Updated for 2024
Las Posadas is the celebration that commemorates the journey Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem as they searched for shelter in preparation of Jesus’s birth. It is a popular tradition throughout Latin America and there are several places in Los Angeles and Southern California that continue the tradition.
If you’ve never experienced one, the ritual involves a reenactment of the Holy Family going from place to place, seeking to be allowed entrance.
The group representing the Holy Family stands outside a series of houses, singing songs, asking for lodging. They are refused time and again until the group reaches the designated house. Finally, the travelers are permitted to enter. Prayer and song continue in the home, and festive foods are shared. The evening ends with a piñata in the shape of star.
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We hope you get the chance to experience Las Posadas this holiday season in Los Angeles.
Pretend City Las Posadas
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
A posada is an important Latino holiday tradition that happens all over the world on each of the nine nights before Christmas. Join the fun at Pretend City on Wednesday December 18th 2024 as families have a blast celebrating together through crafts and story time.
Las Posadas on Olvera Street
El Pueblo Historical Monument
125 Paseo de la Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Las Posadas celebration on Olvera Street is considered one of the oldest Christmas events in Los Angeles. For 9 nights beginning at 5:30 pm, beginning on December 16th through December 24th, families can watch or join a candlelight procession. The event will feature a candlelight procession starting at the historic Avila Adobe at approximately 7pm. There will also be a free theatrical performance of the classic Mexican comedy ‘La Pastorela‘ following each evening procession as well as the breaking of a children’s piñata.
Las Posadas Celebration
Heritage Park
12100 Mora Dr., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
This year, the City of Santa Fe Springs will host a Las Posadas celebration on December 16th 2024 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Bring the whole family out to enjoy this traditional cultural event as we take you through Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter through our guided, candle-lit procession through Heritage Park. As the last door is opened and shelter has been found, the celebration begins. Enjoy many of your favorite holiday carols sung in both English and Spanish throughout the night. Colorful performances by folklorico dancers and mariachi will take place on an outdoor stage and food will be available for purchase.
Las Posadas at KidWorks
1902 W. Chestnut Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92703
The Las Posadas celebration at KidWorks is a free family event and a local favorite. This colorful Mexican celebration takes place each December and includes food, dancing, singing and fun! December 8th 2024 from 5:30pm – 8pm.
Just Outside of LA but Worth the Drive!
Old Town San Diego
2454 Heritage Park Row, San Diego, CA 92110
The 66th Annual Las Posadas in Old Town San Diego on Friday, December 13th, 2024 at Heritage County Park. The festivities begin at 7:00 pm, offering neighbors and friends a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a time-honored celebration that echoes with centuries-old Mexican traditions and the warmth of the holiday season. Embark on a narrative pilgrimage alongside Joseph and Mary, as they seek shelter at different inns, represented by 6 specially placed stations within the Heritage County Park.
Mission San Jose
43300 Mission Blvd. Fremont, CA 94539
For 42 years, Las Posadas has been a Christmas-time tradition at Mission San Jose. It reminds everyone that joins of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and provides the local community music and geniality in the days leading up to Christmas. For 9 evenings, starting on December 15th, people meet on the porch of the Old Mission San Jose Museum at 6:00pm and proceed to a local business or site within two blocks singing Christmas carols as they go. It is encouraged to dress warm and bring a flash light.
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