Last updated: November 11, 2024
Eager for the festive season in Los Angeles? Check out our guide for all the holiday events! Whether you're rediscovering Los Angeles or falling in love with it for the first time, our guide maximizes your festive experience.
Popular Events: One standout attraction is the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, where stunningly decorated boats illuminate the harbor in a captivating display. Another highlight features live entertainment and festive floats at the Hollywood Christmas Parade. And don't forget the LA Kings Holiday Ice, an exciting opportunity to skate and enjoy the season at a charming outdoor rink. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Los Angeles Holiday Light Displays
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises
- What to Expect
- Spectacularly decorated boats and bayfront estates.
- Description
- The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises feature beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor, showcasing elaborate holiday light displays and waterfront decorations. The event includes a waterfront decorating competition with special commemorative items and awards for participants.
- Where
- Newport Beach | More Info : Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises
Marina Del Rey Holiday Parade
- What to Expect
- Decorated boats with Christmas lights and live music.
- Description
- The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade features decorated boats, fireworks, and live music, celebrating the holiday season with community spirit.
- Where
- Marina Del Rey | More Info : Marina Del Rey Holiday Parade
Enchanted Forest of Light - Descanso Gardens
- What to Expect
- Interactive light installations in a botanical garden setting.
- Description
- Descanso Gardens transforms into a vibrant, luminescent forest with interactive art installations and atmospheric lighting, featuring a one-mile walk through beloved garden areas.
- Where
- La Cañada Flintridge | More Info : Enchanted Forest of Light - Descanso Gardens
LA Zoo Lights - Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- What to Expect
- Nature-focused holiday celebration with wildlife-themed lantern sculptures.
- Description
- LA Zoo Lights features an immersive landscape with dazzling new lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and glowing rivers, celebrating the holiday season with nature-focused displays and interactive experiences.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : LA Zoo Lights - Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Los Angeles Holiday Markets and Shopping
South Lake Avenue Holidayfest
- What to Expect
- Live music and holiday activities around the district.
- Description
- South Lake Avenue Holidayfest is a family-friendly event featuring live music, in-store promotions, photos with Santa, holiday activities like cookie decorating, and more.
- Where
- Pasadena | More Info : South Lake Avenue Holidayfest
Westfield Century City Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Snowfall and live performances.
- Description
- Westfield Century City Holiday Market offers a curated selection of seasonal gifts, live performances, and a winter village atmosphere.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : Westfield Century City Holiday Market
Los Angeles Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Hollywood Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Charitable mission with Toys For Tots
- Description
- The Hollywood Christmas Parade is a cherished tradition that kicks off the holiday season with spectacular fanfare. Since its inception in 1928, the parade has been a cornerstone of the entertainment industry, drawing participation from legendary celebrities. The event features dazzling floats, marching bands, and performances that create unforgettable memories. It also carries a profound charitable mission, featuring Toys For Tots and other important organizations that help underprivileged people during the holiday season.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : Hollywood Christmas Parade
Los Angeles Other Holiday Activities
LA Kings Holiday Ice
- What to Expect
- Outdoor ice skating in downtown Los Angeles.
- Description
- The LA Kings Holiday Ice brings outdoor ice skating to L.A. LIVE's Peacock Place, right out front of Crypto.com Arena. This annual event invites you to skate your way into the holiday season and enjoy the rink while it is here for a limited time.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : LA Kings Holiday Ice
Aquarium Holidays
- What to Expect
- Explore ocean exhibits with festive decorations.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at the Aquarium of the Pacific with festive decor, shopping, and ocean wonders.
- Where
- Long Beach | More Info : Aquarium Holidays
Las Posadas at Olvera Street
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas songs and colorful processions.
- Description
- Las Posadas at Olvera Street is a nine-night celebration reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem with traditional songs, colorful costumes, and vibrant music. Each night, the crowd gathers as shepherds are led by an angel to ask for shelter, culminating in songs of celebration and the distribution of sweet bread and champurrado.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : Las Posadas at Olvera Street
Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square
- What to Expect
- Weekly DJ Spotlight Nights and Learn to Curl sessions.
- Description
- The Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square offers outdoor ice skating in downtown Los Angeles, open daily from November 21 through January 12, 2025. Sessions are 60 minutes long, and general admission includes skate rental. The rink features special events like weekly DJ Spotlight Nights and Learn to Curl sessions.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square
Santa Ana Winter Village
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly activities including ice skating and a toy giveaway.
- Description
- The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long celebration featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and special events like a tree lighting ceremony, breakfast with Santa, and a toy giveaway.
- Where
- Santa Ana | More Info : Santa Ana Winter Village