Updated for 2025
The holiday season is officially here, and Southern California is ready to celebrate! Families have a variety of ways to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah in Los Angeles during this festive time of the year! There are so many fun Christmas and holiday events in Los Angeles listed here, there’s sure to be something for everyone in your family to love.
Delightful Christmas and Holiday Events in Los Angeles for 2025
Winter Fest OC — Updated for 2025!
OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival, transforms the OC Fair & Event Center into a magical winter wonderland with the region’s one and only outdoor ice skating trail, ice tubing slide, and a real snow play area filled with endless delights. Select dates from November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026. From free play to snowball throwing zones, sledding for the little ones, and a mesmerizing snow carousel, Winter Fest OC offers a winter wonderland like no other. Winter Fest OC promises endless opportunities for memory-making fun for kids and adults alike.
General admission tickets include the fan-favorite thrilling 150-foot-long, 9-lane ice tubing slide, real snow play, interactive character meet and greets, live stage performances, a nightly tree lighting celebration with snow flurries, dazzling light displays, and much more.
Related: Volunteer Opportunities During the Holidays
Holiday Thursdays on Third Street Promenade
Third St. Promenade, 1300 Block (between Santa Monica Blvd. and Arizona Ave.)
Each Thursday in December until Christmas, enjoy “festive fun” with hot cocoa, shopping, live music, “snow”, holiday decor, and more on the Promenade.
Holiday Family Faire
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290
Bring your family to the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum on Saturday, Dec. 13th, from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (Rain Date: December 20th). This event will be filled with carolers, singing madrigals, and other performers roaming the grounds. Theatricum company members will tell winter holiday stories from a variety of traditions. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to take family photos. An artisan marketplace will offer holiday gifts and crafts, and festive food and drink will be available for purchase.
Plus, you can purchase add-on tickets to see It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry at 5:00 pm. “This staged reading is performed in the tradition of a 1940s live radio broadcast, complete with Foley sound effects created live on stage and unforgettable performances by Theatricum’s Company and special guests”. Proceeds benefit the Theatricum’s Repertory and Education Programs.
Related: See The Rose Bowl Parade
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Southern California Railway Museum
2201 S. A St., Perris, CA 92570
If you want to experience a magical train ride, just like in the movie, book your one-hour adventure soon. Passengers will be served hot chocolate while on their journey as well as enjoy a reading of the book. And, of course, everyone will get to meet Santa!
Jingle & Mingle
Pasadena Playhouse, 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101
The event will be a festive, campus-wide community celebration transforming every corner of the theater into a joyful holiday experience. Guests of all ages can attend performances, make crafts, sing along, explore behind the scenes tours, and take family photos under the Playhouse’s Christmas tree.
The artistic centerpiece of the day will be two ticketed performances given on the Playhouse Mainstage (a 1:00 PM Matinee and a 5:00 PM Evening Performance) featuring the Pasadena community—blending music, storytelling, and guest appearances as well as performances from the Playhouse’s robust education programs. As Feldman recently relayed to the Los Angeles Times, “When we were making the bold choice of purchasing back this building, it wasn’t just about restoring an old theater.” Jingle & Mingle is a celebration of community and a moment to come together in support of the arts.
Jingle & Mingle will culminate in a grand-finale tree-lighting and snow moment in the historic Courtyard following the 5:00 PM performance. Tickets and RSVP information for all Jingle & Mingle activities are available now Saturday, December 13 | Jingle & Mingle Holiday Show: 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM on the Playhouse Mainstage. Jingle & Mingle Holiday Open House: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Playhouse.
Tickets: Performance tickets are $15 per person ($10 for Members) & all tickets include your RSVP for the Holiday Open House. The Holiday Open House is FREE for all – RSVP required. (RSVPs for the Holiday Open House do not include tickets for either Holiday Show performance. Performance tickets booked separately.)
Related: Get Christmas Dinner Takeout
Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel
Crown Valley Pkwy., between Moulton Pkwy and Niguel Rd, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Join us for the City of Laguna Niguel’s annual Holiday Parade on December 13th! The parade features entries cars, marching bands, and more! Be sure to stick around to see Santa pay the City a visit!
Related: Where to Buy Holiday Cookies and Treats
The Hollywood Christmas Parade
In the Heart of Hollywood, on Hollywood Blvd.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade is back for its Annual event and will take place on Sunday, November 30th. Starting on Hollywood Blvd. at Orange Drive, the parade runs east to Vine St., then south to Sunset Blvd., and then west, ending at Sunset and Orange Drive. Complete with marching bands, floats, balloons, equestrians, and of course, celebrity hosts!
Christmas on the Farm
Underwood Family Farms
3370 Sunset Valley Rd., Moorpark, CA 93021
Christmas on the Farm is happening, with California Sleigh Rides, The Holiday Train, Holiday Arts & Crafts, Animal Shows, the Holiday Store, and Reindeer!
Related: Easy Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas
Letters to Santa
Community Center Park
1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo, CA 93010
Write a letter to Santa and drop it in the big red mailbox at the Community Center and he will write a letter back to you! Local children are invited to embrace the holiday season’s excitement and write their special messages to the Jolly Old Elf.
A giant red mailbox, created especially for Santa’s mail, will be placed outside of the District’s Administrative Office at the Community Center. Have your child write a letter, bring it to the Community Center, and pop it inside Santa’s very own mailbox. Be sure to bring your camera for this great holiday-themed photo opportunity.
Related: Where to buy a Christmas Tree
Pretend City Winter Solstice + Christmas Celebration
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Stop by Pretend City in December to celebrate Christmas and have special storytime with the authors of delightful children’s books. DIY craft time for kids, too. Check the website for details.
Related: Find Holiday Fun Runs in SoCal
Camarillo Christmas Parade
1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo, CA 93010
The 2024 parade takes place on December 13th. Beginning at Temple Ave., the Parade travels down Las Posas, turning onto Carmen Dr., and ending at the Community Center. This year, the District is celebrating years of service in the Camarillo community and would like to use the Camarillo Christmas Parade to celebrate. There will be bands, floats, autos, horses — and Santa Claus! Plus, from 9 am–2 pm, you can shop in Santa’s Village with local vendors.
Holidays in the Village: Holiday Sing-Along & European Marketplace
4061 Lakeview Canyon Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Join the City of Westlake Village in partnership with the Westlake Village Rotary Clubs for the annual Holiday Sing-Along and Marketplace on Sunday, December 7th. Experience a traditional European winter festival with us at Holidays in the Village, a European Marketplace. Immerse yourself in the festive warmth of the Holidays as you stroll through our Artisan shops showcasing their wares, sample an array of authentic fresh European foods and baked goods, enjoy a warm mug of mulled wine, Kinderpunsch or specialty crafted brews, and introduce the kids to Kris Kringle’s Village.
Kidspace Children’s Museum Winter Frolic
480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103
Kidspace Children’s Museum will transform into a land of wonder and delight at its first annual Winter Frolic. Seven weeks of family holiday fun specifically designed for little ones. The Winter Frolic offers a flurry of experiences and programs, including a no-ice Sock Skating Rink. Sock skating is the ideal challenge for beginning skaters who can slide and spin without bothering about blades. For an additional fee, go “ice fishing” in the Kidspace Interpretive Arroyo Stream or build a fantastical winter sculpture using special “ice blocks,” or children can decorate their very own snowflakes at the Kidspace Winter Craft Station.
Related: Winter Camps for Holiday Break
South Lake Avenue Holidayfest!
South Lake Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91101
Pasadena’s South Lake Avenue kicks off its holiday celebration with family-friendly activities around the district this December 6th! The South Lake Avenue HOLIDAYFEST! features free admission to live music, holiday activities, in-store promotions, raffles, free photos with Santa and holiday characters, snow globe-making stations, cookie decorating, ornament decorating, plus shopping and dining experiences, and more!
Related: Where to get Tamales for Christmas
City of Compton’s Annual Christmas Parade
Begins at Compton Blvd/Bullis Rd., ends at Alameda St.
The City of Compton will be holding its annual Christmas Parade on December 13th, beginning at Compton Boulevard and Bullis Road and ending at Alameda Street.
Candy-Making Demonstrations
Logan’s Candies, 125 W. “B” St., Ontario, CA 91762
This year, make buying candy canes an event! Visit Logan’s Candies in Ontario, where they’ve been making candy “the same way since 1933.” Get your candy canes straight from the factory! And you don’t have to just settle for traditional peppermint flavor (red and white). This year you could be adventurous and try a root bear flavor (brown, orange, and yellow in color). Also, their candy canes range in size from 6 inches to 6 feet! Check their Facebook page for details.
Torrance Memorial Medical Center Family-Friendly Holiday Festival
Torrance Memorial Medical Center, 3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505
Torrance Memorial Medical Center will host its annual family-friendly Holiday Festival fundraiser December 2-7. Featuring 32 themed, decorated trees, live entertainment, the South Bay’s largest holiday boutique, opportunity drawing, children’s activities, and food court.
Related: Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA 92869
‘Tis the season for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. November 28 – December 23. Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the brightly-lit train station and drop passengers off at the North Pole.
Children can share their wish list with Santa and have their photos taken with him too. You may take pictures with your personal camera or you may purchase a photo taken by Irvine Park Railroad.
Related: Our Annual Holiday Gift Guide
Skypark Santa’s Village Holiday Events
28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385
What’s happening this year? From November 14 – January here are a few events you can enjoy. Reserve your tickets in advance. See the website for times, prices, and details.
- Breakfast with Santa: a fun-filled meal with the Jolly Old Elf Himself.
- Mrs. Claus’ Tea Party: Enjoy tea and storytime with Mrs. Claus
- Village Lights Spectacular: Every night at sundown, dazzling lights light up the night with festive holiday music
- Seasonal Flavors and Sights: Special holiday meals, snacks, drinks, and more await in Santa’s Village
- Cookie Decorating: Have a merry time and decorate cookies at the Sky Trading Company
- Crafting with Santa’s Elves
Related: Where to Play in the Snow Near LA
Holiday Programs at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
415 Avenida Granada San Clemente, CA 92672
Among this year’s highlights is the Teddy Bear Christmas Tea on Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m., a heartwarming new event designed for children and their favorite grown-ups. Guests will enjoy dainty tea sandwiches, sweet seasonal treats, and festive beverages served on elegant tiered trays surrounded by whimsical teddy bear centerpieces. The afternoon features live holiday music by Lark Knowles and a visit from Mrs. Claus herself, who will delight guests with a reading of The Night Before Christmas.
Families can experience the magic of The Nutcracker by Ballet Academy & Movement on December 4 and 5 at 7 p.m., tailored specifically to the intimate setting of Casa Romantica’s newly reopened Main Salon. On Sunday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Family Sunday: Christmas Open House offers free admission for families to explore Casa Romantica’s decorated spaces, write letters to Santa, and enjoy a morning of holiday fun along the coast.
The festivities continue with Casa Romantica’s signature celebration, Christmas Nights at the Casa, taking place December 12, 13, 19, and 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. Families can stroll through the illuminated gardens, sip hot cocoa or coffee from High Tide Coffee, and make s’mores under the stars. Each evening will feature live performances, including the South County Community Handbell Choir (Dec. 12), young artists from Community Outreach Alliance (Dec. 13 & 19), and the OC Sound Chorus (Dec. 20). The Casa Romantica Gift Shop will also showcase one-of-a-kind gifts and Casa-exclusive candles, adding a perfect touch of local artistry to the holiday season.
The month concludes with the Coffee Concert with High Tide Coffee on Friday, December 19 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., featuring live music by Corey Angeli. It’s a cozy morning of ocean views, warm beverages, and seasonal melodies offering a peaceful way to close out the year on a high note.
These Events Have Not Yet Updated Their Information for 2025 (Check back again soon)
Related: Holiday Toy Drives for Giving Back
Temecula Chilled
Old Town Temecula and around Temecula Valley, CA 92590
Head out to Temecula Chilled, a magical winter festival that captures the warmth, beauty, and festive spirit of the Temecula Valley during the holiday season. From Santa’s Electric Light Parade to the New Year’s Eve Grape Drop in Old Town, a fantastic line-up of activities and events will delight visitors and residents alike. In addition to Old Town, the entire Temecula Valley comes alive during the holidays. The cool weather allows for many outdoor activities: hiking, biking, hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, and ice skating during the holiday season.
Aquarium Holidays
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Aquarium Holidays festivities happen in December, featuring festive décor, shopping, snowfall in the Great Hall, and appearances by Santa Diver and Aquarium characters in their holiday outfits. On weekends, the Aquarium will have photo opportunities with Santa. Also during Aquarium Holidays, the Aquarium will host a Kwanzaa celebration and Hanukkah storytelling.
Nightly Snow Flurries at The Grove
189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036
A cherished community tradition, Caruso introduces Southern California snowfalls from November 25th through through the end of the year. The Grove will transform into a winter wonderland with snowfall every night and Santa sightings, too.
Winter Fest at Hollywood Park
The Shops at Hollywood Park, 1213 S. District Dr., Inglewood, CA 90301
Get ready to mingle and jingle at the third annual Winter Fest at Hollywood Park. This year’s event promises a day of holiday cheer, family fun, and community spirit. Highlights include a farmers’ market (opens at 9 a.m.), holiday arts and crafts, a vendor village, live entertainment, and more. This free event is open to the public on Saturday, December 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All are welcome!
Winter Wonderland at 34 LA County Parks
It’s Park Time L.A. County! Parks After Dark returns (starting December 2nd) with an enchanting Winter Wonderland experience that will bring holiday cheer and 40 to 80 tons of snow to 34 L.A. County Parks in the month of December. Local parks will be transformed into wintry paradises complete with sled runs, photo opportunities, snack stations, holiday treats and a craft village where children can decorate their own holiday stocking!
Families should plan to arrive early at their local park for a toy giveaway for ages 0-17, while supplies last. New this year to the Winter Wonderland experience is a Teen Zone where young adults can enjoy their own space to hang out with their friends, create and design art, listen to music, silkscreen holiday shirts and make their own personalized Santa hat!
MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles
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.
