Updated for 2025
The magic of the season can best be felt when people gather to do something special for their community; there’s just something about twinkling lights that really gets you in the holiday spirit. And because this is Los Angeles, there are tons of super creative light displays to enjoy.
In the spirit of the season, we made a list of the best neighborhoods and attractions to see Christmas lights in Los Angeles. Happy Holidays!
Where are Christmas Lights Near Me? See our Map!
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Related: Special Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Christmas and Holiday Lights Shows all over SoCal — Updated for 2025
Magic of Lights
Empire Polo Club
81800 51st Ave., Indio, CA 92201
Running from November 18th to December 31st, 2025, from 5:30 pm – 9 pm (Sun – Thu) and 5:30 pm – 10 pm (Fri – Sat), 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! Want to go more than once? They also have season passes for sale. The route is paved with thousands of light displays, and all reports are that it’s delightful.
There’s a special “start of the season” sneak peek for a limited time from November 10th to 14th, with special pricing to match, so you can see the lights before the season officially opens.
Imaginarium Fairplex
1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
Your family will want to “follow the yellow brick road” and visit the all-new interactive holiday light experience, Imaginarium Fairplex. This event promises to be an enchanting evening full of holiday cheer. Imaginarium’s holiday display will launch on Friday, November 21st, featuring over 20 acres full of never-before-seen holiday-themed experiences, lights (more than five million!), beloved characters, dazzling holiday displays, synchronized music and light shows, carnival treats, and more.
Imaginarium will be open to the public for a limited time through the holiday season from Friday, November 21st, through Sunday, January 4th, 2026, and will be open from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Check their website for additional details and ticket information.
2nd and PCH Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival
6480 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90803
On Thursday, November 20th, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, you and your family can enjoy the sparkling lights at the 2nd and PCH annual tree lighting and Santa arrival event. There will be liver performances, crafts, fireworks, and more.
Enchant
Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Dr., Arcadia, CA 91007
Get your tickets now to “the world’s largest Christmas light maze” to be held from November 21st through December 28th. This immersive, magical holiday event will feature towering light sculptures, a real ice-skating trail, a sparkling snow slide, and millions of twinkling holiday lights. But there’s more to enjoy, including live entertainment, a Christmas village, artisan gifts, seasonal treats, Santa, and story time with Mrs. Claus.
Astra Lumina
South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
Experience a visit from the stars through projections, lighting, and music. The Queens Botanical Garden will be transformed into an immersive, outdoor, multimedia, enchanted world that awakens the imagination. Inside the experience, guests will be guided on an illuminated nature pathway with a photo booth, gift shop, and food and beverage options available for purchase at the end. This event runs from November 6th through December 31st. Get Tickets with our affiliate link!
Hikari at Tanaka Farms
5380 3/4 University Dr., Irvine, CA 92612
On Wednesdays through Sundays, join in a celebration filled with joy and light from Sunday, November 28th, through Sunday, December 28th! Loosely translated, Hikari means “shine” in Japanese, and this holiday season, we have really made Tanaka Farms shine with thousands 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!
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 19th to December 30th. Families will enjoy “festive programming and a nightly tree lighting.” Additionally, you can get some great family photos, 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 are on sale now.
Enchanted: Forest of Light
Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
From November 16th to January 4th, 2026, Descanso Gardens will transform into the breathtaking Enchanted Forest of Light, taking you on a captivating one-mile journey through stunning light displays set amidst the serene beauty of nature.
This year, you can discover exciting light displays that spark awe and wonder. Prepare to be amazed as the garden comes alive with lighted sculptures and glowing fields. Tickets on sale now. Children under 2 are admitted free of charge.
Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
The Inaugural Fire and Ice Festival kicks off a season of holiday fun at Newport Dunes with an opening night celebration on November 28th, from 4 – 9 pm, alongside the Annual Lighting of the Bay, and runs daily through January 4th, 2026.
Fire & Ice Festival’s opening night celebration on November 28th, enjoy live musical performances, fire dancers, ornament decorating, a holiday photo booth, and much more. Santa will take center stage at 6 pm during the 35th Annual Lighting of the Bay ceremony as he flips the magic switch to illuminate the bay with more than fifty floating holiday decorations, marking the official start to the holiday season. Sip hot cocoa and cider while watching an outdoor screening of a holiday movie to wrap up the evening.
Candlelight Walk + Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Ring in the holiday season at OC Parks’ Heritage Hill Historical Park this December with two festive weekends of family-friendly fun at Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights.
- 39th Annual Candlelight Walk
Experience the decorated grounds during special park hours and explore the historical buildings decked out with holiday lights and décor at the 39th annual Candlelight Walk, December 5th – 7th, from 5 to 9 pm. Celebrate the joy of the holidays with live musical performances from carolers and brass band musicians, holiday crafts for kids, and an opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Refreshments will be available for cash purchase. - Holiday Lights
The joy continues the following weekend with the return of OC Park’s Holiday Lights, December 12th – 14th, from 5 – 9 pm. Delight in twinkling light displays and snap pictures in front of a variety of holiday-themed photo opportunities. Pets are welcome to join in the merry festivities outdoors, on leashes no longer than six feet. Please note that additional entertainment and refreshments will not be available during Holiday Lights.
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 22nd and run through January 6th, 2026. The free, six-week-long “holiday extravaganza” features “one of the nation’s largest holiday light collections” of its kind.
The Hotel will be illuminated with over 10 million holiday lights! In addition, the Festival of Lights features festive decorations, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, food, vendors, and more. Access to the inside of the hotel is reserved for guests of the hotel and restaurants.
Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting
Pacific and Windward Avenues, Venice, CA 90291
Head to the Beach and see the 14th Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting Event. This free, family-friendly event, featuring over 100+ local businesses, is set for December 6th, from 6 – 9 pm at Pacific and Windward avenues. This year, the street will close for live music, games, and family-friendly activities that promise a good time will be had by all.
LA Zoo Lights — Animals Aglow
5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027
L.A.’s brightest holiday tradition returns from November 13th through January 11th for the 2025/2026 season. They’ll have fan favorites plus exciting new elements to delight and entertain, including glowing lanterns depicting the wildlife of Southeast Asia. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy interactive displays, a giant walk-in kaleidoscope, and seasonal treats and cocktails. There will be photo ops plus a carousel to ride.
Dana Point Happy Harbor Days
Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629
Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) is spreading holiday cheer by hosting the annual holiday light display, consisting of over 700,000 LED lights, set to illuminate the Harbor beginning November 12th through January 4th, 2026. Each night throughout the holiday season, the Harbor’s magnificent light display will illuminate the evening sky for guests of all ages to enjoy.
DPHP is proud to provide holiday lights for the community, including an all-new harbor entrance, giant whale sculptures, lighted palm trees, Christmas trees, a giant Adirondack chair, and the popular “Merry Kiss Me” arch. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy strolling carolers, holiday-themed photo ops, visits with Santa, waterfront restaurant offerings, boutique holiday shopping, and more.
Marina Lights at Burton Chace Park
Marina del Rey, CA
Take a stroll through Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park this holiday season and enjoy it, decorated with holiday lights. Throughout December, you’ll be able to see the festive decor and delight in the season. Get more info about their annual Christmas Boat Parade featuring boats with sparkling holiday lights. And they’re bringing back their family-friendly New Year’s Eve event, GLOW, as well — See their article for more information.
Related: Where to buy a Christmas Tree in Los Angeles
Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc
700 S. Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90017
“Experience a magical holiday show as 18 million hues of lights illuminate the night and synchronize to festive tunes.” Sparkle DTLA features many great photo opportunities, a 32-foot Christmas tree, a 16-foot holiday ornament, and more. This event is free. The nightly light show happens on the hour at 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 pm. This special event starts on December 7th and runs through December 31st.
Nature Nights
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
This holiday season, your entire family can enjoy outdoor lights, music, and art at the same time, from November 26th to December 27th. Nature Nights will have large-format light projections, illuminated sculptures, and artistic lighting for an “experience like no other”. A variety of food and beverages will also be available. Check the website for additional details.
Related: Where to get photos with Santa Claus
Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting and Roundhouse Aquarium Open House
Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the Annual Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting on November 19th from 3:00 – 8:30 pm. There will be holiday music, shopping, and dining to start the holiday season in Manhattan Beach.
As the center of the light show, Roundhouse Aquarium will host an extended hours open house event with a complimentary hot chocolate and cookie station, games, and all kinds of interactive touch tanks and marine exhibits for the whole family to enjoy. The event is free, but donations of any amount to the aquarium are always greatly appreciated.
Related: Things to do in Downtown Los Angeles with Kids
Christmas and Holiday Light Displays at Private Homes
Westchester Mental Health Guild’s Annual Fundraiser Holiday Lights Tour & Contest
Westchester and Playa del Rey (Map provided with donation)
From December 12th through 28th, between 5 – 9 pm daily, experience the joy of the Holidays with a self-driving tour for Westchester Mental Health Guild’s Fundraiser supporting Airport Marina Counseling Service. Get your loved ones in the car, put on your holiday music, buckle up & enjoy viewing the dazzling lights from your vehicle within the Westchester and Playa del Rey communities. Happy holidays!
Private Home in Sherman Oaks
14858 Round Valley drive Sherman oaks California 91403
Hillside home lots of lights (:
Related: Find 40+ Christmas and Holiday Events in SoCal
Seaside Holiday Lights
Near PCH and Calle Mayor in Torrance, CA 90505
Operated by the residents and members of the Seaside Neighborhood Association, this light display has been going strong for 30+ years. Park nearby and walk along to see all the magic (but remember — this is a residential neighborhood and there are no public bathrooms). See their website for parking maps and more info.
Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade
Daisy Ave. between PCH and Willow St., Long Beach, CA 90802
Daisy Avenue in Long Beach begins the holiday season with an annual parade. Families can enjoy an enchanting Christmas Village featuring nativity scenes and more. The parade begins December 13th at 5:00 pm.
Christmas Tree Lane, Altadena
Lights: Santa Rosa Ave. between Altadena Dr. and Mariposa St., Altadena, CA 91003
Tree Lighting Ceremony: Corner of E Mariposa St & Santa Rosa Ave, Altadena, CA 91003
Christmas Tree Lane is considered the “oldest large-scale Christmas lighting spectacle in the United States.” For more than 90 years, the deodar trees along Santa Rosa Avenue have been decorated with thousands of lights.
This year, the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony will be back on Saturday, December 6th, at the corner of E Mariposa St. and Santa Rosa Ave! Winter festivities start at 3 pm and last until 9 pm with the lighting ceremony at 6 pm. The holiday spirit will be plentiful in this Altadena neighborhood. Check their website for the latest updates.
Related: Where to go Ice Skating in Los Angeles
Harbeck Lights
1215 Tropical Ave., Pasadena, CA 91107
Harbeck Lights’ animated Christmas Light Show, featuring over 100,000 channels of RGB color-changing pixels, will amaze your senses! The show is a true Light Show that runs on a 16-minute loop with the lights synced to both classic and new Holiday songs. The show is known for its custom animations on a mega LED screen featuring retro 8-bit video game characters with classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Mario, and many more! Enjoy more animated crowd favorites such as Santa, Rudolf, Jack Frost, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Jack Skellington, and on and on!
Lilley Hall Toluca Lake
10104 Moorpark St., Toluca Lake, CA 91602
This is a historic home with hundreds of vintage collectibles and often has 50,000+ lights. It must be seen — it’s fantastic!
Christmas and Holiday Light Displays at Private Homes—Not Confirmed for 2025
Holidays on Hortense
10804 Hortense St., Toluca Lake, CA 91602
Over 1,500 ornaments twinkle and sparkle as the front door’s crown jewel, welcoming holiday visitors into a winter wonderland with a herd of magical reindeer, a massively oversized wreath, and 40 feet of dazzling giant snowflakes.
Haberman’s Holiday Magic
3343 Chatwin Ave, Long Beach, CA 90808
The holiday light show is based on Disney characters and movies. It features a synchronized light show with over 42,000 pixels. The show runs from December 1st to January 1st.
Kolde Christmas
2993 Gertrude St., Riverside, CA 92506
Located in Riverside, not far from the famous Mission Inn, this house features an amazing light show synchronized to music. Check it out!
DIY Light Guy
6034 El Canon Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Our light show display theme this year is the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Display. Over 25,000 RGB pixels = 75,000 LEDs ( each pixel contains 3 LED lights – red, green, and blue ) synchronized to music, an FM Transmitter so you can listen to the music in your vehicle, tune to 89.1 FM, a video projector that plays videos coordinated to the music, a snow machine, plus more. Clark Griswold, Cousin Eddie, and the Squirrel in the Tree made an appearance this year.
Sunland Spectacular!
10144 Wheatland Ave., Sunland, CA 91040
My husband does all the decorating himself, with no help from anyone. He has even handmade, from start to finish, many of the decorations; All the character cutouts, Santa’s sleigh on the roof, the North Pole sign, the stable for the nativity scene on the roof, the Disney castle and cable for Tinkerbell to fly, and Santa’s Workshop, which is a large movie screen. He starts the construction of his new decorations in July and starts to decorate the actual house at the end of September. He is a firefighter, so he doesn’t do this for a living. He does this just to see the enjoyment it brings to the neighborhood and for the excitement it brings our 2 kids.
The Gingerbread House
14253 Bora Dr., La Mirada, CA 90638
They say it’s the best house on the block!
The Holiday House
3547 McLaughlin Ave., Mar Vista, CA 90066
This yard is filled with inflatables and lights, and they’ve got a terrific musical show to go with it all. Check them out at Halloween, too!
The Magic Tree Light Display
5218 Costello Ave. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Still going strong. More lights this year! Check out this amazing light display.
Hazelbrook Lights
4544 Hazelbrook Ave, Long Beach, CA 90808
This was a great place to visit in 2023. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year. Over 10,000 lights, tune to 88.7 for musical accompaniment.
Overland Ave. Festival of Lights
10803 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230
This was a great place to visit in 2023. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year. One of the largest light shows in the state, according to the homeowners. 300 feet and 6 houses all with music. Broadcast on FM 97.3.
Lights On Falcon
4128 Falcon Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807
This year’s holiday light show will have over 60,000 LED lights synchronized to over 40 songs ranging from Christmas classics to pop hits and Disney favorites for the kiddos. Visitors are welcome by foot, car, bike, or sleigh. Drivers, and their passengers, can listen from their phones or tune to 88.7 FM to hear the show’s music while watching the light show from their comfy, warm vehicles. You can even control part of the show by visiting www.lightsonfalcon.com and selecting your favorite songs from the playlist. Kids and adults also have the option to borrow or purchase light-up sticks and wristbands that sync with the show for a totally immersive experience. They’re a crowd favorite!
Newburgh Lights Show
609 E. Newburgh St., Glendora, CA 91740
This Christmas light show has been going on for over a decade! Tune in to 101.5 FM for music as the lights go on November 25th at 7 pm. Each evening thereafter, the lights will go on at 5 pm. Sounds amazing!
Candy Cane Lane El Segundo
1200 Block of E. Acacia Ave., West of Sepulveda, El Segundo, CA 90245
Every holiday season since 1919, the residents of East Acacia Avenue in El Segundo create a magical wonderland of lights and decorations. The event usually begins the 2nd Saturday of December and continues through New Year’s weekend. Santa’s sleigh has even been known to stop by.
Joy on 4th St
520 W 4th Ave La Habra, CA 90631
Check out this light display at this Historical Home.
Downey Lights in Paramount
15310 Rancho Centina Rd., Paramount, CA 90723
This was a great place to visit in 2023. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year. Computerized Light Show synchronized to music with water. Listen to the lights on the car radio 107.9FM
Sylmar Spectacular
13953 Olive Grove Ln., Sylmar, CA 91342
This Christmas light show is definitely one to tell your friends about; featuring a 55 min show (on repeat) filled with new and classic songs performed by “Will & Jill” the singing Christmas light duo. From the comfort of your car, simply tune into 104.1FM to listen and be amazed at a light show like you’ve never seen before! 5:15 pm–10:20 pm nightly from Thanksgiving through NYE Happy Holidays!
Venice Christmas Figure Spectacular!
1085 Palms Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
This was a great place to visit in 2023. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year.Tons of lights and large figures (probably 50 characters Disney and other cartoons as well as the classics).
Joy to the World House
1907 New Jersey Street, Boyle Heights, CA 90033
This was a great place to visit in 2023. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year.
Sheffield Lights
1062 Sheffield Pl, Thousand Oaks CA 91360
This was a great place to visit in 2023. Fingers crossed they’re doing it again this year. Residential light show set to music on FM 87.9. Runs 5:30-9:30.
Newbury Park Animated Holiday Lights
538 Brisbaine Ave., Newbury Park, CA 91320
(Broadcast on 100.5 FM)
The Christmas lights in this display are synchronized to 20 assorted holiday songs. They have a 12-foot-tall animated Christmas tree with more than 3,500 lights and a quartet of singing Christmas trees to add a sense of humor to the light show. You’ll see a wireframe Santa band, snowman, elves, toy soldier, and reindeer along with laser and spotlights, a bubble machine, candy cane chase lights, and multi-color curtain strobe lights. You may even see Santa in the window checking his list to see if you’ve been good this year!
Map of all the Christmas Lights in Los Angeles and SoCal
MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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.
MZ
Friday 10th of December 2021
is this updated for 2021. some of the dates for the events on the eastside are dated to 2020?!?!?!?!? I like to follow momla.com but some stuff is overlooked unless it's on the westide.
the top of this article notes, "updated 2021".
Sarah Auerswald
Sunday 12th of December 2021
We do our best to update everything, but as you can imagine, there's a lot to do at the Holiday time, and we're a small business run by busy Moms, hoping you'll show us some grace as you point out the things we need to fix. We also make an effort to find things to do all over town, and I'm sorry if we didn't find enough this time.
Each of these places is for sure doing their light show this year, but it looks like we missed updating the dates in the descriptions.