Last updated: November 11, 2024
Can't wait for the holiday joy in Altadena? Dive into our guide for the best festive events! For Altadena inhabitants and visitors alike, this guide highlights the season's best events and activities.
One highlight of the holiday season is the Mission Inn Festival of Lights, where dazzling displays transform the iconic hotel into a winter wonderland. Another enchanting experience is the LA Zoo Lights, featuring spectacular light installations that uniquely showcase the zoo's layout. And the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, with beautifully decorated boats sailing through picturesque local waterways. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Nation's largest holiday light collection with live entertainment.
The Mission Inn Festival of Lights is a cherished annual tradition featuring millions of twinkling lights, live entertainment, and holiday-themed decorations, attracting over 500,000 visitors each year.
Where: Riverside | More Info: Mission Inn Festival of Lights
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with interactive light displays.
LA Zoo Lights, Animals Aglow is a nature-focused holiday celebration featuring dazzling new lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and glowing rivers. This immersive landscape includes all-new wonders like the magical Holiday Forest with majestic pine trees and snow-loving animals, as well as spectacular holiday photo spots and the return of Santa himself.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: LA Zoo Lights, Animals Aglow
Immersive light and sound experience in a botanical garden setting.
Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden is an immersive night walk experience using light, scenography, original soundscape, and projection to create an imaginative journey through the garden's celestial pathway, inviting visitors to encounter the wonder of the stars and embrace their own human light.
Where: Palos Verdes Peninsula | More Info: South Coast Botanic Garden Astra Lumina
Immersive holiday light show with interactive exhibits.
Imaginarium at Fairplex features 1.5 miles of holiday lights, a free 3x daily circus, Christmas trees, illuminated stars, and balloon drops. It includes nightly synchronized music and light shows, infinity mirror rooms, game experiences, and life-like interactive creatures.
Where: Pomona | More Info: Imaginarium at Fairplex
Spectacularly decorated boats and homes along a 14-mile harbor route.
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a festive event featuring beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor. The parade includes a waterfront decorating competition called the Ring of Lights, with participants eligible for awards. The event offers various public viewing locations, including Marina Park, which provides optimal viewing and family-friendly activities.
Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
A breathtaking walk-through experience featuring illuminated installations in a garden setting.
This vibrant display transforms the gardens into a stunning showcase of light and artistry. Visitors can stroll through pathways illuminated with captivating installations that highlight the beauty of nature and the holiday season. Each section features unique themes, making it a picturesque setting for guests of all ages to take in the sights and sounds of the season.
Where: Arcadia | More Info: Lightscape
Traditional Mexican music and dance celebrating the holiday season.
Celebrate the holiday season with Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico, featuring Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande. This vibrant show weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a heartwarming story of the season, capturing the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas.
Where: Rancho Cucamonga | More Info: Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Community-driven event highlighting local artists and performers.
A vibrant showcase of local talent, this event features live performances, art displays, and interactive activities. Attendees can immerse themselves in the seasonal spirit while exploring a diverse range of entertainment options. With something for all ages, it celebrates the richness of the community and the joy of shared experiences during the holiday season.
Where: Pasadena | More Info: Holiday Variety
Intimate tea service with teddy bear decor.
Teddy Bear Tea at The Langham Huntington Hotel offers a charming setting where guests can indulge in delightful tea and sweet treats while surrounded by plush teddy bears.
Where: Pasadena | More Info: Teddy Bear Tea at The Langham Huntington Hotel
Snow play and train rides.
The Festival of Winter at Miller Park Amphitheater features train rides, rides and attractions, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. It also includes snow play and the chance to sled down over 40 tons of fresh snow.
Where: Fontana | More Info: Festival of Winter
Outdoor ice skating in Southern California.
The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long celebration featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and special events like a toy giveaway and breakfast with Santa.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Santa Ana Winter Village
