Last updated: November 11, 2024
Excited for the holiday season in Downey? Our guide has all the festive activities you need! Whether you're a Downey local or a first-time visitor, our guide opens the door to holiday delights.
Popular events this holiday season include the dazzling LA Zoo Lights, where visitors can stroll through a vibrant display of lights that transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland. Another attraction, the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens, invites you to experience an immersive light display set among the beautiful gardens. And the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring festive decorations and themed attractions. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Downey Holiday Light Displays
LA Zoo Lights - Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with interactive light displays.
- Description
- LA Zoo Lights features an immersive landscape with dazzling new lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and glowing rivers. This nature-focused holiday celebration 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 - Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Enchanted Forest of Light - Descanso Gardens
- What to Expect
- Interactive light installations and ambient music in a botanical garden setting.
- Description
- Descanso Gardens transforms into a vibrant, illuminated botanical artscape with interactive light installations, ambient music, and whimsical garden spaces.
- Where
- La Cañada Flintridge | More Info : Enchanted Forest of Light - Descanso Gardens
Magic of Lights - Los Angeles
- What to Expect
- Drive-through holiday lights experience with iconic characters and dinosaurs.
- Description
- Magic of Lights in Los Angeles features a drive-through holiday lights experience with over a mile of spectacular light displays, including larger-than-life Holiday Barbie and Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas scenes.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : Magic of Lights - Los Angeles
Holiday Road - Los Angeles
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experience with interactive installations and festive activities.
- Description
- Holiday Road in Los Angeles features larger-than-life holiday installations, thousands of Christmas lights, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves, and countless candy canes. The event includes an immersive mile-long walking trail, interactive photo moments, a festive souvenir shop, premium holiday bars, and top food trucks. Guests can enjoy live Santa photos, holiday-themed face painting, and seasonal beverages.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : Holiday Road - Los Angeles
Lighting of the Bay - Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday light display on a waveless bay with additional festive activities.
- Description
- The Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina features over fifty holiday light displays floating on the serene, waveless bay. Enjoy holiday crafts, festive food and concessions, photos with Santa, and a holiday movie on the beach. The event also includes an ice skating rink and a holiday tree lot with farm-fresh trees from Oregon.
- Where
- Newport Beach | More Info : Lighting of the Bay - Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Downey Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker - Downey Theatre
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Nutcracker Ballet, featuring Tchaikovsky's timeless score, is a delightful tale of a young girl's special Christmas. At a fun-filled family party with dancing and magic, Clara receives a special gift: a Nutcracker. That night she dreams of an epic battle between mice and toys, and a magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, where Clara dances with her Prince and meets the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy.
- Where
- Downey | More Info : The Nutcracker - Downey Theatre
Aloha Everywhere Concert Series: Hawaiian Christmas Show - Downey Theatre
- What to Expect
- Traditional Hawaiian music and dance celebration.
- Description
- Celebrate Hawaiian culture with Na Leo Pilimehana and special guests FAIVA in a festive holiday show featuring 3x GRAMMY Winner Kalani Pe'a.
- Where
- Downey | More Info : Aloha Everywhere Concert Series: Hawaiian Christmas Show - Downey Theatre
A Charlie Brown Christmas with David Benoit - Lewis Family Playhouse
- What to Expect
- Grammy-nominated jazz pianist David Benoit performs Vince Guaraldi's classic holiday music.
- Description
- Join David Benoit and vocalist Courtney Fortune for an evening of Vince Guaraldi's iconic tunes from A Charlie Brown Christmas. This cherished holiday concert features beloved songs that have charmed generations.
- Where
- Rancho Cucamonga | More Info : A Charlie Brown Christmas with David Benoit - Lewis Family Playhouse
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico - Lewis Family Playhouse
- What to Expect
- Traditional Mexican holiday celebration with mariachi and dance.
- Description
- Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande present Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico, a vibrant show weaving cherished Mexican traditions into a heartwarming story of the season. The event features the joyous rhythms of mariachi and colorful Mexican dance, 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 - Lewis Family Playhouse
Merry Farm - Knott's Berry Farm
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with world-class ice skaters and unique gift ideas.
- Description
- Knott's Merry Farm transforms into a classic holiday festival with thousands of twinkling lights, themed garland, and jumbo snowflakes. Enjoy Christmas shows, a beloved ice show starring Snoopy, and delectable holiday dining. Visit Santa's Christmas Cabin and experience the Christmas Crafts Village.
- Where
- Buena Park | More Info : Merry Farm - Knott's Berry Farm
John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas - City National Grove of Anaheim
- What to Expect
- Intimate performance of John Denver's iconic songs and holiday classics.
- Description
- Rick Schuler's tribute to John Denver features classic hits and heartwarming holiday carols, evoking the spirit of the 1970s.
- Where
- Anaheim | More Info : John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas - City National Grove of Anaheim
Downey Other Holiday Activities
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
- What to Expect
- Immersive themed experiences with festive decorations.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Universal Studios Hollywood with immersive themed experiences, festive decorations, and special events.
- Where
- Universal City | More Info : Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
Christmas Train - Irvine Park Railroad
- What to Expect
- Holiday train ride to meet Santa Claus.
- Description
- The Christmas Train at Irvine Park Railroad offers a holiday ride through historic Irvine Regional Park, where children can meet Santa Claus and share their wish lists. The train departs from the station, drops off passengers at the North Pole, and returns to Santa’s Village, featuring colorful Christmas lights and decorations.
- Where
- Orange | More Info : Christmas Train - Irvine Park Railroad
Santa's Village - Irvine Park Railroad
- What to Expect
- Free entry with various festive activities.
- Description
- Santa's Village at Irvine Park Railroad offers a variety of activities including ice fishing, blizzard ball, and Rudolph Racers. Visitors can decorate cookies and create their own Christmas tree ornaments at Craft Corner. The area is filled with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights and offers many photo opportunities. Food and snacks are available, including hot chocolate and coffee.
- Where
- Orange | More Info : Santa's Village - Irvine Park Railroad
Festival of Winter - Fontana
- What to Expect
- Snow play and train rides.
- Description
- The Festival of Winter in Fontana is a free community event featuring train rides, attractions, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. It includes snow play and the chance to sled down over 40 tons of fresh snow, making it an exciting experience for all ages.
- Where
- Fontana | More Info : Festival of Winter - Fontana