This holiday season, we have the ultimate gift of getting to step out of our cars and soak up the festive cheer around the city in the company of friends and family. On top of that, all of our favorite holiday traditions are back in full swing, some of which are bigger and brighter than ever before.
During November, December, and early January, the city is getting festive! From charming Christmas tree lighting ceremonies to ice skating under the stars, there’s so much happening to ring in the season! Here are some of our favorite events celebrating the holidays:
1. Ice skating rinks
Yes, our favorite seasonal activities are back this year, which means you get to hobble around an ice rink accompanied by classic holiday jingles and twinkling lights to work up an appetite for all those holiday treats. While you might be a little bit rusty after your year off, you have the whole month to find your groove and get ready for some ice skating!
2. Holiday tree lightings and displays
Here’s a reminder that it’s all about the moments shared with your community and loved ones that truly make this season so special. So get the hot chocolate ready, grab those jackets, and visit one (or all!) of these beautiful holiday tree displays around Los Angeles. It really is the best way to get into the holiday spirit!
3. Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden
South Coast Botanic Garden’s Astra Lumina is back for its fourth year and tickets are already selling fast. Embark on an enchanting night walk with magical projections, astral music, and otherworldly installations to stimulate the senses. Pick up a coffee liqueur martini and wander the grounds for one of LA’s most dazzling seasonal experiences.
📍Location: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
🎄When: Open now, Thursday-Sunday
4. Solvang Julefest
Bring a little Hygge into your holidays with this Danish-style holiday festival. If you think Solvang, a.k.a. “The Danish Capital of America,” is already Christmas-y most of the year, then just wait until you see it during the Julefest.
It’s a month-long celebration where the quaint hamlet is filled with twinkling lights, traditional ornaments, festive treats, and other holiday delights.
🎄When: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
5. Local Candy Cane Lanes
When it comes to holiday traditions, few things are as magical as streets, homes, and neighborhoods decked out in festive lights and decorations. Luckily, there are several iconic spots near L.A. that go all out with their holiday displays, and you can enjoy them for free, whether on foot or by car, to really soak in the Christmas spirit. See the list here.
6. A Christmas Carol Cocktail Experience
Inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, this immersive 90-minute experience blends storytelling and mixology, transporting guests into the ghostly worlds of Christmas past, present, and future. Attendees (21+) can enjoy four themed cocktails included with admission as they watch the tale unfold. With multiple evening sessions across the two days, this limited-time event promises a spirited and boozy twist on a timeless holiday favorite.
7. Holiday light displays around L.A.
The city is positively glowing with mesmerizing festive installations this year. Discover sparkling streets decked out with over-the-top lights, Christmas events, parks and gardens with glittering decorations, and fantastical merriness all over Los Angeles during Christmas.
8. Holiday Candlelight concerts
Candlelight Concerts in Los Angeles are a warm, festive escape where hundreds of candles illuminate historic venues like The Biltmore and Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Set to the glow of flickering light, string ensembles perform beloved music from artists such as Queen, ABBA, and The Beatles, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and celebratory — a radiant blend of culture, nostalgia, and, in the festive season, seasonal charm.
9. Holiday Road
Wander through light tunnels, paths lined with countless candy canes, and various winter-themed scenes in the Santa Monica Mountains. This year, Holiday Road will be turning King Gillette Ranch into a glittering wonderland once again, except this time you get to explore it on foot. There’ll also be tons of food and drinks to fuel your festive venture.
📍Location: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 913023
🎄When: November 28 – December 27, 2025
10. Christmas tree lots
The magic of Christmas isn’t just about gifts, delicious food, and festive decorations, it’s also about creating cozy traditions. Having a real Christmas tree, a lush pine that fills your home with its fresh, woodsy scent, is the perfect way to add a little extra magic to the season. Luckily, there are plenty of farms and nurseries around Los Angeles where you can pick out or even cut down your very own tree!
11. Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece to life in a dazzling, one-hour performance at the Historic Glendale Theater in Los Angeles. This enchanting adaptation features six ballerinas adorned in illuminated costumes, blending classical choreography, music, and twinkling lights to retell the iconic story of love’s triumph over darkness. The show offers two evening performances per night, inviting both longtime ballet lovers and newcomers to experience the magic and elegance of The Sleeping Beauty in a radiant new form.
12. Yuletide Cinemaland at Street Food Cinema
L.A.’s largest outdoor movie series is back with Blockbuster hits, live music, food trucks, and mild weather – what more can you ask for? Enjoy a festive version of Street Food Cinema in L.A. with an on-site holiday market and beautiful light displays.
📍Location: 4760 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
🎄When: November 29 – December 23, 2025
🌐 Learn more: Street Food Cinema
13. Hanukkah events and activities
If you’re looking for some wonderful ways to celebrate Hanukkah, LA has a nice lineup of events and activities in store. Read our list for an overview of menorah lightings, Jewish delis serving delicious sufganiyot and latkes, and numerous events.
14. L.A. Christmas bars
These limited-time holiday pop-ups will bring festive spirit to Los Angeles throughout November and December. The city’s Christmas and holiday bars celebrate the magic of the season with imaginative cocktails inspired by nostalgic flavors. Slip into your most cheerful outfit and gather your friends for a cozy winter drink after a day of holiday fun in LA — whether that’s ice skating, gift shopping, or enjoying a magical concert. See the full list of Christmas bars here.
15. Gondola cruise through the Christmas lights in Long Beach
Italy may be out of reach for some, but you can still go on a Venetian escape along the canals in Long Beach. Cruise under the romantic bridges covered with festive lights and stunning surroundings. It’s definitely one of the most unforgettable Christmas events.
📍Location: Naples Canal, Long Beach, CA 90803
16. Santa’s Secret
In a thrilling departure from your average pop-up Christmas bar, Santa’s Secret takes things up a notch with this walk-through burlesque experience. Sip on a themed drink while watching mesmerizing dancers and a live variety show featuring everything from burlesque to ballet.
17. Winterfest OC
Escape the ordinary SoCal winter and let Winterfest OC weave its magical festivities around you. Step into a whimsical world of shimmering snow play, twinkling light displays, and carnival adventures. Embrace the chill, feel the thrill, and let your inner child dance at this winter wonderland!
📍Location: 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
🎄When: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
18. SkyPark at Santa’s Village
Contrary to popular opinion, Santa is actually a huge fan of the sunny West Coast and he and his elves have been bringing that North Pole magic to Lake Arrowhead for years.
Adventurers of all ages will find an alpine adventure with gingerbread men, candy, and seasonal decorations filling this festive village. Partake in workshops, find souvenirs, take hikes and so much more at Skywalk Santa’s Village.
📍Location: 28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385
🎄When: Nov. 13, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
🌐 Learn more: Skypark at Santa’s Village
19. Enchanted Forest Of Light at Descanso Gardens
The one-mile-long trail of illuminated installations, Enchanted: Forest of Light in Descanso Gardens, will be returning this year. The beloved L.A. Christmas event with charming artistic displays promises to be brighter and more magical than ever.
📍Location: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
🎄When: November 16, 2025 to January 4, 2026
🌐 Learn more: Descanso Gardens
20. L.A. holiday markets
Pick up unique holiday gifts for your loved ones at LA’s most eclectic craft fairs and Christmas markets. While most of the markets have since ended, there are a few open all the way up to Christmas. See our list for all the details.
21. The Polar Express Train Ride
Experience the immersive theater of feeling like you’re in the classic movie The Polar Express. This family-friendly show is especially great for enjoying with kids. The show takes place at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris.
📍Location: Southern California Railway Museum, Perris, CA
🎄When: Nov. 20 – Dec. 31, 2025
22. Holidays and snowfall in Downtown Disney
The most magical place on Earth becomes even more enchanting during the holiday season, giving us in SoCal a chance to experience a “white Christmas.” While we do have snow nearby, it’s rare to see it around Los Angeles, so this is a perfect chance to enjoy it without the need to travel! The “snowfalls” start November 14, 2025, and continue through January 7, 2026, from 6-10 pm.
📍Location: Downtown Disney District, Anaheim, CA 92802
23. Holiday shows and performances
Ring in the spirit of the season with an evening at one of LA’s most highly anticipated seasonal performances and Christmas concerts. Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker is always a hit, made even more special with the addition of several SoCal elements in the set design such as calla lilies and the Pacific Ocean. We’re also looking forward to an unbelievable lineup of seasonal shows at Walt Disney Concert Hall, including the popular Home Alone film soundtrack concert.
You can see the full list of LA Christmas shows here.24. Christmas at Underwood Family Farms
Underwood Farms’ Moorpark Farm Center is packed with holiday fun. Your admission covers plenty of activities, including visits to the Animal Center, festive photo opportunities, tractor-drawn wagon rides, animal shows, a baby goat experience, and combine & harvester slides. Don’t miss Santa’s Reindeer on two special weekends, in this perfect spot to celebrate the holidays with kids!
📍Location: 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, CA, 93021
🎄When: November 28 – December 24, 2025
🌐 Learn more: Underwood Family Farms
25. Ursid meteor shower
If traditional holiday spirit, photos with Santa, or ugly sweaters aren’t your thing, you can enjoy Christmas night in a unique way connected to nature, camping or glampinng.
Just head to one of the many great stargazing spots, grab your telescope or camera and some hot chocolate, and watch the Ursid shooting stars. Of course, check the local weather for visibility before heading outdoors.
🎄When: Dec. 17-25, 2025
26. Christmas movie screenings
From Elf to It’s A Wonderful Life, you’ll find dozens of classic Christmas movies screening at LA theaters this December. Whether you want to cozy up next to your own personal wood-burning stove at Rooftop Cinema Club, or enjoy the experience in 35mm at New Beverly Cinema, we’ve researched the best theaters showing holiday movies right now. See a full schedule of upcoming Christmas movie screenings in LA here.
27. Restaurants serving Christmas dinner
Treat yourself to a memorable Christmas dinner in L.A. at one of the city’s top-notch restaurants. From festive prix-fixe menus to cozy, holiday-themed atmospheres, you’ll savor delicious dishes while soaking in the seasonal cheer!
28. Grinchmas at Universal Studios
Get ready for Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood, where holiday magic meets Grinchy mischief. Snap a pic with The Grinch and his pup Max, then watch the dazzling 65-foot tree light up with a snowy surprise every evening. The Who-ville Whos will be spreading cheer with live performances on select nights, and you can warm up with festive treats like hot cocoa!
📍Location: Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
🎄When: November 24, 2025 to January 4, 2026
29. Kick off December with the 70th Annual Compton Christmas Parade
The annual Compton Christmas Parade is making its highly anticipated return this year celebrating the spirit and community of Compton. The parade will start at the corner of Compton Blvd & Bullis Rd, winding through the city and concluding at Alameda Street.
Taking place on December 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the event promises to be a festive occasion, featuring a vibrant lineup of floats, performers, and local participants. It’s an exciting opportunity for families and residents to come together and enjoy the holiday season in the heart of Compton.
📍 Location: The parade will start at the corner of Compton Blvd & Bullis Rd, winding through the city and concluding at Alameda Street
🗓️ Dates: Saturday, December 13, 2025
30. A Spooky Holiday Mega-Market Is Taking Over L.A.
A darkly festive queer mega-market is bringing goth glamour, spooky drag, and vegan delights to L.A. this holiday season. Dark Queersmas is a community celebration, a drag-filled spectacle, and a sanctuary for anyone who feels more at home in black eyeliner than tinsel. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect spooky holiday gift or spending the day immersed in queer joy, this mega-market is a must-experience event. Get the dark details here!
📍Where: Monarch Studios LA 333 South Mission Road Los Angeles, CA 90033
🎄When: December 6th, 2025 from 12pm to 8pm
31. Have yourself a very mariachi Christmas with festive events in L.A.
Celebrate the holiday season by immersing yourself in Los Angeles’s rich mariachi Christmas scene, which blends traditional Mexican music with festive cheer. The city offers a rich lineup of mariachi-themed festivities this December, ranging from intimate dinner performances with holiday-themed cocktails to full-scale cultural concerts and free community events. These celebrations capture the vibrant spirit of L.A. and are the perfect way to feel the rhythm of the holidays, whether you are attending the joyful LGBTQ+ mariachi Christmas show “Rainbow Navidad” or the full concert “Fiesta Navidad con Mariachi Los Camperos.” Get the full details here!
Written by Ashlyn Davis, Sofía Delpueche, Jamie Ferrell, and Sarah Nash