Christmas in Los Angeles: 12 Best Things to See & Do during the Holidays

There are so many ways to celebrate Christmas in Los Angeles.

From magical light displays to festive parades, LA mixes sunny California vibes with traditional holiday spirit.

You’ll find everything from enchanted forest light shows to ice skating under the stars, plus holiday markets and performances all December long.

Be it classic shows, a stroll through glowing lights, or enjoying the holiday atmosphere at famous spots, LA is packed with memorable experiences for locals and visitors alike.

In this article, we’ll explore 12 of the best things to do and places to see in Los Angeles during Christmas. Let’s get started!

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Keep in mind: Our articles may contain errors, despite our best efforts. So, do thorough research before deciding on a travel destination.

12. Disneyland Resort Holiday Celebrations

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Disneyland Resort goes all out for the holidays. Sleeping Beauty Castle sparkles with lights, and there’s even artificial snow drifting down Main Street.

Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure roll out special holiday attractions. Classic rides get festive makeovers, and you can only catch them this time of year.

Seasonal overlays include Haunted Mansion Holiday (Disneyland), It’s a Small World Holiday (Disneyland), Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl (DCA).

There’s a special holiday parade running all season. Seasonal fireworks light up the sky with holiday magic.

Decorations are everywhere from November through early January. Each area brings its own festive atmosphere, making the parks feel extra magical.

Don’t skip the seasonal treats! Holiday-themed food is everywhere. Those handmade candy canes? Total must-try.

Cultural celebrations add music, dance, and global flavors. It’s more than the usual holiday fare, and it really keeps things energetic.

The parks stay open later (hours vary) during busy holiday dates, so you’ve got more time to enjoy them.

11. Santa Monica Pier Festivities

Santa Monica Pier Christmas Light Show

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Santa Monica Pier gets a holiday makeover from mid-November through mid-December. There are free light displays, live music, and festive stuff for the whole family.

The Pacific Wheel turns into a giant holiday light show. It flashes seasonal patterns and themes, great for photos!

Holiday Cheer on the Pier brings salsa dance lessons, a holiday art mart, and classic car displays. There’s always something going on.

Kids get their own holiday programming and puppet shows. The Bob Baker Marionettes perform seasonal shows that everyone seems to love.

The pier’s open also on Christmas Day, though some businesses may have limited hours. It’s a fun spot for family or out-of-town guests.

You can ride the rides, grab snacks, and enjoy the ocean breeze. December’s usually a comfortable 65°F during the day, but evenings can be cooler, so bring a light jacket.

Most of the festivities are free. Only rides and food cost extra, so it’s a pretty budget-friendly holiday outing.

10. Venice Canals Boat Parade

The Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade brings a special kind of magic every December. It’s been a local favorite since 1983, usually the first or second weekend of December.

Decorated boats and kayaks float through the canals, covered in lights and creative decorations. Venice’s artsy side really shines here.

The parade usually begins around sunset (about 4:30-5:00 p.m.) at Eastern and Carroll Canals. Any bridge along the route offers a great view.

Homes along the canals go all out with decorations, too. Lights reflect on the water, and the whole neighborhood feels like a winter wonderland.

This is a free, community-driven event. You’ll see families, couples, and visitors all enjoying the festive vibes.

There are prizes for best decorated boats, and locals hand out awards for standout house decorations. It gets competitive in a fun way.

Arrive early to snag a good spot on a bridge. The Venice Canals make for a peaceful, unique holiday experience away from the usual city rush.

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9. Union Station Holidays

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(Christmas trees in Los Angeles, USA by prayitno, CC BY 2.0)

Union Station goes full holiday mode from late November through December. The historic building is decked out with decorations everywhere you look.

There are thousands of twinkling lights, plus huge Christmas trees and oversized ornaments. The Ticket Concourse and Waiting Room look especially stunning.

You can walk through the displays on your own or catch a guided tour. The LA Conservancy runs 90-minute tours on select December evenings.

These tours mix the station’s history with the holiday sights and sounds. You’ll pick up some cool facts about the architecture while enjoying the festive scene.

Free Cocoa Concerts pop up throughout the season, featuring local musicians. It adds a nice touch to your visit. Check the current schedule for this year’s lineup.

The palm tree-lined entrance gives it a uniquely California holiday vibe. The whole place is a dream for photos, thanks to the grand architecture and decorations.

Evenings are when the lights look their best. Union Station’s easy to reach by Metro, so it’s a breeze to get there from anywhere in LA.

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8. LA Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Los Angeles Ballet’s Nutcracker is a classic holiday tradition here. Their version is as much a part of LA’s Christmas as tree lightings.

This take on the ballet is set in LA on Christmas Eve, 1912. It’s a little local twist that makes it feel special.

The show tours several venues throughout the city during the holidays, depending on the year. Check the official dates and location. Tickets go fast, so don’t wait too long if you want to see it.

You’ll get traditional ballet, gorgeous costumes, and beautiful sets. The dancers really bring the story to life.

It’s a great pick for families and ballet fans alike. The familiar music and dancing make for a festive outing.

Definitely buy tickets early. Shows tend to sell out. The LA Ballet’s Nutcracker stands out among the many versions in town each December.

The production usually runs in December. Check their schedule for dates and locations.

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7. LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. Live

Outdoor ice skating in downtown LA? Absolutely. The rink opens in late November and runs through early January.

You’ll find it at Peacock Place, right across from Crypto.com Arena. A big Christmas tree sits in the middle of the rink and sets the scene.

LED lights and the giant screens of L.A. Live make for a festive backdrop. Skating under the city lights is just cool.

The rink offers multiple sessions daily, with special hours on Christmas Eve. Schedules change a bit, so check ahead.

It’s perfect before or after Lakers and Kings games nearby. You can easily pair skating with other downtown plans.

There are about twenty restaurants at L.A. Live, so grabbing a bite before or after skating is no problem.

The Team LA Store sells Kings merch if you want a souvenir. It’s open during regular business hours when there aren’t arena events.

6. The Grove Holiday Tree Lighting

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(The Grove during Christmas, Los Angeles, California, USA by prayitno, CC BY 2.0)

The Grove’s tree lighting is a huge LA holiday event. The tree itself is around 100 feet tall.

This free event draws big crowds every year. Expect live performances, carolers, and plenty of entertainment.

The tree comes down from Northern California in early November. Lighting usually happens in late November, kicking off the season at this favorite shopping spot.

After the lighting, The Grove feels like a winter wonderland. Every night, artificial snow falls throughout the outdoor mall. It’s a little surreal in sunny LA, but that’s part of the charm.

The crowds can be intense, especially after sunset. Arrive early if you want a good view.

The Grove keeps the holiday spirit going all season. The massive tree stays up and glows through the New Year.

5. Queen Mary Christmas Festival

The Queen Mary turns festive every December. The historic ship in Long Beach harbor hosts Christmas activities for all ages.

The 12 Days of Christmas celebration usually runs in mid-December, with events on the ship and nearby.

You can decorate cookies, build gingerbread houses, or try stocking decorating with your kids. There’s plenty to keep everyone busy.

At night, the ship lights up with Christmas decorations. The True North Ice Rink lets you skate with ocean views, pretty epic, really! Rink presence and exact location can vary by year.

Carolers perform throughout the festival, and Santa makes appearances too. It’s got all the classic holiday touches.

The Queen Mary offers single-day tickets and season passes. A season pass gets you into all the events during the celebration. Check the event ticketing page for exact options and what’s included.

The vintage ship’s setup includes a Christmas train and other winter activities. You get sweeping ocean views while enjoying the festivities.

This Long Beach spot mixes the ship’s traditional charm with today’s holiday fun.

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4. Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival

Griffith Park’s Holiday Light Festival is a local favorite. Thousands of lights turn the park into an amazing place.

The main draw is the Holiday Lights Train Ride on the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad. You’ll ride a miniature train on a one-mile loop through festive displays. It takes about 10 minutes and costs $7 a person for general entry.

The train runs nightly from late November through early January, usually starting at 5 p.m. Tickets go fast online, but some are held for in-person sales at the box office.

There’s more than just the train. A holiday gift kiosk and three winter-themed photo spots let you snap some memories with family and friends.

It’s a good value for families looking for affordable holiday fun. The lights, train rides, and festive vibe make for a classic LA holiday night.

3. Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light

Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens is pure magic. The gardens in La Cañada Flintridge glow with light displays from mid-November through early January.

You’ll walk a one-mile path filled with creative lighting installations. Art and nature blend together in this 150-acre botanical garden.

Interactive light exhibits line the route, each one offering an immersive experience. It’s really hard not to feel like a kid again!

The event runs nightly, usually from 5:30 to 10 pm. You’ll need to grab tickets ahead of time, this one sells out.

Music plays as you walk the illuminated paths. The mix of lights, nature, and sound is pretty captivating for all ages.

The gardens close on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. This event has become a beloved LA holiday tradition for families all over.

2. LA Zoo Lights

LA Zoo Lights turns the zoo into a glowing place from November through early January. It’s a must-see for holiday light lovers.

You’ll walk through tunnels of lights and spot animal sculptures made from thousands of LEDs. The displays change every year, so there’s always something new.

There’s a mix of handmade crafts and high-tech light shows. Glowing elephants, giraffes, and other animals look almost real in the dark.

Kids love the interactive light displays. Some installations respond to movement or sound, which keeps things interesting.

The zoo stays open late for this event. You can walk the winding paths at your own pace, checking out the lights as you go.

Food trucks and holiday snacks are scattered throughout. Hot chocolate and treats make it even more festive.

Weekend tickets sell out fast, so buy online ahead of time if you can. The whole experience takes about two hours, and LA nights can get chilly, so bring a jacket.

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1. Hollywood Christmas Parade

The Hollywood Christmas Parade has been a Los Angeles tradition since 1928. It happens every year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

You’ll spot celebrities, marching bands, and colorful floats rolling down Hollywood Boulevard. The whole thing stretches about 3.2 miles through the heart of the entertainment district.

The parade heads east on Hollywood Boulevard, turning up Vine Street. After that, it dips south on Vine to Sunset Boulevard, then swings west on Sunset back to Orange Drive.

There are giant character balloons drifting overhead. Equestrian groups trot by, and the streets fill with music and festive floats.

You’ll catch musical performances and all sorts of holiday energy. The parade’s televised across the country in December, but really, nothing beats seeing it live!

Santa Claus wraps things up, rolling in on his sleigh at the very end. That’s when it really feels like Christmas has landed in LA.

If you want a good spot, you’ll need to show up early. Crowds get big, and everyone’s there to enjoy this classic Hollywood holiday vibe.