Holiday Fun
Holiday Activities throughout Southern California
Wherever you want to go from Orange County to Los Angeles, from the South Bay to Santa Barbara and beyond, there's so much happening across the Southland throughout the holiday season. Going beyond the obvious area theme parks Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, California Adventure, and Magic Mountain, check out our comprehensive list of nearly 50 entertaining fun holiday activities (including some free events) for Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's.
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| Holidays on The Hill, Universal City, CA |
READERS NOTE: MommyBlogExpert did our best when compiling this list of holiday events. However, we cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions. There is always the likelihood of last minute changes to activities we've included, so before venturing out to any event listed, it is the reader's responsbility to cross check the respective website link to confirm all information, paying close attention to details.
Weekends, Thursday to Sunday, December 7-10 and December 14-17
Holidays on The Hill Festival, Hours vary by day
Activities at this new experience feature a family- and kid-friendly area featuring faux snow, holiday treats (both included with admission and for purchase), movies, live entertainment, giant slide ride, crafts, unlimited carnival games and activities with prizes to win, various holiday photo booths, and visit with Santa in his workshop (photo included).
At Hilton/Universal City, 555 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City, California
Details/Tickets, ExperienceTheHill.com/holidayfestival
Saturday/Sunday December 9-10
Afternoon Holiday Tea, Noon to 4 pm
The holidays inspired by The Nutcracker Suite, featuring treats and melodies performed on a harp. Note: Event repeats December 16/17
At Waldorf Astoria, Lobby Lounge, 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, California
Sunday, December 10
Holiday Craft Fair and Cookie Baking Contest, 8 am to 1 pm
At Beverly Hills Farmer's Market, 9300 Civic Center Dr, Beverly Hills, California
Information/Details BeverlyHills.org
Family Lights Celebration, 11 am to 2 pm
Interactive performance by The Beat Buds, crafts, latkes, jelly donuts, and dreidel games. All ages are welcome.
At Holocaust Museum LA, 100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles
FREE, RSVP/Details HolocaustMuseumLA.org
Seaside Santa with Reindeer and Sleigh, 12 noon to 3 pm
A real live animal experience in front of a waterfront winter wonderland in the adjacent to Fuego sculpture garden for educational purposes and complimentary photos.
At Hotel Maya, a Double Tree by Hilton, 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA
FREE, Details HotelMayaLongBeach.com
Holiday Children's Storytime, Noon to 4 pm
Reading of holiday books every half hour plus attendees receive free gift wrapping for all bookstore purchases with holiday treats for purchase.
At Beverly Hills Library Bookstore, 455 N. Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, California
FREE Details
Hanukkah Festival, 12 noon to 5:30 pm
Dreidel Lounge, latkes, jelly doughnuts, holiday-themed photo booth, Skirball Storytellers, the Mostly Kosher klezmer rockers band, community candle lighting ceremony. Families of all backgrounds welcome.
At Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles
Reservations/Tickets, Details Skirball.org
Family Chanukah Celebration, 3 to 5:15 pm
Hosted by Chabad of Miracle Mile, the event includes giant menorah ice sculpture carving demo, arts and crafts activities, youth musical performance, Chanukah sing-along, and ice sculpture menorah lighting.
At The Original Farmer's Market, 6333 W. Third Street, Los Angeles
Details FarmersMarketla.com
Chabad of the Valley Unite for Israel Chanukah Live, 5 to 8 pm
Hosted by Chabad of Studio City, this celebration includes menorah lighting, DJ, music, the Rikod Orchestra and more.
At Radford Studio Center, Formerly CBS Studios, 4024 Radford Ave, Studio City
FREE, Details ChabadSC.com
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| Hanukkah Display at Holiday Road, Calabasas, CA |
Monday, December 11
Menorah Lighting & Celebration, 5 to 6:30 pm
Hosted by Chabad of Century City, celebrating Chanukah with live music from The Klezmer Quartet, donuts and latkes, gifting and crafts.
At Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles
FREE, Details/RSVP JewishCenturyCity.org
Menorah Lighting Hanukkah Celebration, 5:30 pm
Sponsored by Village Synagogue, the event features a menorah lighting ceremony, live entertainment, Chanukah treats and surprises for the whole family.
At Pan Pacific Park Arena, across from The Grove in Los Angeles
Reservations, Details LAChanukah.com
Tuesday, December 12
Chabad Chanukah Party, 5 to 6:30 pm
Kids festivities include menorah lighting, drum circle, gifts & toys, doughnuts, latkes, and Hanukkah gelt.
At Chabad of Studio City, 3816 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Studio City, California
RSVP, Details ChabadSC.com
Wednesday, December 13
Santa's Workshop Crafting, 5 to 8 pm
Create a beaded candy cane in the Peppermint Parlor; for a more involved version of the craft guests can choose to make beaded Christmas trees.
At Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center, North Court, 651 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, CA
FREE, Details PaseoNuevoSB.com
Grand Citywide Unity Chanukah Concert & Menorah Lighting, 5:30 pm
Hosted by West Coast Chabad, the event includes performances by Itzik Weingarten, Gad Elbaz and Duvy Burston, giant menorah lighting, and more.
On Pico Boulevard which will be closed to traffic between Doheny and Crest in LA
FREE Admission
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| Hotel Maya, Long Beach, CA |
Thursday, December 14
Santa's Workshop Crafting, 4 to 6 pm
Dalia, from Museum Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, teaches macrame.
At Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center, North Court, 651 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, CA
FREE, Details PaseoNuevoSB.com
Holiday Movie Night, Doors open 6:30 pm, Movie at 7 pm
Cozy up under a blanket and see the movie Elf in Terra's outdoor garden theater. Snack and drinks available for purchase from Terra.
At Terra, 5490 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, California
FREE, Details Stewardsb.com
Friday, December 15
Little Folk Club Christmas Sing-Along, 10 to 11 am
Young kids and their parents are invited to meet at the Clock Courtyard by El Torito to join in for holiday singing.
Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, California
FREE, Details DanaPointHarbor.com
Santa Claus Visits Dana Point Harbor, 4 to 6 pm
Santa stops by for a visit in front of the classic VW bus in the Clock Courtyard to say hello to kids. Snap a photo of your child with Santa for memories to last a lifetime.
Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, California
FREE, Details DanaPointHarbor.com
Friday, December 15 to December 22
Snoopy House, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
City of Costa Mesa hosts Photos with Santa, Train Rides, Letters to Santa, Stage Performances, Christmas Carolers, Snoopy Lights Display, vendors food for purchase.
Costa Mesa City Hall, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California
FREE, Details CostaMesaCA.gov
Weekends, December 15-16 and December 21-22
Holiday Lights Harbor Cruise, 6 to 7 pm
A 60 minute leisurely cruise around the harbor to see the holiday lights both on the water and on shore.
Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, California
Details DanaPointHarbor.com
Saturday, December 16
WLC Wild Winter Day, 3 to 7 pm
Celebrate the holidays with a visit to the Wildlife Learning Center for an educational and entertaining holiday experience. Includes WLC admission, animal education stations, hot chocolate and hot apple cider, cookies, holiday scavenger hunt, arts and crafts and more.
At WLC, 16027 Yarnell Avenue, Sylmar, California
RSVP/Details Wildlife Learning Center
Saturday, December 16 through Sunday, December 24
Las Posadas on Olvera Street, Nightly starting at 6:30 pm
Events each night during this 9 day festival include a children's pinata (for ages 3-12) in the plaza at 6:30 pm, traditional procession starts at 7:15 pm at Avila Adobe, 10 Olversa Street. Rodalla del Sol, a roaming group of 8-10 musicians playing music in the Spanish tradition from 6:30 to 8 pm. Traditional Christmas songs in Spanish. Free sweetbread and champurrado for all after processional.
On Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles
Saturday/Sunday, December 16/17
Afternoon Holiday Tea, Noon to 4 pm
Inspired by The Nutcracker Suite, featuring treats and melodies performed on a harp.
At Waldorf Astoria, Lobby Lounge, 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, California
Sunday, December 17
Christmas in the Park, 11 am to 2 pm
The 55th District Park Toy Giveaway and Resource Fair includes FREE holiday activities like sledding, face painting, crafts, and toy giveaways.
At Leimert Park Plaza, 4395 Leimert Blvd, Los Angeles
RSVP/Details XMASPARK.Eventbrite.com
Sunday, December 18 and Monday, December 19
'Tis The Season Family Concert, Sunday 5 pm, Monday 7:30 pm
A family-friendly Pacific Chorale concert including Christmas carols and familiar holiday tunes such as The Chanukah Song and Sleigh Ride, plus a visit from Santa for the kids.
At Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Towne Center Drive, Costa Mesa, California
Details/Tickets PacificChorale.org
Monday, December 18 through Friday, December 22
Regent Free Holiday Movie Week, Start times vary by day
The week's double feature lineup includes Christmas and classic movies: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Scrooged, Gremlins, Better Off Dead, Elf, Bad Santa, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone, and Home Alone 2
At The Regent Theater, 448 South Main Street, Los Angeles
FREE, RSVP/Details RegentDTLA.com
Thursday, December 21
Holiday Movie Night, Doors open at 6:30 pm, Movie at 7 pm
See the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas outdoors under the stars in Terra's outdoor garden theater. Food, snacks and drinks available for purchase from the restaurant Terra.
At Terra, 5490 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, California
FREE, Details Stewardsb.com
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| Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, CA |
Santa's Circus, Show Times vary
An interactive Christmas-themed circus like nothing you've seen before. Fun for the whole family. Save 20% on tickets with Discount Code: SCLAHoliday20
At The Montalban Theater, 1615 Vine Street, Hollywood, California
Now Through Saturday, December 23
A Cowboy Christmas, Every Friday and Saturday, 3 to 7 pm
Santa Ynez Valley's old-fashioned family experience through animals and fun on the farm. Activities include the Daring Elf Adventure (Pony Ride Experience), the Tipsey Ornament Challenge (Horseback Riding), visiting Santa, kids obstacle course, bounce house, pony decorating, ornament decorating station, petting zoo, lasso arena, mechanical bull riding, Ultimate Hot Cocoa Bar, and much more. At SYV Horseback Ride Stables, 151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton, California
Details/Tickets syvcowboychristmas.com
Now Through December 24
Christmas on the Farm, Daily 9am to 5 pm (Closes 12/24 at noon)
Animal Center, feeding and petting animals, baby goat experience, photo opps, tractor-drawn wagon rides, combine and harvester slides, and animal shows. Plus live reindeer on 12/10, 12/16, 12/17. Also on weekends only: Visits with Santa, cookie decorating, California sleigh rides with the farm's Draft Horses and lots more fun for the whole family.
At Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, California
Details/Tickets UnderwoodFamilyFarms.com
Now through Tuesday, December 26
The Holiday Market, 10 am to 9 pm daily
An outdoor shopping market presented by Fiji Airways tucked in the middle of the Holiday Village. Curated gift shops, holiday treats to eat, and free photo opps.
At Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles
Details WestfieldCenturyCity
Now Through Wednesday, December 27
Holiday Road Los Angeles, 5 pm to 9:30 pm, hours/days open varies
An immersive easy walk outdoors on the trail to experience larger than life holiday installations, thousands of lights, music, live entertainment by Christmas Carolers. Mostly Christmas lights and decorations (including a herd of animated elk singing Feliz Navidad). Also beautiful but small displays for Chanukah (including a giant menorah) and Kwanzaa, as well as lights everyone will appreciate such as the colorful walk through light arch tunnel. Santa is on hand for kids to visit whenever the venue is open, along with two on-site bars with holiday themed cocktails, beer and wine along with a fleet of rotating food trucks to purchase drinks and food for kids. There is a fee for parking.
At King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, California
Details/Reservations HolidayRoadUSA.com
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| Fire and Ice Festival, Newport Beach, CA |
Now Through Sunday, December 31
LA Kings Holiday Ice, Hours Vary
Annual outdoor ice skating presented by Coca-Cola, a fun activity for families or date night. Admission includes skate rental. Flat rate parking available for $40.
At L.A. LIVE's Peacock Place, 800 West Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles
Details/Tickets LALive.com
Sunday, December 31 - New Year's Eve
Universal Studios New Year's EVE Celebration, Party Until 2 am
Enjoy rides, attractions, and entertainment during the day, before the park transitions to a night featuring music, multiple dance locations, photo opps, drinks for purchase, midnight countdown and fireworks.
At Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California
Details/Tickets UniversalStudiosHollywood.com
Now Through Monday, January 1
Universal Grinch, Harry Potter Theme Holiday Happenings, Hours vary daily
Universal Studios Hollywood employs festive decor, lights and food to celebrate Grinchmas Who-lebration and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Culinary treats for purchase for a limited time include The Grinch Heart Lemonade and holiday themed alcohol cocktails (age 21+ only) such as Rudolph's Red Rita.
At Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA
Details/Tickets UniversalStudiosHollywood.com
Fire and Ice Festival, Hours vary by activity
Experience the Lighting of the Bay with more than 50 holiday light displays afloat in Newport Beach's bay, nightly starting at Dusk. Also check out the waterfront outdoor ice skating rink with food, drink, fire tables and s'mores kits available for purchase.
At Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, California
Details/Reservations NewportDunes.com
Now Through Tuesday, January 2
Lightscape 2023, Daily 5:30 to 10:00 pm (closed Christmas Day)
Take a walk with your family through the botanical gardens at The Arboretum at night. Voted by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Best Botanical Gardens With Holiday Lights.
At LA County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 301 North Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA
Details/Tickets Arboretum.org
Now Through Friday, January 5
Tree Lighting Experience, 5:30 to 8 pm
Watch the 90-foot Christmas Tree every half hour with a whimsical choreographed musical light show, with magical snowfall in the Neiman Marcus - Bloomingdales Courtyard.
At Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, California
FREE, Details FashionIsland.com
Now Through Saturday, January 6
Solvang Julefest, Hours vary by activity
A month-long annual Danish village holiday celebration featuring activities like a daily hourly light and sound show from 5 to 9 pm. Also Candlelight Tours at 5 pm (nights vary), the Solvang Trolley Christmas Light Tour, and other events throughout the month.
At various locations throughout Solvang, California
Details/Calendar of Events Solvangusa.com
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| Imaginarium Holiday Lights, Pomona, CA |
Now Through Sunday, January 7
Imaginarium Holiday Lights, 5 to 10 pm Wednesday to Sunday
Billed as the largest holiday and fantasyland light show, this attraction features millions of lights over 1.5 miles. With 10 fully immersive experience zones and more than 25 over sized interactive creatures, holiday displays, synchronized music and light shows, along with an included 3x nightly circus (except Tuesdays), selfie and family photo booth opps abound. Carnival treats and drinks available for purchase on site. There is also a parking fee.
At Fairplex, 1101 West McKinley Avenue, Pomona, California
Details/Tickets Imaginarium360
LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow, Every Night 6 to 10 pm*
A festive celebration of nature, wildlife, and the winter holiday season throughout the zoo with lantern sculptures, vibrant interactive displays, roaming live entertainment, and holiday photo opportunities.
* Closed most Mondays and Tuesdays plus Christmas Eve (December 24) and Christmas Day (December 25)
At Los Angeles Zoo, 533 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
Details/Tickets LaZoo.org
Light Up Your Holiday, Nightly from 5 to 11 pm
Bring the kids to watch the 75-foot Christmas Tree in Giant Wheel Court come alive with a choreographed light show every 30 minutes.
At Irvine Spectrum Center
FREE, Details IrvineSpectrumCenter.com
Holidayz at The Park, Nightly from Dusk to 9:30 pm
Hosted by the City of Irvine where the Great Park is transformed into a festive winterscape with holiday lights in the Palm Court with selfie photo opps plus an oversized airplane playfully taken over by Grinch.
At Great Park, 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, California
FREE, Details CityofIrvine.gov
Ice Fantasy Skating Rink, Hours vary by day, open daily
Everyone, young and old is invited to ice skate here on synthetic ice with special discounts for seniors and military. Open throughout the holiday season with extended hours for winter break. Admission includes skate rental.
1408 Cabrillo Avenue, Torrance, California
Details/Tickets DiscoverTorrance.com
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink, Hours vary
Ice skating outdoors for all ages in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Admission includes skate rental.
532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles
Details/Tickets HolidayIceRinkDowntownLA.com
Now Through Saturday, January 14
'Twas the Heist Before Christmas Escape Room, Hours vary daily (except December 25)
Reserve a 1 hour escape room experience for up to 10 people at this venue inspired by the Original Disney Channel Movie The Naughty Nine.
Back in Time Escape Room, 2970 North Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA
FREE, Details/Tickets BackInTime.com
Now Through Sunday, January 15
Santa Barbara ZooLights, Daily 4:30 to 8:30 pm*
Walk through the zoo after dark featuring thousands of silk-covered lanterns aglow with over 50,000 LED lights.
* Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Years Day and every Monday; also closed some other weekdays. Check schedule and buy tickets in advance.
At Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara, California
Details/Tickets sbzoo.org
Ice Santa Monica, Daily, Days/Evenings, hours vary by day
Presented by Netflix, this is the opportunity for all ages, kids and grownups, to ice skate outdoors with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. Especially fun to visit here after dark to enjoy the sparkling lights and festive decor. Admission includes ice skate rentals.
At the Corner of Arizona Avenue and Fifth Street in Downtown Santa Monica, CA
Details/Tickets iceatsantamonica.com
Wishing you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Remember to always watch your children carefully in public places.