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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Join the holiday festivities in San Gabriel! Our guide has all the community events and activities. Whether you're a San Gabriel veteran or a fresh face, this guide helps you navigate the seasonal landscape.

One highlight of the season is the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, where festive boats adorned with lights sail through the harbor, creating a stunning waterfront display. Another exciting option is the Hollywood Christmas Parade, featuring dazzling floats and celebrity appearances that bring the spirit of the holidays to life. And the Holiday Road is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a whimsical experience with immersive holiday-themed displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

San Gabriel Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Immersive holiday experience with interactive installations and festive activities.

Description:

Holiday Road is a premier holiday event in Los Angeles featuring 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, carolers, and whimsical activities like holiday-themed face painting.

Where: Calabasas | More Info: Holiday Road

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Ceremonial tree lighting and welcoming Santa Claus.

Description:

Join the City of Azusa for a festive celebration as Santa Claus is welcomed to the city with a ceremonial tree lighting at City Hall Front Lawn. This special event is a highlight of the holiday season, bringing the community together for a memorable evening.

Where: Azusa | More Info: Azusa Santa Tour

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What to Expect:

Santa's grand entrance atop a vintage fire truck.

Description:

The San Gabriel Holiday Tree Lighting is a cherished annual event featuring a beautifully illuminated tree, heartwarming musical performances by local talents, and delightful activities like mini train rides and ornament decorating. Santa Claus makes a grand entrance atop the San Gabriel Fire Department's vintage fire truck, adding to the holiday joy.

Where: San Gabriel | More Info: San Gabriel Holiday Tree Lighting

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What to Expect:

Live music and local artisans with snow flurries and complimentary hot chocolate.

Description:

The LA County Tree Lighting Ceremony at Jerry Moss Plaza features live music, local artisans, art-making activities, snow flurries, holiday treats, and complimentary hot chocolate. The event is emceed by Telemundo 52 weather anchor Marcos Mora and includes holiday greetings from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Where: Los Angeles | More Info: LA County Tree Lighting Ceremony

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Spectacularly decorated boats and homes along a 14-mile harbor route.

Description:

The 116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade features beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor. The event includes a waterfront decorating competition, fireworks, and public viewing areas like Marina Park.

Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

A breathtaking light tour featuring artistic installations throughout the garden.

Description:

Stunning displays of light transform the landscape into a vibrant symphony of colors and shapes. Visitors can wander through illuminated pathways, marvel at artistic light installations, and enjoy the immersive atmosphere created by the captivating designs. Various themed sections provide a dynamic experience, making it perfect for families and friends alike.

Where: Arcadia | More Info: Lightscape

Event Organizer?

San Gabriel Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Live raffle with prizes from local businesses.

Description:

Holidayfest on South Lake Avenue is a festive event where shoppers and diners can enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, and a chance to win prizes by submitting receipts from participating businesses.

Where: Pasadena | More Info: Holidayfest on South Lake Ave

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San Gabriel Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Interactive science exhibits and original holiday songs.

Description:

Winter Lights is a holiday musical at Discovery Cube Orange County, featuring a heartwarming story, captivating music, and interactive science exhibits. The show blends hope, resilience, and magic, set against the backdrop of the Aurora Borealis. It includes unique characters like a science fairy and a lovable robot crafted from a toaster.

Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Winter Lights

Event Organizer?

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

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What to Expect:

Iconic parade with legendary celebrities and charitable mission.

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: Hollywood | More Info: Hollywood Christmas Parade

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Free family celebration with local performers and Santa Claus.

Description:

Join Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo for the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony at City Hall, featuring local singers, dancers, crafts, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Enjoy light refreshments and capture festive holiday moments at several photo stops throughout the event.

Where: Pasadena | More Info: Pasadena Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

Event Organizer?

San Gabriel Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Outdoor ice skating in Southern California.

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 toy giveaway and breakfast with Santa.

Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Santa Ana Winter Village

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Snow play and train rides in a festive community setting.

Description:

The Festival of Winter at Miller Park Amphitheater features train rides, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. It also includes the chance to sled down over 40 tons of fresh snow and experience snow for the first time.

Where: Fontana | More Info: Festival of Winter

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse participants.

Description:

The Glendora Christmas Parade is a 1.25-mile festive procession through the Glendora Village, featuring floats, marching bands, and community groups. It starts at Bennett Ave. and Glendora Ave., proceeding south to Foothill Blvd., then west to Grand Ave., and finally north to Bennett Ave., ending at Sandburg Middle School. There is no cost to watch the parade.

Where: Glendora | More Info: Glendora Christmas Parade

Event Organizer?

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