Updated for 2023
The magic of the season can best be felt when people gather to do something special for their community; there’s just something about twinkling lights that really get you in the holiday spirit. And because this is Los Angeles, there are tons of super creative light displays to enjoy.
In the spirit of the season, we made a list of the best neighborhoods and attractions to see Christmas lights in Los Angeles. Happy Holidays!
Where are Christmas Lights Near Me? See our Map!
Add Your Light Display To Our Map
Want to add your home or a beautiful display you know of to our Map of SoCal Christmas Lights? Click HERE to fill out the info and we’ll take care of it.
Related: Special Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Christmas and Holiday Lights Shows all over SoCal — Updated for 2023
Astra Lumina
South Coast Botanic Garden: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
Experience a visit from the stars through projections, lighting and music. The Queens Botanical Garden will be transformed into an immersive outdoor, multimedia enchanted world that awakens the imagination. Inside the experience, guests will be guided on an illuminated nature pathway with a photo booth, gift shop, and food and beverage options available for purchase at the end. Runs from November 9, 2023 – January 1, 2024. Get tickets with our affiliate link.
Parents – take note: After listening to customers’ feedback last year, the team now allows strollers along the path and also allows parents the option of leaving their stroller at the start of the path at a dedicated stroller parking area. Additionally, they’ve made adjustments on the show path in certain areas that were muddy and wet, by either upgrades from the garden or moving zone locations.
Hikari at Tanaka Farms
5380 3/4 University Dr., Irvine, CA 92612
Join us for a celebration filled with joy and light! Loosely translated, Hikari means, “shine”, in Japanese, and this holiday season we have really made Tanaka Farms shine with over a mile of twinkling lights! As you drive through our 30-acre farm, you will be dazzled by farm-themed lighting on trees, scarecrows, tractors…even our sugarcane got the holiday light treatment! Plus, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we have a very special visit from Santa, himself!
Capistrano Lights
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Capistrano Lights returns to Mission San Capistrano this holiday season beginning December 3rd–30th, 2022. Families will enjoy “festive programming and a nightly tree lighting.” Additionally, you can get some great family photos under the 10’ wreath, take pictures with Santa on select weekends, and more. Check the website for details and ticket information, and while you’re there be sure to keep an eye out for Sullivan the Elf, who hides on the grounds and can be found in a new spot every day! Tickets will be on sale in November.
Lightscape at the LA Arboretum
301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007
This enchanting, after-dark, illuminated trail will span one mile and feature spectacular sights with eye-catching artistic installations that come alive at night with color, imagination, and sound. Reimagined for 2023, Lightscape will run from November 17th – January 2nd. Visitors will be treated to a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience at the garden, wandering into a festive world of wonder with thousands of twinkling lights in various attractions from the Cathedral of Light to the Star Tunnel and the Fire Garden.
Enchanted: Forest of Light
Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge 91011
From November 19, 2023, to January 7, 2024, Descanso Gardens will transform into the breathtaking Enchanted Forest of Light, taking you on a captivating journey through stunning light displays set amidst the serene beauty of nature.
This year, you can explore a new route through the Rose Garden, discovering exciting light displays that spark awe and wonder. Prepare to be amazed as the Rose Garden’s Labyrinth comes alive with 3-D geometric sculptures, and a glowing field of “meadow grass” sways amidst the rose bushes. Tickets go on sale August 23 at 10 am for Descanso Gardens members only. General admission sales open on September 6 at 10 am. Children under 2 are admitted free of charge.
Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660
The Inaugural Fire and Ice Festival kicks off a season of holiday fun at Newport Dunes with an opening night celebration on November 24, 2023, alongside the 33rd Annual Lighting of the Bay, and runs daily through January 1, 2024.
Fire & Ice Festival’s opening night celebration on Friday, November 24, enjoy live musical performances, fire dancers, stocking and ornament decorating, a holiday photo booth and more. Santa will take center stage at 4 p.m. during the 33rd Annual Lighting of the Bay ceremony as he flips the magic switch to illuminate the bay with more than fifty floating holiday decorations and Christmas trees, marking the official start to the holiday season. Sip hot cocoa and cider while watching an outdoor screening of a holiday movie to wrap up the evening.
Magic of Lights
Empire Polo Club
81800 51st Ave., Indio, CA 92201
Running from November 15th–December 31st, 2023, from 6-10 pm nightly, this is a drive-through experience filled with magic! They have ticket pricing plans to accommodate a single carload of people or a limo/party bus —you can even bring the family dog with you! The route is paved with thousands of light displays, and all reports are that it’s delightful.
Annual Festival of Lights
The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501
The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa invites families to its annual Festival of Lights. This year the festivities begin on November 18th, 2023, and run through January 7th, 2024. The free, five-week-long “holiday extravaganza” features “one of the nation’s largest holiday light collections” of its kind.
The Hotel will be illuminated with 5 million holiday lights! In addition, the Festival of Lights features more than 200 animated figures, the world’s largest man-made mistletoe, horse-drawn carriages, and more. Access to the inside of the hotel is reserved for guests of the hotel and restaurants.
12th Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting
At Pacific and Windward Avenues, Venice 90291
Head to the Beach and see the 12th Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting Event. This free, family-friendly event, featuring over 100+ local businesses, is set for Dec. 2, 2023, from 6-9 p.m. at Pacific and Windward avenues. This year, the iconic Venice Sign shares the spotlight with the debut of “Holiday Taste of Venice” and “Windward Wonderland,” creating new festive gateways for local engagement. “Holiday Taste of Venice” will line the streets, featuring local Venice restaurants, offering free bites and sips from their renowned kitchens. Participants include Si! Mon, Atla, Market Venice, The Rose Venice, Gjusta Grocer, The Butcher’s Daughter, and a host of others, promising a diverse taste of Venice’s best culinary offerings.
LA Zoo Lights – Animals Aglow
5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027
L.A.’s brightest holiday tradition returns from November 17th through January 7th for the 2023/2024 season. They’ll have a wild wonderland of lights featuring hand-crafted and new high-tech attractions with glowing light animals including tigers, giraffes, peacocks, sloths, lemurs, butterflies, and frogs “decorating” the Zoo just for you. There will also be musical elements including a sound-tracked LED light show.
Plus, there are all-new wonders that will amaze and delight longtime fans and newbies alike.
- New large-scale lantern sculptures of wildlife from California and around the world
- The debut of Winter Wildlands, a holiday wonderland with snow-loving animals, “northern lights” projections, “ice crystals,” glittering photo ops, and more
- Live roaming entertainment nightly in the new Dazzling Desertscape
- Optical-illusion photo spots and interactive displays for eye-popping wonder and even more Instagrammable moments
- Scrumptious goodies plus beer and wine available every night, and full bars on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- VIP-style offerings and a sensory-inclusive night are also available.
Dana Point Harbor Holiday Lights
Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629
Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) is spreading holiday cheer by hosting the annual holiday light display, consisting of over 700,000 LED lights, set to illuminate the Harbor beginning November 15th. Each night throughout the holiday season, the Harbor’s magnificent light display will illuminate the evening sky for guests of all ages to enjoy.
DPHP is proud to provide holiday lights for the community including giant whale sculptures, lighted palm trees, Christmas trees, a giant Adirondack chair, and the popular “Merry Kiss Me” arch. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy strolling carolers, holiday-themed photo ops, visits with Santa, waterfront restaurant offerings, boutique holiday shopping, and more.
Imaginarium Fairplex
1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
Your family will want to visit the all-new interactive holiday light experience, Imaginarium Fairplex. This event promises to be an enchanting evening full of holiday cheer. Imaginarium will launch on Friday, Nov. 17, featuring over 1 ½ miles full of never-before-seen holiday-themed experiences, lights, fantasy creatures, dazzling holiday displays, synchronized music and light shows, carnival treats. Imaginarium will be open for the public for a limited-time through the holiday season from Friday, Nov. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, and will be presented from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Marina Lights at Burton Chace Park
Marina del Rey, CA
Take a stroll through Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park this holiday season and enjoy it, decorated with holiday lights. Throughout December, you’ll be able to see the festive decor and delight in the season. Get more info about their annual Christmas Boat Parade HERE. And they’re bringing back their family-friendly New Year’s Eve event, GLOW, as well — See their article for more information.
Related: Where to buy a Christmas Tree in Los Angeles
Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc
700 S. Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90017
“Experience a magical holiday show as 18 million hues of lights illuminate the night and synchronize to festive tunes.” Sparkle DTLA features many great photo opportunities, a 32-foot Christmas tree, a 16-foot holiday ornament, and more. This event is free. The nightly light show happens on the hour at 5, 6, 7 8, and 9 pm. This special event starts November 16th.
Nature Nights
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
This holiday season your entire family can enjoy outdoor lights and art at the same time beginning November 16th. Nature Nights will have large-format light projections, illuminated sculptures, and artistic lighting for an “experience like no other”. A variety of food and beverages will also be available. Check the website for additional details.
Related: Where to get photos with Santa Claus
Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting and Roundhouse Aquarium Open House
Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the 33rd annual Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting on November 15th from 6 – 9 pm. There will be holiday music, shopping, and dining to start the holiday season in Manhattan Beach.
As the center of the light show, Roundhouse Aquarium will host an extended hours open house event with a complimentary hot chocolate and cookie station, games, and all kinds of interactive touch tanks and marine exhibits for the whole family to enjoy. The event is free, but donations of any amount to the aquarium are always greatly appreciated.
Related: Things to do in Downtown Los Angeles with Kids
Christmas and Holiday Light Displays at Private Homes
Holidays on Hortense
10804 Hortense Street, Toluca Lake, CA 91602
Over 1,500 ornaments twinkle and sparkle as the front door’s crown jewel welcoming holiday visitors into a winter wonderland with a herd of magical reindeer, a massively oversized wreath, and 40 feet of dazzling giant snowflakes.
Westchester Mental Health Guild’s Annual Fundraiser Holiday Lights Tour & Contest
Westchester and Playa del Rey (Map provided with donation)
From December 10th through 26th, between 5-9pm daily, experience the joy of the Holidays with a self-driving tour for Westchester Mental Health Guild’s FUNdraiser supporting Airport Marina Counseling Service. Get your loved ones in the car, put on your holiday music, buckle up & enjoy viewing the dazzling lights from your vehicle within the Westchester and Playa del Rey communities. Happy holidays!
Haberman’s Holiday Magic
3343 Chatwin Ave, Long Beach, Ca 90808
The holiday light show is based on Disney characters and movies. It features a synchronized light show with over 42,000 pixels.
DIY Light Guy
6034 El Canon Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Our light show display theme this year is National Lampoons Christmas Vacation Display. Over 25,000 RGB pixels = 75,000 LEDs ( each pixel contains 3 LED lights – red, green, and blue ) synchronized to music, an FM Transmitter so you can listen to the music in your vehicle, tune to 89.1 FM, a video projector that plays videos coordinated to the music, a snow machine, plus more. Clark Griswold, Cousin Eddie, and the Squirrel in the Tree made an appearance this year.
Sunland Spectacular!
10144 Wheatland Ave, Sunland Ca 91040
My husband does all the decorating himself, with no help from anyone. He has even handmade, from start to finish, many of the decorations; All the character cutouts, Santa’s sleigh on the roof, the North Pole sign, the stable for the nativity scene on the roof, the Disney castle and cable for Tinkerbelle to fly and Santa’s Workshop, which is a large movie screen. He starts the construction of his new decorations in July and starts to decorate the actual house at the end of September. He is a firefighter, so he doesn’t do this for a living. He does this just see the enjoyment it brings the neighborhood and for the excitement it brings our 2 kids.
Seaside Holiday Lights
Near PCH and Calle Mayor in Torrance, CA
Operated by the resident and members of the Seaside Neighborhood Association, this light display has been going strong for 30+ years. Park nearby and walk along to see all the magic (but remember – this is a residential neighborhood and there are no public bathrooms). See their website for parking maps and more info.
The Gingerbread House
14253 Bora Dr, La Mirada, CA 90638
They say it’s the best house on the block!
The Magic Tree
5218 Costello Ave. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Still going strong. More lights this year!
Upper Hastings Ranch
Bordered by Sierra Madre Blvd., Rivera Dr., Michillinda Ave., Pasadena, CA 91117
This Pasadena neighborhood has been decorating for the holidays for more than 60 years. Drive through the neighborhood or park the car and take a stroll while you marvel at the creative decorations and themed streets in this festive neighborhood.
The Holiday House
3547 McLaughlin Ave., Mar Vista, CA 90066
This yard is filled with inflatables and lights, and they’ve got a terrific musical show to go with it all. Check them out at Halloween, too!
Magic Tree Light Display
5218 Costello Ave, Sherman Oaks
This was a great place to visit in 2022. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year. Check out this amazing light display.
Hazelbrook Lights
4544 Hazelbrook Ave, Long Beach, CA 90808
This was a great place to visit in 2022. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year. Over 10,000 lights, tune to 88.7 for musical accompaniment.
Overland Ave. Festival of Lights
10803 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230
This was a great place to visit in 2022. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year. One of the largest light shows in the state, according to the homeowners. 300 feet and 6 houses all with music. Broadcast on FM 97.3.
Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade
Daisy Ave. between PCH and Willow St., Long Beach, CA
This was a great place to visit in 2022. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year. Daisy Avenue in Long Beach begins the holiday season with an annual parade. Families can view an enchanting Christmas Village, nativity scenes, and more. Check their Facebook page for all the info!
Related: Find 40+ Christmas and Holiday Events in SoCal
Lights On Falcon
4128 Falcon Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90807
This is our first year running our holiday light show (and we have even bigger plans for next year already). We have over 4,200 individually addressable LEDs synchronized to over 28 songs ranging from Christmas classics, to instrumental orchestras, dubstep, top40 and even some tracks just for the kiddos such as frozen, baby shark and famous kids movies songs. We run shows nightly on the hour starting at 7pm through 10pm. We broadcast our music on 97.7FM to listen along at the show. It’s not just for those driving either, we have a post out front with a button on it to turn on the outdoor speaker to listen along, and another button anyone can press to play a song outside of show hours. Our newly launched website takes it one step further and lets anyone choose any song they want to hear at anytime (from sunset to 11pm). Viewers can also use the website during showtime to pick the songs they want to hear.
Christmas Tree Lane Altadena
Lights: Santa Rosa Ave. between Altadena Dr. and Mariposa St., Altadena, CA 91003
Tree Lighting Ceremony: 600 E. Mariposa St., Altadena, CA 91003
Christmas Tree Lane is considered the “oldest large-scale Christmas lighting spectacle in the United States.” For more than 90 years, the deodar trees along Santa Rosa Avenue are decorated with thousands of lights.
This year, the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony is back on Saturday, December 10th at the Altadena Public Library! Winter festivities start at 3 pm and last until 9 pm with the lighting ceremony at 6 pm. The holiday spirit will be plentiful in this Altadena neighborhood. Check their website for the latest updates.
Newburgh Lights Show
609 E. Newburgh St., Glendora, CA 91740
This Christmas light show has been going on for over a decade! Tune in 101.5 FM for music as the lights go on November 25th at 7 pm. Each evening thereafter the lights will go on at 5 pm. Sounds amazing!
Related: Where to go Ice Skating in Los Angeles
Candy Cane Lane El Segundo
1200 Block of E. Acacia Ave., West of Sepulveda, El Segundo, CA 90245
Every holiday season since 1919, the residents of East Acacia Avenue in El Segundo create a magical wonderland of lights and decorations. The event usually begins the 2nd Saturday of December and continues through New Year’s weekend. This year’s lighting event begins Saturday, December 10th at 7 pm and can be seen nightly through December 24th. Santa’s sleigh has even been known to stop by.
Joy on 4th St
520 W 4th Ave La Habra, CA 90631
Check out this light display at this Historical Home.
Downey Lights in Paramount
15310 Rancho Centina Rd., Paramount, CA 90723
Computerized Light Show Synchronized to music with water. Listen to the lights on the car radio 107.9FM
Harbeck Lights
1215 Tropical Ave., Pasadena, CA 91107
Harbeck Lights’ animated Christmas Light Show featuring over 100,000 channels of RGB color-changing pixels will amaze your senses! The show is a true Light Show that runs on a 16-minute loop with the lights synced to both classic and new Holiday songs. The show is known for its custom animations on a mega LED screen featuring retro 8-bit video game characters with classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Mario and many more! Enjoy more animated crowd favorites such as Santa, Rudolf, Jack Frost, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Jack Skellington, and on and on!
Sylmar Spectacular
13953 Olive Grove Ln., Sylmar, CA 91342
This Christmas light show is definitely one to tell your friends about; featuring a 55 min show (on repeat) filled with new and classic songs performed by “Will & Jill” the singing Christmas light duo. From the comfort of your car, simply tune into 104.1FM to listen and be amazed at a light show like you’ve never seen before! 5:15 pm–10:20 pm nightly through NYE Happy Holidays!
Lilley Hall Toluca Lake
10104 Moorpark St., Toluca Lake, CA 91602
This was a great place to visit in 2022. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year. This is a historic home with hundreds of vintage collectibles and 50,000+ lights. It must be seen — it’s fantastic!
Pace Family Holiday Light Show
6034 El Canon Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
This was a great place to visit in 2022. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year. Nightly holiday light shows. Over 10,000 RGB, LED lights synchronized to Holiday music. Tune your vehicle to 89.1 FM and listen to the music in the comfort of your vehicle. The lights will dance and create awesome effects, to the music playing in your vehicle. We also have a projector that will project coordinating videos to the holiday songs. We also have a snowmachine making wonderful snow blasting all over the front yard. Plus many Christmas props that will light up and dance during the show.
Venice Christmas Figure Spectacular!
1085 Palms Blvd, Venice ca 90291
This was a great place to visit in 2022. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year. Tons of lights and large figures (probably 50 characters Disney and other cartoons as well as the classics).
Joy to the World House
1907 New Jersey Street, Boyle Heights 90033
This was a great place to visit in 2022. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year.
Sheffield Lights
1062 Sheffield Pl, Thousand Oaks CA 91360
Residential light show set to music on FM 87.9. Runs 5:30-9:30.
Map of all the Christmas Lights in Los Angeles and SoCal
MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
MZ
Friday 10th of December 2021
is this updated for 2021. some of the dates for the events on the eastside are dated to 2020?!?!?!?!? I like to follow momla.com but some stuff is overlooked unless it's on the westide.
the top of this article notes, "updated 2021".
Sarah Auerswald
Sunday 12th of December 2021
We do our best to update everything, but as you can imagine, there's a lot to do at the Holiday time, and we're a small business run by busy Moms, hoping you'll show us some grace as you point out the things we need to fix. We also make an effort to find things to do all over town, and I'm sorry if we didn't find enough this time.
Each of these places is for sure doing their light show this year, but it looks like we missed updating the dates in the descriptions.