50+ Christmas and Holiday Events in Los Angeles

Updated for 2023

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.

Looking for: Las Posadas, outdoor ice skating, where to see Santa Claus, Hanukkah celebrations, Christmas boat parades? We’ve got those and more! Plus — take a peek at our annual Holiday Gift Guide for Los Angeles Families and our Made-in-Los Angeles Gift idea list.

Christmas and Holiday Events in Los Angeles and SoCal for 2023

Winter Fest OC 2023
OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr. Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival, transforms 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 24, 2023 – January 7, 2024. 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, and the magical “North Pole Journey” experience where visitors can embark on a guided quest to become a certified elf, filled with wonder and interactive discoveries along the way. Additional attractions include 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.

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. 

Elf in Concert 
The Peacock Theater at LA Live, 777 Chick Hearn Ct, Los Angeles 90015

The spirit of the holidays is making a grand entrance in Los Angeles! This holiday season, experience Elf in Concert at the Peacock Theater on December 17th. Celebrated composer John Debney, creator of Elf’s heartwarming score, will personally conduct a full symphony orchestra performing his music live to picture, projected onto a 40-foot movie screen. 

Elf tells the heartwarming story of Buddy, a human raised among Santa’s elves. As an adult, he embarks on a journey to New York in search of his real father, bringing with him an infectious holiday spirit. Los Angeles, get ready to welcome the magic of Buddy the Elf at the Peacock Theater on December 17th!

Christmas and Holiday Events from Last Year that Haven’t updated their information yet. Stay tuned!

Illuminate Silverlakes
Silverlakes Sports Complex
5555 Hamner Ave., Norco, CA 92860

Attend an enchanting, family-friendly outdoor Christmas party on select evenings from November 25^th–December 30^th, 2022 from 6 pm–10 pm. You’ll enjoy visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music, festive light displays, and other fun activities along with delicious holiday treats. You can park on-site for a fee. There are a limited number of advance discounted tickets available now through October 31^st. Check the website for tickets and more details.

Related: See Holiday Light Displays in SoCal

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!

Related: Find Hanukkah Celebrations in SoCal

Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights
Irwindale Speedway & Event Center
500 Speedway Dr., Irwindale, CA 91706

Open to the public from December 1^st – January 1^st, 2023, the Irwindale Speedway and Events Center will host the highly anticipated return of its Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights Experience, a limited engagement immersive and interactive holiday lighting extravaganza that is poised to be one of the biggest and brightest the Southland has ever seen.

But, in honor of its third anniversary, the Speedway will be putting an all-new spin on the experience by making it entirely walkable — to immerse families from the moment they arrive into the magical world of Christmas. They’ll come face to face with some of the most jaw-dropping Christmas scenes and holiday-themed vignettes from Mobile Illumination (the company responsible for some of the most notable malls, movie studios, and theme park Christmas Extravaganzas in Los Angeles.)

Holiday Events in Moorpark and Ventura

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, Holiday Store, and Reindeer!

Snow n Glow Holiday Festival
Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001

Experience all the fun and warm feelings the Snow N Glow Holiday Festival has to offer with live entertainment most nights as well as delicious tasty eats. Adults and kids alike can experience this piece of winter magic while playing in the freshly made snow and tubing in real snow — without having to head up to the mountains.

Private igloos are available to reserve on select nights. Go for a refreshing stroll through the Holiday Light Display. Experience a winter walk through over one million light displays that will have you feeling as though you’re at the North Pole.

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. November 28^th–December 12^th.

Related: See all the Nutcracker Ballet performances in Los Angeles

2022 Camarillo Christmas Parade
Community Center
1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo, CA 93010

The parade starts at 10 am, Saturday, December 10^th. 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 60 years of service in the Camarillo community and would like to use the Camarillo Christmas Parade to celebrate “60 Years, Through the Decades”. 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.

Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum
Holiday Family Faire
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290

Just in time for the holidays, the Holiday Family Faire will include festive music, food, drink, stories, an Artisan Holiday Marketplace, and performances including aerialist Lexi Pearl! The event will take place December 10^th, 2022, from 11 am–5 pm, (Rain Date: December 17^th). Tickets are required.

Holidays at The Collection at RiverPark
2751 Park View Ct., Oxnard, CA 93036

Exciting things are happening at The Collection at RiverPark throughout the holiday season, bringing new entertainment opportunities and tons of fun for all ages and interests. Shopping center visitors will have numerous opportunities to enjoy live music and strolling carolers too.

The Collection’s elves are back to help make sure every holiday wish list makes it to the North Pole. From November 19^th to December 18^th, families can bring their own custom cards or write their special message on a complimentary postcard available at Guest Services. Letters to Santa should be dropped off in the special North Pole mailbox located on Collection Boulevard. The Collection will help carefully deliver letters written to Santa to ensure they are mailed and received at the North Pole, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will reply to every letter that has a return address and is placed in the mailbox by December 18^th.

You can also explore every exciting nook and cranny of The Collection with a festive adventure from November 19^th through December 24^th. The fun begins at Guest Services on Park View Court, where guests can pick up their Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt. From there, guests are invited to find all the hidden gingerbread before returning their completed scavenger hunt to Guest Services to be entered to win a holiday surprise!

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 Sunday, December 4, 2022, 11am-7pm. 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. (Sing-Along runs from 11:30-1pm.)

Holiday Events in Pasadena, Arcadia, Glendale

Red Chair Productions Nutcracker Performances
Alex Theatre
216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91203

Designed to captivate all from the youngest audience member with its lavish sets, glittering costumes, and storytelling narration to the oldest with its quality ballet production, Red Chair Productions’ Nutcracker is truly a magical way for all ages to experience the holidays. Red Chair Productions is a non-profit based in Los Angeles, whose mission is to increase access to the arts through performance opportunities, community engagement, and program support.

Related: Easy Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas

Kidspace Children’s Museum Winter Frolic
480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103

Starting November 18th and running through January 8th, 2023, 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: See Holiday Shows in Los Angeles

Teddy Bear Tea
The Lobby Lounge at The Langham Huntington Hotel
1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106

This beloved annual event is back for the first time since 2019! Kids and adults alike will savor an enchanting afternoon of seasonal sandwiches, scones, and sweets, plus enjoy a holiday puppet show and a visit from Santa Claus! Each child will receive a teddy bear to take home as a memento. Offered December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17–24, seatings at 10 am and 1 pm on each date.

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 3rd 2022, from 12-5pm! 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! Free live music from acts such as Quitapenas (1pm), Las Cafeteras (4pm), DJ William Reed (all afternoon), as well as a special Selena tribute performance by Dreaming of You (2:30pm).

Christmas Events in Beverly Hills

Holiday Events at the Peninsula Beverly Hills
9882 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Throughout the entire month of December, Peninsula Beverly Hills will be hosting the iconic Holiday Afternoon Tea.  The hotel is proud to partner with The Easter Seals to support individuals with disabilities in our Southern California community. A portion of the proceeds for Afternoon Tea throughout the month of December will go directly to fund programs and services for children with autism, supporting The Peninsula Hotels’ ethos of helping those within our community in need and preparing our youth for the future. Reservations will be $135 a person. 

On December 1st, hotel guests are invited to the Tree Lighting in the Living Room from 6pm-8pm, for lights, music, cocktails, and canapes. Similarly, guests will be invited to the Hanukkah Lighting and Reception on December 18th from 6pm-8pm. 

From December 19th-24th, the hotel will be hosting a countdown to Christmas, where hotel guests will be serenaded by Carolers with Christmas Classics! 

Celebrate the Holiday Season at the Beverly Center
8500 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

‘Tis the season at Beverly Center! The center will celebrate the holidays with a series of interactive and immersive experiences, including:

• Complimentary Santa Photos (November 25 – 26; December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17)
• Holiday Entertainment (November 26 – 27; December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18, 12–5PM)
• In the Present Holiday Display in Grand Court (November 15 – December 31): Our larger-than-life holiday display will feature a 35 ft. tree, contemporary mirrored gift boxes and light-up installation that makes for the perfect holiday photo!
• Find Ginger (December 1 – December 12): Ginger, Beverly Center’s resident gingerbread character is hiding somewhere in the center. Guests can look out for daily riddles on the Beverly Center Instagram for hints. The first 10 people to locate the hiding space and snap a picture will receive a $25 Beverly Center gift card.
• Hanukkah Celebration (December 19, 5:30-7:30PM): Join us as we partner with Chabad of WeHo West for live music, arts and crafts, & more in Grand Court, Level 6.

Related: Find places to go Ice Skating in Los Angeles

Christmas Events in Compton

City of Compton’s 67th Annual Christmas Parade
Begins at Compton Blvd/Bullis Rd., ends at Alameda St.

The City of Compton will be holding their annual Christmas Parade on December 10th at 11 am beginning at Compton Boulevard and Bullis Road and ending at Alameda Street. This year’s theme will be “A Miracle on Compton Boulevard.”

Christmas Events in Culver City

Downtown Culver City’s Annual Tree Lighting
Town Plaza in Downtown Culver City, CA 90232

Come to Culver City for a spectacular free celebratory show featuring a 22-foot artificial Rocky Mountain pine adorned with 7500 warm LED lights, a special visit from Santa, Festive holiday game booths, and Cookie treat bags from Downtown businesses. you can see Santa Claus as he makes a very special visit, bringing the North Pole here to Culver City! Special performances by local students from Culver City schools help us spread the holiday cheer.

Teddy Bear Tea at the Hilton Los Angeles Culver City
6161 West Centinela Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230

On Saturday, December 17th, adults and children alike can enjoy a special high tea service of teas, hot chocolate, scones and assorted sandwiches along with a meet & greet with a live teddy bear. Each child will also receive a special teddy bear gift to take home in partnership with Build-a-Bear workshop. Children are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy with them to donate to Culver City Fire Department’s holiday toy drive. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Christmas Events in Riverside

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 25^th, 2022, and run through January 6^th, 2023. 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.

Related: See Holiday Lights in SoCal

Castle Park: Duke’s Very Merry Village
3500 Polk St., Riverside, CA 92505

Duke’s Very Merry Village is returning to Castle Park for this holiday season. Enjoy beautiful lights through the park, delicious holiday treats, unlimited rides, and our very own snow show! Duke has set the park for the holiday season and everyone is invited to come and celebrate. 
Santa Claus himself is going to be here on select mornings for brunch inside the park. Duke’s Very Merry Village will begin on November 19^th and end on January 8^th, 2023. It’s the most “fun-derful” time of the year and you do not want to miss out.

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.

Christmas Events in Big Bear

Skypark Santa’s Village Holiday Events
28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385

What’s happening this year? From November 17^th – January 8^th here are a few events you can enjoy:

• 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
• Magic Shows
• Puppets
• Crafts

See the enchanting magic of Wacko the Magician, and stick around for one of their puppet shows. Or, go winter Glamping! Rent one of the luxurious, renovated, themed Airstreams in their RV Camping Resort across the street. PLUS see our Santa Visit list to find out when the Jolly Old Elf will be in town!

Christmas Events in the South Bay and Orange County

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 3^rd–30^th, 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.

Related: Enjoy the Christmas Boat Parades in SoCal

Dana Point Harbor Holiday Events
Dana Point Harbor
34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629 

Dana Point Harbor goes all out, with a huge holiday light display, visits with Santa, and more! Get in the holiday spirit and enjoy holiday carolers as they stroll through the harbor. Visitors are invited to participate in Dana Point Harbor’s events starting November 16^th. Take a photo in front of one of the many light installations throughout the harbor, enjoy the Harbor Lights Cruise on select Friday and Saturday nights, take boat rides with Santa, and attend the 47th Annual Boat Parade of Lights. Look for more details on their website.

Pretend City Christmas Celebration
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Stop by Pretend City on December 23rd to engage in fun holiday traditions from around the world, meet Santa, and warm your heart with a Christmas adventure story! Art (all day): In the Philippines, lots of people celebrate with a beautiful parol! Make your own parol ornament out of paper, string, and tissue paper! In Japan, people also give gifts to each other, but they use an eco-friendly cloth called furoshiki! Using cloth and markers, make your own eco-friendly wrapping that you can give to a loved one this holiday season! 

Snow Flurries At The Point
850 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., El Segundo, CA 90245

Enjoy a magical holiday! “Join us November 25^th–December 23^rd on every Friday and Saturday from 6 pm–8 pm for Magical Snow Flurries happening every 30 minutes! Plus every night from December 19^th–23^rd. Snow Flurries will take place on the grass and happen every 30 minutes starting at 6 pm until 8 pm.”

Torrance Memorial Medical Center Family-Friendly 39th Holiday Festival
Torrance Memorial Medical Center, 3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance 90505

Torrance Memorial Medical Center will host its 39th annual family-friendly Holiday Festival fundraiser returns from November 29 to December 4. Featuring 32 themed, decorated trees, live entertainment, the South Bay’s largest holiday boutique, opportunity drawing, children’s activities, and food court.  General admission is $5. 

Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA 92869

‘Tis the season for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. 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. Tickets go on sale on November 7^th.

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel — Holiday Events
One Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, CA 92629

Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting: The resort kicks off the most wonderful time of the year with the annual holiday open house and tree lighting on Sunday, November 20, 2022. Festivities include a special appearance from Santa Claus and the official lighting of the 40-plus foot decorated tree from the Pacific Northwest. Holiday cookies and hot chocolate are complimentary and guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to Miracles for Kids; canned goods and non-perishable food items to benefit the Orange County Rescue Mission; as well as pet toys and treats for local pet shelters. The event is complimentary.

Holiday Tea: Mondays through Thursdays from November 28^th to December 15^th The RAYA will serve tea from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm. Winter petite sandwiches and pastries will also be served.

Holiday Brunch: On December 4^th, 11^th, and 18^th, 2022 a holiday brunch will be served from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm. You can enjoy both savory and sweet delights as well as items from their à la carte menu inspired by flavors of the season.

Gingerbread Workshop: The pastry team will help guests decorate a gingerbread house on December 4^th. Participants will receive a large-scale pre-built gingerbread house, candy, icing, and more.

Santa Story Time: Santa will tell classic Christmas tales to little ones on December 9^th, 10^th, 16^th, and 17^th.

Teddy Bear Tea: On December 10^th you can have an enchanting holiday afternoon with Teddy Bear Tea. Lively entertainment and a delightful tea menu will be included.

Winter Fest OC
88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Winter Fest OC, SoCal’s largest winter festival returns to Costa Mesa from November 25^th through January 1^st. there will be live entertainment, ice skating, ice bumper cars, oversized holiday decor, photo opportunities, more than a million lights, and more. Included in the ticket price is an immersive walk-through experience, “North Pole Journey”, that guides guests to North Pole Village on an important mission to meet Santa and save the holidays.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Tree Lighting Festival
34843 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, CA 92591

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s outdoor Tree Lighting Festival is full of fun and holiday surprises for the whole family. A wonderful variety of seasonal-inspired dishes, assorted Christmas cookies, and other delicious desserts will be available, along with a hot chocolate and cider station. Entertainment includes Christmas carolers and a DJ playing holiday music. There will also be tractor rides, horse and carriage rides, arts and crafts, photos with Santa, and the exciting tree lighting, which begins at 6 pm.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is proud to be an official Toys for Tots drop-off location and encourages guests to bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to less fortunate kids on Sunday, November 27^th, from 5 to 8 pm. Tickets are required for this event and will be on sale through the online store.

Here’s our list of places for Snow Play this Winter!

Holidays at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA 92802

Experience the most magical time of year with celebrations throughout both parks from November 11^th, 2022 to January 8^th, 2023! You can see the Disney Festival of Holidays and ¡Viva Navidad! at Disney California Adventure Park, with plenty of fabulous treats to feast on — and Santa comes for a visit, too! Disneyland hosts the famous “it’s a small world” Holiday, Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks, the Christmas Fantasy Parade, and more!

Knott’s Merry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620

The holiday spirit shines even brighter at Knott’s Merry Farm this year, taking place from November 18^th through January 8^th. You’ll get to see a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland, jumbo snowflakes, and activities for families inspired by the spirit of the holidays. Plus there will be shows like Home for the Holidays, and the beloved ice show starring the famous beagle, and world-class ice skaters in Merry Christmas, Snoopy! Catch the nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the enchanting Snow and Glow experience, a Christmas light show throughout Camp Snoopy, plus so much more. 

Related: Things to do on Christmas Day in Los Angeles

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!

Magic of Lights
Empire Polo Club
81800 51^st Ave., Indio, CA 92201

Running from November 18^th–January 1^st, 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.

Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

South Coast Botanic Garden’s Astra Lumina will be an out-of-this-world event brought to you by Moment Factory and Fever this holiday season. Running from December 8^th, 2022–January 15^th, 2023, Astra Lumina will be an enchanted night walk amongst the stars lasting around an hour and fun for all ages. With projections, lighting, food, beverages, music, and a transformed Garden featuring thousands of lights it’s sure to take your breath away. Tickets are on sale now.

Christmas Events in Temecula

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.  

Christmas Events in San Diego

Holidays at Legoland
1 Legoland Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008

Sparkling lights trim the buildings in Fun Town as it transforms into a winter wonderland! Guests can revel in the world-famous LEGO Christmas tree, standing 30 feet tall and constructed out of more than 245,000 forest green DUPLO® bricks. The tree is adorned with more than 400 LEGO ornaments and 11,000 LED lights shining through the winter nights.

Guests wanting to snap the perfect holiday card photo can pose with life-size LEGO models of Santa and his reindeer in Fun Town or with their favorite festive costume characters which include LEGO Santa, LEGO Toy Soldier, and the LEGO Gingerbread Man. Holidays at Legoland will be open from November 19^th through January 8^th, 2023.

Christmas Events in Los Angeles

Aquarium Holidays
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 90802

Aquarium Holidays festivities run from December 3^rd through the 23^rd, featuring festive décor, shopping, snowfall in the Great Hall, and appearances by Santa Diver and Aquarium characters in their holiday outfits. On weekends December 3^rd through 18^th, the Aquarium will have photo opportunities with Santa. Also during Aquarium Holidays, the Aquarium will host a Kwanzaa celebration and Hanukkah storytelling.

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! Also beginning this year, selected parks will double their fun with Mega Snow days, which will bring up to 80 tons of snow to Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park, Val Verde Park, Belvedere Park, El Cariso Park, Loma Alta Park, Ted Watkins Park, Roosevelt Park and Valleydale Park.

Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plz., Universal City, CA 91608

Beginning Friday, November 25^th, and running daily through Sunday, January 1^st, 2023, the holiday festivities at Universal are included in the price of admission. Families can enjoy both “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas.”

Union Station Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Union Station has never been brighter. The iconic downtown destination returns as a hub for the holidays on Nov. 29th, summoning the sights and sounds of the season with the Annual Tree Lighting under the stars…See their website for more info.

Holiday Wonderland at Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market, 317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles 90013

Free family-friendly event running December 3rd, 2022 to December 31st, 2022. The holidays are almost here and we can’t wait to celebrate with you, in Los Angeles! Beginning Saturday, December 3, join us for a month of holiday spirit at Grand Central Market. There is lots to see and celebrate with food, friends, family, and fun from special appearances with Santa to Instagrammable photo moments, holiday workshops, live music, and more. Check out the website for the full schedule and details.

The Hollywood Christmas Parade
In the Heart of Hollywood, on Hollywood Blvd.

The Hollywood Christmas Parade is back in 2022 for its 90^th annual event and will take place on Sunday, November 27^th at 6 pm. 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 Events in Santa Monica

Holidays at Santa Monica Place Mall
395 Santa Monica Pl., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Santa Monica Place will transform into a winter wonderland and offer an array of festive activities for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season. Santa’s coming to town on November 19 and taking residence in the brand-new Santa House in Center Plaza through December 24. Visitors will have the chance to take photos with Santa and shoppers can bring their four-legged friends to meet Santa during Pet Nights on December 14th and December 15th. Pre-booking reservations are now open. 

Throughout December, visitors and shoppers will catch special holiday entertainment by the dancing sensation, Santa Monica Beach Belles, a cappella performances by the Oceanaires, as well as DJ holiday sets, all set around the 50-foot iconic Christmas tree and festive décor in Center Plaza. Nightly menorah lightings will take place December 18 – 26 to celebrate the Festival of Lights during the Hanukkah season.

Holiday Cheer on the Pier Locals’ Night
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica 90401

Revel in the season’s magic with this month’s Locals’ Night activities, happening on December 15th from 3-9pm. Take photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, be serenaded by the SAMOHI Choir, catch the annual holiday Bob Baker Marionette shows, and even participate in our Ugly Sweater Contest. Bring your holiday spirit and your ugliest sweater for an unforgettable night with your Santa Monica Community.

Want to Get Photos with Santa Claus? Check out our list of places.

See our list of Las Posadas for more!

MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles

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