Updated for 2023
Southern California is home to the top theme parks in the world and we’re lucky to be able to visit all year long. But there is nothing like the Holidays.
Celebrate the Holidays and enjoy all the magic these SoCal Theme Parks have to offer at this festive time of year. The decorations are always amazing, and of course, there are plenty of treats!
When the holiday season rolls around, these parks transform into enchanting wonderlands filled with festive lights, decorations, and memorable experiences.
Celebrating the holidays at a theme park in Southern California is a fantastic way for families to create lasting memories and embrace the spirit of the season.
SoCal Theme Parks Celebrate the Season
- Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Legoland California
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- Sesame Place San Diego
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Castle Park
- Sea World San Diego
To make the most of your holiday theme park adventure, consider purchasing special tickets or packages that offer early access, skip-the-line privileges, and exclusive experiences. Many parks also offer dining packages with festive meals and character dining experiences, allowing families to dine with their favorite holiday characters.
Celebrating the holidays at a theme park in Southern California is an unforgettable experience for families, sure to make lasting memories. From the enchanting decorations to the festive entertainment and thrilling rides, these parks offer a unique and magical way to embrace the holiday spirit.
Whether you’re exploring the magic of Disneyland, the whimsy of Universal Studios, or the charm of Knott’s Berry Farm, you’re sure to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Read on to see all the Fun Family-friendly Holiday Happenings at these LA Theme Parks.
Christmas and Holiday Events at SoCal Theme Parks
Holidays at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA 92802
Disneyland always goes all out for the holidays. You’ll see millions of twinkling lights, garlands, and themed decor. Main Street’s shop windows are always beautifully-decorated, there’s always a giant tree, and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is transformed into a shimmering ice palace.
Experience the most magical time of year with celebrations throughout both parks starting November 10th, 2023 through January 7th, 2024.
Classic rides like “It’s a Small World” and “Haunted Mansion” always get a holiday twist, and Jack Skellington is one of the stars. The acclaimed Disney Festival of Holidays takes place at Disney California Adventure Park and is a celebration of many cultural traditions, including Christmas, Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day.
Related: Our Family Visit to Disneyland for Christmas
¡Viva Navidad! returns to Disney California Adventure Park for its 10th season. There are new menu items at Paradise Grill, Mexican folklórico dance performances, and mariachis, too.
Disneyland hosts the famous “It’s a Small World” Holiday, “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks, the Christmas Fantasy Parade, and more.
Even more fun: Mickey Mouse and some of his friends will be wearing all-new outfits this year, just for the Holidays. And you can pose for photos with Santa Claus himself, who will appear throughout Disneyland Resort at various times through December 24th, when other pressing matters take priority.
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Universal Studios Hollywood unwraps spectacular Holiday entertainment this season with the return of “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas,” featuring an All-New Who-Bee Doo-Wops Musical Performance, beginning Friday, November 24, 2023, and running daily through Monday, January 1, 2024. All holiday activities are included in the price of theme park admission.
The village of Hogsmeade is transformed with merry décor of shimmering lights, decorative garlands and festive wreaths. Guests can take delight in special holiday a cappella performances from the Frog Choir, stroll through the village shops while sipping delicious hot Butterbeer™ or savor festive fare at Three Broomsticks™.
Beginning at dusk each night, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle” will dazzle with stunning imagery as the impressive light projection show illuminates Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, bringing the iconic Hogwarts™ castle to life and infusing the land with the sounds of an arrangement of music from the Harry Potter film series.
The spirited “Grinchmas” Who-bilation also returns with an all-new daytime performance featuring theWho-Bee Doo-Wops group, Who-ville’s latest musical sensation rocking out to hip-swinging, bell-ringing holiday classics for the Whos and guests to enjoy.
The familiar and festive topsy-turvy 65 foot-tall “Grinchmas” tree, adorned with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights will stand tall within Universal Plaza, entertaining guests with a nightly tree lighting ceremony and snowfall flurry, bringing good tidings and season’s greetings to all.
Adding to the theme park activities, Universal CityWalk Hollywood will be dressed for the holiday season with spirited décor and a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree featuring more than 200,000 LED lights. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen presents a new seasonal milkshake, available both at the Foundry milkshake bar and in the dining room. The ever-popular Voodoo Doughnut will entice guests with delicious seasonal flavors to celebrate the holiday spirit.
Related: 10 Reasons to visit Universal Studios at Grinchmas Time
Holidays at Legoland
1 Legoland Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008
The Holiday season is kicking off and running on select dates starting November 18th through January 7th, 2024, when LEGOLAND® California Resort will become a winter wonderland.
Stroll through the Park and be greeted by an iconic LEGO® tree, and new LEGO® characters, LEGO Snowman and LEGO Reindeer. Take Christmas card photos in front of the larger-than-life LEGO wreath, sing and dance along during Benny’s Ugly Sweater Party, sample Granny’s Apple Fries with a holiday twist, and watch the sky illuminate with festive fireworks on select nights.
Festivities include:
- Peppermint Plaza: Meet and greet with a LEGO Toy Soldier, sing along with The Mint Marching Band, and get some holiday shopping in at The Big Shop.
- Merry Mistletoe Town: Step back into a classic Christmas with the traditional and cozy décor in Merry Mistletoe Town. Be sure to try the Merry Mini Beignets.
- Wizard’s Winter Hill: The Wizard has cast a spell over Castle Hill making it a wintery kingdom. Sample seasonal treats like exclusive peppermint ice cream, seasonal rice pudding and crêpes, and a special Yeti milkshake topped with holiday donuts!
- Holidays in Miniland: Say hello to LEGO reindeer and play some reindeer games. Enjoy some sweet treats and listen to some of your favorite holiday songs at the Jingle Jamboree.
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 17th through January 7th, 2024. 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. Catch the nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the enchanting Snow and Glow experience, a Christmas light show throughout Camp Snoopy, plus so much more.
It offers a charming experience with live entertainment, festive decorations, and unique holiday-themed food. Shop at the Christmas Crafts Village, offering one-of-a-kind gift ideas, or see a magical Snow and Glow experience, dancing to the beat of holiday music.
Guests can experience Santa’s Christmas Cabin, a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and can indulge in traditional holiday classic foods with a twist, including a Merry Farm favorite, crispy breaded turkey balls filled with perfectly seasoned stuffing and sweet cranberry sauce.
Six Flags Magic Mountain Holidays in the Park
26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia 91355
On select evenings from November 23 – December 31, 2023, you can experience enchanting holiday magic for the entire family at Holidays in the Park! Featuring musical shows, twinkling lights, holiday treats, Santa, and much more.
Sesame Place A Very Furry Christmas Celebration
2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista, CA 91911
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place is a festive, family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends. On select dates starting November 10th and running through January 7th, 2024, the park will be transformed into a festive winter wonderland filled with holiday magic and surprises.
Guests will enjoy Sesame Street Christmas shows, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, the Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party, and exciting rides and attractions.
There will be games, special food and beverage, unique holiday merchandise, and one-of-a-kind photos with your Sesame Street friends dressed up in their holiday best!
A family photo with Cookie Claus is a must this season! Everyone’s favorite furry and feathered friends will be dressed in their holiday best for Christmas photos around the park.
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. Duke’s Very Merry Village will run November 18th – January 7th, 2024. New this year we will have a live musical show called Duke’s Holiday Wish featuring our park mascot, Duke, and Santa Claus. Our snow and light show will be back on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Our Antique Cars ride will be rethemed as Holiday Lane with seasonal decorations. On Saturdays and Sundays we will offer brunch with Santa Claus. It’s the most “fun-derful” time of the year and you do not want to miss out.
Sea World San Diego
500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
SeaWorld San Diego offers a unique holiday experience by the sea. Starting on November 17th and running daily through January 7th, 2024, their “SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration” features mesmerizing live shows, like “Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special” and the “Shamu Christmas Miracles.”
The park also features a stunningly lit 320-foot Christmas tree and a festive market with seasonal treats. Enjoy SeaWorld’s iconic SkyTower lit up as San Diego’s largest Christmas tree during the duration of the event.
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.
