Updated for 2023
As the air grows crisper and the nights longer, a wave of festive excitement sweeps through Southern California. ‘Tis the season when Los Angeles transforms into a winter wonderland, and the famed shopping malls and fabulous hotels and resorts across the region come alive with the magic of Christmas and holiday cheer.
Decking the Halls in Style at LA Shopping Malls and Resorts
Find Holiday Celebrations at SoCal Shopping Malls
Holiday Events at Santa Monica Place
395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica 90401
Santa Monica Place will once again transform into the ultimate winter wonderland destination with a variety of events, photo opportunities and performances.
See Santa:
Starting November 17, shoppers will be able to capture cherished moments with Santa himself as he makes his annual return to the center at Santa’s House. Festive lights and decor will also be back along with the iconic 50-foot Christmas tree in Center Plaza. Guests can also bring their furry friends along and visit Santa’s House for Pet Photos on December 13 and 14.
DJ Holiday Sets:
Shoppers are invited to join celebrate the festive season by dancing along to DJ Holiday Sets every Friday through Sunday in December in the same lively location.
Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with Santa returns this year on December 2, as well as captivating performances by the Beach Belles and Oceanaires on select dates in December.
Holiday Events at The Collection at RiverPark
2751 Park View Court, Oxnard 93036
- Tree Lighting Celebration
Wednesday, Nov. 15; 7-8 p.m.
There’s no better way to welcome the season than with a Tree Lighting Celebration! Head over to Collection Park for holiday entertainment provided by Music Freqs and Hip Hop Mindset, an extravagant tree lighting and a spectacular fireworks show. - Photos With Santa
Friday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Dec. 24
The holiday season isn’t complete without a family picture with Santa! Be sure to visit Santa’s Workshop at 620 Collection Boulevard to create special memories with keepsake photos that will bring holiday joy for years to come. Reservations are required and can be made online. - Letters to Santa
Friday, Nov. 17 to Saturday, Dec. 16
The Collection’s elves are back to help make sure every holiday wish list makes it to the North Pole. 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, next to The Annex Food Hall. 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 Dec.16. - Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt
Friday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Dec. 24
Explore every exciting nook and cranny of The Collection with a festive adventure. 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! - Santa Paws Pet Photo Nights
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19; 5- 8 p.m.
Four-legged fur friends are part of the family, and part of the fun! Every Tuesday, furry friends are invited to meet Santa for a photo at Santa Paws Pet Nights. Reservations required. - Black Friday
Friday, Nov. 24
Don’t miss out on amazing deals at popular shops and restaurants throughout The Collection, including our newest retail addition Aspire Bou., a boutique located on Town Center Drive. Before the big day, be sure to follow @thecollectionrp for gift ideas and special offers. - Small Business Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 26
Celebrate Small Business Saturday by paying a visit to local small businesses at The Collection! They are waiting with open doors and tons of great shopping, dining and service experiences to enjoy. - Holiday Cheer Instagram Giveaway
In need of some holiday cheer? Follow @thecollectionrp on Instagram for a festive giveaway to celebrate the season. - Peppermint Kids Club
Saturday, Dec. 2; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Everyone’s favorite holiday characters are stopping by The Collection once again for a morning of fun, sponsored by Sunny Smiles Dentistry for Children and Young Adults. Stop by Collection Park for arts and crafts, dance parties, and fun surprises. - Holiday Market
Saturday, Dec. 2; 12-5 p.m.
Get all the items on your holiday shopping list checked off while enjoying the festive Holiday Market atmosphere – head over to Park View Court to explore all the holiday offerings!
Holiday events at all the Caruso Properties
The Americana at Brand, 889 Americana Way, Glendale 91210
The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles 90036
The Promenade at Westlake, 140 Promenade Way, Thousand Oaks 91362
Palisades Village, 15225 Palisades Village Lane, Pacific Palisades 90272
The Commons at Calabasas, 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas 91302
- Nightly Snow Flurries
A cherished community tradition, Caruso introduces Southern California snowfalls at The Americana at Brand from November 16 through Christmas Day and The Grove beginning on November 25 through the end of the year. Both properties will transform into winter wonderlands with snowfalls every night at 7pm and 8pm. - Tree Lighting Spectaculars
The 22nd annual “Christmas at The Grove” Tree Lighting Celebration returns on November 13 at 7pm, featuring a star-studded show of musical performances by David Foster, Katharine McPhee and other special guests. The Promenade at Westlake will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 17 at 7pm, featuring a whimsical holiday show and family-friendly event, complete with musical performances, snow, fireworks and a very merry welcome from Santa Claus. - Santa’s Back in Town
Arriving from the North Pole, Santa returns to spread merriment and the magic of the season with Caruso guests. Meet Santa himself during a visit to Santa’s House at The Americana at Brand beginning November 17; at Santa’s Cottage at The Promenade at Westlake on November 18; and at Santa’s Workshop at The Grove beginning November 20. Capture the experience with keepsake photo packages and memories through December 24. Reservations are open November 6 and advance bookings are highly encouraged; walk-in reservations are subject to availability. - Holiday Strolls
Palisades Village brings back its annual Holiday Stroll on December 2 from 11am-7pm. Spirited music and merrymaking will spill onto Swarthmore Avenue creating a pedestrian-friendly town center with live holiday performances, gentle snowfalls, photo moments with Santa Claus and more throughout property. - Menorah Lighting Ceremonies
In partnership with the Chabad Jewish Community Center of Pacific Palisades, Palisades Village will once again host its Menorah Lighting Ceremony on December 7 at 6pm. Celebrating the first of eight nights of Chanukah, the festivities will begin at 4:30pm and include family-friendly activities, musical entertainment and traditional refreshments, followed by greetings from City officials and blessings from Rabbi Zuche. The Commons at Calabasas will host its annual Menorah Lighting Celebration on December 12 at 6:30pm, providing a magical and safe joining place for community members to gather and celebrate the significant holiday. The evening will consist of live musical entertainment, family-friendly activities, Chanukah treats and the lighting of the menorah, concluding with a dazzling firework show. - In addition to the two scheduled Menorah Lighting Ceremonies at Caruso properties, Palisades Village, The Grove and The Commons at Calabasas will host a nightly lighting of the menorah from December 7 to December 15.
Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90040
You’ll find many holiday events at the Citadel Outlets this holiday season.
- November 11 – Citadel Outlets’ 22nd Annual Tree Lighting Concert
Citadel Outlets is hosting its 22nd Annual Tree Lighting Concert on November 11 in Center Court. Starting at 5 p.m., the free concert features original pop songs and holiday favorites, with a special visit from Santa Claus to light California’s Tallest Live-Cut Christmas Tree (115 ft.) for the first time this season. Followed by the first snowfall of Snowy Nights, a nightly snow show spectacular, this family-friendly concert is holiday tradition you won’t want to miss! Remember to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to CHiPs for Kids. - November 23 – Early Access Black Friday Sale
You’re invited to an all-night shopping party at Citadel Outlets! Enjoy the best deals of the season starting as early as 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day from select retailers, with all stores welcoming shoppers at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, November 24. Black Friday and extended hours will continue through the weekend. Participating stores and hours are subject to change, for the most up-to-date list of opening hours for the Early Access Sale, please visit CitadelOutlets.com/events. - November 25-December 17, Fridays through Sundays – CHiPs for Kids Annual Holiday Toy Drive
The CHiPs for Kids Annual Holiday Toy Drive is returning to Citadel Outlets, running from November 25 through December 17, Fridays through Sundays. Shoppers are encouraged to drop off a new, unwrapped toy in the bin located at Customer Service to share the holiday magic with a child or teen in need. - November 25-December 23 – Photos with Santa
Santa’s house has been flown in from the North Pole to Citadel Outlets! Santa Claus will be at the center for photo opportunities daily starting November 25 through December 23. Hours may vary, visit CitadelOutlets.com/events for additional details. - December 2 – Santa’s Big Day
Citadel Outlets is hosting its second annual “Santa’s Big Day!” on Saturday, December 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., an exciting and interactive event the whole family will love! Start the day off with a ticketed pancake breakfast overlooking California’s Tallest Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree with Santa and his friends followed by a day of free games and activities throughout the center. Enjoy talented Christmas carolers, story time with Mrs. Claus, themed photo opportunities, a scavenger hunt and more! - December 3 and 10 – Santa Cares
Creating a safe and welcoming space for all families during the holiday shopping season is of the utmost importance for Citadel Outlets, which is why the center is bringing back its beloved Santa Cares program. This seasonal event gives guests with special needs the opportunity to enjoy their visit with Santa without distraction. To make visiting with Santa more manageable for children with various disabilities, the music will be turned down and the lights will be dimmed on December 3 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For added convenience to families who cannot wait in line, Citadel Outlets will be using a reservation system for these Santa visits and will provide a quiet waiting area for families.
Holiday Fun at The Point
850 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., El Segundo, CA 90245
- Sun & Sea at The Point – Small Business Saturday
Save the date for one of our favorite markets of the year: Small Business Saturday! This Christmas market will be full of local vendors with the best gift ideas, Santa photos, toy drive and so much more. - Snow Showers at The Point
Enjoy magical snow flurries on the grass every Saturday in December between 6pm-8pm. Snow Flurries will take place every 30 minutes, and last for approximately 5 minutes. - Holiday Block Party & Toy Drive at The Point! Benefitting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
The Point is partnering with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for a Holiday Block Party and Toy Drive on December 16th! Guests are welcome to donate a new toy or household item and in return receive a shopping and dining passport to unlock special holiday incentives at The Point shops & restaurants including discounts, free gifts, enter to win promotions, sweet treats and more. Plus, The Point will be buzzing with performances and fun for the entire family including story time with Mrs. Claus, a short performance of The Nutcracker and more.
SoCal Resorts and Hotels with the Holiday Spirit
Holiday Events at Terranea Resort
100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Terranea Resort the holiday season with luxe hospitality and special celebratory offerings for everyone who visits. Memorable events at Terranea Resort during the 2023 holiday season include:
- Terranea Gingerbread Lounge in the Lobby Lounge – Saturday, November 25, to Friday, January 3; weekdays from 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 10 p.m. (Santa visits on the weekends only.) On Saturday, November 25, at 1 p.m., Terranea Resort unveils its holiday, one-of-a-kind, walk-up merrily decorated pop-up Gingerbread Lounge – located in the resort’s Mediterranean-style Lobby Lounge.
- Magical Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Terranea’s Front Drive Fountain – Saturday, November 25, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Terranea Resort officially heralds in the holiday season by cordially inviting guests from far and near and the whole Palos Verdes community to participate in all the oceanfront festive merrymaking with complimentary admission to its joyous lighting of a majestic 30-foot dazzling holiday tree with its glittering star topper. Admission is complimentary; attendees are kindly asked to donate an unwrapped gift to Toys for Tots.
- Succulent Wreath Workshop – Every Sunday throughout December from 2 to 3:30 p.m. At Terranea’s pointe discovery, guests can create a festive and unique succulent wreath to take home for holiday decorating. A skilled activity leader will assist, and price includes all materials and instruction. $125 per wreath; reservations available online at terranea.com/traditions.
- Winter Solstice Hike – Thursday, December 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. Hikers meet outside Pointe Discovery to embark on a four-mile guided hiking tour along the enchanting Alta Vicente Trail to end at historic Point Vicente Lighthouse. This is a wonderful excursion for hikers seeking lots of adventure and plenty of picturesque Pacific views. $75 per adult and $35 per child (ages five to 17). Reservations available by calling The Spa at 310.265.2740.
- Ho-Ho-Hole In One Putting at The Links – Sunday, December 24 to Sunday, December 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Season’s greetings from the green at award-winning The Links oceanfront course. Visitors ages six and up can practice their putting game with a variety of slopes, plateaus and ridges, complete with some festive obstacles. Complimentary for all participants.
Holidays on The Hill
The Hill Los Angeles, 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City 91608
The Hill | Los Angeles, a new captivating sprawling oasis across eight acres atop the heart of the Hollywood Hills–announces “Holidays on The Hill,” a month-long celebration beginning Dec. 1 which will feature a variety of events, photo packages for Santa’s Workshop located at the Hilton’s Club Patio, and an inaugural holiday festival extravaganza. Santa photos must be booked in advance – running from December 1-25. Holidays on The Hill: Festival will run from Dec. 7–10, Dec. 14–17: an enchanting holiday jamboree at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City. Located where the pool once stood, this outdoor market-style event is a dreamy wonderland filled with faux snow, delectable treats, activities, games, and heartwarming holiday cheer.
Holiday Movie Nights at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood
1400 N. Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Kicking off on the evening of the Hollywood Christmas Parade (November 26th), The Godfrey’s 12,000 square foot I|O rooftop–featuring a 60-foot projection mapping video wall, two bars, swimming pool, fire pits, and unbeatable 360-degree views of the city–will showcase holiday themed movies throughout the season. Reservations via Eventbrite include access to the rooftop, reserved seating, complimentary popcorn, cotton candy, and blankets. Additional F&B, including holiday-themed cocktail specials, is also available. The movie line-up of holiday classics includes:
- 11/26 – Nightmare Before Christmas
- 12/7 – Elf
- 12/13 – Office Christmas Party
- 12/21 – Christmas Vacation
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa Magical Holiday Season
44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA 92210-9971
Complimentary Resort Merrymaking Pastimes
Throughout the resort; various times
Special celebratory holiday offerings at Renaissance Esmeralda include a host of complimentary merrymaking pastimes including letter writing to Santa, a delightful evening punch bowl ritual, hot chocolate and s’mores by the fire, cookie decorating, engaging holiday-themed trivia nights, mesmerizing magic shows, stocking decorating and a visit from Santa Claus over the Christmas weekend. Additionally, guests can indulge in a caricature artist’s talents, partake in kids’ holiday crafts, unwind during movie nights and savor the Desert Glow Happy Hour, among other delightful experiences. Check their website for details.
Renaissance Esmeralda Celebrates the Holidays and Indian Wells Winterfest
December 1 through January 1, 2024
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa joins the annual Indian Wells nighttime Winterfest for a spectacular Southern California holiday celebration by creating inspired activities and experiences to complement this extraordinary community holiday festival. Winterfest experiences include tree lighting on December 2; Winterfest disco roller-skating rink for children and adults with disco and classic holiday tunes; drinks and games at a special pop-up inflatable, light-up Igloo Bubble Bar; outdoor snow globes to rent with firepits; holiday cookie and candy truck; Shots in the Night at the Indian Wells Golf Course with seven putting greens; interactive games, holiday films, music, snacks and drinks; and photos with Santa.
No Matter Where You Go, There’s Plenty of Holiday Fun to be Found in SoCal
Seasonal Shopping Galore
Of course, holiday shopping remains a central attraction at these malls. Southern California’s shopping destinations boast a diverse range of stores, from luxury boutiques to well-known retailers, ensuring you can find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Many malls offer extended shopping hours during the holiday season, making it easy for even the busiest shoppers to find time to browse and purchase.
The Joy of Giving Back
In the spirit of giving, many Southern California malls participate in charity drives and events during the holiday season. You can make a difference in your community by participating in toy drives, food donations, and other charitable activities organized by these malls, spreading the true essence of the season.
So, grab your peppermint latte, put on your coziest scarf, and join us as we unwrap the joy of Christmas and holiday events at Southern California shopping malls. It’s time to make unforgettable memories and embrace the holiday spirit in this sunny corner of the world.
Shopping malls are not just places to hunt for the perfect gift; they are also vibrant hubs of holiday activity. With twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and joyful melodies filling the air, these malls offer much more than just retail therapy.
Southern California is renowned for fantastic shopping, with high-end mall experiences around most corners. And while many parts of the country are blanketed in snow, Southern Californians get to enjoy a mild and sunny Christmas. This unique blend of coastal beauty and traditional holiday festivities sets the stage for unforgettable experiences at shopping malls throughout the region.
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