Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get a snapshot of the holidays in Venice! Our guide covers all the key festive events and activities. From Venice regulars to first-time explorers, our guide highlights the season's best activities.
Popular Events: Experience the festive charm at Knott's Merry Farm, where visitors can enjoy seasonal decorations, holiday-themed shows, and delicious treats. A unique aspect of the Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run is its scenic coastal route, perfect for runners and walkers alike. And the Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain is something you definitely don't want to miss, with thrilling rides and spectacular light displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Interactive light and art installations in a botanical garden setting.
Descanso Gardens transforms into a spectacular night garden with unique lighting installations, interactive art, and ambient music, featuring beloved areas like the Ancient Forest and Rose Garden.
Where: La Cañada Flintridge | More Info: Enchanted Forest of Light
Immersive light display celebrating wildlife in a zoo setting.
LA Zoo Lights features dazzling lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and glowing rivers, creating a nature-focused holiday celebration.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: LA Zoo Lights
Dazzling drive-through holiday lights with iconic characters and dinosaurs.
Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over a mile of spectacular light displays, including larger-than-life Holiday Barbie, supersized Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Magic of Lights
Illuminated boats parading through the picturesque canals of Venice.
This charming event showcases beautifully illuminated homes along the historic canals of Venice, where residents decorate their boats to create a festive atmosphere on the water. Spectators can stroll along the pathways or gather at various points to watch a dazzling procession of lighted vessels glide through the tranquil waterways. It's a community celebration that highlights local spirit and creativity during the holiday season.
Where: Venice | More Info: Venice Canals Christmas Lights & Holiday Boat Parade
Christmas celebration with world-class ice skaters and holiday dining.
Knott's Merry Farm transforms the entire park into a classic holiday festival with thousands of twinkling lights, themed garland, and jumbo snowflakes. Enjoy Christmas shows, a beloved ice show starring the Peanuts Gang, and delectable holiday dining food.
Where: Buena Park | More Info: Knott's Merry Farm
Unique holiday decorations and character interactions.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain features thousands of twinkling lights, holiday treats, and seasonal entertainment, including musical shows and character meet-and-greets.
Where: Valencia | More Info: Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Traditional ballet with elaborate sets and costumes.
Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker is a traditional, full-length ballet featuring world-renowned guest artists, professional company dancers, and exceptional young talent. Choreographed and directed by Salwa Rizkalla, this production includes colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's iconic score. The story follows Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they journey through mystical lands, culminating in a grand celebration in the Kingdom of Sweets.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker
Interactive puppet show with glow-in-the-dark skeletons and Frankenstein's monster.
Bob Baker Marionettes' Halloween Spooktacular is an hour-long, family-friendly show featuring over one hundred spirited puppets in a spooky yet silly revue with new thrills and curious creations.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Bob Baker Marionettes Holiday Show
Traditional reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey with live music and festive traditions.
Olvera Street Las Posadas 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 at shops on Olvera Street, culminating in songs of celebration and the distribution of hot champurrado and sweet bread.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Olvera Street Las Posadas
Holiday-themed fun run with festive swag and finisher's medals.
Join the 47th annual Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run on December 14, 2024, for a holiday-themed fun run through Santa Monica and Venice, California. The event features a 5K, 10K, and Youth Run, with festive holiday swag, merry and bright finishers medals, and free finisher's photos. Runners will enjoy an exclusive course on closed city streets, professionally timed races, and a holiday bash with delicious treats and festive beverages.
Where: Santa Monica | More Info: Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run
Outdoor ice skating in downtown LA.
The LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE offers outdoor ice skating on Peacock Place, right out front of Crypto.com Arena, providing a unique holiday experience in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: LA Kings Holiday Ice
Unique outdoor ice skating experience with special events.
The Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink offers outdoor ice skating in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Enjoy 60-minute skating sessions, general admission at $20, and special events like weekly DJ Spotlight Nights and Learn to Curl sessions.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Pershing Square’s Winter Holiday Festival
Outdoor ice skating in Southern California with special themed events.
Ice at Santa Monica offers a unique opportunity to skate under California's sun and twinkling stars. Located in Downtown Santa Monica, the rink features nearly 8,000 square feet of shimmering ice and a 400-square-foot tot rink for little ones. The season includes special events like Taylor's Birthday and the New Year's Eve celebration, along with regular skating sessions and lessons.
Where: Santa Monica | More Info: Ice at Santa Monica
Outdoor ice skating in Southern California with family-friendly activities.
The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long event at the Orange County Civic Center Plaza featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and more. It includes special events like a tree lighting ceremony, breakfast with Santa, and a toy giveaway.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Santa Ana Winter Village
Outdoor ice skating in a festive holiday setting.
The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long holiday event featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and special activities like a toy giveaway and breakfast with Santa.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Winter Lights in Santa Ana
