59 Dazzling Christmas and Holiday Events for LA Families in 2026
Updated: 6 days ago
Where to See Holiday Lights in or near Los Angeles?
Twinkling lights, jolly Santas, boat parades glowing across the harbor, and holiday trains chugging through the orange groves: Southern California does the holidays its own way, and it is pretty magical. Whether your crew wants to stroll through a forest of lights, sip cocoa at an outdoor movie, or meet Santa at a farm, there are Christmas and holiday events in and near Los Angeles for every age and budget.
We updated our list for 2026 with dates, prices, and details confirmed on each organizer's official website. Many beloved events have not announced their 2026 plans yet, so we grouped those separately and will keep checking. Bookmark this page and plan your merriest season yet.
Holiday Lights Festivals in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Friday, November 20, 2026, to Sunday, January 10, 2027
6 to 10 PM
The zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland of animal-themed light displays after dark. Pre-sale tickets are coming soon, and the zoo usually closes on select nights, so check the calendar before you go.
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Dr
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Sunday, November 22, 2026, to Saturday, January 9, 2027
5:30 to 10 PM
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this enchanting walk winds through the gardens with glowing installations and a brand-new laser show with a "snowfall" finale. Tickets range from $12 to $52 depending on the date, and members pay less.
Santa Anita Park
285 W Huntington Dr
Arcadia, CA 91007
Friday, November 20, to Sunday, December 27, 2026
Enchant builds a giant light maze and holiday village where families can hunt for clues, shop, and snack under millions of lights. Tickets start at $25 and vary by date, and family four-packs are available.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Old Mission Rd
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Friday, December 18, to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (select days)
10 AM to 7 PM; projection show nightly at 6:05 PM
The historic mission glows with lights and a new projection show. Santa visits daily through December 23 from 3:30 to 6:30 PM. Admission is $23 for adults, $19 for seniors, $16 for youth 5 and up, and free for kids 4 and under.
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
3649 Mission Inn Ave
Riverside, CA 92501
Switch-on ceremony: Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 5 PM
Festival: through at least December 31, 2026 (the Mission Inn lists January 3, 2027)
Celebrating its 34th year, downtown Riverside lights up with millions of lights, and opening night brings fireworks and Santa. The city's Festival of Lights page lists an ice rink open 5 to 10 PM for $20 per skater with rentals, and closures on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Breakfast with Santa runs on weekends at the Mission Inn.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Select nights, November 12, 2026, to January 10, 2027
Nightly schedule and times to be announced
New this season, NightTales opens the museum after dark for a walk through glowing installations and projected artwork in the halls and gardens. Los Angeles artist Maggie West reimagines the museum's specimens in bold color and light, so it feels a bit like strolling through a dream version of the dinosaur halls.
Tickets are sold online in advance, and prices are listed on the museum's ticket calendar rather than the event page. Limited prepaid spots in the NHM Car Park can be added at checkout, and Exposition Park parking is cashless on event nights. The Expo/USC Metro stop is an easy alternative.
Want the full scoop? Read our NightTales at NHM family guide.
Looking for neighborhood displays? See our guide to the best places to see holiday lights in Los Angeles.
Santa, Parades, and Holiday Celebrations
Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Sunday, November 29, 2026
Start time to be announced
Floats, marching bands, celebrities, and Santa himself roll down Hollywood Boulevard in this televised tradition, which benefits Toys for Tots. Grandstand seating details have not been posted yet, so arrive early if you plan to watch from the curb.
Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time to be announced
All three blocks of Rodeo Drive light up for this free celebration with Santa's arrival and fireworks. Bundle up, grab a spot early, and enjoy the glitz.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum
40 Presidential Dr
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Saturday, November 14, 2026, to Sunday, January 3, 2027
Daily 10 AM to 5 PM (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day)
Replacing the library's longtime Christmas Around the World exhibit, this new display features 26 decorated trees celebrating America's 250th birthday. Santa visits between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the exhibit is included with museum admission.
Underwood Family Farms
3370 Sunset Valley Rd
Moorpark, CA 93021
Friday, November 27, to Thursday, December 24, 2026
Daily 9 AM to 5 PM (closes at noon on December 24)
Farm fun meets holiday cheer with Santa visits on weekends and November 27 from 11 AM to 4 PM through December 20. Admission is $12 on weekdays at the gate and $16 on weekends and November 27 online. Kids under 2 and parking are free, and seniors, military, veterans, and first responders get $2 off with ID.
Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District Community Center
1605 E Burnley St
Camarillo, CA 93010
Monday, November 16, to Saturday, December 5, 2026
Kids can drop their letters in Santa's big red mailbox, no stamp needed. Include a return address, and Santa will write back. It is free and open to all ages.
Community Center Park
1605 E Burnley St
Camarillo, CA 93010
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Parade 10 AM; Santa's Village 10 AM to 2 PM; Santa photos from 12:30 PM
This free hometown celebration starts with a parade from Temple Avenue and Las Posas Road to the Community Center, followed by Santa's Village and photos with the big guy.
Torrance Memorial Medical Center (tent at Skypark Dr and Medical Center Dr)
3330 Lomita Blvd
Torrance, CA 90505
Tuesday, December 1, to Sunday, December 6, 2026
Hours to be announced
This South Bay tradition raises money for Torrance Memorial and fills a big white tent with professionally decorated Christmas trees, holiday gift shopping, entertainment, children's activities, and a food court. The fashion show on December 1 and the gala on December 4 are separately ticketed grown-up events, so plan your family visit around the festival itself. General admission prices and parking details for 2026 have not been posted yet.
South Lake Avenue District
S Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
Saturday, December 5, 2026
12 PM to 6 PM
Pasadena's South Lake Avenue turns into a free holiday block party, rain or shine. Kids can pose with Santa at Macy's (401 S Lake Ave), decorate cookies at The Commons, and make ornaments at Pasarroyo while live bands play at The Shops on Lake.
Activities are first come, first served while supplies last, so arrive early. Anyone who buys something in the district that afternoon can enter raffles drawn at 2, 4, and 6 PM in Macy's Courtyard. Free and paid parking is available around the district.
Historic Euclid Avenue and Ontario Town Square
224 N Euclid Ave
Ontario, CA 91764
Nativity scenes: Thanksgiving through New Year's Day
Tree Lighting: Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 PM to 8 PM
Holiday Light Parade: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6:30 PM to 9 PM
Craft Fair: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 AM to 4 PM
Community Sing-A-Long: Saturday, December 19, 2026, 6 PM
Ontario has lined Euclid Avenue's grassy median with nativity scenes since 1958, and the twelve displays between C Street and G Street make a lovely free evening stroll all season. December adds a tree lighting, a glowing light parade, craft fairs, a 5K Reindeer Run, a menorah procession on December 10, and a community sing-along.
Santa photos are free with your own phone, and parking is first come, first served on the side streets off Euclid.
The Oaks
350 W Hillcrest Dr
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6, 2026
11 AM to 8 PM
The Rotary Clubs of Westlake Village run this European-style Christmas market as a charity fundraiser, with more than 60 artisan vendors. Kids head for Kris Kringle's Village with Santa and Grinch photos, a train, a Ferris wheel, crafts, face painting, and a bear scavenger hunt, while grown-ups sip mulled wine or cocoa and the kids try Kinderpunsch.
Entry is free; food, drinks, and shopping are pay as you go. Parking details for 2026 are coming soon.
Old Town Temecula (parade starts at Jefferson Ave and Del Rio Rd)
Temecula, CA 92590
Friday, December 4, 2026
7 PM
Temecula's holiday season, promoted by Visit Temecula Valley as Temecula Chilled, packs Old Town with family fun. Santa arrives at Pennypickle's Workshop on Friday, November 27 (6 to 9 PM) and then visits Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM and Sundays from 1 to 4 PM through December 20. The city tree lights up at the Temecula Duck Pond on Monday, November 30, at 7 PM.
The light parade rolls south into Old Town on December 4, so bring blankets and chairs. The full 2026 Temecula Chilled calendar has not been posted yet; check the city's Holiday Fun page for updates.
Beverly Center, 8th Floor
8500 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
November through December 2026 (exact dates to be announced)
Timed entry between 10 AM and 5 PM
Kids collect passport stamps as they hop from snowball time with Frosty to training with Rudolph and cookie decorating in Mrs. Claus' Kitchen. Then they build a toy in Santa's Workshop and meet Santa, with a professional photo included. The whole family also gets seats for a live show with dancers, aerialists, and tableside magic.
Tickets are $55 for kids and $35 for adults plus fees, and children under 2 are free. Plan on about two hours, park strollers at the entrance, and book timed tickets through Fever. Brunch is sold separately.
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
415 Avenida Granada
San Clemente, CA 92672
Saturday, December 12, 2026
5 PM to 7 PM
San Clemente's ocean-view Spanish Colonial estate glows with lights through the house and gardens, plus live music, crafts for all ages, s'mores, and cocoa or coffee. Tickets are $15 for adults ($10 for members), and kids 12 and under get in free.
More family fun happens here the week before: a free Family Sundays Christmas Open House on Sunday, December 6 (10 AM to 2 PM, RSVP required) with letters to Santa, and a Teddy Bear Christmas Tea on Saturday, December 5 ($85 per guest, kids included) where Mrs. Claus reads The Night Before Christmas.
Logan's Candies
125 W B St
Ontario, CA 91762
New dates released every Monday at 10 AM
Times vary by demo
Ontario's old-fashioned candy shop lets families watch its candymakers pull and shape warm hard candy, then kids bend a piece of their own and taste warm samples. Depending on what the shop needs, the demo may feature candy canes, pillows, or ribbon candy. Tickets are $6.20 per person including fees and must be reserved online; kids under 2 don't need one. Check back on Mondays for new dates.
Holiday Shows and Movies
A Noise Within
3352 E Foothill Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107
Saturday, November 28, to Thursday, December 24, 2026
Box office: 626-356-3121
This beloved staging of Dickens' classic is recommended for ages 5 and up, and everyone needs a ticket. Look for a relaxed performance on November 29 at 11 AM, a Pay What You Choose show on December 3 at 2 PM starting at $10, and captioned shows December 19 and 20 at 2 PM. Heads-up: the show uses fog and haze effects.
Royce Hall, UCLA: December 11 to 13, 2026
Dolby Theatre, Hollywood: December 18 to 27, 2026
LA Ballet's Nutcracker, set in 1912 Los Angeles, features a live orchestra at the Dolby, and the December 26 matinee is sensory-friendly. See our full list of Nutcracker ballet performances in and near Los Angeles.
Heritage Square Museum
3800 Homer St
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Select nights, Saturday, November 28, to Wednesday, December 23, 2026
Gates 5:30 PM; movie 6:30 PM
Cozy up under the stars for holiday movies among Victorian homes. Kid-friendly picks include The Grinch and Rudolph (November 28 and December 21), Home Alone pajama nights (December 5 and 23), Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas with The Muppet Christmas Carol (December 12), and Elf with The Year Without a Santa Claus (December 20). General admission is $39, and parking is free.
Holiday Boat Parades and Cruises
Burton Chace Park
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Park activities 4 to 8 PM; light show 5:45 PM; parade 6 to 8 PM
The 64th annual parade sails under the theme "Hollywood Under The Stars," with decorated boats glowing across the marina. Burton Chace Park is the main viewing spot, so bring blankets and arrive early.
Newport Harbor
Newport Beach, CA
Wednesday, December 16, to Sunday, December 20, 2026
Parade about 6:30 PM nightly
The 118th parade is free to watch, and Marina Park is a favorite public viewing spot. Opening night brings fireworks at Newport Pier at 6:15 PM, and other nights feature drone shows. The Ring of Lights home-decorating contest runs the same week.
Newport Landing
309 Palm St. No A
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Friday, December 4, 2026, to Friday, January 1, 2027
Departures 5:30, 7, and 8:30 PM
See the harbor's dazzling home displays from the water on a 75-minute cruise. Tickets are $36 for adults, $32 for juniors, and $10 for infants, and they are non-refundable. Special boat parade cruises also run during parade week.
Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Safari
24440 Dana Point Harbor Dr
Dana Point, CA 92629
Friday, December 11, to Sunday, December 13, 2026
6 PM
Cruise alongside the 51st Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights on a 90-minute trip. Deluxe cruises cost $62.54 for adults and $57.24 for kids 12 and under. Dana Wharf also offers an Evening Holiday Harbor Cruise starting at $30.74, with 2026 dates to be announced.
Holiday Trains
Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Rd
Orange, CA 92869
Christmas Train: Friday, November 27, to Wednesday, December 23, 2026
Weekdays 4 to 9 PM; weekends and December 14 to 23, 10 AM to 9 PM
Santa's Village: November 27 to December 30, 2026 (closed December 24 and 25)
Ride a festive train through the park, then explore Santa's Village. Train tickets range from $22 to $37 depending on the time slot, and kids under 24 months ride free. Santa photos cost $15, Santa's Village entry is free with $8 activity tickets, and park entry is $3 to $7 per car (free after 6 PM).
Southern California Railway Museum
2201 South A St
Perris, CA 92570
2026 schedule to be announced; sensory-friendly rides Tuesday, November 24, at 4 and 6 PM
Hop aboard in your pajamas for hot cocoa, a reading of the story, and a visit with Santa. The ride has moved from Fillmore to Perris. The train ride lasts about an hour, with about two hours total. Adults pay $56.25 to $88.25, kids 2 to 11 pay $49.25 to $81.25, and kids under 2 ride free on a lap.
Holiday Events at Theme Parks
Disneyland Resort
1313 Disneyland Dr
Anaheim, CA 92802
Friday, November 13, 2026, to Wednesday, January 6, 2027
Look for A Christmas Fantasy Parade, the "Believe... In Holiday Magic" fireworks, Haunted Mansion Holiday in its 25th year, "it's a small world" Holiday, and the Festival of Holidays and World of Color: Season of Light at Disney California Adventure. It is all included with park admission.
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90620
Friday, November 20, 2026, to Sunday, January 3, 2027
Knott's decks the halls with the "Home for the Holidays" show, a Peanuts ice show, Santa's Christmas Cabin, and nightly lights. It is included with admission, and online tickets start at $65.
LEGOLAND California
One LEGOLAND Dr
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Late November to early January (2026 dates to be announced)
LEGOLAND's holiday season is a hit with younger kids, and it is included with admission. Kids' tickets start at $39 and adults' at $69.
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Friday, November 27, 2026, to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select dates)
Ice tubing, snow play, lights, and Santa, all in Costa Mesa. See our Winter Fest OC guide for ticket prices and tips.
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
Dates and times to be announced.
Last season brought Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, included with admission. Nearby, Universal CityWalk usually puts up a 40-foot tree with free entertainment.
Balboa Park
San Diego, CA
Friday, December 4, 2026, 4 to 10 PM
Saturday, December 5, 2026, noon to 10 PM
Worth the drive if you are heading south, this free festival fills Balboa Park with lights, music, and international food.
Terranea Resort
100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Times: To be announced
Admission: To be announced
Terranea’s annual coastal tree lighting returns for the 2026 holiday season. Families can expect a festive resort setting and holiday entertainment; the resort’s annual tradition has previously included carolers, a Nutcracker performance, Santa, and letters to the North Pole. Those activity details have not yet been confirmed for 2026, so check the official Terranea holiday page before making the drive.
Parent tip: This date was confirmed directly by Terranea. Public hours, admission details, parking instructions, and the full 2026 activity schedule have not yet been announced.
Holiday Favorites With 2026 Dates to Be Announced
These annual favorites have not posted their 2026 plans yet. We will update them as details are announced.
Discovery Cube Los Angeles, 11800 Foothill Blvd, Sylmar, CA 91342
Discovery Cube Orange County, 2500 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Dates and times to be announced.
Kids love voting for their favorite gingerbread creations, and the display has been included with admission in past years.
Discovery Cube Orange County
2500 N Main St
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Dates and times to be announced.
This holiday musical, created with Apples & Oranges Studios, is a sweet family outing for younger kids.
1324 5th St
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Opening in November 2026; dates to be announced.
Lace up for outdoor ice skating steps from the Third Street Promenade.
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
Dates and times to be announced.
Santa dives with the fish, Surfer Santa drops by on weekends, and holiday stories fill the galleries.
Santa Rosa Ave
Altadena, CA 91001
2026 lighting ceremony: Date to be announced.
The historic mile of lit deodar trees has asked families to save the date for its 2026 lighting ceremony.
Third Street Promenade, 1300 block
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dates and times to be announced.
A free tree lighting with holiday entertainment on the Promenade.
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Dates and times to be announced.
This free Christmas Eve tradition showcases dozens of LA's cultural performing groups. The 67th annual celebration is in the works.
The Original Farmers Market
6333 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Dates and times to be announced.
The Farmers Market hosts a free holiday concert with a toy drive, plus caroling in the days before Christmas.
Greystone Mansion
Beverly Hills, CA
Dates and times to be announced.
Beverly Hills hosts a free festive weekend at the mansion with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Various L.A. County parks
Dates and times to be announced.
Free holiday fun at dozens of county parks, with activities for the whole family.
The Bloc
700 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Dates and times to be announced.
Free nightly light shows downtown for all ages.
The Grove
189 The Grove Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Dates and times to be announced.
The Grove's giant tree and nightly snowfall are an LA holiday classic.
The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
Dates and times to be announced.
Holiday lights, snow, and entertainment fill The Americana every season.
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
Topanga, CA 90290
Returning in 2026; date to be announced.
A cozy, crafty holiday faire in the Topanga woods.
Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W Harbor Blvd
Ventura, CA 93001
Dates and times to be announced.
Handmade gifts and holiday shopping by the beach.
Crown Valley Pkwy
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Dates and times to be announced.
A free hometown parade along Crown Valley Parkway.
28950 CA-18
Skyforest, CA 92385
Phone: 909-744-9373
Dates and times to be announced.
The North Pole in the San Bernardino Mountains. See our SkyPark at Santa's Village guide.
Los Angeles County Arboretum
301 N Baldwin Ave
Arcadia, CA 91007
Dates and times to be announced.
An illuminated trail through the Arboretum's gardens.
Westside Ballet
Santa Monica, CA
Dates and times to be announced.
Southern California's longest-running Nutcracker, performed with a live orchestra.
Third Street Promenade, 1300 Block
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dates and times to be announced.
In past years, Downtown Santa Monica has hosted free Thursday evenings in December with Santa photos, a letter-writing station, a brass band, crafts, artificial snow, and hot cocoa.
Pasadena Playhouse
39 S El Molino Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
Dates and times to be announced.
The Playhouse debuted this holiday concert and free open house in 2025, with sing-alongs, crafts, backstage tours, and family photos by the Christmas tree. A 2026 return has not been announced yet.
Kidspace Children's Museum
480 N Arroyo Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91103
Dates and times to be announced.
Last season, Winter Frolic ran from early November into January with a no-ice sock skating rink, pretend ice fishing, and ice-block building for kids ages 1 to 10. Admission is currently $17 for adults and kids 1 and older, and parking is free in Rose Bowl Lot I.
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90802
Dates and times to be announced.
The historic ship's holiday season has included Sunday brunch with Santa, pictures with Santa, gingerbread house workshops, and holiday movie nights. Some events on board are for adults only, so read the details before booking.
Not Happening in 2026
Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas is not happening this year; Night of the Jack will return with the full Holiday Road experience in 2027. Astra Lumina has left Los Angeles. Christmas Around the World at the Reagan Library has been replaced by An American Christmas, and The Polar Express no longer runs in Fillmore; it has moved to Perris.
Tips for Enjoying LA Holiday Events With Kids
Buy tickets early. Light festivals and holiday trains sell out, especially on weekends near Christmas.
Go on a weeknight. Crowds are lighter and prices are often lower Monday through Thursday.
Dress for the evening. SoCal nights get chilly, so pack jackets, blankets, and a thermos of cocoa.
Plan the rest of the season. Find Santa with our best places to take pictures with Santa, pick out a tree with our places to buy Christmas trees in Los Angeles, and head to the mountains with our snow play guide.
Takeaway
From L.A. Zoo Lights and Descanso's forest of light to boat parades in Newport and holiday trains in Irvine, the 2026 season is packed with Christmas and holiday events for Los Angeles families. Lock in tickets for the big light shows early, sprinkle in free favorites like parades and tree lightings, and check back as more events announce their dates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Events in Los Angeles
1. When is the 2026 Hollywood Christmas Parade?
The Hollywood Christmas Parade is on Sunday, November 29, 2026. The start time has not been announced yet.
2. When does L.A. Zoo Lights open in 2026?
The L.A. Zoo lists Zoo Lights from November 20 to January 10, from 6 to 10 PM. Pre-sale tickets are coming soon.
3. What are some free Christmas events in Los Angeles?
The Hollywood Christmas Parade, the Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration, the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, and the Camarillo Christmas Parade are all free to watch. South Lake Avenue Holidayfest in Pasadena, Christmas on Euclid in Ontario, and Holidays in the Village at The Oaks in Thousand Oaks are free to attend, too.
4. Is Holiday Road happening in 2026?
No. Holiday Road in Calabasas is not happening this year. Night of the Jack will return with the full Holiday Road experience in 2027.
5. Where is The Polar Express train ride in Southern California?
The Polar Express Train Ride now runs at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris. It no longer operates in Fillmore.
Disclaimer: Event listings are believed to be accurate at the time of posting, but details are subject to change without notice. Please confirm all details with the event organizer before attending. FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® is not liable for errors, omissions, or changes to listings in our calendar. Some events have paid us to be on our events calendar, and some events contain an affiliate link.
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