Holiday events in Southern California
Here's a list of places to see festive holiday lights, ice skating, and other fun events in Southern California. Share your favorites with #abc7eyewitness!
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
November 13 - January 11, 6pm-10pm
5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
Explore an immersive landscape filled with spectacular lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and more for, a wildlife-centered experience that's as inspiring as it is breathtaking.
lazoo.org
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
November 16 - January 4, 5:30pm-10pm
1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge
A one-mile walk through unique lighting experience in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. New this year will be an entire town of magical stained glass creations built in the Rose Garden by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin.
descansogardens.org
Santa's Workshop
November 18 - December 24
The Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Embrace the magic of the season with a visit to Santa's Workshop! Meet Santa, share your wish-list, and capture the experience with keepsake photos to treasure.
thegrovela.com
Universal Studios Hollywood Holidays
November 24 - January 6
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
Enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you can see Hogsmeade transformed with enchanting spirit, festive décor and holiday-themed food, beverages and entertainment. Enjoy some colorful play in Super Nintendo World and embrace your mischievous side with The Grinch during Grinchmas, and so much more.
universalstudioshollywood.com
Holiday Road
November 28 - December 27
26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
Step into the magic of the season at Holiday Road, Wander through a wonderland filled with larger-than-life holiday installations, twinkling trails of thousands of Christmas lights, and festive displays that sparkle at every turn. See Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their cheerful elves, stroll past fields of candy canes, and soak in all the timeless holiday cheer you love. Perfect for families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts alike.
holidayroadusa.com
Holly Days Aboard
December 4 - 27
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Queen Mary in Long Beach is making everything merry and bright this holiday season, decking her halls (and decks) with twinkling lights, decorated trees, and a month of festive programming through December 24th. From Santa at Sunday Brunch and the can't miss Christmas Bar called the "Peppermint Lounge" to live entertainment and family-friendly fun, the legendary ocean liner is offering holiday cheer for all ages.
queenmary.com
Posada Navidena
December 13 and 14 - 11am - 4pm
Paramount Swap Meet
7900 All America City Wy, Paramount, CA 90723
Paramount Swap Meet presents Posada Navidena. Bring the whole family and enjoy a festive weekend of surprises, giveaways, and holiday magic. There will be free parking and free pictures with Santa Clause.
paramountswap.com
66th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration
December 24, 3pm - 6pm
Live Show at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Angelenos of all ages can enjoy this free, three-hour live performance - also broadcast and streamed on PBS SoCal - featuring more than 20 local music ensembles, choirs and dance companies in Southern California's largest holiday show. From soul, banda, jazz, and percussion ensembles to choral music, mariachi, klezmer, Afro-Latin, West African, Korean, Mexican and Indonesian traditions, this year's lineup spans the globe, honoring many of the diverse communities that shape Los Angeles.
sickening.events
ORANGE COUNTY
Knott's Merry Farms
November 21 - January 4
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
The holiday spirit shines bright at Knott's Merry Farm this year, taking placeNovember 21 through January 4. Experience a Knott's Christmas celebration with winter wonderland-inspired décor transforming the entire park into a classic holiday festival, featuring a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland, jumbo snowflakes, and a variety of picturesque seasonal settings.
sixflags.com
Irvine Christmas Train
November 28 - December 23
1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
Tis the season for Irvine Park Railroad's annual Christmas Train. Come with family and friends and take this enchanting ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus.
irvineparkrailroad.com
50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights
December 12, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Dana Point Harbor
34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
The Harbor's much anticipated 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights, a Golden Jubilee, will take place December 12 - 14 with a "CAROL OF THE BOATS" theme. The parade begins nightly at 6:30 p.m. Boaters will decorate their vessels to the theme of the parade, for a chance to win up to $10,000 in cash prizes across several award categories, courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners.
danapointharbor.com
Anaheim Hills Festival
December 13, 11am - 1pm
8020 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92808
Anaheim Hills Festival invites the community to celebrate the season with two festive holiday events filled with family fun, music, and cheer. Guests can enjoy photos with Santa, holiday crafts, face painting, balloon art and other seasonal activities designed to spread joy and create lasting memories. Families are encouraged to bring their cameras and wear their favorite ugly sweaters for the perfect photo opportunity. Festivities will take place in the courtyard near Petco.
anaheimhillsfestival.com
Newport Beach Boat Parade
December 17 - 21
1600 W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor in the 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. This year's parade will be held Wednesday through Sunday, December 17-21, 2025 and is once again hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.
christmasboatparade.com
35th Annual Lighting of the Bay and Fire & Lights Festival
November 28 - January 4
1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina announces the return of its beloved holiday traditions with the 35th Annual Lighting of the Bay and the Fire & Lights Festival. The Fire & Lights Festival runs Thursday through Sunday evenings from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026 (4-9 p.m.). The Lighting of the Bay illuminates the water nightly at dusk throughout the season with more than 50 floating trees and festive displays.
newportdunes.com
Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights
Select days from December 19 through December 30
26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights returns this December with tree lighting, Dickens-era carolers, full-scale nativity, light features including a lighted halo grove, scented citrus grove and more - all are included with any Capistrano Lights ticket which also includes same day admission to the Mission.
missionsjc.com
VENTURA COUNTY
49th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks: Let It Glow
December 12 - December 13
1583 Spinnaker Dr. Ventura, CA 93001
The theme this year is Let It Glow! You can look forward to a very colorful & glow inspired boat parade! Soak up some holiday cheer with shimmering lights, whirling carnival rides, boutique gift shopping, delicious dining, and more.
venturaharborvillage.com
Santa Paddle
December 20, 11am - 12pm
1583 Spinnaker Dr. Ventura, CA 93001
Join Santa as he trades his sleigh for a paddle board! Visitors can rent a kayak, stand-up paddle board, or festive pedal boat from Ventura Boat Rentals (C Dock, below Brophy Bros. and On the Alley). Dress in your most festive holiday attire!
venturaharborvillage.com
Winter Wonderland 2025
December 20, 11am
1583 Spinnaker Dr. Ventura, CA 93001
Celebrate the holiday season by the sea at Ventura Harbor Village's annual Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace! This cherished family-friendly event transforms the harbor into a festive coastal village, brimming with holiday cheer and seaside charm.
venturaharborvillage.com
Light Up the Harbor - Chanukah Celebration at Ventura Harbor Village
December 21, 2pm
1583 Spinnaker Dr. Ventura, CA 93001
Experience the grand Menorah lighting at Ventura Harbor Village, along with live entertainment, arts and crafts, dreidel games, and delicious donuts. Pick up a Menorah kit to continue the light at home.
venturaharborvillage.com
INLAND EMPIRE
Christmas in the Colonies
Select dates through December 20
12261 S. Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, California 92399
Enjoy a Christmas feast complete with dancing and Christmas Carols. Have an eenchanted evening of fun, good cheer, great food, music and lots to see and do for the whole family.
rileysfarm.com
Holiday Boutique
December 10 -11, 10am - 2pm
9299 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Come discover beautiful, handcrafted, unique gifts and decorations for the holiday season!
inlandrc.org
Santa Claws at Big Bear Zoo
December 13 and 20, 10:30am - 3pm
42801 Moonridge Rd, Big Bear Lake, California 92315
Meet Santa Claus, take festive photos with our winter wonderland backdrop, and enjoy the zoo's amazing animals in their snowy habitat.
bigbear.com
Victorian Christmas Open House
December 14, 12pm - 4pm
Riverside Heritage House
8193 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504
Celebrate the holidays in true Victorian style!
riversideca.gov
Greenspot Farms Lighted Hayride
Select dates through December 23
8193 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504
Celebrate the Happy Holiday Season at Greenspot Farms! Enjoy the annual Christmas Hayride, free movie every night, s'mores, cookie decorating, and other treats for a small charge! Grab some hot cocoa, and sit by the bon-fire to warm your spirits this Christmas Season!
greenspotfarms.com
Luminaria Night
Select dates through December 20, 6pm - 9pm
California Botanic Garden
1500 N College Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711
Come find your glow this winter during Luminaria Nights at California Botanic Garden. This winter lights experience is like no other in Southern California, featuring peaceful luminarias, food and drink, and live music at three beautifully illuminated musical venues.
calbg.org
