Guide to Southern California Christmas Events & Attractions (2025)

Looking for the best places and events to celebrate Christmas in Southern California? Look no further! Our comprehensive list covers all the family attractions, parades, light shows, train rides, festivals, and activities you need to know about. Whether you’re based in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Inland Empire, or San Diego County, we have you covered. From staying close to home to taking a drive, there are plenty of activities to make your holiday season memorable. So, let’s make this Christmas in Southern California the best one yet!

Fun Christmas events in Los Angeles:

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Hollywood Christmas Parade

December 2025. This parade signals the beginning of the holiday season in L.A. It showcases floats, bands, and celebrities and follows a 3.2-mile U-shaped route. It starts at Orange Drive and Hollywood Boulevard, travels east on Hollywood Boulevard to Vine Street, then south on Vine to Sunset Boulevard, and finally west on Sunset back to Orange Drive.

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Imaginarium “Holiday Magic” at Fairplex

Now open for a limited time until Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, this popular all-ages walk-through experience features incredible displays, interactive exhibits, and a nightly visit from Santa, all designed to bring holiday cheer to visitors of every age.

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The Grove Christmas Tree Lighting

This iconic event features a 100-—to 110-foot Christmas tree lit at The Grove at Farmers Market, drawing crowds for its beauty and festivities. The lighting ceremony features celebrities and live entertainment. The Original Farmers Market will be decorated in holiday lights and is a great place to shop for gifts.

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Queen Mary’s 12 Days of Christmas:

Join us in celebrating the season during the 12 Days of Christmas. Enjoy festive performances, dance parties, photos with Santa, and holiday activities such as stocking decorating and gingerbread house making. Take advantage of new experiences, including the Lighting of the Stacks, Krampus After Dark, and an actual Snow Day.

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Jackalope Winter Arts Festival Burbank

The festival will be held in December 2025, from 11 AM to 5 PM daily. It will be held along San Fernando Blvd in Downtown Burbank, featuring 170 local, hand-selected artisans. Admission is free.

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Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood

Experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter decked out for the holidays with special shows like “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts.” Hogsmeade village is adorned with holiday decorations, featuring snow-capped roofs and a special projection show, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” where the castle itself comes alive with lights and animation, accompanied by music from the “Harry Potter” film series.

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L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow

The zoo features spectacular light displays illuminating animals, plants, and habitats, creating a magical experience. Attractions include displays, animal lanterns, themed areas, and interactive light installations.

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Holiday Row King Gillette Ranch

A walking trail adorned with holiday lights creates a magical atmosphere. Live carolers perform, enhancing the holiday spirit. A Winter Market allows visitors to shop for holiday gifts.

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A Merry Rockin’ Christmas

Featuring Michael Cavanaugh at The Norris Theatre, this event promises a blend of classic and contemporary holiday music.

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Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade

Enjoy the spectacle of illuminated boats parading through the marina, with festivities at A. Burton Chace Park. Website.

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The Enchanted Forest of Light

Enchanted Forest is a nighttime event at Descanso Gardens. It features a mile-long walk through beautifully lit gardens from November 17 to January 5, 2025.

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Festival Bésame Mucho

Set for December 2025 at Dodger Stadium, this festival features a lineup of music acts, promising a festive atmosphere.

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Santa Monica Ice Rink

Experience a winter wonderland as the beloved ice rink returns to the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue. It will bring a touch of holiday magic to the beachside community.

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Fun Christmas events in Orange County, CA

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Winter Fest Orange County

From November 22 to January 5, experience a winter wonderland at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa. This event features an ice tubing slide, a snow play area, carnival rides, festive food, a holiday market, and live entertainment, making it a comprehensive holiday experience. Website.

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Knott’s Merry Farm Christmas Village

This event, which runs from November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025, transforms Knott’s Berry Farm into a holiday spectacle with thousands of twinkling lights, Christmas shows like “Home for the Holidays,” ice shows featuring the Peanuts Gang, and a Christmas Crafts Village. Park admission is required for this event.

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The Christmas Train at Irvine Regional Park

From November 24 to December 23, families can enjoy a festive train ride to the “North Pole,” where they can meet Santa. Tickets for the Christmas Train must be purchased online in advance, starting in early November. Santa’s Village offers various festive activities where families can have holiday fun, take photos, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

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Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

One of the largest holiday boat parades in the country, this event lights up the harbor with beautifully decorated boats, offering a spectacular view from various points around Newport Beach.

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Huntington Beach Boat Parade and Cruise of Lights

Similar to Newport’s parade but with its charm, this event is a community favorite for its festive boat displays.

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Christmas at Casa Romantica

Enjoy holiday crafts, lights, and ocean views at this historic site in San Clemente, offering a blend of history and holiday fun. The event includes arts and crafts for kids and music filling the air with choirs singing Christmas carols. It’s an opportunity for families to enjoy communal holiday cheer.

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Mission Capistrano Lights

Mission Capistrano is a great place to be during the holiday season, as it is adorned with colorful and bright lights, and various activities are available to visitors. The entire Mission is illuminated with holiday lights, creating a picturesque setting—performances by carolers dressed in Victorian-style attire.

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The Sawdust Winter Festival

The festival takes place over five weekends, from mid-November to mid-December, starting the Friday after Thanksgiving. This festival offers shopping opportunities for unique, handmade items. It celebrates the holiday spirit with family-friendly activities, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors during the holiday season. Laguna Beach, California. More info.

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Dana Point Harbor Christmas Light Parade

The parade takes place two consecutive weekends in December. The parade features boats with lights and decorations, creating a magical spectacle on the water. It’s part of the broader holiday festivities known as “Holiday at the Harbor,” which includes various other holiday-themed activities.

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Christmas Events in the San Diego Area:

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San Diego Santa Run

Scheduled for December 2025, this festive 5K fun run sees participants as Santa Claus, making it one of the most spirited runs in the city.

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SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration

From November 8, 2024, to January 6, 2024, SeaWorld transforms into a winter wonderland with festive shows, holiday shopping, and special food offerings.

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San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Over 80 decorated boats light up San Diego Bay, providing a spectacular view for spectators. This event typically draws large crowds.

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Sesame Place San Diego

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place San Diego – Expect a festive environment with Sesame Street characters celebrating Christmas.

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San Diego Botanic Garden

Enjoy an evening event during which they will decorate and illuminate their 8,000-square-foot glass conservatory and large sections of their 37-acre campus with festive lights. The event will occur from November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025. 

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Inland Empire Christmas Events

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THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a ride on the Southern California Railway Polar Express, departing from November 20 through December 31, 2025. This event includes hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa.

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Mission Inn Holiday Event

Known for its grand holiday decorations, this event in Riverside includes activities like ice skating, holiday vendors, and family entertainment.

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Temecula Chilled

It is a wonderful winter festival in Temecula Valley that offers holiday-themed activities and a festive atmosphere.

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These fun-filled events showcase Southern California’s lively holiday scene, blending traditional festivities, unique local experiences, and family-friendly activities. Refer to the event’s website for the most up-to-date dates and details. Enjoy the holiday season.

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New Year’s Eve Events

Countdown NYE San Bernardino, California:

Countdown NYE is the West Coast’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration. This cosmic event will conclude 2024 with an intergalactic Day of Domination at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino on December 31. Attendees can enjoy an incredible lineup of dance music’s brightest stars performing across five stages.

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PROPER NYE/NYD:

PROPER NYE/NYD is returning to San Diego’s iconic Petco Park on December 31 and January 1. Ring in the new year at this multi-stage event featuring performances from some of electronic music’s brightest stars, setting the tone for 2025.

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More Southern California Events