Los Angeles sparkles with spectacular Christmas light displays throughout Southern California. From Descanso Gardens' Enchanted Forest of Light to Knott's Merry Farm and 123 Farm Christmas Nights, the region offers immersive holiday experiences. Explore neighborhood light tours, massive outdoor installations, and festive attractions across LA County perfect for the whole family.
Last Updated: December 2, 2025
Azusa Festival of Lights
Location: Azusa
Dates: December 6 - December 20, 2025
Cost: FREE
The Azusa Festival of Lights transforms the city into a dazzling winter wonderland, where neighborhoods and public spaces glow with creative holiday displays and festive installations. This beloved community event invites guests to stroll through illuminated streets, enjoy live entertainment, and gather for the much-anticipated tree lighting ceremony. More than just a light show, the festival fosters warmth and connection with seasonal music, family-friendly activities, and a joyful atmosphere that captures the spirit of the holidays.
Highlights:
- A city-wide celebration featuring spectacular light displays.
- A festive event designed to bring holiday cheer to the community.
- Experience a dazzling display of festive lights illuminating the city.
LA Zoo Lights
Location: Los Angeles
Dates: Typically runs from November through January. Specific dates vary annually.
Cost: $$
Step into an enchanted nocturnal journey through the Los Angeles Zoo transformed into a luminous wonderland of oversized animal-shaped lanterns and interactive light installations. This nature-inspired holiday celebration features glowing sculptures of wildlife from Southeast Asia and Africa, blooming flowers, and animated creatures that dance with playful movements. Wander through illuminated pathways, spin on interactive swings, and explore a walk-in kaleidoscope while enjoying seasonal refreshments—all supporting the zoo's wildlife conservation mission.
Highlights:
- Immersive light displays that illuminate the zoo after dark.
- A magical holiday experience for all ages.
- Unique photo opportunities amidst stunning light installations.
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
Location: La Cañada Flintridge
Dates: November 16, 2025–January 4, 2026
Cost: $$
The Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens offers a mile-long illuminated path featuring dazzling light installations that respond to sound and movement. Visitors can enjoy a unique journey through the gardens after dark, enhanced by ambient music and stunning visuals that blend natural beauty with art.
Address: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Phone: 818.949.4200
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Transform familiar garden spaces into a magical realm of light, color, and ambient music.
- Experience a unique, immersive journey through Descanso Gardens after dark.
- Witness a blend of natural beauty and artistic light installations.
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
Location: Universal City
Dates: November 24, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Cost: $$$
Universal Studios Hollywood's holiday celebration brings cinematic magic to life through immersive seasonal experiences across the entire theme park. From encountering the beloved Grinch character amid Dr. Seuss-inspired décor and dazzling light displays, to exploring a snow-laden Hogsmeade village adorned with festive charm, guests experience multiple holiday worlds in one destination. The celebration extends to Super Nintendo World with exclusive holiday theming, creating a multi-sensory winter wonderland that blends beloved entertainment franchises with seasonal enchantment.
Address: Universal City, CA
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Celebrate Grinchmas™ with The Grinch™ and Max, featuring music, song, and light shows.
- Immerse yourself in Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ with a snowcapped village and festive decorations.
- Discover Joyful Holidays at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ with colorful decor and character meet-and-greets.
Enchant Christmas at Santa Anita Park
Location: Arcadia
Dates: November 21 – December 28
Cost: $$
Transform your holiday season at this sprawling 10-acre winter wonderland featuring an award-winning light maze that guides visitors through an enchanting story-driven experience. Beyond the illuminated pathways, glide across a genuine ice skating trail beneath twinkling stars, browse artisan vendors in a festive marketplace, and savor seasonal cuisine and holiday cocktails. This immersive celebration combines cutting-edge light installations with classic holiday traditions, creating an unforgettable evening of wonder for guests of all ages.
Address: Arcadia, CA
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- The World's Largest Christmas Light Maze, a truly immersive holiday spectacle.
- A festive village offering unique gifts, artisan crafts, and seasonal treats.
- Ice skating under the stars on a real ice trail amidst dazzling light displays.
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Knott's Merry Farm
Location: Buena Park
Dates: November 21, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Cost: $$$
Step into a dazzling holiday escape at Knott's Merry Farm, where the entire park is reimagined as a sparkling winter wonderland for Christmas 2025. Guests are surrounded by miles of festive lights, towering snowflakes, and immersive seasonal décor, while enjoying live musical revues, a beloved ice show starring Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang, and heartwarming visits with Santa in his enchanted cabin. Unique experiences like the nightly tree lighting ceremony and a bustling Christmas crafts fair make this a must-visit destination for families seeking classic holiday magic.
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland with classic holiday festival decorations.
- Enjoy live Christmas shows, including 'Home for the Holidays' and a festive ice show.
- Visit Santa's Christmas Cabin and witness the nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Holiday Lights Train Ride at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad
Location: Los Angeles
Dates: November - January (specific dates vary annually)
Cost: $$
Celebrate the holiday season aboard the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad’s enchanting Holiday Lights Train Ride, where guests embark on a scenic journey through a mile-long track adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays. This beloved Los Angeles tradition offers a cozy, illuminated adventure perfect for creating lasting memories amid nostalgic holiday scenes and vibrant decorations.
Address: 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: (818) 881-2586
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience a magical holiday train ride through spectacular light displays.
- A classic Griffith Park tradition offering festive fun for all ages.
- Enjoy a festive train ride through illuminated holiday displays.
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Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Location: Buena Park
Dates: Friday, December 5, 2025
Cost: FREE
Celebrate the holiday season at the Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, a cherished community event held at City Hall. Experience the enchanting illumination of California’s tallest live-cut Christmas tree, enjoy festive performances, and take a memorable ride on the beloved Santa train. This family-friendly gathering also features photo sessions with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and a charitable toy drive supporting local families.
Highlights:
- Join the community for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
- Capture memorable moments with photo opportunities available.
- Take photos with Mr. and Ms. Claus.
Lawndale Angel Tree Lighting
Location: Lawndale
Dates: Friday, December 5, 2025
Cost: FREE
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Lawndale’s cherished Angel Tree Lighting, a festive community gathering featuring the enchanting illumination of the iconic Angel Tree. This event offers joyful live performances, seasonal treats, and a warm atmosphere that brings neighbors together to share in the spirit of giving and holiday cheer.
Highlights:
- The ceremonial lighting of the Angel Tree, a beloved community tradition.
- A heartwarming celebration to officially kick off the holiday season.
- Enjoy festive music performances throughout the evening.
Candy Cane Lane Holiday Lights
Location: Woodland Hills
Dates: Typically the first Saturday in December until the first Saturday after New Years Day.
Cost: FREE
Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills is a cherished holiday tradition where residents unite to transform their neighborhood into a dazzling winter wonderland. Each December, eight blocks come alive with millions of twinkling lights, animated displays, and festive decorations that inspire awe and holiday cheer. Visitors can drive slowly through the illuminated streets or park and stroll to fully appreciate the creative, community-driven light spectacles that have delighted families for generations.
Address: Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA
Phone: (818) 347-4737
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience a neighborhood-wide holiday light display that turns Woodland Hills into a festive spectacle.
- Enjoy a drive-through or stroll along Candy Cane Lane, where homes are adorned with spectacular Christmas lights and decorations.
- Marvel at an eight-square-block area transformed into a winter wonderland with dazzling lights, festive figures, and artificial snow.
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Lights on Temple City
Location: Temple City
Dates: First Friday of December
Cost: FREE
Lights on Temple City takes place at Temple City Park, featuring a family-friendly holiday festival that includes sled rides, snow play areas, and Santa's grand entrance. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment and various festive food options, while the highlight of the night is the enchanting parade that starts at 7:00 p.m. down Las Tunas Drive, surrounded by dazzling lights and decorations throughout the park.
Highlights:
- Experience a magical evening with sled rides, snow play, and Santa's grand entrance.
- Enjoy live entertainment and festive food options.
- Enjoy sled rides and play in snow play areas.
Holiday Road
Location: Calabasas
Dates: November 28th to December 28th
Cost: $$
Holiday Road is hosted at King Gillette Ranch and features an immersive experience with thousands of Christmas lights and larger-than-life holiday installations. Visitors can stroll through twinkling trails, encounter Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy seasonal food from top local food trucks while exploring over 30 dazzling environments on the Holiday Road Trail.
Address: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
Phone: info@holidayroadusa.com
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- An immersive holiday experience with thousands of Christmas lights.
- Larger-than-life holiday installations and festive displays.
- Family-friendly attractions suitable for all ages.
The Grove Holiday Lights
Location: Los Angeles
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
The Grove in Los Angeles transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland for Christmas 2025, featuring a majestic 100-foot Christmas tree adorned with over 100,000 LED lights. Visitors can enjoy nightly snowfall shows, festive live performances, and immersive holiday displays including Santa’s Workshop and a flying sleigh installation. This free, family-friendly event combines classic Christmas charm with a vibrant LA atmosphere, creating a memorable seasonal experience.
Highlights:
- Snow shows
- Tree lighting
- Upscale shopping
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Rodeo Drive Holiday Lights
Location: Beverly Hills
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
The Rodeo Drive Holiday Lights in Beverly Hills transforms the famed luxury shopping district into a dazzling winter wonderland each December, marking the official start of the holiday season with a grand celebration. This year’s theme, Enchanted Holiday Dreams, draws inspiration from The Nutcracker Ballet, featuring Nutcracker and ballerina ornaments, shimmering palm trees, and a dreamlike glow from wrapped trunks and rose bushes. Visitors enjoy live entertainment, festive photo spots, gourmet bites, and a spectacular fireworks finale, making it a magical night for all ages.
Address: Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Highlights:
- Luxury shopping
- Elegant lights
- Beverly Hills
Hollywood Boulevard Holiday Lights
Location: Hollywood
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Hollywood Boulevard Holiday Lights transforms the iconic Walk of Fame into a dazzling winter spectacle for Christmas 2025. This immersive light display blends classic Hollywood glamour with festive cheer, illuminating the boulevard with vibrant colors and artistic light installations. Visitors experience a unique fusion of cinematic history and holiday magic, creating an unforgettable seasonal atmosphere in the heart of Los Angeles.
Address: Hollywood Boulevard, LA, CA 90028
Highlights:
- Walk of Fame
- TCL Theatre
- Hollywood landmarks
Third Street Promenade Lights
Location: Santa Monica
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Transform your holiday season at this iconic pedestrian destination where Santa Monica celebrates with a spectacular 24-foot illuminated tree and enchanting winter atmosphere. Experience live performances from local choirs, witness a magical Nutcracker performance, and enjoy simulated snowfall that blankets the promenade in seasonal wonder. This free community celebration combines festive entertainment, holiday shopping, and cherished traditions that make December on Third Street Promenade an unforgettable coastal holiday destination.
Address: Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
Highlights:
- Pedestrian mall
- Shopping and dining
- Street performers
Downtown LA Holiday Lights
Location: Los Angeles
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Downtown LA transforms into a luminous winter playground each holiday season, where dazzling light installations and interactive displays turn city streets into a vibrant celebration of light and community. The Grand Illuminations event at The Yard at Cal Plaza features mesmerizing LED sculptures, a towering light tree, and nightly glow that invites visitors to experience the magic of the season in the heart of the city. With curated marketplaces, live entertainment, and a festive countdown to the official lighting, this event offers a unique blend of urban energy and holiday wonder.
Address: Downtown, LA, CA
Highlights:
- Urban lights
- Downtown atmosphere
- Free viewing
Venice Beach Boardwalk Holiday Lights
Location: Venice
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Experience the enchanting transformation of Venice Beach Boardwalk into a vibrant holiday spectacle for Christmas 2025. This event showcases eclectic, artistic light displays that blend the area’s iconic bohemian spirit with festive cheer, illuminating the boardwalk in a kaleidoscope of colors. Visitors can enjoy live music, interactive photo booths, and community festivities that celebrate Venice’s unique cultural vibe during the holiday season.
Address: Venice Beach Boardwalk, Venice, CA 90291
Highlights:
- Bohemian atmosphere
- Beach boardwalk
- Eclectic displays
Melrose Avenue Holiday Lights
Location: Los Angeles
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Melrose Avenue transforms into a vibrant holiday destination in Christmas 2025, showcasing a dazzling array of contemporary light displays and boutique decorations that blend urban chic with festive cheer. Visitors can stroll along the iconic street, enjoying immersive light art installations, curated holiday window displays, and pop-up seasonal experiences that highlight Melrose’s unique blend of fashion, art, and culture. This celebration offers a fresh, stylish take on holiday lights, perfect for those seeking a modern festive atmosphere in Los Angeles.
Address: Melrose Avenue, LA, CA 90046
Highlights:
- Trendy shopping
- Boutique stores
- Hip atmosphere
Abbot Kinney Holiday Lights
Location: Venice
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Experience Venice's most iconic holiday tradition as the legendary Venice Sign transforms into a festive beacon of red and green lights along Windward Avenue. This 14th annual celebration honors the artistic spirit of Venice's founder Abbot Kinney with live music, community gatherings, and family-friendly entertainment that captures the bohemian charm and creative energy Venice is known for. The historic sign, a modern replica of Kinney's original 1905 installation, becomes the centerpiece of a vibrant street festival that blends Venice's cultural heritage with contemporary holiday magic.
Address: Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
Highlights:
- Boutique district
- Artistic displays
- Venice charm
Pasadena Old Town Holiday Lights
Location: Pasadena
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Experience the enchantment of Old Pasadena's historic downtown transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling snowflake projections illuminating 22 blocks of beautifully decorated architecture. This seasonal celebration combines festive light displays with world-class shopping and dining across more than 300 independent and national retailers, creating an immersive holiday atmosphere in an authentically preserved downtown setting. Stroll through charming streets adorned with seasonal artwork, sidewalk decals, and temporary murals while enjoying convenient parking and diverse culinary options perfect for holiday gatherings.
Address: Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91101
Highlights:
- Historic district
- Shopping and dining
- Free viewing
The Americana at Brand Holiday Display
Location: Glendale
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Celebrate the holiday season at The Americana at Brand in Glendale with a dazzling display of festive lights, nightly snowfall shows, and enchanting seasonal entertainment. This immersive winter wonderland combines elegant décor, interactive experiences, and special visits from Santa, creating a magical atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages. Its blend of shopping, dining, and holiday festivities makes it a standout destination for Christmas 2025.
Highlights:
- Elaborate display
- Snow shows
- Upscale shopping
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Westfield Century City Lights
Location: Los Angeles
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Transform your holiday season at Westfield Century City's enchanting Holiday Village, where twinkling lights illuminate a charming marketplace filled with festive wonder. Experience live theatrical performances from world-class LA stage artists, magical snowfall displays, and interactive holiday adventures including visits with Santa. This free, family-friendly celebration combines seasonal entertainment, artisan shopping, and holiday dining in an elegantly decorated outdoor setting that captures the magic of a traditional winter wonderland.
Address: 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, LA, CA 90067
Phone: 310-277-3898
Highlights:
- Upscale mall
- Modern design
- Holiday atmosphere
Beverly Center Holiday Display
Location: Los Angeles
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
The Beverly Center Holiday Display transforms this iconic Los Angeles shopping destination into a dazzling winter wonderland for Christmas 2025. Featuring immersive light installations, festive décor, and interactive art, the display offers a unique blend of modern holiday cheer and artistic flair. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the season with style and creativity, making it a must-see festive attraction in the city.
Highlights:
- Mall shopping
- WeHo location
- Holiday display
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SPARKLE DTLA
Location: Los Angeles
Dates: December 7-31, 2025
Cost: $$
Immerse yourself in The Bloc's seventh annual holiday spectacle, where millions of synchronized lights create an interactive wonderland that transforms downtown Los Angeles into a glowing celebration. Wander through multiple illuminated installations featuring one of the city's largest multi-colored light displays, with nightly performances and festive entertainment that bring the magic of the season to life for visitors of all ages.
Address: 700 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Highlights:
- 18 million hues of lights illuminating the night
- Lights synchronize to festive tunes
- Immersive holiday light show
Enchant LA
Location: Arcadia
Dates: November 21 - December 28, 2025
Cost: $$
Step into an immersive holiday wonderland where millions of twinkling lights guide you through an elaborate maze adventure at Santa Anita Park. This award-winning seasonal experience combines interactive storytelling with winter activities including ice skating, snow slides, and visits with Santa, creating a multi-sensory celebration perfect for the entire family. With over 10 acres of festive installations, themed entertainment nights, and a curated shopping village, Enchant LA transforms the racetrack into a destination where holiday magic comes alive through carefully choreographed light displays and seasonal attractions.
Address: 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- World's Largest Christmas Light Maze
- Ice skating and festive shopping
- Theme Nights including Paws 'n Claus and Country Christmas
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Los Angeles.