COVID-friendly holiday events in Southern California
Don't let COVID-19 bring down your holiday spirit! Here are some local events that are right in our backyard. Check the bottom of our list for those that are only a few hours away by car. Share your favorites with #abc7eyewitness!
Events are subject to change based on public health restrictions and recommendations. Check event websites for details.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
The Elf on the Shelf's Magical Holiday Journey
Fairplex
1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona
November 12 through January 3
Shrink down to the size of Santa's elves to help them repair Santa's sleigh! This immersive drive-thru experience was crafted by award winning artists and is great for the entire family! They are also collecting toy donations to benefit the "Toys for Tots" and Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
World's Tallest Live-cut Christmas Tree
Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Drive, Los Angeles
November 14 through December 31
The massive white fir tree from Northern California stands 115-feet tall. It's lit with more than 18,000 multi-colored and energy-efficient LED lights and adorned with 10,000 ornaments. Guests can experience falling snow every night at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8.p.m.
SPARKLE DTLA
The Bloc
750 W. 7th Street, Los Angeles
November 16 through January 3
Billed as the world's largest illuminated interactive holiday display. 16-million beautiful hues of lights illuminate the city skyline and synchronize to your favorite holiday songs at the top of each hour. Free and open to the public.
South Coast Botanic Garden's Glow
26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes
November 21 through January 10
Luscious garden by day, then a gleaming glow party at night! This is the Botanic's first year hosting this event, and they have a lot in store for visitors. The walk will not only feature thousands of lights, but also an artistically curated soundtrack featuring a little something for everyone.
Visions of Holiday Glamour
Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
November 21 through January 3
A new and festive holiday installation brings the great runways of Paris, Milan and New York to the length of the iconic, palm tree-lined Rodeo Drive adding new meaning to the idea of holiday shopping in style.
Santa's Speedway
500 Speedway Drive, Irwindale
November 25 through January 10
Irwindale Speedway gets a magical makeover into a two-mile holiday themed display! This NASCAR racetrack will be festively decorated with attractions like giant holiday treats and a record setting Christmas Tree of lights! Tickets are on their site now!
Dodgers Holiday Festival 2020
Dodger Stadium
November 27 through December 24
The Dodgers have turned Chavez Ravine into a winter wonderland for the holidays. Drive-thru a light show, LED video displays, fake snow and interactive displays honoring the Dodgers World Championship and celebrating the holidays.
Winterlit Holiday Art Installations at Downtown Santa Monica
3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica
November 27 through January 3
Enjoy an immersive self-guided tour of beautiful art installations created by local artists along Third Street Promenade! Take your experience even deeper with an all-new interactive holiday-themed augmented reality mobile app.
WonderLAnd
6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills
Every day 5pm to 11pm
November 30 through December 23 & December 26 through December 30
The team that sold out this year's "Haunt'Oween" is bringing the North Pole to SoCal with "WonderLAnd!" This drive thru event will feature millions of lights, one-of-a-kind photo moments, and a super special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Ticket on their site below.
Contactless Santa Visits at Santa Monica Place
395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica
December 4 through December 24
Santa won't let COVID stop him from delivering joy to all the boys and girls! That's why he's making a pit stop at Santa Monica Place for some contactless photos. The shopping center will also have an array of socially-distanced holiday festivities including sing-along sessions and safe in-person shopping experiences.
Sleighs on the Bay Holiday Cruise
Naples Canal, Long Beach
December 6 through December 31
Want something different from your average holiday drive thru? Then get ready to board a private Gondola and see an enchanting light show along the Naples Canal with Gondola Getaway's Holiday cruise! This experience can be a romantic adventure for two or an event for up to 14 people! See details on their website below.
LIT: A Hanukkah Drive Thru Experience
Stephen Wise Temple
15500 Stephen S Wise Dr., Los Angeles
December 10 through December 20
Los Angeles' first ever Hanukkah drive thru is here! "LIT" has phenomenal lighting displays, awe-inspiring art installations, and an amazing animated short featuring the voices of some of your favorite celebrities!
ORANGE COUNTY
Holidays at the Harbor
Dana Point Harbor
November 11 through January 3
Each night throughout the holiday season, the Harbor's magnificent light display will illuminate the evening sky for guests of all ages to enjoy. Themed light exhibits throughout the Harbor will include Candy Cane Lane, a "Merry Kiss Me" arch, lighted trees, and much more.
The Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Downtown Disney
1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
November 19 through January 3
Disneyland is closed, but Downtown Disney and Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure are open and decorated for the holidays. Pick up a few Disney holiday gifts and treats for the family.
Knott's Taste of Merry
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park
November 20 through January 3
While the theme park may be closed, the Christmas spirit still gleams bright at the Knott's Berry Farm! They are giving guests access to over 60 unique food and drink items, and rare, handmade, and personalized gifts from over 23 artisan local crafters, including Knott's famous glassblower and chainsaw carver. Hurry, tickets are already selling out fast!
Holidays at the Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point
November 20 through January 3
Tree lighting ceremony November 21 & 22
'Tis the season to be fancy! Enjoy decadent seasonal meals and teas, as well as various holiday events including a surf contest with Santa! Space is limited for each activity, so make your reservations soon!
Hikari-Festival of Lights
Tanaka Farms
5380 3/4 University Dr., Irvine
November 27 to January 10
Literally meaning "shine" in Japanese, Hikari is a celebration filled with joy and light! Experience acres of farm-themed lighting on trees, scarecrows, tractors, and even sugarcane! The farm is also having special visits from good ole Saint Nick on the weekends!
Christmas Train at Irvine Park Railroad
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange
November 27 to December 23
All Aboard the train to the North Pole! Join Santa and Mrs. Claus in an enchanting ride through the historic park! Santa's Village will also be open for free at the entrance of the train station. Ticket are on sale now, you won't want to miss this.
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
Huntington Harbour
December 12 & 13
Fun fact: parade boats naturally social distance! So the 58th annual boat procession is happening this year rain or shine!
INLAND EMPIRE
A Cabazon Dinosaurs Christmas in Lights
50770 Seminole Drive, Cabazon
October 31 through January 1
For the first time ever, Mr. Rex has put on his Santa suit and is ready for your family Christmas photo. Santa Claus and his Velociraptor-pulling sleigh are also joining in the fun.
Christmas in Color
Raging Waters
111 Raging Waters Drive, San Dimas
November 20 through January 3
Grab your friends, family, and furbabies for this amazing ride! Enjoy acres of more than 1.5 million twinkling Christmas lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music! The best part is it's only $30 per car.
Festival of Lights presented by The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Main Street and Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside
November 27 through January 6
The 28th annual 2020 Festival of Lights will be limited to socially-distanced light displays and decor. There will not be a switch-on ceremony and no vendors, attractions or programming during the event.
VENTURA COUNTY
Holidays in Your Car
Ventura Fairgrounds
10 W Harbor Blvd., Ventura
November 22 through January 2
Enjoy a mile-and-a-half-long trail of colorful lights while an uplifting soundtrack of holiday music plays in the background. The fairgrounds are also having two holiday live stage shows that you can enjoy from the safety of your vehicle!
Christmas on the Farm
Underwood Family Farms
3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark
December 5 through December 6 & December 12 through December 13
Enjoy distanced visits with Santa and your selection of northwest Christmas trees, mistletoes, and wreaths. Also meet Santa with socially distanced visits!
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Holidays at Legoland
Legoland California
One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad
November 20 through January 10
The Legoland resort is bursting with holiday spirit! Come see life-sized Lego holiday decorations and even a 30-ft fully decorated Lego christmas tree!
If you know a great place to see holiday lights, share it with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #abc7eyewitness!
