Celebrate with Holiday Events in Los Angeles and Orange County
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Holiday activities, light shows, Christmas events, musical performances, and even snow flurries are making their way to Los Angeles and Orange County to help you celebrate the magic of Christmas. We’ve created the Ultimate Southern California Holiday Event Guide for Special Events in Los Angeles and Orange County as your go-to resource for the holiday season. Check out all the festive fun below!
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2023 Best Christmas and Holiday Events In and Around Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego
Los Angeles Christmas and Holiday Events
LA Kings Holiday Ice
November 24 – December 31, 2023
The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice, presented by Coca-Cola®, is back again at L.A. Live for 2023! Skate into the spirit of the season at the outdoor ice rink just outside of the Crypto.com Arena. The rink is open daily, and admission starts at $20.
South Coast Botanic Garden’s Astra Lumina in Los Angeles
November 9 – December 31, 2023
Astra Lumina returns to offer enchanting night walks through the South Coast Botanic Garden. This immersive experience features the magic of projections, lighting, and music to transform the garden into a celestial pathway to experience the wonder of the stars and enjoy peace and harmony.
Related: 2023 Jolly Holiday Events in the South Bay
Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch
November 24 – December 27, 2023
The legendary Christmas Road holiday experience in Calabasas is back again for a unique experience for visitors of all ages. The spectacular walking trail is packed with illuminated lights, larger-than-life Christmas displays, and iconic holiday images. Grab a drink or a holiday treat, and head out on the road!
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
November 19, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Enchanted Forest of Light is a one-mile trek through several inspiring lighting experiences in some of the most adored locations of Descanso Gardens. It is an immersive experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles. Popular recurring favorites include a town of dazzling “stained glass” houses by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin created in the Rose Garden, sparkling geometric installations from HYBYCOZO on the Main Lawn, Flower Power on the Promenade, and exquisite lighting and sound effects in the Ancient Forest.
Enchanted is a rain-or-shine event. Tickets must be bought in advance, have timed entrance, and are non-refundable.
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Enjoy a wildlife-focused experience that is as uplifting as it is magnificent. Explore an immersive landscape filled with spectacular lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and more. Want to enjoy the lights as a date night? Reserve your tickets to the Holiday Happy Hours, where you’ll enjoy express entry into the L.A. Zoo Lights event and access to a private lounge from 6:30–8:30 pm with gourmet hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and a signature cocktail.
Lightscape at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
November 17, 2023 -January 2, 2024
The Arboretum is transformed into an illuminated nighttime experience thanks to the critically acclaimed international spectacle of light, art, and music known as Lightscape! Newly reimagined for 2023, Lightscape combines nature and art in the mesmerizing Fire Garden, awesome Arch of Light, eye-catching Feast of Light, and exotic Dancing Palms, among other incredible light and art installations. Fan favorite, the magnificent Winter Cathedral, is back! Food trucks and a full bar are available on-site for treats to enjoy as you explore. You can also visit with Santa on select nights throughout December.
LA County Tree Lighting Ceremony with Holiday Marketplace and Festivities
November 27, 2023
Join in the festivities as the Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center turns Downtown L.A. into a winter wonderland. The free event celebrating the lighting of the 50-foot Christmas tree will include snow flurries, holiday eats, and complimentary hot chocolate for the whole family to enjoy. You can also check out live performances by locally based musicians and—for the first time art-making activities and a marketplace featuring artisans and vendors selling their wares so you can get some holiday shopping checked off your list.
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood, Grinchmas, & CityWalk Holidays
November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Universal Studios Hollywood invites you to celebrate the season with various festivities, including the return of fan favorites “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas.” Decked out in dazzling decor, the park also offers holiday-themed character encounters, festive food and drinks, and special holiday merchandise, including ornaments, stockings, tree toppers, and figurines. Don’t miss the enormous Christmas tree and spectacular displays that light up the CityWalk throughout the season.
Christmas on the Farm at Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark
November 25 – December 24, 2023
There’s so much holiday fun for the entire family to enjoy on the farm! Train rides aboard the holiday train, holiday arts and crafts, cookie decorating, visiting the Animal Center, seasonal photo opportunities, tractor-drawn wagon rides, a holiday shop, pick-your-own fields, and so much more await! Certain activities require an additional fee. You can also deliver your letters to Santa and meet the Reindeer on select dates (12/9, 12/10, 12/16, 12/17, 9 am – 5 pm). Santa visits are also available on weekends through December 24 from 11 am to 4 pm Kids under 2 have free admission.
Griffith Park Train Holiday Light Festival
November 24, 2023 – January 7, 2024
This iconic one-mile train ride through Griffith Park gets its annual festive overlay with thousands of glittering Christmas lights and holiday displays. In addition to the train ride, you can check out the Holiday Kiosk for gifts and snap photos at the three winter-themed photo booths. Tickets are available in person and online. The train is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink
November 16, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Despite the sunny days and warm winter weather, you can enjoy outdoor ice skating in Los Angeles! The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square is an enchanting holiday experience for experienced skaters and newbies alike. The rink offers open skate sessions as well as 60-minute skate lessons. Hours and times vary by day.
Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
December 6 – 17, 2023
This heartwarming Broadway show is the perfect production to celebrate the spirit of the season at the Pantages Theater. Your heart will definitely grow three sizes larger after you see the show. The show is recommended for kids 5 and up. Please note that kids younger than 5 won’t be admitted.
Holidays on The Hill
Select dates December 7 – 17, 2023
Celebrate the winter season with an outdoor market-style festival in the heart of the Hollywood Hills. The event features games, activities, movies, entertainment, themed food & drinks, shopping, and more surprises to delight visitors of all ages!
Gilchrist Holidays at the Farm
Select weekends December 2023
Pancake breakfast with Santa, a holiday parade, live music, and exciting farm demonstrations await at Gilchrist Farms! You can also write letters to Santa, buy unique handmade holiday gifts, and more. Select dates include December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th and 23rd 2023.
Orange County Christmas and Holiday Events
Related: Orange County Events Community Calendar
Winter Fest OC
November 24, 2023 – January 7, 2024
The OC Fair & Event Center is transformed into a winter wonderland with Winter Fest OC. The special event features extravagant Christmas decorations, more than a million lights, and countless opportunities for creating memories. Guests can enjoy all-new attractions, live entertainment, unique photo opportunities, seasonal food and drinks, shopping, and more. Snow and ice activities include skating under the stars on the all-new Arctic Ice Trail, riding down the thrilling Snowflake Summit 150-foot-long ice tubing slide, and a new real snow play area with snow refreshed daily!
Hikari – A Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms
November 24 – December 30, 2023
The Japanese term “Hikari” means “shine,” and over the Christmas season, they truly make Tanaka Farms sparkle with over a million glittering lights! Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while you take a cozy wagon ride to the “Land of a Thousand Lanterns!” Once you arrive, you can stroll through the light displays and enjoy photo opportunities, including with Santa. There will be live music performed by local schools, refreshments, festive crafts, a barnyard, animals, and, of course, holiday lights!
115th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights
December 13 – 17, 2023
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is cruising into Newport Harbor for the 115th year! The community park is the best place to take in the festivities because it has plenty of parking places, a playground, and a picnic area. It is also the largest public viewing area along the parade route. You can also watch from the Dine & Watch waterfront and Dine & Walk dining options nearby, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the brilliantly adorned yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes that sail in the parade while you eat. The parade will start at roughly 6:30 pm each night.
33rd Annual Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Festival
November 17 – December 17, 2023
A one-of-a-kind holiday art festival, Winter Fantasy features 165 artists’ handcrafted gifts, three stages of live music, community performances, carolers, puppeteers, art classes, and daily visits with Santa Claus. It also offers a festive, handcrafted shopping experience in a magical winter wonderland with thousands of lights and decorations. Open on weekends, Friday to Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm.
Capistrano Lights: Mission In Lights
December 2 – 30 2023
Pay a visit to the only Mission in Orange County and join the holiday festivities. Arrive early for daytime entrance to the Mission and stay for an evening of festive programs and entertainment, including family photo ops, a 30-foot tall Christmas tree, and performances by carolers from the Dickens era. Offer a candle in prayer for peace and goodwill next to the large-scale nativity scene in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church. Enjoy the Mission lit up, the community Christmas trees dotted about the grounds, the Mission Store’s extended holiday hours, and more. On specific days during the program, there will also be crafts, food vendors, and surprise performances.
Knott’s Taste of Merry Farm
November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
The holiday spirit shines bright at Knott’s Merry Farm! This year. Experience the biggest Christmas celebration at Knott’s with holiday decorations that transform the entire park into a traditional holiday festival. This year, park visitors of all ages may take in Christmas performances, including Home for the Holidays, a musical revue with classic Christmas songs, festive decorations, wonderful dancing toys, and sparkling snow, all presented on a lavish, changing wintertime stage. And make sure to catch the fan-favorite ice performance with the Peanuts Gang! It wouldn’t be the holidays without food, and there’s plenty to taste and enjoy.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
November 10, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Decked out in festive lights and holiday decorations, Disneyland Resort is a great place to get into the season’s spirit. Both theme parks, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, feature plenty of holiday-themed events and activities, like the Christmas parade, The Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion, and snow on Main Street. And, of course, tons of delicious holiday treats can be found across the resort.
A Christmas Carol
November 25 – December 24, 2023
The most cherished holiday custom in Orange County continues! From the opening “Bah humbug” to the closing “Wassail,” this enduring holiday favorite will surely have you in the festive spirit again. Join all your favorite Dickens characters, including Richard Doyle’s portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Advisory: Ages 6 and up. Children under six will not be admitted to A Christmas Carol.
The Nutcracker Ballet
December 9 – 24, 2023
Enjoy this cherished tradition as almost 300 performers dressed in stunning costumes bring famous holiday music to life. Travel to the magnificent Land of Sweets, the residence of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, via a fascinating world filled with life-size dolls, toy soldiers, and tiny snowflakes. You may expect exuberant dances from the French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic cultures. The longest-running Nutcracker in Orange County is the epitome of a happy family tradition.
Christmas Nights at the Casa
December 15 – 21, 2023
Explore the historic Casa Romantica coastal mansion and gardens at night, when they are turned into a festively lit winter wonderland! Each evening features an illuminated tour of Casa Romantica, holiday-themed crafts for kids, and s’mores.
Nights of 1000 Lights
Select dates December 6 – 22, 2023
This year’s theme at the Sherman Gardens is a trip through Candy Land! Stroll along the Rainbow Trail as you pass the Lollypop Woods and Gumdrop Mountains. You’ll make your way through the Peppermint Stick Forest and the glistening light tunnel on your way to the Candy Heart Carnival, featuring carnival games for kids of all ages. Before the night ends, visit Santa at his workshop and enjoy s’mores by the firepit.
Riverside Christmas and Holiday Events
Polar Express Train Ride
November 19 – December 30, 2023
Hop aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a wonderful one-hour ride to meet Santa! Travelers will relive the magic of the famous story set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack. Once on board, your vehicle hostesses will proceed through the coach and punch your golden ticket before dancing chefs bring hot cocoa and a delectable cookie. The iconic children’s novel The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is read aloud to the passengers.
Each passenger receives the first Christmas present after Santa and his helpers board the train to greet the passengers. Characters on each car immerse guests in theatrical onboard entertainment throughout the journey. Each traveler will return home with a souvenir sleigh bell and the beautiful memories they created on this enchanted journey.
Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn
November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa’s Festival of Lights is one of the nation’s largest holiday light collections, voted “Best Public Lights Display” by USA Today. The Festival of Lights began at The Mission Inn in 1992 as a present to the neighborhood, and it has since become a cherished annual event. Over 500,000 people travel there yearly, all delighted to see the exhibit come to life during the holidays. In addition to the magnificent light display, the Inn offers several special holiday packages for guests throughout the season.
Santa’s Village at Skypark
November 16, 2023 – January 7, 2024
There’s so much holiday cheer to be found at Santa’s Village! Visit Santa at his North Pole Cabin, where the fire is always burning, and the memories are made to last a lifetime. Hop aboard the Northwoods Express Train, go for a skate in the Silver Bell’s Arena, check out the sparkling lights in the Village and the Fantasy Forest, and so much more! Pay a visit to Santa in his cabin, and while you’re there, check Santa’s mailbox to deliver your wish list or write a beautiful thank you note for the presents you’ve gotten this year.
San Diego Christmas and Holiday Events
Holidays at LEGOLAND
Select dates: November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Santa, the Toy Soldier, and The Gingerbread Man are back for the holidays! They’re all set for holiday hugs, selfies, and photos. Don’t miss a stop in Fun Town, where you’ll find a 30-foot-tall LEGO Christmas tree with over 400 LEGO ornaments. As the day draws to an end, the tree twinkles to Christmas tunes at the Holiday Light Show, and guests can enjoy falling “snow.”
Sesame Place: A Very Furry Christmas
November 10, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Head to Sesame Place, where you can celebrate the holidays with your favorite Sesame Street friends! The park is transformed into a winter wonderland, decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, holiday magic, and more. New this year, guests can enjoy a 24-foot tall Christmas Tree, photos with Santa, and extended evening hours for a more festive experience. Guests can also enjoy the Sesame Street Christmas show, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, and the Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
November 10, 2023 – January 2, 2024
SeaWorld transforms for the season into a winter wonderland brimming with holiday cheer, excitement, and more than 3 million shimmering lights. Included in the festivities is the Winter Wonderland on Ice, a show-stopping ice-skating spectacle. Meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, visit Santa at Wild Arctic, and much more!
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More holiday fun:
Help Local Anchor Bring Joy to Over 100 Local Families This Christmas
2023 Jolly Holiday Events in the South Bay
Catered Thanksgiving Dinners in the South Bay
12 Ways To Volunteer as a Family During the Holidays
