Last updated: November 11, 2024
Looking forward to a festive holiday season in Cerritos? Our guide has all the events you need! From longtime Cerritos inhabitants to curious tourists, our guide offers something for every festive soul.
One enchanting experience to consider is the L.A. Zoo Lights, where vibrant light displays transform the zoo into a magical wonderland. Meanwhile, Knott's Merry Farm features holiday-themed attractions, including seasonal shows and festive treats that bring joy to visitors of all ages. And the Hollywood Christmas Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing dazzling floats and lively performances down the iconic streets of Tinseltown. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Cerritos Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Cerritos features holiday music, entertainment, and crafts for all ages, culminating in the lighting of the city's Christmas tree.
L.A. Zoo Lights
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow is an immersive holiday celebration featuring dazzling new lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and glowing rivers. This nature-focused event 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.
Enchanted Forest of Light
Descanso Gardens transforms into a spectacular night garden with interactive light installations, including stained glass houses, geometric sculptures, and whimsical botanical artscapes.
Magic of Lights
Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over a mile of spectacular light displays, including larger-than-life Holiday Barbie, Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas.
Capistrano Lights
Celebrate the holidays at Orange County's only Mission with tree lighting, Dickens-era carolers, full-scale nativity, and light features including a new lighted halo grove and scented citrus garden. The event also features Community Christmas Trees, Family Wreaths, and a harpist in the Serra Chapel.
Winter Wonderland Nights
World of Illumination presents a spectacular drive-through holiday light show featuring over a million lights synchronized to music, with 500 uniquely themed displays. This event is designed to create unforgettable memories for the whole family at a budget-friendly price.
Marina del Rey Holiday Parade
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade is a festive event featuring lighted boats, fireworks, and live music, celebrating the holiday season with community spirit.
Cerritos Holiday Markets and Shopping
Nutcracker Holiday Village & Tree Lighting
The Nutcracker Holiday Village & Tree Lighting in Downtown Anaheim features holiday entertainment, food, and fun. Guests can enjoy a dog costume contest, holiday crafts, unique shopping, and pictures with Santa. The event culminates with the tree lighting at City Hall.
Cerritos Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Knott's Merry Farm
Knott's Merry Farm is a holiday celebration featuring winter wonderland-inspired decor, thousands of twinkling lights, and miles of themed garland. Enjoy Christmas shows, a beloved ice show starring the Peanuts Gang, and delectable holiday dining food. The event includes a Christmas Crafts Village and a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Relive the classic holiday story of The Polar Express on a real train ride with hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa.
Holiday Family Faire
The Holiday Family Faire at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum features an artisan holiday marketplace, festive food and drink, caroling and singing madrigals, storytelling from various holiday traditions, and special performances. Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for photos, and the event supports Theatricum Botanicum's artistic and educational programming.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
The Hollywood Christmas Parade is a cherished tradition that brings the Hollywood community together with dazzling floats, marching bands, and performances. It features legendary celebrities and a profound charitable mission supporting Toys for Tots and other organizations.
Cerritos Other Holiday Activities
Santa’s Holiday Float
Cerritos resident families can enter a lottery to ride on Santa's Holiday Float, a festive holiday event where families will spend at least three hours on the float without making any stops.
Santa’s Holiday Island
Santa’s Holiday Island is a festive event where families can visit Santa Claus at Heritage Park Play Island, enjoy crafts, music, and games, and receive a special commemorative gift.
Christmas Train
The Christmas Train at Irvine Park Railroad offers a festive ride through historic Irvine Regional Park, where children can meet Santa and have their photos taken. The train departs from the station, drops off passengers at the North Pole, and returns to Santa's Village, showcasing colorful Christmas lights and decorations along the way.
Santa's Village
Santa's Village offers a variety of activities including ice fishing, cookie decorating, mini diggers, and photo opportunities amidst thousands of sparkling Christmas lights. Food and snacks are available, along with hot chocolate and coffee. While reservations are required for the Christmas Train, Santa's Village is free to enter and open daily from November 29th through December 30th.