Holiday Events in So Cal

Christmas lights on tree with boken

Photo: Getty Images

Tis the season to get out and enjoy the holidays in SoCal. There are so many event going on. Here is a list of some amazing events you can check out.

The Elf on the Shelf's Magical Holiday Journey

Ends January 2

Fairplex

1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona

Shrink down to the size of Santa's elves to help them repair Santa's sleigh! This immersive 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."

elfontheshelfjourney.com

SPARKLE DTLA

Ends January 2

The Bloc

750 W. 7th Street, Los Angeles

A magical holiday show with 18-million hues of lights that illuminate the night and synchronize to festive tunes. One of L.A.'s largest multi-colored interactive holiday displays where you can capture your perfect photo-op moments.

theblocla.com

Lightscape

Ends January 16

Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia

Wander through the magnificent Winter Cathedral and experience the breathtaking Fire Garden and more. Lightscape transforms the Arboretum into a night of wonder and light for an unforgettable holiday event for family and friends.

arboretum.org

Santa Monica Place Holiday HQ

Ends December 24

395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica

Santa Monica Place will offer an array of festive activities for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season. Santa Claus will be in town and available for photos Nov. 19-Dec. 24. Visitors and shoppers can also catch special performances by the dancing sensation, Santa Monica Beach Belles, and ballerina performances inside the 14-foot larger-than-life Snow Globe. Bring your furry friend to a special pet night and "sit" for a photo with Santa on Dec. 15 & 16.

santamonicaplace.com

Winterlit at Downtown Santa Monica

Ends January 1

3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica

The holidays return to the Third Street Promenade with Winterlit, transforming the downtown district into an immersive, festive experience. Tens of thousands of colorful lights, decor and garland will deck the Third Street Promenade, 2nd and 4th Streets, illuminating convenient shopping and cozy outdoor dining experiences.

downtownsm.com/winterlit

L.A. Zoo Lights

Ends January 9

5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles

The unforgettable nighttime journey includes the world's largest illuminated pop-up storybook, a magical disco ball forest, giant glittering snowflakes, and a twinkling tunnel filled with dynamic swirls of color.

lazoo.org

South Coast Botanic Garden's Glow

Ends January 17

26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes

GLOW (or Garden Lights & Ocean Waters) has been reimagined, with more food, drinks, music and a transformative Garden featuring thousands of lights. A stunning kelp forest will take your breath away and spark your interest in the beauty of the sea.

southcoastbotanicgarden.org

Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens

Ends January 9

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 Speedway Christmas Lights Drive-Thru

Ends January 2

500 Speedway Drive, Irwindale

With 5 new displays, twice as many lights, three full light tunnels and their signature 110' tall Christmas lights tree, the whole new course has been created to allow for the new displays, tunnels, photo opportunities, concessions and a brand new grand finale.

santasspeedway.com

Dodgers Holiday Festival 2021

Ends December 31

Dodger Stadium

The L.A. Dodgers are hosting a Holiday Festival in the beautiful, newly-renovated Centerfield Plaza, the warning track, and both bullpens complete with nightly entertainment, an ice skating rink, scenic and light displays, holiday-themed food and beverage, and an opportunity to take photos with Santa.

mlb.com

7th Annual Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting

November 30, 5pm-8pm

Long Beach Terrace Theater Plaza

300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach

Enjoy live music, a fireworks spectacular, thousands of twinkling lights, Mr. & Mrs. Claus and so much more! Food trucks and free parking will also be on-site so you can celebrate for the full evening.

longbeach.gov

Sleighs on the Bay Holiday Cruise

December

Naples Canal, Long Beach

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!

gondolagetawayinc.com

The 29th Annual Chino Hills Boat Parade

December 10

Starts and ends on Peyton Drive at Eucalyptus Avenue

The Kiwanis Club of Chino Hills invites the community to enjoy decorated boats, bands, equestrians and other entries. The parade starts at 7pm, but crowds arrive early to park and gather on the route.

chinohills.org

ORANGE COUNTY

The Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Ends January 9

Downtown Disney

1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim

Disneyland is officially the "merriest" place on Earth! Sleeping Beauty Castle is decked out in a magical winter theme. The Christmas Fantasy Parade and "Believe...In Holiday Magic" Fireworks Spectacular are back too.

disneyland.com

Holidays at the Harbor

Ends Early January

Dana Point Harbor

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 more.

danapointharbor.com

Magic of Lights

Ends December 26

Angel Stadium

2000 E Gene Autry Way, Anaheim

Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations.

magicoflights.com

Knott's Merry Farm

Ends January 2

Knott's Berry Farm

8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park

The holiday spirit shines even brighter this year. Experience Knott's largest 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.

knotts.com

Holidays at the Ritz-Carlton

Ends January 2

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point

Tree lighting ceremony November 21. Embrace the southern California sunshine and admire endless ocean views while delighting in festive holiday experiences with family and friends to inspire memories that will last a lifetime.

ritzcarlton.com/holidays

Hikari-Festival of Lights

November 26 - December 30(Closed December 24, 25, 31, January 1)

Tanaka Farms

5380 3/4 University Dr., Irvine

A cozy Wagon Ride around the festively lit farm that will take you to the "Land of a Thousand Lanterns" and once off the wagon, you will have the opportunity to wander through the light displays, with photo opportunities throughout. After the wagon ride, make your way down to the "Gingerbread Forest."

tanakafarms.com

31st Annual Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes

November 26 - January 1

1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach

Stroll the bay and savor the sights and sounds of the holidays. The Back Bay will glow from sunset to sunup with festive floating holiday lights.

newportdunes.com

Night of Lights OC

November 26 - January 2

OC Fair & Event Center

88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

Guests will enjoy in the safety of their own vehicle a magical interactive drive through a winter wonderland of lights. This one mile drive-thru will include over one million lights.

nightoflightsoc.com

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

December 10-12

Dana Point Harbor

The Harbor's much anticipated annual boat parade will take place with a "Fiesta Holiday" theme. Boaters decorate their vessels to the theme of the parade, for a chance to win cash prizes across several award categories.

danapointharbor.com

Huntington Harbour Boat Parade

December 11 & 12

Huntington Harbour

The all-volunteer Huntington Harbour Boat Parade is the non-profit Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Commitee's way of saying "thank you" to the Harbour residents for decorating their homes. Please note public viewing areas at the beaches fill up quickly with very limited parking.

hhboatparade.org

Check out the entire list on ABC.


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