Keep it neighborly or go big. Candy Cane Lane covers eight blocks of Woodland Hills homes, while Enchant Christmas at Santa Anita Park bills its maze as the World's Largest Christmas Light Maze. In between, zoos, gardens, and shopping centers all light up.
Part of the Los Angeles Christmas Guide, with every event on one page.
LA Zoo Lights
LA Zoo Lights fills the paths at the Los Angeles Zoo with larger-than-life light sculptures of birds, butterflies, marine creatures, and Ice Age giants. Ride the carousel, pose by the giant snow globe, and make your own s'mores. Tickets start at $19, parking is free, and the ice rink is a separate ticket.
Enchant Christmas at Santa Anita Park (Arcadia)
Enchant Christmas sets up the World's Largest Christmas Light Maze at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, plus caroling, a light-up dance floor, Santa, and a holiday shopping village. General admission starts from $25, and ice skating and the snow slide are add-ons. Getting a little lost is sort of the point.
Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens (La Cañada Flintridge)
Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge lights a route of about a mile for Enchanted: Forest of Light. Look for Flower Power, the Ancient Forest, Tom Fruin's glowing house sculptures in the Oak Grove, and a laser show with a 'snowfall' finale. The path works for strollers and wheelchairs, and parking is free.
Knott's Merry Farm (Buena Park)
Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park becomes Knott's Merry Farm, with thousands of twinkling lights and jumbo snowflakes. Catch the Peanuts ice show starring Snoopy, the Home for the Holidays revue, and Santa's Christmas Cabin, then browse Calico's Christmas Crafts Village. The shows and lights come with park admission.
Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden (Palos Verdes Estates)
Astra Lumina, from Moment Factory, is a one-mile night walk through South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes Estates. Nine installations of light, projection, and music line the path, plus a photo booth. The premise: stars come down to earth for a visit. It runs rain or shine and is recommended for kids over 4.
Imaginarium at Fairplex (Pomona)
Imaginarium sets up a walk-through light festival at Fairplex in Pomona, with a Land of Oz theme, over 5 million lights, and 35 themed attractions. Look for forest mazes, mirror rooms, more than 25 larger-than-life characters, and light displays synchronized to music. Kids under 3 are free, anyone under 18 needs an adult (21+), and selfie sticks stay home.
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal City)
Universal Studios Hollywood dresses up several corners of the park for the holidays. Meet The Grinch and Max at Grinchmas, see a snowcapped Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle lit for the season, and find Mario and Luigi holiday snowmen in Super Nintendo World. Plus there's a holiday parade featuring Macy's, with floats and giant balloons.
The Grove Holiday Lights
The Grove puts up a 100-foot Christmas tree from Mt. Shasta, dressed in over 100,000 LED lights. Snow falls over the crowd at nightly shows (artificial, but nobody complains), and Santa's Workshop and a flying sleigh make good photo stops. It's free to wander.
Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony & Winterfest (Altadena)
In Altadena, everyone counts down together to light nearly a mile of towering deodar trees on Christmas Tree Lane with over 20,000 lights. Winterfest runs alongside, with artisan vendors, food trucks, kids' activities, and photos with Santa. It's free, and an all-volunteer association runs the Lane with no city funding.
Candy Cane Lane Holiday Lights (Woodland Hills)
Each December, the homes on eight blocks of Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills (around Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street) go all out with lights, animated figures, and inflatables. Look for artificial snow on select evenings, and Santa often drops by. Drive slowly or park and stroll. It's free.
Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch (Calabasas)
Holiday Road winds through King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas with over 30 themed environments, larger-than-life installations, and fields of candy canes. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves are around, and food trucks and holiday bars keep everyone fed. Allow an hour to an hour and a half, and buy parking in advance.
Holiday Lights Train Ride at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad
The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad runs a Holiday Lights Train Ride past light displays synchronized to holiday music and nostalgic holiday scenes along the track. Tickets are sold at the booths, and there's ample free parking. Little ones 18 months and younger ride free with a paying adult.
SPARKLE DTLA
SPARKLE DTLA lights up the plaza at The Bloc downtown with 18 million hues of lights synchronized to festive tunes, with a show at the top of each hour. Between shows, look for photo installations, face painting, glitter tattoos, live music, and Santa. Time your visit by the clock.
The Americana at Brand Holiday Display (Glendale)
The Americana at Brand in Glendale strings holiday lights through its outdoor shopping district and puts on nightly snowfall shows. Visit Santa in his cottage, catch live performances on The Green, or have brunch with Santa at Trattoria Amici. Strolling the display is free.
Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration (Beverly Hills)
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills marks its 50th anniversary with holiday light installations and a stage full of music and dance. Established entertainers and special guests share the lineup with the winners of the inaugural Rodeo Drive Has Talent search. Nearby public garages give you the first two hours free.
Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting and Annual Holiday Open House (Manhattan Beach)
The Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier stays open late for its Holiday Open House, with music, holiday lights, and marine life, while the pier itself gets lit. Free hot cocoa flows until it runs out, and downtown shops stay open late.
Festival In Lights (La Cañada Flintridge)
Memorial Park in La Cañada Flintridge glows for Festival In Lights, with light art inspired by stained glass, shimmering installations, and interactive pieces spread through the park. Wander among the displays at your own pace. It's meant for all ages, so bring the kiddos.
Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting (Buena Park)
Buena Park lights its Christmas tree at City Hall, with community performances to set the mood. Before the lighting, kids can ride the trackless Santa train, write letters to Santa, and pose with Mr. and Ms. Claus. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Community Services toy drive.
Lights on Temple City (Temple City)
Lights on Temple City fills Temple City Park with sled rides, snow play areas, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and festive food. The big moment is Santa's parade down Las Tunas Drive, followed by a visit with him. Sledding in Temple City? Yes, really. Admission is free.
Angel Tree Lighting (Lawndale)
Lawndale kicks off the season of giving by lighting the Angel Tree at the Lawndale Civic Center. Expect live festive music, community performances, and tasty treats. It's a gathering for all of Lawndale, and all ages are welcome.
Azusa Festival of Lights (Azusa)
The Azusa Festival of Lights isn't in one spot. The City of Azusa spreads festive light displays across town, so keep an eye out as you drive through. It's free and open to all ages. Pets generally aren't allowed at city events, though service animals are.