney magic! Audiences can sing-along to their favorite songs while marveling at world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics and more as Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto makes its SoCal debut 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

Hanukkah Family Fun Day

Malibu - Sunday, December 10, 2023
The Shalom Institute shines a light on the holiday season at its annual Hanukkah celebration in Malibu. READ MORE

Chanukah Celebration (Original Farmers Market)

Mid-City - 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

Manhattan Beach Annual Holiday Fireworks Festival

Manhattan Beach - Sunday, December 10, 2023
Free
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

Newport Beach Boat Parade

Newport Beach - Wednesday - Sunday, 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

Yuletide Cinemaland at Heritage Square

Montecito Heights - Friday - Saturday, December 15 - 23, 2023
Ho, ho, Heritage Square! Heritage Square teams up with Street Food Cinema for Yuletide Cinemaland, outdoor screenings of holiday classic movies. Folks can get in the Christmas spirit with films such as Elf and Muppet Christmas Carol. The evenings include guided Victorian home tours, festive decor, piano sing-alongs, themed photo ops, Santa Claus meet and greets and more READ MORE

Songs With Santa

Glassell Park - Saturday, December 16, 2023
Come celebrate the holidays with Minibop! Santa will be visiting Minibop for a special story and a professional photographer will be on hand to capture family photos complimentary with your ticket. Teachers will be putting on a special holiday-themed musical performance. Enjoy open play and refreshments as well.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker (Long Beach Ballet)

Long Beach - Starts Saturday, December 16, 2023
Long Beach Ballet presents The Nutcracker, performed with a full symphony orchestra, pyrotechnics, a flying sleigh, a real live horse, and a cast of over 200. This performance was voted the "best loved Nutcracker in the nation" by a Goldstar audience survey. It is crammed full of special effects and dazzling dancers. If you want a Nutcracker experience to remember, David Wilcox's production is the one to attend.  READ MORE

Santa Ski Sunday at Mountain High (Santas Ski Free!)

Wrightwood - Sunday, December 17, 2023
This annual event at Mountain High is a win-win: arrive at the slope dressed as Santa Claus with proof that you've made the requested charitable donation, and your lift ticket is free. Or just turn up in your usual winter gear and spend a day skiing with a mountain full of Santas! READ MORE

Our Shared Future Family Day

DTLA - Sunday December 17, 2023
Free
The Japanese American National Museum invites the community to celebrate Our Shared Future in Los Angeles and enjoy a day of free admission and cultural activities for all ages. Free activities at JANM include a live reading and signing with Maggie Tokuda-Hall, an interactive origami activity, and a musical performance by East LA Taiko. Visitors can explore the new family friendly, interactive exhibition, The Bias Inside Us organized by the Smithsonian, and experience Aki’s Market, a virtual reality recreation of a corner store that served a multicultural... READ MORE

Warner Brother Studio Tour - Holiday Edition!

Burbank - Starts Friday, December 22, 2023
The Warner Brothers Studio Tour is getting dressed up in its holiday finest! From December 22 through New Year's Day, guests on the tour can immerse themselves in cinematic holiday magic. Seasonal additions include enchanting photo ops and the chance to view iconic holiday props and memorabilia. READ MORE

64th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration

DTLA - Sunday, 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

Fiddler On the Roof Sing-Along

Encino - Sunday, December 24, 2023
Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as ... a fiddler on the roof. With this in mind, select Laemmle Theaters offer an alternative Christmas Eve tradition: the annual Fiddler On the Roof sing-along. Costumes welcome!   READ MORE

EquestFest

Burbank - Friday, December 29, 2023
Burbank's famous Equestrian Center hosts the many equestrians participating in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, at an annual show highlighting the horses' parade performances. READ MORE

Noon Year’s Eve Party - Southern California Children's Museum

Pasadena- Sunday, December 31, 2023
Kids can ring in 2024 long before bedtime at Southern California Children's Museum. Kiddos can enjoy open play,  a dance party, and more fun surprises The confetti drops at noon. READ MORE

EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal City - Sunday, December 31, 2023
Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates New Year’s Eve with EVE. Guests can spend the day enjoying all the park has to offer (Super Nintendo World, anyone?) then continue into the night with music, dancing, photo ops, and a special countdown celebration at midnight as fireworks ring in 2024. READ MORE

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

Marina del Rey - Sunday, December 31, 2023
Free
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

Endeavour Prepares to Go Off View

Exposition Park - Closes Sunday, December 31, 2023
Free
If you want to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour, you'd better rocket over to the California Science Center, before it takes off in 3, 2, 1... READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Terrace Theater / Long Beach Performing Arts Center
Shalom Institute – Alan D. Leve Campus
Multiple Laemmle Theatres, including Laemmle’s Town Center 5
Southern California Children's Museum
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