Currently Being Updated for 2024
The holiday season is officially here, and Southern California is ready to celebrate! Families have a variety of ways to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah in Los Angeles during this festivetime of the year! There are so many fun Christmas and holiday events in Los Angeles listed here, there’s sure to be something for everyone in your family to love.
As longtime Angelenos, we know the Best Family-Friendly Holiday Events and we are excited to share them with you! Here are just some of the popular types of events we know you love – click to read more – and there are many more on this page as you scroll down. Enjoy!
- See Christmas Lights + Light Shows
- Get Photos with Santa Claus
- Where to Go Out for Christmas Dinner
- Go Ice Skating Outdoors
- Events to Celebrate Hanukkah
- Events at SoCal Theme Parks
- Tree Lighting Ceremonies
- Best Things To Do on Christmas Day
- All the Nutcracker Performances
- The Best Holiday Shows
- Christmas Boat Parades
- Events at Malls and Hotels
Christmas and Holiday Events in Los Angeles and SoCal for 2024
Winter Fest OC
OC Fair & Event Center,88 Fair Dr. Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Winter Fest OC,Southern California’s largest winter festival, transforms OC Fair & Event Center into a magical winter wonderland with the region’s one and only outdoor ice skating trail, ice tubing slide, and a real snow play area filled with endless delights. Select dates from November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025. From free play to snowball throwing zones, sledding for the little ones, and a mesmerizing snow carousel, Winter Fest OC offers a winter wonderland like no other. Winter Fest OC promises endless opportunities for memory-making fun for kids and adults alike.
General admission tickets include the fan-favorite thrilling 150-foot-long, 9-lane ice tubing slide, and the magical “North Pole Journey” experience where visitors can embark on a guided quest to become a certified elf, filled with wonder and interactive discoveries along the way. Additional attractions include real snow play, interactive character meet and greets, live stage performances, a nightly tree lighting celebration with snow flurries, dazzling light displays, and much more.
Christmas and Holiday Events from 2023 That Have Not Yet Updated – Stay Tuned!
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises 2023
Newport Landing, 309 Palm Street Ste A, Newport Beach, CA 92661
949-675-0551
The 2023 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is the premier Christmas event for Southern California. With more than 115 years of history and viewed by over two million people each year. The New York Times called the parade and light displays “one of the top 10 holiday events in the country”. Along with the Boat Parade of Lights there is the “Ring Of Lights” which has Bayfront estates competing for top honors in all out holiday décor & light displays which takes place all of December. Event Dates December 1, 2023-December 31, 2023.
Newport Landing provides 6 cruise times each night of the parade (4:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:00, 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, & 9:00 pm) and all of December to view the amazing light displays. Cruises during the parade travel in the parade and view both ships and estates in full décor. Cruises during the holiday lights cruises view all of the amazing light displays of bay front estates and landscapes along with many of the competing ships in the parade.
Holidays at the Cube
Discovery Cube LA, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar 91342
Enjoy a holiday celebration smarter than the rest! Celebrate the most festive time of year withHolidays at the Cube, a family-friendly holiday event filled with your favorite sights, smells, and sounds that delight all senses! Holidays at the Cube in Los Angeles include SoCal’s largest and most talked-about gingerbread competition and display—Science of Gingerbread. As well as the much-anticipatedNoon Year’s Eve!
Related: Get Christmas Dinner Takeout
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Southern California Railway Museum
2201 S. A St., Perris, CA 92570
If you want to experience a magical train ride, just like in the movie, book your one-hour adventure soon. Passengers will be served hot chocolate while on their journey as well as enjoy a reading of the book. And, of course, everyone will get to meet Santa!
Nightly Snow Flurries
The Americana at Brand, 889 Americana Way, Glendale 91210
The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles 90036
A cherished community tradition, Caruso introduces Southern California snowfalls at The Americana at Brand fromNovember 16 through Christmas Dayand The Grove beginning onNovember 25 through the end of the year. Both properties will transform into winter wonderlands with snowfalls every night at7pmand8pm.
Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel
Crown Valley Pkwy, between Moulton Pkwy and Niguel Rd, Laguna Niguel,CA92677
Join us for the City of Laguna Niguel’s annual Holiday Parade on December 9th! The parade begins around 10:00am and features entries cars, marching bands, and more! Be sure to stick around to see Santa pay the City a visit!
Letters to Santa in Laguna Niguel
Crown Valley Park 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel,CA92677
Would you like to receive a letter from Santa? Santa has asked the City of Laguna Niguel to help him by collecting letters in our “North Pole” mailbox inside Crown Valley Community Center. We will then forward the letters to the North Pole for a response from Santa! Santa will be able to: Write one return letter per family at one address in Laguna Niguel, Write one return letter per classroom in Laguna Niguel, Write to children who include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Related: Volunteer Opportunities During the Holidays
Holiday Family Faire
Will GeerTheatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga 90290
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (Rain date: Dec. 16) This event will be filled with carolers,singing madrigalsandother performersroaming the grounds. Theatricum company members will tellwinter holiday storiesfrom a variety of traditions.Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to take family photos. Anartisan marketplacewill offer holiday gifts and crafts, and festive food and drink will be available for purchase.And there will be a special outdoor screening ofThe Muppet Christmas Carolwill begin immediately after the Faire, at 5 p.m. (available with Faire admission for an additional $20, or separate admission: $25).
Related: See The Rose Bowl Parade
The Hollywood Christmas Parade
In the Heart of Hollywood, on Hollywood Blvd.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade is back in 2023 for its 91st annual event and will take place on Sunday, November 26th. Starting on Hollywood Blvd. at Orange Drive, the parade runs east to Vine St., then south to Sunset Blvd., and then west, ending at Sunset and Orange Drive. Complete with marching bands, floats, balloons, equestrians, and of course, celebrity hosts!
Related: Where to buy a Christmas Tree
Christmas on the Farm
Underwood Family Farms
3370 Sunset Valley Rd.,Moorpark, CA 93021
Christmas on the Farm is happening, with California Sleigh Rides, The Holiday Train, Holiday Arts & Crafts, Animal Shows, the Holiday Store, and Reindeer!
Letters to Santa
Community Center Park
1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo, CA 93010
Write a letter to Santa and drop it in the big red mailbox at the Community Center and he will write a letter back to you! Local children are invited to embrace the holiday season’s excitement and write their special messages to the Jolly Old Elf.
A giant red mailbox, created especially for Santa’s mail, will be placed outside of the District’s Administrative Office at the Community Center. Have your child write a letter, bring it to the Community Center, and pop it inside Santa’s very own mailbox. Be sure to bring your camera for this great holiday-themed photo opportunity.
Pretend City Countdown to Christmas
29 Hubble, Irvine,CA92618
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Stop by Pretend City on December 20th, 22nd, and 23rd to meet Santa, and have special storytime with the authors of delightful children’s books. DIY craft time for kids, too. Check the website for details.
Related: Find Holiday Fun Runs in SoCal
Camarillo Christmas Parade
Community Center
1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo, CA 93010
The 2023 parade starts at 10 am, Saturday, December 9th. Beginning at TempleAve., the Parade travelsdown Las Posas, turning onto Carmen Dr., andending at theCommunity Center. This year the District is celebrating years of service in the Camarillo community and would like to use the Camarillo Christmas Parade to celebrate. There will be bands, floats, autos, horses — and Santa Claus! Plus from 9 am–2 pm, you can shop in Santa’s Village with local vendors.
Holidays in the Village: Holiday Sing-Along & European Marketplace
4061 Lakeview Canyon Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Join the City of Westlake Village in partnership with the Westlake Village Rotary Clubs for the annual Holiday Sing-Along and Marketplace Sunday, December 2nd. Experience a traditional European winter festival with us at Holidays in the Village, a European Marketplace. Immerse yourself in the festive warmth of the Holidays as you stroll through our Artisan shops showcasing their wares, sample an array of authentic fresh European foods and baked goods, enjoy a warm mug of mulled wine, Kinderpunsch or specialty crafted brews, and introduce the kids to Kris Kringle’s Village.
Related: Easy Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas
Kidspace Children’s Museum Winter Frolic
480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103
Starting November 10th, Kidspace Children’s Museum will transform into a land of wonder and delight at its first annualWinter Frolic. Seven weeks of family holiday fun specifically designed for little ones. The Winter Frolic offers a flurry of experiences and programs, including a no-iceSock Skating Rink. Sock skating is the ideal challenge for beginning skaters who can slide and spin without bothering about blades.For an additional fee, go “ice fishing” in theKidspace Interpretive Arroyo Streamor build a fantastical winter sculpture using special “ice blocks,” or children can decorate their very own snowflakes at the Kidspace Winter Craft Station.
Related: Where to Buy Holiday Cookies and Treats
South Lake AvenueHolidayfest!
South Lake Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91101
Pasadena’s South Lake Avenue kicks off its holiday celebration with family-friendly activities around the district this December 2nd, from 12-5pm! The South Lake AvenueHOLIDAYFEST! features free admission to live music, holiday activities, in-store promotions, raffles, free photos with Santa and holiday characters, snow globe making stations, cookie decorating, ornament decorating, plus shopping and dining experiences and more!
Related: Winter Camps for Holiday Break
City of Compton’s 68th Annual Christmas Parade
Begins at Compton Blvd/Bullis Rd., ends at Alameda St.
The City of Compton will be holding their annual Christmas Parade on December 9th at 11 am beginning at Compton Boulevard and Bullis Road and ending at Alameda Street. This year’s theme will be “Around the World Christmas.”
Related: Where to get Tamales for Christmas
Candy-Making Demonstrations
Logan’s Candies
125 W. “B” St., Ontario, CA 91762
This year, make buying candy canes an event! Visit Logan’s Candies in Ontario, where they’ve been making candy “the same way since 1933.” Get your candy canes straight from the factory! And you don’t have to just settle for traditional peppermint flavor (red and white). This year you could be adventurous and try a root bear flavor (brown, orange, and yellow in color). Also, their candy canes range in size from 6 inches to 6 feet! Check their Facebook page for details.
Related: Our Annual Holiday Gift Guide
Torrance Memorial Medical Center Family-Friendly Holiday Festival
Torrance Memorial Medical Center,3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance 90505
Torrance Memorial Medical Center will host its 39thannual family-friendly Holiday Festival fundraiser returns from November 28th to December 3rd. Featuring 32 themed, decorated trees, live entertainment, the South Bay’s largest holiday boutique, opportunity drawing, children’s activities, and food court. General admission is $5.
Related: Where to buy Latkes for Hanukkah
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA 92869
‘Tis the season for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the brightly-lit train station and drop passengers off at the North Pole.
Children can share their wish list with Santa and have their photos taken with him too. You may take pictures with your personal camera or you may purchase a photo taken by Irvine Park Railroad.
Related: Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Temecula Chilled
Old Town Temecula and around Temecula Valley, CA 92590
Head out toTemecula Chilled, a magical winter festival that captures the warmth, beauty, and festive spirit of the Temecula Valley during the holiday season. From Santa’s Electric Light Parade to the New Year’s Eve Grape Drop in Old Town, a fantastic line-up of activities and events will delight visitors and residents alike. In addition to Old Town, the entire Temecula Valley comes alive during the holidays. The cool weather allows for many outdoor activities: hiking, biking, hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, andice skating during the holiday season.
Related: Holiday Toy Drives for Giving Back
Aquarium Holidays
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 90802
Aquarium Holidays festivities happen in December, featuring festive décor, shopping, snowfall in the Great Hall, and appearances by Santa Diver and Aquarium characters in their holiday outfits. On weekends, the Aquarium will have photo opportunities with Santa. Also during Aquarium Holidays, the Aquarium will host a Kwanzaa celebration and Hanukkah storytelling.
Related: Where to Play in the Snow Near LA
Winter Wonderland at 34 LA County Parks
It’s Park Time L.A. County! Parks After Dark returns (starting December 2nd) with an enchanting Winter Wonderland experience that will bring holiday cheer and 40 to 80 tons of snow to 34 L.A. County Parks in the month of December. Local parks will be transformed into wintry paradises complete with sled runs, photo opportunities, snack stations, holiday treats and a craft village where children can decorate their own holiday stocking!
Families should plan to arrive early at their local park for a toy giveaway for ages 0-17, while supplies last. New this year to the Winter Wonderland experience is a Teen Zone where young adults can enjoy their own space to hang out with their friends, create and design art, listen to music, silkscreen holiday shirts and make their own personalized Santa hat!
Skypark Santa’s Village Holiday Events
28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385
What’s happening this year? From November 16th – January 7th here are a few events you can enjoy. Reserve your tickets in advance. See website for times, prices, and details.
- Breakfast with Santa: a fun-filled meal with the Jolly Old Elf Himself.
- Mrs. Claus’ Tea Party: Enjoy tea and storytime with Mrs. Claus
- Village Lights Spectacular:Every night at sundown, dazzling lights light up the night with festive holiday music
- Seasonal Flavors and Sights:Special holiday meals, snacks, drinks, and more await in Santa’s Village
- Cookie Decorating:Have a merry time and decorate cookies at the Sky Trading Company
- Crafting with Santa’s Elves
Teddy Bear Tea
The Lobby Lounge at The Langham Huntington Hotel
1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106
Head to the Langham Huntington, Pasadena for the coveted holiday Teddy Bear Tea experience, where tiny sandwiches meet a puppet show and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Each child will receive a limited-edition Paddington x The Langham bear to take home as a memento. (Dates: December 3, 8, 9, 10, 15 – 24).Visit the website to make your reservation.
See our list of Las Posadas for more!
MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles
Disclaimer:MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
