Discover the best places and events to celebrate Christmas in Southern California, including family attractions, parades, light shows, train rides, festivals, and activities.
Los Angeles L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
(November 2023 – January 2024) Los Angeles Zoo’s at Griffith Park’s beloved winter tradition continues for the 2023 season. The experience occurs in an immersive landscape featuring stunning lantern sculptures of animals, blooming flowers, towering trees, and more. The experience focuses on wildlife, making it both breathtaking and inspiring. We all share nature, and this celebration of nature’s wonders is meant for everyone to enjoy—5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, California. Website.
Lightscape at the L.A. Arboretum
(November 17, 2023 – January 2, 2024) Experience the enchanting winter walk through the garden and let your imagination soar with the new sights and sounds along the Serpent Trail and Forest Path. The reimagined Lightscape merges nature and art in mesmerizing installations like the Fire Garden, Arch of Light, Feast of Light, Dancing Palms, and many more. The magnificent Winter Cathedral, a fan favorite, is back. 301 North Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, California. Website.
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
(Nov. 19, 2023 –Jan. 7, 2024) Descanso’s Enchanted Forest of Light is a unique interactive nighttime experience in Los Angeles. It features a one-mile walk through different lighting experiences in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. The event includes returning favorites such as an entire town of magical “stained glass” creations on the Main Lawn, sparkling geometric installations in the Rose Garden, Flower Power on the Promenade, and exquisite lighting effects in the Ancient Forest. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, take advantage of Descanso’s Enchanted Forest of Light. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, California. Website.
Winter Fest OC
November 24, 2023 – January 7, 2024) Winter Fest OC promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you filled with wonder and the spirit of the season. Create special memories with your loved ones. With over a million lights, massive holiday decor, and thrilling activities, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to the North Pole! You can walk through an enchanting Ice Trail, have fun in a Snow Play area, or feel the rush of sliding a 150-foot ice tubing slide. Enjoy carnival fun at a holiday market, and indulge in delicious festive food. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California.
Imaginarium, an Immersive Outdoor Light Festival
An immersive holiday-themed light spectacular featuring over five million lights will debut exclusively at Fairplex this holiday season, providing a family-friendly interactive experience. It will be the largest holiday and fantasy light show in Southern California.
Mission Capistrano Lights
(December 2, 2023 – December 30, 2023 ) Mission Capistrano is a great place to be during the holiday season, as it is adorned with colorful and bright lights, and various activities are available to visitors. You can visit Santa, enjoy performances by carolers in Dickens-era attire, view a full-scale nativity display, and explore light features like the lighted halo grove, butterfly orchard, and dancing swallows. All these activities are included in the Capistrano Lights ticket, which grants you same-day admission to the Mission. Conveniently located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, the Mission Capistrano is easily accessible by freeway, airport, and train depot within walking distance.—Website.
Newport Beach Christmas Light Parade
For more than 100 years, the Newport Beach holiday lights boat parade has been a beloved Southern California tradition. Throughout December and into the New Year, homes around Newport Bay are adorned with stunning light displays, making for a festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy harbor lights cruises several tour operators offer to take in the breathtaking holiday lights.
Ice at Santa Monica Skating Rink
Experience a winter wonderland as the beloved ice rink returns to the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue. It will bring a touch of holiday magic to the beachside community. The rink will be open from Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and will operate daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Monday, January 15, 2024.
Sawdust Annual Winter Fantasy Festival
The Sawdust Winter Festival takes place over five weekends, from mid-November to mid-December, starting the Friday after Thanksgiving. The Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy offers a perfect opportunity for a leisurely afternoon or evening stroll with friends and family. Children can enjoy playing with real snow, creating art and craft projects, or using a pottery wheel. Meanwhile, adults can relax with a glass of wine, listen to live entertainment, and browse for unique holiday gifts. The festival takes place in Laguna Beach.
Dana Point Christmas Holiday Lights Parade
The December Dana Point Harbor Christmas Light Parade occurs on two consecutive weekends. Boats of various sizes are decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere as they cruise around the Harbor. In addition to the parade, the Harbor features a variety of themed light exhibits, such as a giant whale sculpture, lighted palm trees, giant beach-ball-like ornaments, the famous “Merry Kiss Me” arch, and much more.
San Diego Botanic Garden Botanic Lightscape
(November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024) The San Diego Botanic Garden is hosting an evening event where they will decorate and illuminate their 8,000 sq. ft. glass conservatory and large sections of their 37-acre campus with festive lights. The family-friendly event will offer live music, kids’ activities, holiday crafts, a food truck court, Santa Claus, and more! Visitors will be surprised and delighted by the exciting new installations and the returning fan favorites along the one-mile loop. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, California. Website.
Bates Nut Farm Christmas Fair Holiday Shopping
(Friday, December 8, 2023 to Saturday, December 9, 2023)Many craft booths sell handmade crafts and fine art at this event. In addition, there will be food vendors, as well as live music for everyone’s enjoyment. This magical event is suitable for all ages, so bring the whole family to experience Santa’s arrival, a Polar Express ride, the opportunity to visit with Santa, crafts, carols, and holiday fun. There will be free crafts and activities available for kids to enjoy. Open all week for holiday gifts and candies. Bates Nut Farm 15954 Woods Valley Road Valley Center, California. 15954 Woods Valley Rd, Valley Center, California. Website.
Knott’s Berry Farm Christmas Craft Fair
Knott’s Merry Farm is an annual seasonal event at America’s oldest theme park. During this event, the park is adorned with spectacular decorations, including a 65-foot tall Christmas tree and a colorful Christmas parade featuring Peanuts. The Knott’s Christmas Craft Fair is open from Monday to Thursday and can be accessed without park admission. However, park admission is required if you plan to visit the Christmas Craft Fair on Friday through Sunday.
Wild Lights, Living Desert Palm Desert
(Select Nights, November 22-December 30 Adults Only (21+) Night – December 14) Experience the holiday magic at the Living Zoo, with thousands of lights adorning the grounds, festive music, and entertainment. Stroll under the enchanting Tunnel of Lights and witness the massive model train track decorated with dazzling lights. Kids can enjoy a ride on the train or carousel. Make the most of your day trip and explore the zoo during the day, then bask in the splendor of Wild Lights at night. 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, California. Website.
Irvine Park Christmas Train
Santa’s Village is one of Southern California’s most popular holiday events. Kids and parents can take an evening ride through the park to meet Santa Claus during this event. The train depot is beautifully decorated with hundreds of lights for the holiday season, and passengers can head off to the North Pole to visit Santa. Children can share their wish lists with Santa and take photos with him. The Christmas train will operate from November 24th to December 23rd, 2023. Santa’s Village is open daily, so plan your visit accordingly. 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, California. Website.
Festival of Lights Mission Inn Riverside
November 18, 2023, through Friday, January 7, 2024). The Mission Inn Holiday Event in Riverside is widely regarded as one of the top holiday events in the country. Thousands of twinkling lights adorn historic buildings and surrounding streets, making it a cherished annual tradition that has been running since 1992. The event gets bigger and better each year, with many activities for visitors, such as an outdoor ice skating rink on the Main Street pedestrian mall, holiday vendors to browse, and family-friendly entertainment. 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, California.
Holiday Road Calabasas
Holiday Road is an outstanding holiday destination that offers an immersive and enchanting experience. The vast and beautiful grounds are decorated with stunning, twinkling lights and an array of festive installations that will greet visitors as they walk along the winding trail. It’s a magical winter wonderland featuring attractions like the North Pole, Elf Village, Gingerbread Lane, light tunnels, and Christmas tree forests that will leave you spellbound. King Gillette Ranch: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, California. Website.
Queen Mary Christmas (Chill)
The Queen Mary stopped operating in 2020, which marked the end of the annual holiday event. In December 2022, the ship started tours again. There has been no announcement about the return of Queen Mary Christmas or any similar holiday event.
Leave a Reply