What's Open on Christmas Day 2026 in LA: 30 Family-Friendly Spots
The presents are unwrapped, the cinnamon rolls are gone, and by 11 a.m. the kids are bouncing off the walls. Sound familiar? Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, and while many places in Los Angeles close for the holiday, plenty of family-friendly spots stay open on Christmas Day for anyone who needs to get out of the house.
We checked each spot below against its official website or holiday-hours page for 2026. Places that confirm they are open on December 25 come first. Next are theme parks and attractions that have traditionally opened on Christmas but haven't posted 2026 holiday hours yet. We also list popular places that are closed on Christmas Day, so nobody drives to a locked gate.
What's Open on Christmas Day 2026 in Los Angeles: Confirmed
These places say on their official sites that they are open every day of the year, including holidays, or have posted a specific Christmas Day 2026 schedule.
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Pier open 6 a.m.–11 p.m. every day, including holidays
According to Pacific Park's hours page, the Santa Monica Pier is open daily, every day of the year including holidays. Strolling the pier and the beach is free. Ride hours at Pacific Park, home of the solar-powered Ferris wheel, vary by day, so check its calendar before promising the kids a coaster ride.
Parent tip: Christmas afternoon is a great time for a beach walk. Pack a ball, grab a spot on the sand, and let everyone burn off that sugar.
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
The Grove says it is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. On Christmas Day, the giant tree, twinkling lights, and trolley make for a festive stroll even if many shops are closed or on shortened hours. Check individual store and restaurant hours before you go.
410 S. Bay Front
Balboa Island, CA 92662
6:30 a.m. to midnight, 365 days a year
The little Balboa Island Ferry runs 365 days a year, making it one of the easiest Christmas Day outings in Orange County. The short crossing between Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula is a hit with kids, and you can drive your car right on. Some shops on the island may be closed for the holiday.
Parent tip: Walk the island's waterfront path after dark to see homes decorated for the holidays.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.
Escondido, CA 92027
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance help center says both the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park are open every day of the year, including all holidays. The Safari Park is normally open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with seasonal hours. In 2025, the evening Wild Holidays event did not run on December 24 or 25, so plan on a daytime visit on Christmas.
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is also open every day of the year, including Christmas, according to its official help center. It is a long drive from LA, so consider making it part of a holiday weekend getaway.
500 Ninos Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Christmas Day: Closes early at 3:30 p.m.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is open on Christmas Day with shortened hours. According to the zoo, it closes early at 3:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. The zoo recommends reservations, so book ahead.
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Park grounds: 5 a.m.–10:30 p.m. every day
Griffith Park's grounds and roads are open from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day, according to Griffith Observatory. That makes it a great free option for a Christmas Day hike or a picnic.
The Observatory building itself had not posted its 2026 holiday hours, and the Los Angeles Zoo inside the park is closed on December 25. Check the Observatory's page before planning a telescope visit.
Crypto.com Arena
1111 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Friday, December 25, 2026
2 p.m. PT (5 p.m. ET)
The Lakers host the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day 2026, part of the NBA's five-game holiday lineup. The game tips off at 5 p.m. Eastern (2 p.m. Pacific) on ABC and ESPN. Tickets are sold through the Lakers and Crypto.com Arena.
6838 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Avengers: Doomsday runs December 17, 2026, through January 3, 2027
Disney's historic movie palace is showing Avengers: Doomsday from December 17 through January 3, which includes Christmas. The theater lists daily showtimes at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., and 10:55 p.m. from December 21 through January 3, which includes Christmas Day. The film is listed as not rated and runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes, so it is likely a better fit for older kids.
Theme Parks Usually Open on Christmas Day (Check 2026 Hours)
Southern California's big theme parks have traditionally opened on Christmas Day, and Christmas week is one of their busiest times of the year. As of our last update, most had not posted December 2026 hours, so check each park's calendar before buying tickets.
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure are known for staying open on Christmas Day, with holiday decorations, festive parades, and seasonal treats. Expect big crowds and higher ticket prices during the holiday week. Park reservations and 2026 hours will be posted on Disneyland's calendar.
Parent tip: Arrive at opening or come after dinner, when some families head home. Read our guide to Christmas at Disneyland for more tips.
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
Universal Studios Hollywood has traditionally celebrated Christmas Day with Grinchmas and Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Check the park's calendar for 2026 hours and ticket prices. See our holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood guide for what to expect.
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
Knott's decks the halls for its Knott's Merry Farm holiday season, with lights, shows, and seasonal food. Holiday hours vary, so check the park's operating calendar for December 25, 2026.
One LEGOLAND Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
LEGOLAND's holiday season brings a giant LEGO Christmas tree, festive shows, and holiday décor. It is a great fit for kids roughly 2 to 12. Check the park's calendar for Christmas Day hours before you go. Our LEGOLAND holiday guide has more details.
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy.
Valencia, CA 91355
Select days, November 27 through January 4
Six Flags lists Holiday in the Park on select days from November 27 through January 4, with dazzling lights, live shows, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and most rides included with admission. Check the park calendar to confirm whether December 25 is an operating day.
2052 Entertainment Circle
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Sesame Place San Diego has hosted a holiday celebration called A Very Furry Christmas, a sweet pick for preschoolers. Holiday hours vary, so check the park calendar for Christmas Day 2026.
More Christmas Day Ideas: Check Holiday Hours
These spots have been Christmas Day favorites for LA families, but their official sites did not list December 25, 2026, hours when we checked. Call or check online before heading out.
Marina Lights in Marina del Rey: Visit Marina del Rey lists the Marina Lights display at Burton Chace Park daily, 4 to 10 p.m., throughout December. It is free and fun for a post-dinner walk.
Newport Landing Holiday Lights Cruises: Holiday lights cruises run December 4, 2026, through January 1, 2027. Check the booking calendar for Christmas Day departures.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Hollywood: Normally open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Hollywood Boulevard. Confirm holiday hours before you go.
Angels Flight Railway: Ride the historic funicular in Downtown LA while the streets are quiet. Check the website for holiday hours.
Catalina Express: Ferries to Catalina Island run on a reduced winter schedule. Look up Christmas Day sailings before planning a trip.
Ice at Santa Monica: The seasonal outdoor rink returns in November 2026. Holiday hours will be posted closer to the season.
Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square: Downtown's outdoor rink has been a holiday tradition. Check the website for 2026 dates and Christmas hours.
Winter Fest OC: Runs November 27, 2026, through January 3, 2027, on select dates at the OC Fair and Event Center. Check whether December 25 is an open date.
Mountain High and other local ski areas: Snow days depend on the weather. Check conditions and holiday hours, and see our guide to snow play near Los Angeles.
Medieval Times Buena Park: Knights, horses, and a hearty dinner. Check the show calendar for Christmas Day.
Moonlight Rollerway: Glendale's classic roller rink has hosted holiday skate sessions. Check the schedule for December 25.
Sunset Ranch Hollywood: Guided horseback rides with views of the Hollywood Sign. Call ahead for holiday availability and age requirements.
Wheel Fun Rentals at Echo Park Lake: Swan pedal boats on the lake. Check holiday hours.
Newport Beach whale watching: Winter is gray whale migration season. Check whether trips run on Christmas Day.
Chinatown: Many restaurants in Chinatown have traditionally stayed open on Christmas Day. Call ahead to confirm.
Popular Places Closed on Christmas Day 2026
Save yourself a disappointing drive. These family favorites say they are closed on Christmas Day:
Los Angeles Zoo: Closed on Thanksgiving Day and December 25, according to the LA Zoo.
Mission Inn Festival of Lights in Riverside: Runs November 22 through December 31, 2026, but is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, according to the City of Riverside.
Many museums, libraries, and city recreation centers also close on December 25. When in doubt, check the official website the day before.
Tips for Christmas Day Outings With Kids
Check hours the day before. Holiday schedules change, and many places post them only in December.
Book ahead. Theme parks, zoos, and dinner shows sell out during Christmas week.
Eat before you go. Many restaurants close or require reservations on December 25.
Plan for parking. Popular spots like the Santa Monica Pier and The Grove fill up fast on holidays.
Keep it simple. A beach walk or a park picnic can be just as memorable as a big ticketed outing.
Looking for more holiday fun? Browse our Christmas and holiday events for LA families, magical places to see holiday lights, and free and cheap things to do over winter break.
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Takeaway
Christmas Day 2026 is a Friday, and Los Angeles families have more options than you might think. The Santa Monica Pier, The Grove, the Balboa Island Ferry, Griffith Park, and the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park all say they are open every day of the year, and the Lakers host the 76ers that afternoon.
The big theme parks have traditionally opened on Christmas, but always check their 2026 calendars first. And skip the LA Zoo and the Mission Inn Festival of Lights on December 25, since both are closed that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is open on Christmas Day 2026 in Los Angeles?
The Santa Monica Pier, The Grove, Griffith Park, the Balboa Island Ferry, the San Diego Zoo, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park all say they are open every day of the year. The Santa Barbara Zoo is open on Christmas with early closing at 3:30 p.m.
2. Is Disneyland open on Christmas Day 2026?
Disneyland Resort has traditionally been open on Christmas Day, and it is one of the busiest days of the year. Check Disneyland's official calendar for 2026 hours, park reservations, and ticket prices.
3. Is the Los Angeles Zoo open on Christmas?
No. The Los Angeles Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day and December 25.
4. Do the Lakers play on Christmas Day 2026?
Yes. The Lakers host the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on Friday, December 25, 2026, at 2 p.m. Pacific (5 p.m. Eastern).
5. Is the Mission Inn Festival of Lights open on Christmas Day?
No. The 2026 Festival of Lights runs November 22 through December 31, but it is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
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