Parades are the main event. Hollywood has the big one, and the harbors take theirs onto the water with lighted boats. In between, look for free snow sled runs, Santa photos, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Rose Bowl Stadium.
Part of the Los Angeles Christmas Guide, with every event on one page.
Simbang Gabi at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels celebrates Simbang Gabi, the Filipino Christmas tradition marking the nine days before Christmas, with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop José H. Gomez. Over 120 parishes and Filipino-American organizations join the Parade of Parols. Parols are traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns, symbols of light and hope.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
The Hollywood Christmas Parade rolls down Hollywood Boulevard with floats, giant balloons, marching bands, celebrities, and the U.S. Marines, all supporting Toys for Tots. Curbside viewing is free along most of the route, or buy a grandstand seat. The Metro Red Line drops you right on the route at Hollywood/Vine or Hollywood/Highland.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)
The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim gives several rides a holiday makeover, including Haunted Mansion Holiday, "it's a small world" Holiday, and Mater's Jingle Jamboree. Add the Believe...In Holiday Magic fireworks (with a sprinkling of snow), Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, and the Festive Foods Marketplace. Park reservations are required.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia)
On select days, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia becomes Holiday in the Park, with light displays, a tree lighting ceremony, live shows (including the new Magic of the Holidays), and some rides running. Kids get Story Time with Mrs. Claus and a Tree Lot Maze. It's included with park admission; s'mores fire pits and cookie decorating cost extra.
Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game (Pasadena)
The Rose Parade is Pasadena's New Year's Day tradition, with floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units, followed by the Rose Bowl Game at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Volunteers, 935 of them in white suits, put in over 80,000 hours a year to make it happen.
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (Marina del Rey)
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade sends lit-up boats along the channel, with costumed crews singing and playing live music. A 15-minute drone show opens the evening. Watch from Burton Chace Park, which has carolers, food trucks, and live commentary. The 2026 theme is Hollywood Under The Stars.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Anaheim)
A Christmas Fantasy Parade marches through Disneyland Park with prancing reindeer, toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies, Anna and Elsa, Buzz Lightyear, and Mickey and Minnie sorting letters to Santa. Santa himself closes the 40-minute parade. You'll need a park ticket and reservation, and Main Street, U.S.A. spots go early.
Las Posadas on Olvera Street
Each night of Las Posadas, Olvera Street reenacts Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem with a procession, traditional songs, colorful costumes, and music. It's a long-standing tradition at El Pueblo Historical Monument, and everyone is welcome to join in, whatever their religious background. It's free.
L.A. County Holiday Celebration
The Music Center's L.A. County Holiday Celebration fills the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion stage with Los Angeles artists and community groups performing instrumental music, choral singing, and dance. Each show runs about 90 minutes and is for ages 6 and up. Can't make it? The morning show airs on PBS SoCal.
Light Up Main Street (Santa Clarita)
Santa Clarita's Light Up Main Street fills five blocks of Old Town Newhall with a tree lighting, live music, and a Snow Zone made from 20 tons of fresh snow. Watch an ice sculptor at work, meet therapy dogs in holiday attire, and shop Maker's Marketplace. A quiet Chill Zone is there for anyone who needs a break.
Ice at Santa Monica (Santa Monica)
Ice at Santa Monica sets up an outdoor rink downtown, close enough to the Pacific to catch ocean breezes. Admission is $22 with skate rental, and young beginners can rent penguin and polar bear Skate Helpers. Look for theme nights and private fire pits, and take the Metro E Line or Big Blue Bus.
Pershing Square Ice Rink (LA)
Pershing Square Ice Rink puts outdoor skating in the middle of downtown Los Angeles, with the skyline and holiday lights all around. Skate rentals are complimentary, and skate helpers are there for young or beginner skaters. Lockers are available too.
Gilmore Girls Holidays (Burbank)
Stars Hollow dresses up for the holidays at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, from Luke's Diner to the Gilmore Estate. Sit in on a Town Hall meeting at Miss Patty's, get your palm read, and stay for the evening tree lighting. Tickets are $79 ($68 for ages 5 to 10); the Studio Tour comes only with the combined ticket.
Holiday Fireworks in Downtown Manhattan Beach (Manhattan Beach)
Downtown Manhattan Beach caps a holiday evening with about half an hour of fireworks over the pier. Before that, carolers stroll, bands play holiday hits on the Pier stage, and Snow Park opens to the public for an unwrapped toy or canned food donation. Spread a blanket on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and settle in.
A Charlie Brown Christmas 5K/10K
A Charlie Brown Christmas 5K/10K runs a flat, out-and-back course in Griffith Park near the Autry Museum, plus an untimed Snoopy Kids Dash for ages 12 and under. Finishers get a Peanuts medal and a performance t-shirt, Santa makes an appearance, and strollers are welcome. Good grief, that's a lot of swag.
The 7th Annual Santa Stroll (Hermosa Beach)
Hundreds of Santas take over the Strand for the Santa Stroll, a 5K run, walk, or stroll from the Hermosa Beach Pier to Manhattan Beach and back. Adults get a Santa suit with registration, kids get a t-shirt, and dogs get a bandana. It benefits Mychal's Learning Place. Spotting the real Santa gets tricky.
Belmont Shore Christmas Parade (Long Beach)
The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade sends more than 100 entries down East Second Street in Long Beach, including over a dozen local marching bands, floats from local businesses, costumed elves, and Santa. Bring chairs or blankets for a front-row spot. It's free, and so is parking at the beach lots on Ocean Boulevard.
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade (Huntington Beach)
Decorated boats wind through Huntington Harbour, past waterfront homes dressed for the season, in this all-volunteer parade from the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee. Public beach viewing areas fill up fast and parking is very limited. Can't get close? Follow the route live online.
King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade (Redondo Beach)
Decorated boats light up King Harbor in Redondo Beach for the King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade, this time with a USA Salute theme. Paddlers go first in the Paddle Craft Parade, and there's an Ugly Sweater Paddle Parade too. Watch from Moonstone Park or Mole D along the Splash Wall.
Monterey Park Holiday Snow Village (Monterey Park)
Barnes Park becomes the Monterey Park Holiday Snow Village, with snow sled runs, a snow play area, pictures with Santa, a trackless train, and holiday crafts, all free. Register ahead for a snow time slot, since spaces are limited. Closed-toed shoes are required on the snow, so flip-flops sit this one out.
Winter in the Grove (Garden Grove)
Winter in the Grove brings 50 tons of snow to Village Green Park in Garden Grove and turns it into nine snow slides. Add song and dance from local schools, holiday crafts, inflatables, a handmade gift boutique, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Nine slides, zero shoveling.
Holiday in the Park (Burbank)
Holiday in the Park stretches across twelve zones of Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank. Browse vendor booths and the juried Art Block, catch bands and carolers on two stages, and check out the classic car show. Kids can head for the go-kart and bumper car track. Admission is free.
Pasadena Holiday Look In Home Tour (Pasadena)
The Pasadena Holiday Look In opens four elegant homes and their gardens, each decorated by local floral designers, with docents pointing out details and musicians playing holiday music. Tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door, for ages 10 and up. Wear flat, sturdy shoes; heels and garden steps don't mix.
Valencia Festival of Trees (Santa Clarita)
The Valencia Festival of Trees fills Valencia Town Center with uniquely themed trees, each one sold by auction. Shop holiday décor, take photos in Santa's Village, and visit the Kids Corner and Gingerbread Village. Community Days admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids, and proceeds support the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley.
San Pedro Spirit of the Holidays Parade (San Pedro)
More than 12,000 people line downtown San Pedro for the Spirit of the Holidays Parade, a 46-year community tradition. Scouts, youth groups, high school marching bands, and equestrian units fill the procession, and announcers at three spots along the route introduce each entry. It's free to the community.
70th Annual Compton Christmas Parade (Compton)
The 70th Annual Compton Christmas Parade travels about two miles of Compton Boulevard, from Bullis Road to Alameda Street, under the theme Home for the Holidays in Hub City. Retired NFL champion Greg Townsend, a Dominguez High School alum, is Grand Marshal. Line the boulevard anywhere along the route.
Echo Park Community Parade (Echo Park)
The Echo Park Community Parade runs along Sunset Boulevard from Vin Scully Avenue to Park Avenue, with local schools, organizations, elected officials, and Santa in the procession. It's free to watch and free to march in, rain or shine. Sunset closes to traffic for much of the day, so park off the route.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights (Rolling Hills Estates)
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights brings floats, marching bands, and community groups along Silver Spur Road and Deep Valley Drive in Rolling Hills Estates, finishing through the Promenade on the Peninsula. Santa is the guest of honor. Parking is free at the Peninsula Shopping Center and Promenade P|V.
Glendora Christmas Parade (Glendora)
The Glendora Christmas Parade travels a 1.25-mile route from Glendora Village down to Foothill Boulevard, then along Grand and Bennett avenues to Sandburg Middle School. Watch from anywhere along the way; it's free. Groups that want to march can fill out a parade application.
Downtown Pomona Holiday Parade (Pomona)
The Downtown Pomona Holiday Parade heads down Second Street and Park Avenue toward Mission Boulevard, then the fun moves to Shaun Diamond Plaza for Holiday at the Plaza, with food and entertainment. It's free and open to everyone. Downtown public lots give you the first two hours free.
Monrovia Annual Holiday Parade (Monrovia)
The Monrovia Annual Holiday Parade is an evening parade through Old Town, heading north on Myrtle Avenue from Walnut Avenue to Palm Avenue. Myrtle closes to traffic for the night, so park on one of the nearby side streets that stay open for parking.
Seal Beach Christmas Parade (Seal Beach)
The Seal Beach Lions Club sends its Christmas Parade up Main Street from the pier to Pacific Coast Highway. Look for bands, festive floats, lots of kids, and Santa, all under the theme A Red, White, and Blue Christmas. Volunteers can help with set-up and parade marshaling.
Winter Wonderland & Holiday Tree Lighting (Artesia)
Artesia lights its holiday tree in front of the Albert O. Little Community Center, then the party moves to the baseball field. Expect live group performances, craft vendors, food trucks, and a Santa photo spot. Snow play is free of charge.
Glendale Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Glendale)
Glendale gathers at Perkins Plaza to light the City Hall tree, with special live performances and a visit from Santa. The City of Glendale and its Community Services & Parks Department host the evening. Bring the kiddos to say hello to Santa.
Photos with Santa at Westfield Topanga (Canoga Park)
Santa sets up at Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park for professional holiday photos, and walk-ups are welcome every day. Book a 15-minute slot online for perks like a video message from Santa. Look for Pet Nights and a calmer Sensory Santa session. There's no limit on how many people fit in a picture.
HOLIDAY TOURS (Pasadena)
The Rose Bowl Stadium offers guided Holiday Tours behind the scenes as it gets ready for its big New Year's Day game. See the original locker room, the press box, and the Court of Champions, and hear stories from the Four Horsemen of Notre Dame to Brandi Chastain's World Cup penalty kick. Allow up to two hours.
Santa's Secret Immersive Holiday Experience
Santa's Secret leads you along a winding path through eight holiday installations at the Beverly Center to a hidden, vintage-style speakeasy. Inside, a live band backs a cabaret show of burlesque and variety acts, with Christmas cocktails for sale. Tickets start at $59, and it's 18 and over. Call it the naughty list's night out.
Burbank Winter Wine Walk (Burbank)
The Burbank Winter Wine Walk lines San Fernando Boulevard with wine tasting stops and a free holiday street fair of hundreds of local vendors. Tasting is 21 and over, but no ticket is needed to shop the fair. Metrolink's Burbank-Downtown station is about a 13-minute walk away, which also settles who's driving.
MOONEYES Christmas Party Show & Drag (La Verne)
The MOONEYES Christmas Party Show & Drag races vintage drag cars on the eighth-mile In-N-Out Burger Drag Strip at the Pomona Fairplex, alongside a vintage car show, live bands, a pinup contest, and pinstriping demos. Admission is $35 for adults, and kids 12 and under get in free. Wear comfortable shoes; the grounds are big.
Los Angeles SantaCon Bar Crawl
The Los Angeles SantaCon Bar Crawl sends a crowd of Santas to four to six participating bars, with a wristband, holiday party gear, and a welcome shot at check-in. The best Santa outfit wins a prize. It's 21 and over, and the route comes in your confirmation email. Leave the car (and the sleigh) at home.
New Year's Eve Celebration at The Granada LA (Alhambra)
The Granada LA in Alhambra rings in the new year across three floors: live salsa from Son Miron Salsa Orquesta on the main floor, bachata on the third floor, and reggaeton, Top 40, and hip-hop on the patio. Party favors and a midnight countdown are included. It's 21 and over, and parking is free.
New Year's Eve Los Angeles NYE Bar Crawl - All Access Party Pass
This New Year's Eve bar crawl covers 10+ bars, lounges, and nightlife venues across Downtown Los Angeles on one all-access wristband. Check in for drink coupons and a digital map, then mingle at the pre-crawl social before heading out. Select stops pour welcome shots. It's 21 and over, so bring ID.
Cerritos Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Cerritos)
The City of Cerritos counts down to its Christmas tree lighting at the Cerritos Civic Center, an evening of festive music, live entertainment, and crafts. After the tree lights up, Santa Claus is available for visits and photos. It's free, and pets aren't allowed.
Christmas Tree Lighting at the Nixon Library (Yorba Linda)
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda holds an annual Christmas Tree Lighting to start the season. It's a traditional tree lighting ceremony, with tickets sold online. Pets aren't generally permitted, though service animals are welcome.
Santa Paws: A Holiday Crafting Workshop (Pasadena)
At Santa Paws, Pasadena Humane invites crafters of all ages to make cozy beds, toys, and festive gifts for shelter animals. Decorate a stocking for a shelter pet and make a holiday ornament to take home. The cats and dogs can't say thanks, but they'll mean it.