We may not have snow in Los Angeles, but the city has an abundance of holiday events that are fun for the entire family. I have listed some of my favorites below.
This page will be updated as events are announced. Stay tuned.
Union Station Tree Lighting
November 25, 2024, at the historic ticket concourse. This is a free event.
Enjoy a live performance by Kingston Ska Collective with members of the Western Standard Ska Orchestra and Los Rebeldes Romanticos presented by Metro Art. There will be photos with Santa, arts, crafts, milk and cookies in the North Pole courtesy of McDonald’s of Southern California.
Los Angeles Union Station (Ticket Concourse, North Patio, Waiting Room) 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
L.A. Zoo Lights Animals Aglow
November 15 – January 5, 2024.
The Los Angeles Zoo is aglow with lit-up animals and a fabulous light show from mid-November to much of January each year. Walk for miles throughout the zoo, and enjoy refreshments and family fun. Timed tickets are required.
Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light
November 17 – January 5, 2024.
Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge hosts its amazing light show from the end of November to the first week in January every year. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance.
You will feel as if you are in a fairyland as you wander through the woods of this extraordinary botanical garden where you will see swirling and sparkling lights in a natural environment.
To get more information and purchase tickets, click here.
Los Angeles Christmas Market
Skylight Row DTLA | November 29 – December 24th, 2024
Downtown Los Angeles will transform itself into its version of a European Christmas Market complete with stalls, fresh baked treats, music, and entertainment.
Enjoy some Schnitzel with noodles and stock up on handmade artisan decorations. It’s about time Los Angeles had an authentic Christmas Market!
You can even bring a group and reserve a private Igloo to enjoy the evening in.
777 S. Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 1, 2024. This is a free event.
The parade starts on Hollywood Blvd, at Orange Drive and will travel east to Vine St., south on Vine to Sunset Blvd and west on Sunset Blvd back to Orange Drive.
Parking is limited and it is advised that you take the L.A. Metro to Vine Street or Hollywood and Highland.
The Grand Marshall will be actor Jeremy Renner and many other celebrities as well as Santa Claus will be there.
Holidays on the Hill
‘Tis the season for holiday cheer in Los Angeles and Holidays on the Hill is set to transform Universal City into a magical winter wonderland starting today. Running from November 30, 2024 to January 5, 2025, this festive experience, sponsored by Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, offers something for everyone. Glide across the outdoor holiday ice skating rink, capture memorable photos with Santa at his Workshop, sip on themed cocktails at Jingle Bell Tavern, and enjoy an endless array of delights at L.A.’s most exclusive all you can eat Seafood & Prime Rib buffet open daily at Cafe Sierra.
Holidays on the Hill kicks off the night from 5:00pm – 8:00pm PST with a grand opening ceremony, which will feature a musical performance by a cast member from the Broadway sensation Wicked and the Los Angeles Ice Theater. Guests can enjoy an exciting outdoor celebration featuring spectacular ice skating performances, raffle giveaways (including Universal Studios tickets), live entertainment, a DJ, face painting, balloon artistry, and more. To mark the occasion, complimentary ice skating will be offered from 6:00pm – 8:00pm as the ice rink opens up for the season.
Universal Sheraton Hotel – 333 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City, CA 91608
The Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena
Floats for the 105th Tournament of Roses Parade in Old Town Pasadena on January 1st at 8 AM PST are being readied for the big event. The Rose Queen and her Court have been chosen. This year’s theme will be “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.”
Read more about the Rose Parade and its history here.
Other events include:
Barefoot Dreams is bringing the magic of winter to Malibu! It will take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at sundown, the flagship store at Malibu Park at Cross Creek will transform into a coastal snow globe with real snowfall. Swing by to soak in the cozy vibes and enjoy the wonder of a Malibu snowstorm—a dreamy setting for exploring our coziest holiday items, from ultra-soft throws to luxe loungewear.
23401 Civic Center Way, Suite 3D and 4A, Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 594-7220
Candlelight Concerts – Various dates and locations and take place all year round. | Tickets
Holiday Ice Rinks around Los Angeles include Pershing Square Downtown LA, Ice at Santa Monica, and LA Kings Holiday Ice at LA Live Downtown LA.
Check out more Los Angeles holiday events, on the FeverUp app.
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