24 Days of LA: A Family Advent Calendar of Holiday Outings (December 2026)
This family advent calendar of LA holiday outings gives you one festive thing to do every day from December 1 to December 24, 2026, so you can count down to Christmas with glowing light trails, boat parades, Hanukkah festivals, Nutcracker nights and snowy theme parks across Los Angeles. Advent begins Sunday, November 29, and our 24 picks start two days later.
Every day lines up with something that is actually happening on that date this year, from free parades and light shows to bucket-list splurges. Use it as a daily plan, pick a few favorites for the weekends, or let the kids "open" a new outing each morning. Either way, you'll have a month of memories without the last-minute scramble.
Key Takeaways
What: 24 LA holiday outings, one for each day from December 1 to December 24, 2026.
Advent starts: Sunday, November 29, 2026 (the first Sunday of Advent).
Hanukkah: Begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, and ends December 12, 2026, with festivals on Dec. 4 and Dec. 6.
Free days: Sparkle DTLA, Montrose Christmas Parade, Holidays at Universal CityWalk, the Marina del Rey and Newport Beach boat parades, Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks and Las Posadas.
Big splurges: Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Merry Farm and Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Plan ahead: Many timed tickets (Descanso, Enchant, Irvine Park Railroad, Skirball) go on sale in early November.
How to Use This LA Advent Calendar
Think of this as a choose-your-own-adventure countdown. Each day lists one outing that takes place on that exact date in 2026, along with the address, hours, price and parking, plus a Parent Tip from our team. Weekday picks are mostly short evening outings, while weekends lean toward bigger day trips.
Here's how families can make it work:
Pick your "must-dos" first: Circle the ticketed events your family cares about most and book them early.
Mix free and paid: Pair a splurge weekend with free light shows and parades during the week.
Swap days freely: Most light displays run for weeks, so you can move them to any night that fits.
Make it a ritual: Write each outing on a slip of paper, tuck it into an advent calendar pocket and let the kids reveal it each morning.
Parent Tip: Print this page, stick it on the fridge and check off each day together. Kids love seeing the countdown fill up, and it keeps everyone on the same page about what's coming next.
Week 1: December 1 to 7
The first week kicks off with glowing light trails, a free downtown light show and the start of Hanukkah.
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
When: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 6 to 10 p.m. (runs nightly through Jan. 10, 2027)
Price: Timed tickets online; check the website for prices
Parking: Free in the zoo's main lot
Griffith Park's holiday tradition returns with all-new glowing sculptures, lanterns, lights and projections winding past the animal habitats. It's an easy, stroller-friendly walk that feels magical for toddlers and big kids alike.
Parent Tip: Weeknights early in December are usually calmer than the weekends right before Christmas, so a Tuesday visit is a smart way to start the countdown.
1418 Descanso Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
When: Wednesday, Dec. 2, timed evening entry (runs Nov. 22, 2026, to Jan. 9, 2027)
Price: Non-members $29 to $52 for adults, $19 to $37 for kids 2 to 12; under 2 free
Parking: On-site garden lot; check the website for details
Descanso's one-mile nighttime trail glows with favorites like Flower Power and the Ancient Forest. This season adds a new laser light show with a "snowfall" finale, plus Giant Koi to celebrate the Japanese Garden's 60th anniversary.
Parent Tip: Midweek entry times are on the lower end of the price range, and the trail is easier to enjoy with little ones when it isn't packed.
700 S. Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
When: Thursday, Dec. 3, light shows on the hour from 5 to 9 p.m. (Nov. 15 to Dec. 31)
Price: Free
Parking: Paid parking at The Bloc; the 7th St/Metro Center station is right next door
One of LA's largest multicolored interactive holiday displays lights up The Bloc, with lights dancing to festive music every hour. It's free, open to all ages, and even dogs are welcome.
Parent Tip: Take the Metro downtown so the kids get a train ride too, then catch the 6 p.m. show before dinner.
20400 Ventura Boulevard
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
When: Friday, Dec. 4, the first night of Hanukkah; check the website for the time
Price: Complimentary community dinner; check the website for details
Parking: Please check the website for more information
Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown tonight, and this Valley congregation marks the first night with menorah lighting, a complimentary dinner and plenty of latkes. It's a warm, welcoming way for families to celebrate together.
Parent Tip: Let the kids help make paper dreidels or a homemade menorah before you go, then light your own candles when you get home.
Honolulu Avenue, Montrose Shopping Park
Montrose, CA 91020
When: Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6:10 p.m.
Price: Free
Parking: Street closures and no parking start at 3 p.m.; Glendale Lots 1, 2 and 7 close at 3 p.m.
This small-town evening parade along Honolulu Avenue brings marching bands, floats and Santa to the foothills. It has a cozy, hometown feel that's perfect for families with younger kids.
Parent Tip: Chairs and blankets can't go out until parade day, and pop-up tents aren't allowed, so arrive in the afternoon, claim a spot and grab dinner nearby.
2701 N. Sepulveda Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90049
When: Sunday, Dec. 6, noon to 5 p.m.
Price: $23 general, $18 seniors and full-time students, $16 kids 2 to 17; free for members and kids under 2
Parking: Free on-site parking
The Skirball fills with music, storytelling, food, art making and a community candle lighting. Tickets go on sale Thursday, November 5, at 10 a.m., and a limited number of walk-up tickets are available if advance tickets sell out.
Parent Tip: Book as soon as tickets drop, then leave time to explore the Noah's Ark gallery, which kids adore.
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
When: Monday, Dec. 7, daily Nov. 21, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027
Price: Free to walk CityWalk
Parking: Paid parking in the Universal garages; check the website for rates
CityWalk's 40-foot tree glows with more than 200,000 LED lights, and the 5 Towers stage hosts performances on select evenings. It's an easy, free Monday-night outing with plenty of dinner spots.
Parent Tip: Snap a family photo under the tree, then grab a holiday treat and call it a night. You'll be back next week for the theme park.
Week 2: December 8 to 14
Week two brings ice skating by the beach, the biggest light maze in LA, the Nutcracker and two weekend waterfront spectacles.
Arizona Avenue and 5th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
When: Tuesday, Dec. 8, 3 to 10 p.m. (weekdays 3 to 10 p.m., weekends noon to 10 p.m.)
Price: $22 skate admission with rental; lockers $5
Parking: Downtown Santa Monica public parking structures
Lace up for outdoor ice skating just steps from the Third Street Promenade and the beach. The rink offers lessons, special events and season passes, making it a fun after-school stop.
Parent Tip: Go right when the rink opens at 3 p.m. on a weekday for more room to wobble, then stroll the Promenade for holiday window shopping.
285 W. Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91007
When: Wednesday, Dec. 9 (runs Nov. 20 to Dec. 27, 2026)
Price: Tickets start at $29; prices vary by date and entry time
Parking: Please check the website for more information
Enchant brings what it calls the world's largest Christmas light maze to Santa Anita Park, along with ice skating, live entertainment, festive food and photo moments around every corner.
Parent Tip: Midweek entry times are often among the lowest-priced tickets, and the maze is much easier to navigate with kids on a quieter night.
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007
When: Select nights Nov. 12, 2026, to Jan. 10, 2027; confirm Thursday, Dec. 10, on the calendar
Price: Please check the website for ticket prices
Parking: Paid parking in the museum lot; Metro E Line Expo Park/USC station nearby
NightTales reimagines the Natural History Museum after dark as an indoor-outdoor holiday experience, featuring artwork by Maggie West. It's a fresh choice for families who love dinosaurs as much as twinkle lights.
Parent Tip: Pair it with dinner in Exposition Park and let the kids pick one favorite museum hall to talk about on the drive home.
Royce Hall, UCLA, 340 Royce Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90095
When: Friday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. (Royce Hall through Dec. 13; Dolby Theatre Dec. 18 to 27)
Price: Please check the website for ticket prices
Parking: UCLA campus parking structures; check the website for details
LA Ballet's Nutcracker is a love letter to Southern California, with scenes set in a Hancock Park mansion, the snowy slopes of Big Bear and the Venice Beach arches. At the Dolby Theatre, the score is performed live by the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra.
Parent Tip: For kids with sensory sensitivities, the sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, December 26, at 2 p.m. is designed to be more comfortable and relaxed.
Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
When: Saturday, Dec. 12; park activities 4 to 8 p.m., light show 5:45 p.m., boat parade 6 to 8 p.m.
Price: Free
Parking: County lots around the marina fill early; arrive by mid-afternoon
Dozens of decorated boats glide through the main channel while families cheer from Burton Chace Park. The evening starts with park activities and a light show before the parade sets sail.
Parent Tip: Bring warm layers and a picnic blanket. It gets chilly by the water once the sun goes down.
Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Ocean Drive
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
When: Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 to 8 p.m.; fireworks at 7 p.m.
Price: Free; Snow Park entry for the public (4 to 6 p.m.) with an unwrapped toy or canned food donation
Parking: Very limited downtown; walk, bike or park farther out and stroll in
The 38th annual celebration brings live entertainment, carolers, a Santa float, a Snow Park for kids and a fireworks show over the pier. More than 20,000 people come out each year, so it has a joyful, whole-community feel.
Parent Tip: Bring a new toy or canned good so the kids can play in the Snow Park while giving back at the same time.
Event Deck, 200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
When: Monday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Nov. 18, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027)
Price: Adults $12.90, kids 4 to 12 $8.90, ages 3 and under free; ice rink bundles from $18.90
Parking: No parking on the pier deck during the event; use nearby city lots or the Metro E Line
More than 60 wooden chalets filled with Swiss treats and handmade crafts take over the pier, along with an ice rink by the sea, kids' activities and Santa portraits. A Monday visit means shorter lines than the weekend crowds.
Parent Tip: Share a pot of melted raclette and a hot chocolate, then ride the Pacific Wheel to see the twinkling chalets from above.
Week 3: December 15 to 21
Christmas week is almost here, so the picks get a little bigger, from farm fun to two theme park holidays.
3370 Sunset Valley Road
Moorpark, CA 93021
When: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Nov. 27 to Dec. 24)
Price: $12 on weekdays (at the gate); kids under 2 free
Parking: Free
The Moorpark farm goes full country Christmas with its animal center, festive decorations and plenty of holiday photo spots. Weekday visits are cheaper and less crowded than the weekends.
Parent Tip: Visit in the morning when the animals are most active, and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the farm.
El Pueblo de Los Angeles, 125 Paseo de la Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
When: Traditionally nightly from Dec. 16 to 24; check the website for 2026 times
Price: Free
Parking: Paid lots nearby; Union Station is right across the street
Las Posadas is one of LA's oldest holiday traditions, a candlelit procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, with music, piñatas and warm treats. It's a beautiful way to share Mexican holiday traditions with kids.
Parent Tip: Take the Metro to Union Station, then grab champurrado and pan dulce on Olvera Street before the procession.
Marina Park, 1600 W. Balboa Boulevard
Newport Beach, CA 92663
When: Thursday, Dec. 17, starting about 6:30 p.m. (nightly Dec. 16 to 20)
Price: Free
Parking: Please check the website for more information
The 118th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade sends decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes around the harbor, starting and ending at the tip of Lido Isle. Marina Park is the largest public viewing spot on the route, and admission is free.
Parent Tip: A weeknight parade is much easier than the weekend. Arrive before sunset to grab a good spot along the water.
8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
When: Friday, Dec. 18 (Nov. 20, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027)
Price: Included with park admission; check the website for ticket prices
Parking: Please check the website for more information
Knott's Berry Farm dresses up for the holidays with festive entertainment, seasonal treats and twinkling lights, plus Snoopy and the Peanuts gang. It's a great pick for families with younger kids who love Camp Snoopy.
Parent Tip: Plan a late afternoon arrival so you can see the park in daylight and again once the holiday lights come on.
26101 Magic Mountain Parkway
Valencia, CA 91355
When: Saturday, Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (open daily Dec. 11 to 31)
Price: Daily tickets from $45 online
Parking: General parking $42 online
Holiday in the Park adds glowing lights, holiday shows, a nightly tree lighting and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus to the coasters. Lights, shows and most open rides are included with admission.
Parent Tip: S'mores fire pits and cookie decorating cost extra, so set a treat budget with the kids before you go.
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
When: Sunday, Dec. 20 (Nov. 13, 2026, to Jan. 6, 2027)
Price: Holiday entertainment is included with park admission; park reservations required
Parking: Please check the website for more information
Disneyland glows with the "Believe… In Holiday Magic" fireworks, "A Christmas Fantasy" Parade, Haunted Mansion Holiday's 25th season and "World of Color – Season of Light." Santa visits both parks through December 24.
Parent Tip: The Sunday before Christmas is busy, so arrive at opening, ride favorites early and save the parade and fireworks for the evening.
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
When: Monday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (extended hours Dec. 14 to 23)
Price: $22 to $37 per ticket depending on the hour; under 24 months free; tickets online only from Nov. 2
Parking: Irvine Regional Park entry $3 per vehicle on weekdays; free after 6 p.m.
Ride through Irvine Regional Park to the North Pole, where kids share their wish lists and take a photo with Santa. The ride back passes colorful lights and a "Tunnel of Lights" before you return to Santa's Village.
Parent Tip: Daytime rides (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) are the cheapest at $22, and you can still enjoy Santa's Village activities afterward.
Week 4: December 22 to 24
The final countdown ends with farm lights, a snowy theme park and a Christmas Eve classic.
5380 ¾ University Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
When: Tuesday, Dec. 22, 5 to 9 p.m.; last admission 7:30 p.m. (open Dec. 21 to 23)
Price: Weekend pricing applies Dec. 21 to 23: adults $33, kids 3 to 12 $23
Parking: $12 per vehicle
Tanaka Farms glows with thousands of lights, cheerful holiday music and activities for all ages. It's a relaxed, farm-style light show that's easy for little ones to enjoy.
Parent Tip: Arrive close to 5 p.m. to see the lights flicker on, and remember last entry is 7:30 p.m.
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
When: Wednesday, Dec. 23 (Nov. 21, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027)
Price: Included with park admission; check the website for ticket prices
Parking: Please check the website for more information
Grinchmas returns with a 65-foot tree, Grinch meet-and-greets and tree lightings with snowfall each evening. This year also brings the first-ever Merry Minions in Minion Land, plus Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with the Frog Choir and a nightly show on Hogwarts Castle.
Parent Tip: Stay until dark for the Hogwarts Castle projection show, and warm up with a hot Butterbeer.
3352 E. Foothill Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91107
When: Thursday, Dec. 24, closing day (Nov. 28 to Dec. 24); check the website for showtimes
Price: Please check the website for ticket prices
Parking: Please check the website for more information
The region's longest-running holiday tradition returns with reimagined scenic design and plenty of music. This version of Dickens' classic is perfect for all ages and a lovely way to slow down on Christmas Eve.
Parent Tip: Want a morning outing too? Christmas on the Farm at Underwood is open until noon on Christmas Eve, so you can see the animals before an afternoon show.
Tips for Planning Your 24 Days of LA Holiday Outings
A little planning goes a long way when you're packing 24 outings into one month. Here are our best tips:
Book timed tickets early: Descanso, Enchant, the Skirball, Irvine Park Railroad and LA Ballet all sell timed or reserved tickets.
Use weeknights for lights: Light displays are calmer and often cheaper Monday through Thursday.
Take the train: Metro gets you close to Sparkle DTLA, Olvera Street, the Natural History Museum and the Santa Monica Pier.
Pack layers: Waterfront parades and evening light trails get chilly, even in LA.
Keep a rest day: It's okay to swap a busy outing for cocoa and a holiday movie at home.
Parent Tip: Let each child choose one outing to be "their day." It gives everyone something special to look forward to.
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Takeaway
From the first glow of L.A. Zoo Lights on December 1 to a Christmas Eve performance of A Christmas Carol, this LA family advent calendar gives you one holiday outing for every day of the countdown. Mix free parades and light shows with a few bucket-list splurges, and book the timed tickets early.
Most of all, have fun with it. Whether you do all 24 or just a handful, these outings are about slowing down and making December memories together.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Advent start in 2026?
Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, 2026, the first Sunday of Advent. Most advent calendars count down from December 1 to December 24, which is how we built this list of 24 LA holiday outings, with one family-friendly activity for each day leading up to Christmas.
What are the best free holiday activities in Los Angeles for families?
Free favorites include Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc, Holidays at Universal CityWalk, the Montrose Christmas Parade, the Marina del Rey and Newport Beach boat parades, the Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks and Las Posadas at Olvera Street. All are free to attend, though parking may cost extra.
When is Hanukkah 2026?
Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, and ends on Saturday, December 12. In LA, families can celebrate at the Kol Tikvah Chanukah Community Celebration on December 4 and the Skirball Hanukkah Festival on Sunday, December 6, among many other menorah lightings.
When is the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade in 2026?
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026. Park activities at Burton Chace Park run from 4 to 8 p.m., a light show starts at 5:45 p.m., and the boat parade sails from 6 to 8 p.m. It's free to watch.
Which LA holiday events need tickets in advance?
Plan ahead for Enchanted at Descanso Gardens, Enchant Los Angeles, the Skirball Hanukkah Festival, the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train and LA Ballet's Nutcracker. Theme parks like Disneyland also require advance reservations, and popular dates sell out quickly in December.
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