Updated for 2024
From bustling city centers to idyllic coastal towns, Southern California’s Christmas tree lighting events are a beacon of hope and unity that capture the essence of the season. These events are not just about illuminating towering evergreens; they are about kindling the warmth of community spirit, fostering togetherness, and creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies to Start the Christmas Season in Southern California 2024
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Santa Monica
Thursday, November 21st | 6 p.m.
Downtown Santa Monica transforms with festive lights and decorations adorning the Third Street Promenade, 2nd and 4th Streets for the holiday season. Santa will make a special appearance for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, where he will illuminate the official City of Santa Monica holiday tree (located on the 1300 block of Third Street Promenade between Santa Monica Blvd. and Arizona Ave.) along with live entertainment from local choirs, a special performance of the Nutcracker, and “snow” on Third Street Promenade.
Downtown LA’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Downtown LA kicks off the holiday season with performances on ice at the Pershing Square Ice Skating Rink plus a sneak peek of the musical, Wicked. Stick around for the annual tree-lighting ceremony and then hit the ice with friends and family!
Cool Yule Tree Lighting Ceremony
Paséa Hotel & Spa, 21080 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Join us on the Paséa Hotel & Spa Ocean Lawn for a magical holiday tree-lighting event at the beach. Enjoy a dazzling performance from the Orange County Performing Arts Center holiday carolers, Santa visits, photo opps, and shopping with local vendors as we light our 30-foot Christmas tree overlooking Pacific Coast Highway. Visitors will be welcomed with complimentary hot cocoa upon arrival, and are invited to nosh on other themed bites and delights during this seaside holiday experience. Free to the public. $15 valet parking for all attendees (with event wristband). Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Related: See all the 2024 Christmas and Holiday Events
Magical Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Terranea Resort
100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Saturday, November 30, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 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, dazzling holiday tree with a glittering star topper at the Front Drive Fountain. Admission is complimentary; attendees are kindly asked to donate an unwrapped gift to Toys for Tots. The event features entertainment, sweet treats, and festive activities for the whole family.
Related: Where to get a Christmas Tree in SoCal
LA County Tree Lighting Ceremony
Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
December 2nd, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.: Bring the whole family, grab your friends and co-workers for the L.A. County Tree Lighting on Jerry Moss Plaza! From decking our halls and theatres to gathering around a magnificent tall tree dressed in its holiday finest, it’s going to be a sensational start to a season of celebration in Downtown Los Angeles.
Related: Get Photos with Santa Claus
Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Grove
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036
The 23rd annual “Christmas at The Grove” Tree Lighting Celebration returns on November 25th at 7 p.m., featuring a magical evening of musical performances featuring legendary music director Rickey Minor and other special guests, hosted by Lance Bass. Presented in partnership with Revolve, the celebration will conclude with the lighting of a beautiful 100 foot tall white fir Christmas tree, set against the backdrop of a wintery snowfall, an exciting drone show, and a sparkling fireworks show.
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. 25th, summoning the sights and sounds of the season with the 9th Annual Tree Lighting in the station’s historic Ticket Concourse — the first time this section of the station has been open to the public during the holiday season.
This year you can enjoy live performances by Kingston Ska Orchestra and Los Rebeldes Romanticos, presented by Metro Art. There will also be family-friendly activities, arts and crafts at the “North Pole” on the North Patio, and a chance to get photos with Santa. See their website for more info. This is a free event and is open to the public.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Promenade at Westlake
140 Promenade Way, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
The Promenade at Westlake will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 22nd at 7 p.m., featuring a whimsical holiday show and family-friendly event, complete with musical performances, fireworks, and a very merry welcome from Santa Claus. Guests are encouraged to come early at 4 p.m. and enjoy strolling entertainment through the center, along with a curated Holiday Market with treats and in-store specials from nearby retailers and restaurants.
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel — Holiday Events
One Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, CA 92629
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel annual tree lighting celebration returns on Sunday, November 24th, from 4 – 7 p.m., and promises to be the most magical kickoff to the holidays! This year’s tree lighting event will again be held on Dana Lawn, overlooking the ocean. Join us for an evening filled with holiday performances, sumptuous fare, and seasonal activities for the whole family all while revelers await Santa himself to light the majestic tree.
Guests will have the option to make a donation to our holiday charity partner, Surfers Healing, an organization that aims to enrich the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing. Tickets are required for entry to this event and can be purchased online.
City of Covina Tree Lighting Ceremony
Heritage Park, 400 N. Citrus Ave, Covina, CA 91723
Come out to Covina on November 22nd, 2024, at 6 p.m. for their annual tree lighting ceremony. This free event will feature horse-drawn wagon rides, children’s train rides, crafts, letters to Santa, holiday carolers, a hot chocolate bar, photos with Santa, and more!
Related: See Christmas Lights and Light Shows in Los Angeles
Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Procession
Plaza Park, Intersection of Glassell & Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92866
Head to the City of Orange on Sunday, December 8th for their annual tree lighting ceremony and candlelight choir procession. The music begins at 5:15 p.m. and admission is free to the event.
Christmas Tree Lighting — City Hall of Laguna
30111 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Join us for the City of Laguna Niguel’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 7th at 5 p.m. Experience the holiday magic with an evening full of games, crafts, performances, Christmas treats, and a visit from Santa.
Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration
Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The annual Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration will take place on Thursday, November 14th from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring a variety of special performances. Continuing a holiday tradition on Rodeo Drive, thousands are expected to gather on the iconic, palm tree-dotted luxury fashion street to be among the first to see this year’s holiday lights and decor-themed, “Rodeo Nights, Holiday Lights”!
“The street will come alive with musical guests, candy cane street sweepers, nutcracker stilts, roller skating performers, and more festive surprises,” including, of course, Santa Claus. The evening will end with a grand finale of fireworks set on a backdrop of luxury boutiques.
Tree Lighting at 2nd & PCH
6400 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90803
Light Up the Night – Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival – November 21st, 6 – 9 p.m.
Join us for an unforgettable evening at 2ND & PCH as we kick off the holiday season with the Tree Lighting and the Santa Arrival! Get ready to be amazed by the magical atmosphere and the twinkling lights that will light up the night. Bring your family and friends to witness the grand moment when the magnificent tree comes to life in all its glory.
And guess who’s coming to town? Yes, it’s the one and only Santa Claus! Watch as Santa arrives in style, spreading joy and cheer to all. Don’t forget to bring your cameras to capture this special moment with the jolly old man himself! It’s an event you don’t want to miss!
Citadel Outlets – Lighting of California’s Tallest Fresh Cut Christmas Tree
Citadel Center Court, 100 Citadel Dr., Commerce, CA 90040
All is wonderful and bright in Southern California as Citadel Outlets kicks off the holiday season with its 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Concert on Saturday, November 9th. Santa Claus will lead the countdown to lighting California’s tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree (115 ft and featuring over 18,000 light bulbs!) and the concert will feature performances from Indie pop artist Spencer Sutherland.
This free family-friendly holiday tradition is the jumpstart to many seasonal events hosted at Citadel Outlets throughout November and December, including the center’s nightly snow show spectacular and additional appearances by Santa Claus. Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted for CHiPs for Kids.
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Santa Fe Springs
Soaring Dreams Plaza (Telegraph Rd. & Pioneer Blvd.), Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Kick off the holiday season by joining us for our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 7th, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Soaring Dreams Plaza (Telegraph Rd. and Pioneer Blvd.). There will be crafts, activities, food vendors, and a frosty snow sledding area for all ages. Don’t miss a photo opportunity with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa’s elves. Santa will be available for photos for those kids eager to tell Santa their Christmas wishes.
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, happening on Sunday, December 1st, is full of fun and holiday surprises for the whole family. A wonderful variety of seasonal-inspired drinks and treats will be available including hot chocolate, cider, and a dessert bar. Entertainment includes a petting zoo, winter crafts, a horse-drawn trolley, tractor rides, cookie decorating, and more. There will also be photos with Santa, face painting from his elves, and the exciting lighting of the tree.
SoCal Christmas Traditions
Here in SoCal, where palm trees sway against a backdrop of endless sunshine, the arrival of the holiday season casts a magical transformation over the landscape. As the days grow shorter and the air becomes cooler, communities throughout the region come together to celebrate one of the most cherished traditions of all: lighting up the night with the splendor of Christmas trees.
Nothing kicks off the holiday season better than watching as the Christmas trees are lighted!
Southern California’s Christmas tree lighting events are as diverse as the region itself. While you won’t find snow-covered streets or horse-drawn sleighs, you will discover a unique blend of holiday magic that embraces the area’s distinctive charm.
Families, friends, and neighbors can unite to watch as these beautifully decorated Christmas trees are lit up for the season, often accompanied by carolers and festive treats.
You can expect to find festive music and lively performances that bring joy to the hearts of attendees. Many events offer hot cocoa, seasonal treats, and opportunities to meet Santa Claus himself, creating magical moments for the young and young at heart.
Local businesses, schools, and organizations often come together to sponsor and participate in these celebrations. This collaborative effort reinforces the strong bonds that tie communities together and serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back during the holiday season.
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.
