Christmas in Los Angeles: Best Holiday Events & Activities 2026
Last updated on November 2, 2026
Looking for the best things to do during Christmas in Los Angeles? We’ve got a complete guide right here!
Los Angeles is a city of sunshine and palm trees, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it doesn’t know how to do the holidays. From glitzy light displays to extravagant Christmas parades, L.A. pulls out all the stops to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
One of the best parts of spending the holiday season in Los Angeles (and Southern California in general!) is the variety of options. You can see snow on the mountains, go ice skating near the beach, enjoy a performance of The Nutcracker or experience multicultural holiday celebrations from around the world.
Whether you’re a Southern California local or planning a visit to Los Angeles at Christmastime, this list will help you find the best ways to celebrate the season.
Theme Park Holiday Events
Four of the biggest and best Southern California theme parks are located in the L.A. area, and they go all out for the holidays! Here’s a quick look at what to expect.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Located in Valencia just north of L.A., Six Flags Magic Mountain celebrates Holiday in the Park, featuring millions of lights, festive treats, seasonal shows and snowfall every night. You can stroll through dazzling light displays like Winter Wonderland and Peppermint Path.
But the real star here remains the rides. As the mom of a teenager, we’ve been visiting Six Flags Magic Mountain during the holidays (and throughout the year!) for a very long time. No matter how cool the holiday-themed displays and food options are, kids will always be all about the thrill rides!
For 2026, Holiday in the Park will take place on select days between November 27 and January 4, 2027.
- 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia
- sixflags.com/magicmountain
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-see attraction if you are visiting Los Angeles with kids any time of year, but the holiday season is even more special.
From November through January, Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests to enjoy Grinchmas, complete with Who-ville holiday cheer, a towering Grinchmas tree, and meet-and-greets with the Grinch himself.
You can also enjoy some colorful play in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and feel the excitement of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.
If you are looking for fun things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood without having to buy a ticket to the park, there’s a winter wonderland of holiday fun at Universal CityWalk. Enjoy festive décor, a spectacular Christmas tree, plus seasonal food and merchandise.
- 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
- universalstudioshollywood.com
► Click here to purchase discount tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
The holiday season at Disneyland kicks off on November 13, transforming the Disneyland Resort into the Merriest Place on Earth. The festivities will run through January 6, 2027, and these two months are filled with beautiful decorations, parades, fireworks, holiday ride overlays and delicious seasonal treats.
Also happening during this time is the Disney California Adventure’s Festival of Holidays. Expect live music, cultural performances, tasty food booths, and a festive “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” street party.
Honestly, this summary barely scratches the surface of everything happening at the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season! Check out our Complete Guide to Disneyland Christmas for complete details, plus some helpful tips and tricks for making the most of your visit.
Top Tip: Book your park reservations early! In addition to being the most magical, Christmastime is one of the busiest times to visit the parks.
- 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
- disneyland.com
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Knott’s Merry Farm
From November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm, with Christmas shows, a nightly tree-lighting ceremony, carolers, festive treats and even snowfall in Ghost Town.
For 2026, Christmas entertainment includes Home for the Holidays, a musical revue featuring classic Christmas music, holiday lights and dancing toys, all set on an elaborate, transforming wintertime stage.
You’ll also find the return of the holiday ice show starring the famous beagle, the Peanuts Gang, and a cast of world-class ice skaters. (We love that Knott’s Berry Farm is the only theme park with ice skating shows year-round!)
- 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
- knotts.com
Los Angeles Christmas Events & Unique Holiday Experiences
LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
The Los Angeles Zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland with animal-themed lanterns, light tunnels, and festive treats. It’s one of the most dazzling family-friendly holiday events in L.A.
Best of all, proceeds from all tickets purchased support the Zoo’s mission to save wildlife, enrich communities, and create connections to nature, so you can feel good about going. Plus, parking is free!
- 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
- lazoo.org/zoolights
Hollywood Christmas Parade
A classic L.A. tradition featuring giant balloons, marching bands, and celebrity sightings. Since its inception in 1928, the parade has been a cornerstone of the entertainment industry, drawing participation from legendary celebrities such as Gene Autry, Jimmy Stewart, Mary Pickford, and hundreds more over the years.
The parade will take place on Sunday, November 29, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. It starts on Hollywood Blvd. at Orange Drive and travels east to Vine Street, then south on Vine to Sunset Blvd., then west on Sunset Blvd. back to Orange Drive.
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Now in its 64th year, this popular L.A. Christmas event features dozens of festively-lit boats cruising through the harbor. The 2026 parade takes place on Saturday, December 12, and the theme will be “Hollywood Under The Stars.” You can view it from various spots in Marina del Rey.
Las Posadas on Olvera Street
Reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem with traditional songs, colorful costumes, and vibrant music brings one of the oldest Christmas stories to life. Las Posadas has been a part of Olvera Street since its founding in 1930. While the event is rooted in Christian and Catholic traditions, all are welcome to participate.
The celebration includes a traditional Mexican holiday procession, piñatas, food vendors and nightly reenactments. The event will run nightly December 16 to 24.
- Olvera Street, Los Angeles
- olveraevents.com/olvera-street-las-posadas
The Grove at Christmastime
This iconic outdoor mall is decked out with a towering Christmas tree, nightly snowfall, music and Santa photo ops. Great for shopping and soaking in festive vibes.
- 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles
- thegrovela.com
Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens is a botanical garden and museum located about 20 minutes away from downtown Los Angeles in La Cañada Flintridge.
During the holiday season, Enchanted Forest of Light transforms the gardens after dark into display of interactive light installations and beautiful stained glass displays that glow in the night, plus a new laser light show with a “snowfall” finale.
Take a serene, one-mile walk through this lovely botanical garden; it’s a magical experience if you bring the kids.
Enchanted will take place nightly from November 22, 2026 through January 9, 2027.
- 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge
- descansogardens.org
Holiday Road in Calabasas
Set on the scenic grounds of King Gillette Ranch, this immersive outdoor experience features holiday light installations, oversized ornaments, a candy cane lane, Santa’s village and more.
Important Note: The event is taking a break for 2026, but is expected to return for the 2027 holiday season.
- 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas
- holidayroadusa.com
► You can find lots more fun things to do during the holidays nearby in this guide to Christmas in Orange County, California.
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
Does your family love to skate? There will be several outdoor ice rinks popping up in L.A. over the holiday season.
Ice at Santa Monica
Skate just blocks from the beach at this full-sized rink open daily from mid-November through early January. The rink is nearly 8,000 square feet in size, with a 400-square-foot tot rink for the little ones to enjoy. A sunny SoCal twist on a classic holiday tradition!
In addition to Ice at Santa Monica, there are also a number of Christmas and Hanukkah events in Downtown Santa Monica throughout December.
- 1324 5th Street, Santa Monica
- iceatsantamonica.com
LA Kings Holiday Ice
The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice brings outdoor ice skating to L.A. LIVE on Peacock Place right out front of Crypto.com Arena.
- 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles
- lalive.com
Ice Skating at Pershing Square
Skate under the skyscrapers in Downtown L.A. from mid-November through early January at this urban outdoor rink.
- 532 S Olive Street, Los Angeles
- holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
Christmas Light Displays Worth the Drive
Looking to add a little extra sparkle to your holiday season? These neighborhood and community light displays outside Los Angeles might be worth the trip.
Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights (Candy Cane Lane) – Torrance
A legendary neighborhood display where nearly every home is decorated with elaborate holiday lights and lawn displays. Drive or walk through nightly from 6 to 10 p.m.
- Robert Road & Doris Way, Torrance
Lights on Display – Sherman Oaks
A private home transformed into a professional-level holiday show, featuring synchronized music, animatronics, and thousands of twinkling lights. Free to visit, but donations are welcome.
- 3901 Longview Valley Road, Sherman Oaks
- lightsondisplay.com
Upper Hastings Ranch Holiday Lights – Pasadena
A Pasadena tradition since the 1950s, this neighborhood hosts themed light displays with residents decorating by street. You can drive through or stroll along the sidewalks to take it all in.
- Upper Hastings Ranch, Pasadena
Naples Island Holiday Lights – Long Beach
The canals of Naples Island – just south of Belmont Shore in Long Beach – light up with beautifully decorated waterfront homes and boats. The event is best enjoyed on foot or by gondola/boat tour for a truly magical experience. A gondola ride through the canals is one of the best things to do in Long Beach, and the doing it during the holiday season makes it all the more magical!
- Naples Island, Long Beach
Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane – Long Beach
A stretch of Daisy Avenue in Long Beach transforms into a festive wonderland with lighted displays, community events, and holiday music. This has been a neighborhood tradition for 70 years!
- Daisy Avenue between Pacific Coast Highway and Hill Street, Long Beach
The Nutcracker Ballet Performances in Los Angeles & Orange County
Experience the holiday magic of The Nutcracker at some of Southern California’s top venues this December. From full-scale productions with live orchestras to kid-friendly versions perfect for young audiences, there’s a performance for every family.
Los Angeles Performances
Royce Hall (UCLA)
- December 11–13, 2026
- Elegant Westwood setting with matinee and evening performances.
- losangelesballet.org
Pasadena Civic Auditorium
- December 18, 2026
- “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet”
- Traditional full-length production in Pasadena.
- nutcracker.com
Dolby Theatre (Hollywood)
- December 18–27, 2026
- Grand, festive production with live orchestra and Hollywood flair.
- Special sensory-friendly performance on December 26.
- losangelesballet.org
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse
- December 19-21, 2026
- Pasadena Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker
- Imaginative production of The Nutcracker in a historic theater
- PasadenaDanceTheatre.org
The Wiltern (Los Angeles)
- December 19, 2026
- “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet”
- Traditional full-length production in a historic venue.
- los-angeles-theatre.com
La Mirada Theatre
- December 20, 2026
- “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet”
- Traditional full-length production in La Mirada.
- lamiradatheatre.gov
Orange County Performances
American Ballet Theatre at Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Costa Mesa)
- December 10–24, 2026
- A lavish, high-caliber production accompanied by the Pacific Symphony in Segerstrom Hall.
- scfta.org
Festival Ballet Theatre at Irvine Barclay Theatre
- December 5–24, 2026
- Traditional full-length show featuring over 200 dancers, elegant sets, and the option to attend a themed Nutcracker Tea Party before select performances.
- thebarclay.org
► Be sure to also check out our guide to where to see the Nutcracker in San Diego this holiday season.
Final Thoughts: Christmas in Los Angeles
Whether you’re admiring lights in Pasadena, meeting Santa at The Grove, or having fun at one of the area’s major theme parks, Los Angeles brings the magic of the holidays to life in its own sun-drenched, star-studded way.
With holiday parades, outdoor ice skating rinks, cultural celebrations, and amazing light displays, Christmas in Los Angeles is both exciting and heartwarming – perfect for family fun and making new holiday memories.
► Heading to San Diego this holiday season? Here’s are some fun and festive San Diego Christmas events and activities!
Wishing you happy holidays and a very Merry Christmas in Los Angeles or wherever you’re celebrating this year!
Save These Los Angeles Christmas Events & Activities for Later!
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