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Christmas is upon us and to help kick off the holiday season, I have compiled a list of 50+ Family Friendly Holiday Events in Los Angeles!
So grab your coat, pack up your family in the car and head on out to one of these wonderful events happening across the southland this holiday season. There is sure to be something for everyone; from attending a traditional tree lighting ceremony to joining a Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along to meeting Santa’s reindeers at The Los Angeles Zoo!
Grand Park Lights Up the Holidays, Hollywood (11/1 – 12/25)
Includes photos with Santa Claus, live entertainment, holiday shopping and snowfall in the evenings and a Christmas tree with 200,000 choreographed, pulsing LEDs that rock to the music and lights of 5 Towers. FREE.
ICE at Santa Monica, Downtown Santa Monica (11/1 – 1/18/16)
Every holiday season, Downtown Santa Monica brings a little ice skating to the beachside community and transforms the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue into ICE at Santa Monica, a premier outdoor ice skating rink. The 8,000 square foot rink by the beach offers residents and visitors a little taste of winter without the bite. Ticketed.
Kick off the holiday season with the Grand Opening of ICE at Santa Monica on Nov. 5 from 6 – 9 pm. Free skating, with music and performances by some of California’s most elite skaters! Free food, kids crafts, giveaways and an interactive photo booth.
Winterlit, Santa Monica (11/1 – 1/18/16)
Every year Santa Monica hosts a series of holiday events and activities that light up Downtown, bringing a festive holiday spirit to this idyllic seaside city. This year includes a Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa Parade (12/3 @ 5:30 – 8:30pm), Menorah Lightings (12/6 – 13 @ sundown), and Holiday Movie Night: “Home Alone” (PG) with Hot Chocolate & Kids Crafts (12/18 @ 6 pm). FREE.
Winter Snowland, Burbank (12/5 – 12/31 @ 6:15 – 9 pm)
Residential holiday light display. Lights are off when it rains. FREE.
Santa #HQ @ Los Cerritos Center, Cerritos (11/7 – 12/24)
The new Santa HQ at the Los Cerritos Center is a thoroughly modern, extraordinarily experiential visit with Santa. Santa HQ features a live feed of Santa’s Elves working from the North Pole, the opportunity to take an Elfie selfie and the chance to operate the control towers of Santa’s Observatory. Ticketed.
Photos with Santa @ Beverly Center, Beverly Hills (11/12 – 12/24)
Bring the family to enjoy one of the most beloved traditions of the season – a visit with Santa. The unique, custom designed set is complete with an oversized gold Santa chair with an iconic Los Angeles skyline backdrop. Throughout the holidays, Beverly Center customers can enjoy a complimentary cup of delicious Nespresso coffee or espresso while shopping by visiting the Guest Services desk adjacent to the Santa set (promotion ends Feb. 28, 2015). Holiday pet portraits will be available at Beverly Center every day during Santa hours.
Holiday Ice Rink @ Pershing Square, Los Angeles (11/12 – 1/18/16)
Join us for a special ceremony to “break the ice” and kick off the holiday ice skating season on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 11 am. Ticketed.
Christmas Around The World @ The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley (11/14 – 1/3/16)
Christmas Around the World includes 26 exquisitely decorated trees representing the 26 countries that President Reagan visited while in office, as well as a White House Tree. Decorations encompass the bright and festive colors of the Caribbean, the crystals of the Nordic countries and the traditional decorations of England and Europe. Of particular note is the Vatican tree decorated entirely with white ornaments featuring a life-size white peacock that adorns the tree’s branches. The featured tree is an elegant reproduction of President and Mrs. Reagan’s White House tree complete with “Reagan Red” decorations and dozens of hand-blown glass ornaments. Ticketed.
Bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, valued at $10 or more, and receive $2 off general or senior admission that day. Offer good only November 14, 2015 through December 15, 2015.
The Grove Christmas with Seth MacFarlane @ The Grove, Los Angeles (11/15)
The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will include MacFarlane singing some of the holiday’s most cherished songs backed by a vibrant 70-piece orchestra. Special guests Meghan Trainor and Katharine McPhee will join him. Plus, experience the annual lighting of The Grove’s 100-foot Christmas tree, a performance by The Top Hat dancers, the season’s first snowfall, the arrival of Santa Claus himself and a fantastic fireworks finale!
Meet Santa @ The Grove, Los Angeles (11/15 – 12/24)
Santa arrives at The Grove on November 15. Join us for Santa visits and photos through December 24!
CHILL 2015 @ The Queen Mary, Long Beach (11/20 – 1/10/16)
The Queen Mary Dome transforms into a 13,000-square-foot igloo called The Ice Kingdom – where Charles Dickens’ classic novel, A Christmas Carol, comes to life with over two million pounds of ice at this year’s CHILL holiday event. Outside of The Ice Kingdom, you can go ice tubing on the glistening ice slides, wander through a traditional Victorian hedge maze, watch the art of candle making and enjoy festive entertainment. Your ticket also allows same-day entry onto the historic Queen Mary and one entry to the new 4D Theater featuring The Polar Express 4-D Experience. Ticketed.
Beverly Hills Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills (11/22)
Annual Lighting Ceremony that takes place with live music and performances from a range of different artists. The Lighting Ceremony kicks off the holiday season while bringing prestigious community members and families alike down to Rodeo for an unforgettable evening.
The Salvation Army Kettle Kick-Off Event @ The Original Farmer’s Market, Los Angeles (11/23 @ 5 pm)
Join us on the Market Plaza for a fun and festive event hosted by Inside Edition’s Lisa Guerrero and includes live music, tributes to civic and community service leaders and the lighting of the Farmers Market Christmas Tree! FREE.
LA Zoo Lights @ The Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Los Angeles (11/27 – 1/3/16)
L.A.’s brightest holiday tradition shines more brilliantly than ever! Stroll through an expanded area of the Zoo that is transformed into a fantastical wonderland populated by glowing light animals and a trove of dazzling additions over last year, such as a decked-out L.A.I.R. and a dramatic display combining light, water and music. View real reindeer, visit with Santa and enjoy holiday treats and goodies, all under the stars. Ticketed.
Reindeer Romp @ The Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Los Angeles (11/27 – 1/3/16)
The girls — Jingle, Belle, Noel and Velvet—are soon to be back in town for Reindeer Romp! See these real reindeer at the L.A. Zoo, their home for the holidays, daily from 10 am – 4 pm. Ticketed.
Magic Mountain Holiday Park, Santa Clarita (11/27 – 1/3/16)
Six Flags Magic Mountain celebrates Holiday in the Park featuring thrilling rides, tasty treats and exciting family entertainment for the holiday season. Ticketed.
LA Kings Holiday Ice @ L.A. Live, Los Angeles (11/28 – 12/31)
The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice brings outdoor ice skating to L.A. LIVE’s Microsoft Square! Ticketed.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade, Hollywood (11/29 @ 5 pm)
Grand Marshals Penn and Teller are joined by parade co-hosts (Laura Mckenzie, Erik Estrada), guest hosts (Dean Cain and Montel Williams) and other celebrities. Arrive early for curbside sitting/standing. FREE.
Grand Park Lights Up the Holidays, Downtown LA (11/29 – 12/25)
Grand Park will be lit up magically for the holidays. Take a stroll after sunset to enjoy the twinkling lights of the season. FREE.
LA County Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony @ The Music Center Plaza, Los Angeles (11/30 @ 5 pm)
Usher in this festive time of year with the official lighting of L.A. County’s Christmas tree on The Music Center Plaza. Enjoy holiday favorites from chamber music ensemble Brass Pacifica and a choral performance by local Los Angeles high school students. Stay warm and enjoy a free hot chocolate! FREE.
Downtown Culver City Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Culver City (12/3 @ 6 pm)
Join us for the lighting of the 22′ Christmas Tree in Town Plaza! Enjoy hot cider, hot chocolate, cookies and other festive treats provided by downtown businesses, along with music by local choirs. And don’t forget the special visit from Santa Claus! FREE.
Pasadena Senior Center presents: Musica Angelica, Pasadena (12/4 @ 7:30 pm)
Shepherds came to Naples from the surrounding mountains to celebrate Christmas. You will hear the glorious holiday music they heard, including works by Bach, Vivaldi, Corelli, Pez and Sammartini. Ticketed.
Frozen Sing-A-Long @ Descanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge (12/5 @ 5 pm)
What’s more fun than getting to watch Disney’s Frozen? Being invited to sing along! Members at the Family Plus level and higher are invited to join us for an exclusive evening of Frozen fun. Dress up like your favorite character and belt out Let It Go with a merry crowd of Frozen fans! Reservations are required for this invitation-only event and seating is limited. Ticketed.
Holiday Treats for the Animals @ The Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach (12/5 & 12/6)
In celebration of the holiday season, Santa Diver will be delivering an ocean of gifts to the Aquarium of the Pacific for its animals, including penguins, sea otters, seals, sea lions, lorikeets, and fish. Guests can see Santa Diver with sharks and watch the Aquarium’s animals receive their special treats and enrichment gifts during the Holiday Treats for the Animals weekend. Families can enjoy holiday music, crafts, special presentations, unique photo opportunities, shopping, and more. The sea otters exhibit will be decked out for the “sea”son with their very own snowman. Guests can watch the sea otters savor candy cane-shaped ice treats and gourmet lobster tails. Ticketed.
Yuletide Cinema Presents “Elf” @ The Million Dollar Theatre, Los Angeles (12/5 @ 6 pm)
Step back in time at LA’s two most glorious, turn of the century movie palaces on historic theater row… the MILLION DOLLAR and THE PALACE. Get your seasonal cheer on as you find strolling Christmas carolers and holiday food galore inside the theaters, or next door, at Grand Central’s cornucopia of sweet and savory options. Peruse our enchanting Stocking-Stuffer-Boutique for those unique gifts found nowhere else. And make sure to meet Santa’s Head Elf at our world famous “Naughty or Nice” station where our little helpers will find your name on the big man’s list and decide whether you receive your “naughty” report card or “nice” certificate. Then, before you nestle down to watch your favorite holiday movie, make sure to visit our seasonal Instagram booth and smile for your Christmas photo where everyone gets a framed copy for their holiday mantel. Ticketed.
L.A. Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade, Los Angeles (12/5 @ 6 pm)
Over 60 vessels of all shapes and sizes will participate including powerboats, sailboats, tall ships and harbor working craft. Viewers are invited to enjoy festive pre-parade events beginning at 4 pm at Banning’s Landing Community Center and ‘Holidays By The Sea’ from 7 – 9 pm at the Downtown Harbor in San Pedro.
Heritage Square Museum’s 20th Annual Holiday Lamplight Celebration, Los Angeles (12/5 & 12/6 @ 4 pm)
Witness as the past becomes the present among the beautiful glow of Victorian homes at Heritage Square’s annual holiday event. $30 for Adults, $15 for Children over 6 years*. Members get 20% off tickets- limited and incremental to their member level. Advance reservations are required and can be made beginning November 1 for non members. This program is not suitable for children under 6 years.
Charles Dicken’ A Christmas Carol @ A Noise Within, Los Angeles (12/5 – 12/23)
Staging Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is becoming a tradition for A Noise Within, with is year being the fourth year the theater company has presented the classic tale. The production allows families to take a supremely theatrical journey, and celebrate the transformative power of forgiveness during the holidays. Ebenezer Scrooge’s rebirth from miserly curmudgeon to the epitome of love and generosity affirms our faith in the potent goodness of human kind during this beloved time of year.
Winter Wild! Morning & Breakfast with Santa @ The Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Los Angeles (12/5 @ 8:30 – 10 am)
Winter Wild! Morning features early zoo access, carolers, face painting, holiday music and crafts, as well as a 20% discount in the International Marketplace. Be sure to bring your camera for photo opportunities with Santa and his elves too.
Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade, San Pedro (12/6 @ 1 – 3 pm)
Local bands, drill teams, schools, sports teams clubs, community members, non-profit organizations, elected officials and VIPS will participate in a parade route approximately one mile long through streets in San Pedro. FREE.
Hannukah Celebration @ The Original Farmer’s Market, Los Angeles (12/6 @ 2:30 pm)
Celebrate Hannukah with the lighting of a giant menorah, music and arts and crafts. FREE.
33nd Belmont Shore Christmas Parade, Belmont Shore (12/6 @ 6 pm)
The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade will march down East Second Street to the beat of over a dozen local marching bands. Featuring over 100 entries, including floats designed by Long Beach businesses and associations, marching bands, and local personalities and dignitaries. And of course, no Christmas Parade would be complete without an appearance by good ole’ St. Nick! FREE.
Holiday on The Hill @ The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley (12/6 @ 5:30 pm)
Celebrate this magical season with your family and friends at the 8th Annual Holiday on the Hill event. This spectacular evening of wonderful holiday performers, magnificent music, and delectable gourmet food is a much anticipated gathering every year! Enjoy special performances by Oak Park High School, Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra, and other local groups and entertainment. Enjoy an incredible holiday dinner buffet, hot cider, and warm cookies under the wings of Air Force One. Have your picture taken with Santa to commemorate this special holiday. This all inclusive offer is $64.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages 3-10 years old (under 3 are free). Advance reservations are required.
Peter Pan and Tinker Bell A Pirates Christmas @ The Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena (12/9 – 1/3/16)
The latest Holiday Spectacular presented by Lythgoe Family Productions in the style of the traditional British Panto. Tinkerbell, Wendy and Peter Pan embark on a wild quest to foil the pirates’ plot to kidnap Peter for Captain Hook’s Christmas present in this flying, singing, swashbuckling adventure. Featuring comedy, magic, dancers from “So You Think You Can Dance,” and contemporary music from Taylor Swift to the Bee Gees, a Panto is interactive holiday fun for all ages. One hour before every performance, guests and their families are invited to enjoy “Winter Wonderland” in The Playhouse’s Engemann Family Courtyard, complete with holiday crafts and activities, including Santa photo opportunities (December 9-24). Ticketed.
95th Annual Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony & Winter Arts & Crafts Festival, Altadena (12/12)
The festival will start at 2 pm, and the light ceremony will be at 6 pm. This season’s lights will be on from December 12, 2015 to January 1, 2016 – from 5 pm to midnight. FREE.
King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade, Redondo Beach (12/12 @ 5:45 pm)
Boats decorated in a festive holiday spirit will circle the marina 3 times and be judged in a variety of categories. The event kicks off with a Holiday Concert and Santa on the Pier from 3 – 5 pm. FREE.
Naples Island 69th Annual Boat Parade, Long Beach (12/12 @ 6 pm)
The large boat parade starts at 6 p.m. with the small boat parade following at 6:45 pm. The parade will begin off Naples Plaza Park, with the large boats cruising along the outside of the islands and small boats navigating the canals. FREE.
Hanukkah Family Festival @ The Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles (12/13 @ 11 am – 4 pm)
The light of hope, courage, and perseverance that burns in each of us makes it possible to achieve amazing things together. At this year’s Hanukkah Family Festival, celebrate with music, dance, art making, storytelling, and a host of other family-friendly activities that explore this theme and more. Families of all backgrounds welcome!
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, Marina del Rey (12/13 @ 5:55 pm – 8:00 pm)
Boats decorated with holiday themes parade through the marina to participate in a contest. The vessels are judged for Best Theme, Best Music, Best Lights, Best Animation, Best Spirit, Best Live Band and other categories. FREE.
Grand Park Lights Up the Holidays, Whittier (12/12 @ 10 am)
A community event attracting more than 10,000+ visitors from the community and surrounding areas. Come cheer the best of the local middle and high school bands, drill teams, dance groups, floats, equestrian groups and more. FREE.
Messiah Sing-Along @ The Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles (12/16 @ 8 pm)
The annual Messiah Sing-Along packs the house every year! With orchestra on stage, Artistic Director Grant Gershon will conduct you and 2,199 other singers in this joyful performance. Bring your own score or buy one in the lobby and join the chorus. Hallelujah! Ticketed.
Las Posadas @ Olavera Street, Los Angeles (12/16 – 12/24 @ 5:30 – 8:30 pm)
This nine night presentation of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem is portrayed with singing, ballet folklorico entertainment, a candlelight procession on Olvera Street and a children’s piñata breaking each evening.
The Music Center Holiday Sing-Along @ Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown LA (12/18 @ 6:30 – 8:00 pm)
Bundle up your family and share in the warmth and joy of the holidays with a grand night of singing under the stars with live accompaniment. No experience necessary! It’s free, but availability is limited so you will need to get there early and line up. Tickets are distributed starting at 6 pm, limited to one per person standing in line. FREE>
Aquarium of the Pacific Homeschool Holiday, Long Beach (12/18)
Join the Aquarium for Homeschool Holiday! Open to homeschool families, networks, students, parents, and teachers. With winter themed activities, learn about the amazing ocean and how animals cope with cold water. Enjoy special activities throughout the Aquarium where students of all ages can investigate, experiment, and discover. Advance reservations required.
The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker @ The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles (12/18 – 12/19)
Actress, dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen’s fun, fresh spin on The Nutcracker returns for the sixth year — this time at L.A.’s grand Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker (a two-time Goldstar National Nutcracker Award winner) gives the seasonal favorite a rich new cultural context and updated characters, and features a lively contemporary score with original songs from multiple-Grammy winner Mariah Carey, Arturo Sandoval, James Ingram and others. After young Kara receives a nutcracker filled with hot chocolate, she falls asleep and journeys to enchanted lands, including Candy Cane Lane, Egypt, the Indian Rainforest, Bollywood, Jazzland and the Land of the Kimono Dolls. Little ones will have no trouble following along thanks to the narration by three wisecracking mice: Harvey, Schmink and Buckey. Ticketed.
Holiday Festivities @ The Farmer’s Market, Los Angeles (12/19 – 12/24)
The Market is decked out in Yuletide finery to welcome the season. Celebrate with music, arts & crafts, variety shows, strolling carolers and lots of holiday fun! FREE.
Breakfast with Santa @ Descanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge (12/20 @ 9:30 am & 11:30 am)
Share a jolly morning with the Man in Red! The breakfast includes a sumptuous breakfast buffet with choices sure to appeal to all ages. $57 adult member, $24 child member; $66 adult non-member, $28 child nonmember. Reservations required by Dec. 13. Ticketed.
Winter Solstice @ Descanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge (12/22)
Enjoy nature’s beauty and bounty with the family by exploring this gorgeous 160-acre outdoor wonderland, featuring the Camellia Forest, the new Ancient Forest, floral displays in the International Rosarium, natural growth in the world-famous Japanese garden and Oak Woodland, and history in the center’s Boddy House. You can purchase a separate ticket on site so kids can ride the miniature train known as the Enchanted Railroad around the lovely grounds, and there’s also a special story time for the little ones. Ticketed.
The Music Center Holiday Sing-Along @ Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown LA (12/22 @ 8 pm)
Gather your family and friends for this heartwarming holiday event, a screening of the beloved 1954 film with lyrics embedded right on screen. Ticketed event.
L.A. County Holiday Celebration @ The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles (12/24 @ 3 – 6 pm)
Perfect for the whole family! More than 20 music groups, choirs and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of the region celebrate the season during this three-hour holiday show. FREE.
Candy Cane Lane Christmas Lights, El Segundo (seasonal)
Since 1949, Candy Cane Lane has been an El Segundo Christmas tradition. This block of houses includes a huge array of decorations including a visit from Santa on his sleigh sometime between 7 and 9pm nightly. Visitors are encouraged to donate canned food for needy families in El Segundo. The event runs until December 23. FREE.
Candy Cane Lane Christmas Lights, Woodland Hills (seasonal)
This neighborhood is located at the intersection of Lubao and Oxnard Streets near Pierce College. This eight square block area has been maintaining this Christmas tradition of decorating with lights, characters and artificial snow since 1952. Santa has been seen roaming around on occasion. Residents request visitors arrive before 10:00 pm weekdays/11:00pm weekends and many turn their lights off after that hour to discourage late night neighborhood traffic. FREE.
Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights, South Torrance (seasonal)
This neighborhood is fairly remote, located in the Seaside section of Torrance quite a distance from the freeways. Many consider the trek to be worth it to check out the nearly 40-year-old tradition. It’s a cute neighborhood with non-uniform blocks allowing for some “old country” feel as you turn the bends. It is also highly recommend you park and walk. Runs through New Year’s Day. FREE.
Majestic Pines on St. Albans, San Marino (seasonal)
St. Albans Drive decorates its massive pine trees for the Christmas season and it really is a site best taken in by walking. The effect makes you feel as if you are a miniature character in some fun, surreal, Christmas spectacle. FREE.
Happy Holiday Field Tripping!
Jilleen
Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes only. All points of view are my own.
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