Illuminate Your Holidays: Must-See Lights Events in Los Angeles

As the holiday season approaches, Los Angeles transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights and festivities. Whether you prefer strolling through enchanting gardens, cruising along festively decorated yachts, or exploring vibrant neighborhoods, the City of Angels offers an array of captivating light events. Here's your detailed guide to the top 19 holiday lights experiences to enjoy with your family this festive season:

1. Enchanted Forest Of Light

   • Dates: Nov. 19 to Jan. 7
   • Location: Descanso Gardens, La Canada-Flintridge
   • Cost: $45 adult, $30 child
   • Details: Immerse yourself in a mile-long display of arty interactive light installations, featuring magical stained glass, hanging lamps, and more. This nondenominational fantasia includes favorites like a town of magical stained glass in the Rose Garden and dramatic lighting effects in the ancient forest.

2. Newport Christmas Cruise

   • Dates: Parade (Dec. 14 to 17), Cruises (Dec 1 to 31)
   • Location: Newport Beach
   • Cost: Cruises: $36 Adult, $32 Child, $5 Infant
   • Details: Experience the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade or opt for a festive cruise to view elaborately decorated yachts throughout December. Enjoy a water-view of decorated estates around Newport Harbor.

3. Holiday Road

   • Dates: Nov. 24 to Dec. 27
   • Location: King Gillette Ranch, Malibu
   • Cost: $25 to $40
   • Details: Wander through a winter wonderland at King Gillette Ranch, featuring lights, festive installations, and themed areas like the North Pole and Elf Village. The trail includes light tunnels and Christmas tree forests.

4. Animals Aglow at the Los Angeles Zoo

   • Dates: Nov. 17 to Jan. 7
   • Location: Los Angeles Zoo
   • Cost: $32 Adult, $20 Child
   • Details: Explore the L.A. Zoo Lights with incredible lantern sculptures of wild animals, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. The immersive display provides photo ops and delights for all ages.

5. Candy Cane Lane

   • Dates: Dec. 11 to New Year's
   • Location: Woodland Hills
   • Cost: Free
   • Details: Embark on a drive through Candy Cane Lane, a festive neighborhood tradition for over 60 years, showcasing elaborately decorated homes. Witness a charming community spectacle that has been captivating locals for decades.

6. South Coast Botanic Garden Astra Lumina

   • Dates: Nov. 9 to Dec. 31
   • Location: South Coast Botanic Garden
   • Cost: $25 child, $29 seniors, $35 adult
   • Details: Experience art-inspired installations amidst lush greenery, creating a unique after-dark event at the Botanic Garden. Walk through visually stunning displays transformed into a magical starry experience.

7. 123 Farm

   • Dates: Nov. 9 to Jan. 7
   • Location: Beaumont
   • Cost: Adults $12; Seniors, Students $8; Children 12 and under $4
   • Details: Venture to 123 Farm for Christmas Nights, where over one million lights adorn lavender fields and oak trees, offering a magical experience. Enjoy activities like horse-drawn carriage rides and check out the life-sized gingerbread house.

8. Mission Inn Festival Of Lights

   • Dates: Nov. 18 to Jan. 7
   • Location: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside
   • Cost: Rooms from $195
   • Details: Enjoy a California Christmas with 4.5 million twinkling lights, animated toy soldiers, and a refreshing plunge into a pool surrounded by holiday lights. Explore the resort complex or plan an overnight stay for an immersive experience.

9. Lightscape

   
   • Dates: Nov. 17 to Jan. 2
   • Location: L.A. County Arboretum
   • Cost: Adult from $29; Child from $14
   • Details: Immerse yourself in nature-inspired light installations, including a crystalline cathedral and other dazzling spectacles at the L.A. County Arboretum. Wander through a re-imagined exhibition with new installations and a fan-favorite crystalline cathedral made of light.

10. Holiday Light Festival Train Ride

    • Dates: Nov. 24 to Jan. 7
    • Location: Griffith Park
    • Cost: $7 per person; $12 Priority Entry; Free for 18 months and younger
    • Details: Experience festive scenes and themed photo-ready areas during a ten-minute train ride through Griffith Park. Witness thousands of lights transforming the one-mile track into a holiday spectacle.

11. Venice Canals

    • Dates: First Saturday in December
    • Location: Venice
    • Cost: Free
    • Details: Explore the charming Venice Canals adorned with seasonal lights, perfect for a leisurely walk and a boat parade on the first Saturday in December. Discover a hidden gem enhanced with festive decorations.

12. Christmas Tree Lane

    • Dates: Dec. 9 to Jan. 1
    • Location: Altadena
    • Cost: Free
    • Details: Drive or walk through Christmas Tree Lane, where volunteers create a mile-long display of lights along Santa Rosa Avenue, a tradition dating back a hundred years. Witness a community effort to spread holiday cheer.

13. Disneyland

    • Dates: Nov. 10 to Jan. 7
    • Location: Disneyland
    • Cost: Tickets begin at $96/day
    • Details: Experience the magic of the season at Disneyland with festive rides, parades, and dazzling decorations throughout the park. Discover holiday-themed attractions and immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere.

14. Beverly Hills

    • Dates: Nov. 16 to Jan. 1
    • Location: Beverly Hills
    • Cost: Free
    • Details: Wander through iconic Beverly Hills streets adorned with sparkling lights, installations, and a nightly "Unwrap the Magic" projection show at the Beverly Hills City Hall Tower. Enjoy window shopping on Rodeo Drive under the glimmer of holiday lights.

15. Snow at The Grove

    • Dates: Nov. 13 to Dec. 31
    • Location: The Grove
    • Cost: Free
    • Details: Experience a winter wonderland at The Grove with a towering Christmas tree, festive lights, and nightly snowfall at 7 and 8 p.m. Enjoy holiday shopping, a farmers’ market, and a magical atmosphere.

16. 8th Annual Tree Lighting - Union Station (Nov. 20, 2023)

    • Location: Union Station, Downtown LA
    • Details: Attend the free 8th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Union Station, featuring live performances, holiday arts & crafts, Santa selfies, and more. Enjoy the festive ambiance on the South Patio from 6pm to 8:30pm.

17. Sparkle DTLA - The Bloc (Nov. 17 - Dec. 31, 2023)

    • Location: The Bloc
    • Details: Witness a magical holiday show with 18 million hues of lights synchronizing to festive tunes at SPARKLE DTLA, featuring giveaways, live DJ, and retailer activations. Kick off the experience with the Grand Debut on Thursday, November 16.

18. Winterlit Santa Monica

    
    • Dates: Nov. 10- Jan. 15
    • Location: Santa Monica
    • Cost: Free to walk through the display; ice rink is $20 for skate rental and all-day admission
    • Details: Explore Santa Monica's Winterlit celebration with a canopy of lights, a 24-foot Christmas tree, and a pop-up ice rink open through Jan. 15. Enjoy a tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 1 with Santa and snowfall.

19. Marina Lights - Burton Chace Park (December 2023)

    • Dates: December 2023
    • Location: Burton Chace Park
    • Details: Experience the festive glow of Marina Lights at Burton Chace Park from 4–10pm nightly in December. Enjoy a family outing with dinner at waterfront restaurants and a walk around the park with captivating light displays. Explore other seasonal events, including the popular Holiday Boat Parade, by checking out the Visit Marina del Rey website.