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:
Hollywood Christmas Parade
Sunday, November 30th, 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.
Imaginarium “Holiday Magic” at Fairplex
Now open for select days through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, 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 all ages. Other Co Cal destinations include Camarillo, Lakewood, and San Diego.
The Grove Christmas Tree Lighting
This iconic event features a 100-foot Christmas tree lit at The Grove at Farmers Market, drawing crowds for its beauty and festive atmosphere. 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. Installation of the tree is set for October 28, 2025.
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. Currently, no info on the 2025 Christmas event- but there will be a New Year’s Eve event.
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.
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, including snow-capped roofs. It features 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.
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. November 13, 2025-January 11, 2026.
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. 11/28/25 – 12/27/25
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Enjoy the spectacle of illuminated boats parading through the marina, with festivities at A. Burton Chace Park. 63rd Annual Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
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 16–January 4, 2026.
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. November 7, 2025 – January 19, 2026.
Fun Christmas events in Orange County, CA
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. November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Open Thursday – Sunday
Knott’s Merry Farm Christmas Village
This event, which runs from Nov. 21, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026, 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.
The Christmas Train at Irvine Regional Park
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. Christmas train runs Nov. 28th – Dec. 23rd, 2025.
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. The 2025 Boat Parade dates are Wednesday, December 17, 2025 – Sunday, December 21, 2025. Departure times are at 5:30 pm, 7:05 pm, and 8:30 pm for each of the 5 nights of the parade.
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. December 13th & 14th, 2025.
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, with choirs singing Christmas carols. It’s an opportunity for families to enjoy communal holiday cheer. Select nights from December 12 -20, 2025.
Mission Capistrano Lights
Mission Capistrano is a great place to visit during the holiday season, adorned with colorful lights and offering various activities for visitors. The entire Mission is illuminated with holiday lights, creating a picturesque setting for performances by carolers dressed in Victorian-style attire. Select days from December 19, 2025, through December 30, 2025.
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. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 22 through December 22, 2025..
Dana Point Harbor Christmas Light Parade
The parade takes place over 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. December 13- 14, 2025 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Christmas Events in the San Diego Area:
San Diego Santa Run
Scheduled for December 13, 2025, this festive 5K fun run sees participants as Santa Claus, making it one of the most spirited runs in the city.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
December 14, 2025, and January 04, 2026. SeaWorld transforms into a winter wonderland with festive shows, holiday shopping, and special food offerings.
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. December 14 and December 21, 2025.
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 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
Inland Empire Christmas Events
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.
Mission Inn Holiday Event
Known for its grand holiday decorations, this event in Riverside features ice skating, holiday vendors, and family entertainment. The 33rd Annual Festival of Lights, Nov 22, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026.
Temecula Chilled
It is a wonderful winter festival in Temecula Valley that offers holiday-themed activities and a festive atmosphere. Thanksgiving through January 31.
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.
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 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.
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 2026.