21 Dazzling Holiday Adventures in Los Angeles You Can’t Miss!
The holiday season in Los Angeles is nothing short of magical. From glittering light displays to immersive winter wonderlands, the Southern California transforms into a festive playground perfect for all ages. Whether you’re seeking a romantic stroll under twinkling lights, family-friendly fun, or awe-inspiring spectacles, L.A. has it all. Dive into our list of 21 must-see holiday attractions, guaranteed to bring joy, warmth, and wonder to your season!
1. Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden
Journey through a celestial-themed wonderland at the South Coast Botanic Garden. This immersive experience features glowing forests and cosmic-inspired light shows.
Dates: Through January 2025
Location: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA
2. The Grove
Experience nightly snowfalls, a 100-foot Christmas tree, and live holiday performances at The Grove. Celebrate the season with Santa visits and Hanukkah menorah lightings.
Dates: Through December 31, 2024
Location: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA
3. Lektrik: A Festival of Lights
Raging Waters LA transforms into a spectacle of over one million LED lights, lanterns, and live performances. Enjoy illuminated pathways and unique holiday shopping.
Dates: Through March 2025
Location: 111 Raging Waters Dr, San Dimas, CA
4. Animals Aglow at LA Zoo
Discover glowing animal lanterns and radiant trees at the LA Zoo’s mesmerizing holiday display. Don’t miss the enchanting “northern lights” experience.
Dates: Through January 5, 2025
Location: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA
5. Rodeo Drive Christmas Lights: Lights on the Lily Pond
Join us at Beverly Gardens Park for our stunning "Lights on the Lily Pond" show!
Dates: NOW until January 5th, 2025
Location: Beverly Gardens Park, Beverly Hills, CA
Show Details:
Shows take place every 15 minutes nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Holiday Jolly Trolley Service: The City of Beverly Hills offers free trolley service to the “Lights on the Lily Pond” show nightly from 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays – Sundays until January 5, 2025. Jolly Trolley service starts on the half-hour starting at 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., except on holidays.
Stop 1: The Rodeo/Dayton Jolly Trolley Stop is located on the southeast corner of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way.
Stop 2: The N. SMB/Canon Jolly Trolley Stop is located on N. SMB near Beverly Gardens Park.
Closed: Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
6. Hikari at Tanaka Farms
Irvine’s Tanaka Farms glows with over a million lights, wagon rides, and festive farm animals. Don’t miss the “Land of a Thousand Lanterns.”
Dates: Through December 29, 2024
Location: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA
7. Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena
Drive or stroll along a mile of glowing deodar cedar trees, a cherished tradition in Altadena for over a century.
Dates: Ongoing
Location: Santa Rosa Ave, Altadena, CA
8. Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza
Torrance’s Seaside neighborhood lights up with dazzling holiday displays. Enjoy the festive atmosphere by walking or driving through.
Dates: Throughout December
Location: Seaside Ranchos neighborhood, Torrance, CA
9. Venice Canals
Stroll through the picturesque Venice Canals adorned with holiday lights. The reflections on the water create a magical setting.
Dates: Ongoing
Location: Venice Canals, Los Angeles, CA
10. Old Pasadena
Historic Old Pasadena sparkles with holiday projections and lights, offering a perfect backdrop for holiday shopping and dining.
Dates: Ongoing
Location: 23 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA
11. Christmas Nights at 123 Farm
This Cherry Valley attraction features golden lights illuminating lavender fields and oak trees. Enjoy festive markets and seasonal treats.
Dates: Through December 23, 2024
Location: 10600 Highland Springs Ave, Cherry Valley, CA
12. Festival of Lights at Mission Inn
Riverside’s Mission Inn dazzles with 4.5 million lights and intricate holiday displays. This iconic event is free to the public.
Dates: Through January 6, 2025
Location: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA
13. Buena Vista Street
Disney’s Buena Vista Street offers nostalgic holiday charm with dazzling decor and a towering Christmas tree.
Dates: Through January 6, 2025
Location: Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim, CA
14. Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
Walk through artful light displays and LED flower fields at Descanso Gardens. A magical mile-long trail awaits.
Dates: Through January 5, 2025
Location: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA
15. Wildlights at The Living Desert
Palm Desert’s zoo comes alive with illuminated animal lanterns, holiday attractions, and s’mores under the stars.
Dates: Through December 30, 2024
Location: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA
16. Festival of Lights at Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor glows with festive walkways and illuminated sculptures. A perfect spot for seaside holiday vibes.
Dates: Through January 12, 2025
Location: 34571 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point, CA
17. Winter Fest OC
Winter Fest OC is celebrating 10 magical years of bringing the wonder of winter to Southern California! This year’s milestone event promises to be the most unforgettable yet. Immerse yourself in a spectacular winter experience, creating cherished memories with loved ones while surrounded by over a million twinkling lights, massive holiday décor, and thrilling attractions. Enjoy our signature North Pole Journey, glide down the enchanting Ice Trail, explore the new Snow Play area, and take on the exhilarating 150-foot ice tubing slide. Join us for our 10th anniversary celebration from Nov. 22nd - Jan. 5th and be part of the magic!
Dates: Nov. 22, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025
Location: Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, CA
18. Newport Christmas Parade Cruises 2024 Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises
Experience Newport Harbor in full holiday décor aboard one of our decorated vessels on a holiday lights cruise. View multimillion dollar estates and ships decked out with thousands of lights.
Dates: Holiday Cruises Nightly Dec 6th - Jan 1st
19. Citadel Outlets
Home to the tallest live-cut Christmas tree in L.A., Citadel Outlets offers festive shopping and hourly snowfall.
Dates: Ongoing
Location: 100 Citadel Dr, Commerce, CA
20. The Americana at Brand
This Glendale shopping destination features an 80-foot Christmas tree, nightly snowfalls, and visits with Santa.
Dates: Ongoing
Location: 889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA
21. Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo
Since 1949, El Segundo’s Candy Cane Lane has been a holiday tradition. Marvel at vibrant lights and decorations.
Dates: December 9-25, 2024
Location: 1225 E Acacia Ave, El Segundo, CA
Plan your festive outings and make the most of these dazzling holiday displays!
