The holiday season is a great time to be a kid. There are Christmas lights everywhere, glittering ice skating rinks, and you have free range to drink a lot more hot chocolate than usual. Here we’ve rounded up the best holiday and Christmas events for kids in Los Angeles to make this a season to remember.
1. Walk through a botanic garden that has been transformed into a cosmic wonderland of light and sound at Astra Lumina
Light displays are always fun, but they rarely tell an emotional story. But Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden is a night walk adventure filled with jaw-dropping lights that does just that.
The garden of lights, soundscapes, and otherworldly scenography comes from world-renowned multimedia studio Moment Factory. At Astra Lumina, you’ll follow a captivating narrative of fallen stars, rebirth, and ascendance.
2. Snuggle up for hot cocoa, Victorian house tours, and a movie at Yuletide Cinemaland
Stepping through a tunnel of lights, you’ll enter a cinematic holiday wonderland that’s more than simply an outdoor movie experience. There are photo opportunities with Santa, live piano sing-a-longs, food trucks, a bar for the adults, and tours of the gorgeous Heritage Square’s Victorian homes.
Upcoming events include a Home Alone pajama party on Dec. 16, a whimsical Tim Burton night on Dec. 18, and a requisite Elf screening on Dec. 23.
3. Holiday Road LA has caroling, face painting, and some of the city’s biggest Christmas light displays
Sparkling, multi-colored lights are one of the best parts of the holiday season, but why stop at a couple strings of bulbs? Holiday Road LA raises the bar with elaborate sets, life-sized (and larger than life) characters, and detailed sets of cozy festive scenes. It’s a must for anyone seeking memorable Christmas events for kids in LA.
The kids will also enjoy getting their faces painted, the live carolers, and seeing Old Saint Nick himself. There’s even a Winter Market for some last-minute shopping.
4. Catch a ride on the magical Polar Express as it passes through California
Polar Express is hands down my favorite holiday movie. If you told me when I was a kid that I could get my own golden ticket and get on the train itself, I would’ve been out the door before you could say “all aboard.”
But it’s true! You can step aboard the legendary magical train, complete with singing and dancing actors and, of course, hot chocolate.
5. The magical Candlelight concert series features pop music covers, film scores, and more
If you want to enjoy a night of soothing string music in the warm glow of candlelight, don’t think you can’t bring the kids along! While Vivaldi may not be every kid’s favorite, there’s plenty of options for the whole family to enjoy.
Whether the kids are into movies, anime, or pop icons like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, there’s something for everyone:
6. Grab some skates and hit the ice at the LA Kings Holiday Ice Rink
Who says ice skating is only for places that get snow? The LA Kings Holiday Ice rink is open now through Dec. 31, so you can carve it up around the dazzling tree at the center of LA Live.
Don’t forget to show your tickets to participating restaurants on the day you skate. You can get 10% off at Lazy Dog, Fleming’s, Lucky Strike, Katsuya, and Savoca.
8. Walk past giant gingerbread houses, see live entertainment, and ride a train at Santa’s Village
A lot of people think Santa’s Village is at the North Pole, but it’s actually just north of San Bernardino. Running through Jan. 8, 2024, SkyPark has transformed into the home of the big man in the red coat.
What’s Santa doing in SoCal? SkyPark at Santa’s Village actually has an explanation, so be sure to ask once you’re there! And afterwards, don’t miss all the fun activities Santa’s Village has in store, including the NorthWoods Express Train Ride and ice skating at the Silver Bells Arena.
9. Head to the Julefest Celebration in Solvang, the most charming town in California
Solvang already feels like a cozy, festive town year-round, but they pull out all the stops during the holiday season. The “Danish Capital of America” is putting on Julefest, the annual month-long celebration of lights, ornaments, treats, and more. The massively popular event runs all the way through Jan. 6, 2024.
10. Wander through a pathway of larger-than-life animal lanterns at LA Zoo’s Animals Aglow
Animals Aglow is back at LA Zoo with magical animal lanterns placed in a glowing environment of luminous trees and blooming flowers. The nature-focused displays are a nice departure from your usual Christmas kitsch, although you’ll still enjoy a festive landscape at the Winter Wildlands with views of the “northern lights,” giant ice crystals, and snow-loving animals.
These are just a few of the best holiday events for kids in LA, but there’s always more to be discovered. Keep checking back for all the experiences in Los Angeles you won’t want to miss!