(Rafael Varona / For The Times)
39 glittering light displays that show off SoCal’s holiday spirit
- Share via
OK, all you holiday traditionalists out there: It’s true that Southern California’s balmy winters are a far cry from what Good King Wenceslas spied on the Feast of St. Stephen (a.k.a. Dec. 26 a.k.a. Boxing Day) “when the snow lay round about, deep and crsip and even.”
But what Southern California lacks in snow during the holidays, it more than makes up for with oodles of glittering light displays, which kind of follows the famous carol’s narrative, because ultimately, Wenceslas was all about bringing more light to the shivering peasant he spotted “gath’ring winter fuel.”
Because many of our SoCal light displays are free, local organizers are sort of continuing the good king’s tradition. Plus, in these modern times, faux snow has become de rigueur in some of SoCal light displays, something the good king might appreciate, because as a rule, our frosts are rarely cruel.
Before you get to our list of holiday light displays below, here are a few notes:
- Our list is divided into four loose categories: free or paid walk-throughs and free or paid drive-throughs, which you can filter using the navigation bar.
- Most of these shows are rain-or-shine events, so don’t expect a refund if it starts to drizzle on the night you bought tickets. Dress warmly, bring an umbrella and be grateful that our temperatures rarely dip below 50 degrees.
- Several of these events are in residential areas where neighbors voluntarily go all out to create holiday displays, so the start and stop dates can be vague. Pro tip: Try to visit the residential light shows on weekday nights, because traffic gets congested on weekends. Better yet, if the area has sidewalks, park your car a block or two away, bundle up and walk the route. (You’ll get in some steps and in some neighborhoods, residents sell hot chocolate or other treats from their driveways.)
- If we’ve missed any venues, send an email with details to jeanette.marantos@latimes.com, and we may be able to include them.
Showing Places
123 Farm Christmas Nights
Paid Walk-Through
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
This Cherry Valley farm’s holiday spectacular promises more than a million lights creating a brilliant wonderland over shorn lavender fields and tall, long-limbed trees. There are dazzling arches to walk under, photos in Santa’s Workshop (open select days), an illuminated holiday maze, tractor-wagon rides through the glowing lavender fields, a place to create your own mini gingerbread house (for a price, of course) and plenty of opportunities for cozy seasonal shopping. Expect live music most weekends and food for purchase at the “fast-casual” 123 Farm Eatery restaurant.
Dates: Open daily through Jan. 4 except Nov. 27 and Dec. 2, 9, 24 and 31.
Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. weekdays and 3 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission: Tickets must be purchased in advance. Prices range from $14 to $30 for adults, depending on the day. Tickets for ages 13-17 or seniors 65-plus are $1 less than adult tickets and $2 less for ages 6-12. Children age 5 and younger enter free.
Dates: Open daily through Jan. 4 except Nov. 27 and Dec. 2, 9, 24 and 31.
Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. weekdays and 3 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission: Tickets must be purchased in advance. Prices range from $14 to $30 for adults, depending on the day. Tickets for ages 13-17 or seniors 65-plus are $1 less than adult tickets and $2 less for ages 6-12. Children age 5 and younger enter free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden
Rolling Hills Estates Paid Walk-Through
(Bruno Destombes)
South Coast Botanic Garden is partnering with Moment Factory and Fever to present “an enchanted night walk amongst the stars” — a cosmic light show meshing lights, projection and sound into a starry event as you stroll through the garden. The walk-and-gape show takes about 60 minutes.
Dates: Through Dec. 31 except Dec. 1-3, 9-10 and 15.
Hours: Timed entry between 5:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Admission: Reserved tickets are required; $35.53 for 13 and older, $31.21 for seniors, students or military and $29.05 for children ages 4 to 12. Children under age 4 enter free. South Coast Botanic Garden members get a 15% discount on tickets but need a promo code from the Garden. Preferred on-site parking starts at $20; off-site parking pass with a shuttle to the gate is $3 available on Saturdays and holidays. Food and beverages may be purchased on-site.
Dates: Through Dec. 31 except Dec. 1-3, 9-10 and 15.
Hours: Timed entry between 5:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Admission: Reserved tickets are required; $35.53 for 13 and older, $31.21 for seniors, students or military and $29.05 for children ages 4 to 12. Children under age 4 enter free. South Coast Botanic Garden members get a 15% discount on tickets but need a promo code from the Garden. Preferred on-site parking starts at $20; off-site parking pass with a shuttle to the gate is $3 available on Saturdays and holidays. Food and beverages may be purchased on-site.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Brea Eagle Hills Christmas Lights
Brea Free Drive-Through
Christmas lights on display in the Eagle Hills neighborhood.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
Brea Eagle Hills Christmas Lights is a longstanding and very popular neighborhood light event, so expect tons of slow-moving traffic — plan at least 45 minutes for the tour — if you choose to drive. Many visitors recommend parking outside the housing tract and walking the route. Public parking and restrooms are available nearby at the Brea Sports Park, 3333 E. Birch St. Some neighbors have traditionally sold snacks and warm drinks from their yards. The city of Brea also limits parking to only one side of the street in the Eagle Hills neighborhood between 4 and 10 p.m. for emergency vehicles.
Dates: Exact dates were not available, but the lights usually go on during the month of December.
Hours: Exact times were not available. Last year, the lights went on around dusk until about 10 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Dates: Exact dates were not available, but the lights usually go on during the month of December.
Hours: Exact times were not available. Last year, the lights went on around dusk until about 10 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo
El Segundo Free Walk-Through
El Segundo’s Candy Cane Lane has been a neighborhood tradition along roughly two blocks of East Acacia Avenue since 1949 (enough so that it inspired the 2023 movie “Candy Cane Lane” with Eddie Murphy). This year, the city is partnering with the neighborhood to bring Santa Claus to the light display every evening at the end of East Acacia Avenue, said Josh Ellis, recreation specialist for the city of El Segundo. For 11 nights, the El Segundo Fire Department will drive Santa from Center Street to California Street and then onto East Acacia Avenue, where Santa will walk the final block to his special couch at the end of the dead-end street.
Ellis said Santa will be available to listen to gift wishes, give out little gifts and, of course, pose for photos.
If you want more lights earlier in the month, the city is also hosting its Joy Around the World Festival and community tree lighting on Dec. 4 at City Hall Plaza from 3 to 8 p.m. with performances, craft activities, free hot chocolate and a visit from Santa, who will come bearing gifts. Ellis said the lighting ceremony is set for 5:30 p.m.
Dates: Candy Cane Lane will be illuminated Dec. 13 to 23. The Joy Around the World Festival is Dec. 4
Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. daily for Candy Cane Lane; the festival on Dec. 4 is 3 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Ellis said Santa will be available to listen to gift wishes, give out little gifts and, of course, pose for photos.
If you want more lights earlier in the month, the city is also hosting its Joy Around the World Festival and community tree lighting on Dec. 4 at City Hall Plaza from 3 to 8 p.m. with performances, craft activities, free hot chocolate and a visit from Santa, who will come bearing gifts. Ellis said the lighting ceremony is set for 5:30 p.m.
Dates: Candy Cane Lane will be illuminated Dec. 13 to 23. The Joy Around the World Festival is Dec. 4
Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. daily for Candy Cane Lane; the festival on Dec. 4 is 3 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills
Woodland Hills Free Drive-Through
(Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Candy Cane Lane is an annual neighborhood holiday decor extravaganza — the kind of 70-plus-year tradition that happens when homeowners work together and get a little competitive about who has the best light display — that start at the intersection of Lubao and Oxnard streets (by Pierce College) in Woodland Hills. Candy Cane Lane typically starts the first Saturday in December and goes through the first Saturday in January, according to the West Valley-Warner Center Chamber of Commerce. This is a drive-slowly-through-the-neighborhood-and-gape event.
Dates: Dec. 6 to Jan. 3.
Hours: 6-10 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Dates: Dec. 6 to Jan. 3.
Hours: 6-10 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano Paid Walk-Through
(Andrew Worthington / Mission San Juan Capistrano)
The venerable courtyard of Orange County’s only mission at San Juan Capistrano is bathed in lights and oversize holiday decor, with music by the Dickens Era Carolers, crafts for children, a huge nativity scene and photos with Santa (through Dec. 23).
Dates: Dec. 19 to 30 (closed Dec. 24-25).
Hours: Ticket holders can enter as early as 10 a.m. to tour the mission, but the holiday programming of lights, music and Santa begins at 3:30 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. when the mission closes.
Admission: Limited tickets are available at the door, but online purchases are recommended due to high demand; $20 ages 12-59, $17 seniors age 60-plus, $14 ages 5-11 and free for children 4 and younger. Member tickets are $9 regardless of age, and tickets for guests of members are $10.
Dates: Dec. 19 to 30 (closed Dec. 24-25).
Hours: Ticket holders can enter as early as 10 a.m. to tour the mission, but the holiday programming of lights, music and Santa begins at 3:30 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. when the mission closes.
Admission: Limited tickets are available at the door, but online purchases are recommended due to high demand; $20 ages 12-59, $17 seniors age 60-plus, $14 ages 5-11 and free for children 4 and younger. Member tickets are $9 regardless of age, and tickets for guests of members are $10.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Channel Islands Harbor 59th Parade of Lights
Oxnard Free Walk-Through
(Brallan Perez Favela for Visit Oxnard)
The Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights celebrates its 59th year of gaily festooned boats chugging around Oxnard’s harbor. This year’s theme is Rudolph’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Regatta, and the organizers promise an evening of “twinkling lights and rockin’ holiday music,” so you can do some dancing to keep warm from where ever you decide to watch the procession. The website includes a detailed map of the parade route and spots where you can view the parade.
Date: Dec. 13.
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Watching is free, but if you’d like a cozier indoor yet expansive view of the parade that includes dinner, dessert, beer and wine, buy a $150 ticket that supports the Channel Islands Maritime Museum during its Nautical Night of Lights on Dec. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Date: Dec. 13.
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Watching is free, but if you’d like a cozier indoor yet expansive view of the parade that includes dinner, dessert, beer and wine, buy a $150 ticket that supports the Channel Islands Maritime Museum during its Nautical Night of Lights on Dec. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Christmas at the Grove
Fairfax Free Walk-Through
(Connie and Stewart Photography)
The Grove’s annual holiday extravaganza features masses of lights, a ginormous decorated tree, Santa’s Workshop through Dec. 24 and nightly snowfall (top that, Rockefeller Center).
Dates: Through Dec. 31 with snowfall at 6 p.m and 8 p.m. (Santa’s Workshop closes after Dec. 24; reservations recommended.)
Admission: Free. Photo packages with Santa start at $60.
Dates: Through Dec. 31 with snowfall at 6 p.m and 8 p.m. (Santa’s Workshop closes after Dec. 24; reservations recommended.)
Admission: Free. Photo packages with Santa start at $60.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Christmas on Euclid in Ontario
Ontario Free Walk-Through
(GOCAL (Greater Ontario California))
Ontario’s Christmas on Euclid experience began in 1922, when the fire department decorated a tree in the old city hall park with 125 colored electric lights, 2,200 feet of decorations and 900 square feet of cotton batting “for a snow effect,” according to a history on the event’s website. The event grew with merchant-promoted holiday extravaganzas such as the time in 1930 when Santa dropped from an airplane and landed on the roof of a bank to toss numbered slips into the crowd. (Those lucky enough to grab a slip could collect a prize donated by a local retailer.)
In 1958, the Christmas on Euclid Avenue Committee, sponsored by the Assn. of Commerce and Industry (later renamed the Ontario Chamber of Commerce), embarked on holiday programs “that would bring back a traditional respect, and meaning for the celebration of Christmas,” including the construction of 12 illuminated scenes depicting the nativity and life of Jesus with life-sized wood figures carved by Mexican immigrant sculptor Rudolph Vargas.
Today, the holiday celebration includes a blend of old and the new, with the 12 historic nativity scenes, which visitors can experience through an online history, and more modern light shows such as the annual Holiday Light Parade, tree lighting ceremony and drone show at Ontario Town Square on Dec. 6, which includes cookie decorating and visits with Santa.
Date: The historic nativity scenes are on display from Nov. 27 through Jan. 1 along Euclid Avenue. The Holiday Light Parade & Tree Lighting is Dec. 6 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. A menorah procession is scheduled for Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Ontario Town Square.
Admission: Free.
In 1958, the Christmas on Euclid Avenue Committee, sponsored by the Assn. of Commerce and Industry (later renamed the Ontario Chamber of Commerce), embarked on holiday programs “that would bring back a traditional respect, and meaning for the celebration of Christmas,” including the construction of 12 illuminated scenes depicting the nativity and life of Jesus with life-sized wood figures carved by Mexican immigrant sculptor Rudolph Vargas.
Today, the holiday celebration includes a blend of old and the new, with the 12 historic nativity scenes, which visitors can experience through an online history, and more modern light shows such as the annual Holiday Light Parade, tree lighting ceremony and drone show at Ontario Town Square on Dec. 6, which includes cookie decorating and visits with Santa.
Date: The historic nativity scenes are on display from Nov. 27 through Jan. 1 along Euclid Avenue. The Holiday Light Parade & Tree Lighting is Dec. 6 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. A menorah procession is scheduled for Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Ontario Town Square.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena
Altadena Free Drive-Through
(Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times)
Christmas Tree Lane officially turns on the lights for its 105th anniversary of lighting the 135 deodar cedars for a near mile along Santa Rosa Avenue in Altadena during its annual Winter Festival on Dec. 6 from 3 to 9 p.m. The free festival features visits with Santa, an arts and crafts fair, food, beverages and a chance to participate in the lighting countdown, which starts at 6 p.m. (The switch is flipped on at 6:30 p.m.) Traffic will be blocked on the street until 9 p.m., so revelers can safely admire the lights on foot. That’s the only time organizers recommend walking the near one-mile route because there are no sidewalks, and it’s difficult to see pedestrians unless they are brightly lit. After Dec. 6, the lane is a slow-drive-and-gape event, and admiring is free. But the association accepts $40 memberships online ($20 for seniors or students) to offset the cost of stringing lights in the venerable cedar trees and keeping them healthy.
Dates: Dec. 6 through Jan. 7.
Hours: 5:30 p.m. to midnight.
Admission: Free.
Dates: Dec. 6 through Jan. 7.
Hours: 5:30 p.m. to midnight.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Christmas Tree Lane in Oxnard
Oxnard Free Walk-Through
(Patricia Marroquin / Moment Editorial/Getty Images)
You can walk or drive through Oxnard’s 70-acre district of 139 historic homes, most built before 1925, representing various architectural styles, including Mission/Spanish Revival, Bungalow, Craftsman and Colonial Revival. These homes are extraordinary to view any time, but during the holidays, the lights and decor in the Henry T. Oxnard Historic District of Oxnard make the walk all the more special. The houses are clustered on F and G streets between 5th Street and Palm Drive.
For more lights, be sure to drive past Oxnard’s 110-foot Christmas tree display — billed as the tallest in Ventura County — at Plaza Park, 500 S. C Street. The tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 4 runs from 5 to 9 p.m. with entertainment, food trucks, a holiday marketplace, the actual tree lighting at 6 p.m. and the arrival of Santa! And for a fun, 50-minute tour of all the lights, along with the gingerbread exhibit at Heritage Square, grab a seat on the doubledecker Holly Trolley Dec. 16-18 at 6, 7 ad 8 p.m. each night. Reservations are required, tickets are $19.98.
Dates: Dec. 14 to 26
Hours: Nightly 6 to 10 p.m.
Admission: Free (Holly Trolley tickets are $19.98)
For more lights, be sure to drive past Oxnard’s 110-foot Christmas tree display — billed as the tallest in Ventura County — at Plaza Park, 500 S. C Street. The tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 4 runs from 5 to 9 p.m. with entertainment, food trucks, a holiday marketplace, the actual tree lighting at 6 p.m. and the arrival of Santa! And for a fun, 50-minute tour of all the lights, along with the gingerbread exhibit at Heritage Square, grab a seat on the doubledecker Holly Trolley Dec. 16-18 at 6, 7 ad 8 p.m. each night. Reservations are required, tickets are $19.98.
Dates: Dec. 14 to 26
Hours: Nightly 6 to 10 p.m.
Admission: Free (Holly Trolley tickets are $19.98)
Show more Show less
Route Details
Dana Point Harbor Holiday Lights and 50th Boat Parade of Lights
Dana Point Free Walk-Through
(Christine Barnes)
Dana Point’s holiday revels continue to grow, with lots of lights around the harbor, including its popular Merry Kiss Me display and giant blue whale, through Jan. 4; a large glowing Menorah at the foot of the harbor during Hanukkah from Dec. 14-22; and the annual Boat Parade of Lights Dec. 12-14 — this year with a Carol of the Boats theme, starting at 6:30 p.m. each night.
An extra note: If you arrive during the day on Dec. 6-7 and have a Santa fan tagging along, check out Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching’s annual Boat Rides With Santa, 20-minute harbor cruises with Santa, between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are required, and tickets are $5 for adults and children, with all proceeds supporting the Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay‘s work to support women and girls.
Dates: Dec. 12-14.
Hours: Starts at 6:30 p.m. each night.
Admission: Free.
An extra note: If you arrive during the day on Dec. 6-7 and have a Santa fan tagging along, check out Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching’s annual Boat Rides With Santa, 20-minute harbor cruises with Santa, between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are required, and tickets are $5 for adults and children, with all proceeds supporting the Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay‘s work to support women and girls.
Dates: Dec. 12-14.
Hours: Starts at 6:30 p.m. each night.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light
La Cañada Flintridge Paid Walk-Through
(Descanso Gardens)
Descanso’s annual holiday light show stretches a mile through the gardens, with an exhibit that includes a town of stained-glass buildings in the Rose Garden created by sculptor Tom Fruin and a field of glowing tulips that constantly change colors.
Dates: Through Jan. 4.
Hours: Timed entry every half-hour between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.; open until 10 p.m. daily, rain or shine, except Nov. 27, Dec. 24 and 25.
Admission: Tickets must be purchased online, $20 to $38 for adult members; $27 to $45 for nonmembers; $10 to $23 for members ages 2-12, $17 to $30 for nonmembers. Children under age 2 enter free but still require a ticket.
Dates: Through Jan. 4.
Hours: Timed entry every half-hour between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.; open until 10 p.m. daily, rain or shine, except Nov. 27, Dec. 24 and 25.
Admission: Tickets must be purchased online, $20 to $38 for adult members; $27 to $45 for nonmembers; $10 to $23 for members ages 2-12, $17 to $30 for nonmembers. Children under age 2 enter free but still require a ticket.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Fashion Island's Nights of Coastal Lights in Newport Beach
Newport Beach Free Walk-Through
(Allen Ling / Irvine Company Retail Properties)
Fashion Island’s 90-foot-tall tree has a magical (i.e., man-made) snowfall, music and a choreographed light display every evening through Dec. 28, along with a blanket of dazzling holiday decor. The shopping center also offers daily visits with Santa until 3 p.m. on Dec. 24 (after which he’s otherwise occupied). A menorah lighting ceremony is scheduled with singing and other activities from 3 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 14.
Dates: Through Dec. 28.
Hours: Tree lighting, snowfall and choreographed music happen on the half-hour from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free. (Photo packages with Santa start at $39.99.)
Dates: Through Dec. 28.
Hours: Tree lighting, snowfall and choreographed music happen on the half-hour from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free. (Photo packages with Santa start at $39.99.)
Show more Show less
Route Details
Grand Illuminations at the Yard at California Plaza
Downtown L.A. Free Walk-Through
(Abram Santa Cruz)
The DTLA Alliance has teamed up with the L.A.-based artist group Liquid PXL to install a free “light spectacle featuring large-scale kinetic sculptures” at the Yard at California Plaza. The show opens with a lighting ceremony with live entertainment and refreshments on Dec. 3 and continues nightly until Jan. 4. The immersive light display includes 10 giant “electric dandelions,” a custom-designed 25-foot-tall LED tree and a “lumiverse” of tall light columns synchronized with rhythm and color. The opening ceremony on Dec. 3 will include a holiday marketplace, a Para Los Niños toy drive, asking people to contribute unwapped toys or essentials such as personal care items, and live music from 4 to 7 p.m.
Dates: Dec. 3 to Jan. 4.
Hours: Opening ceremony Dec. 3 from noon to 7 p.m. with a lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Lights continue nightly from dusk until 10 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Dates: Dec. 3 to Jan. 4.
Hours: Opening ceremony Dec. 3 from noon to 7 p.m. with a lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Lights continue nightly from dusk until 10 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Hikari: Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms
Irvine Paid Walk-Through
(Emily Ganiko / Tanaka Farms)
Hikari means “shine” in Japanese, and Tanaka Farms is living up to that name with a wagon ride to the Land of a Thousand Lanterns and a walk-through in the Gingerbread Forest with more lights, live music, food for purchase, arts and crafts, barnyard animals, a Christmas tree lot and a chance to take photos with Santa.
Dates: Nov. 28 to Dec. 28.
Hours: Open daily 4:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, except Dec. 24-25. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Wagon rides through the lights start are from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Wednesdays and Thursdays: $28 ages 13 and older, $18 ages 3-12 and $14 military with ID. Fridays through Sundays: $33 ages 13 and older, $23 ages 3-12 and $16.50 military with ID. Parking is free on weekdays; $12 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Dates: Nov. 28 to Dec. 28.
Hours: Open daily 4:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, except Dec. 24-25. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Wagon rides through the lights start are from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Wednesdays and Thursdays: $28 ages 13 and older, $18 ages 3-12 and $14 military with ID. Fridays through Sundays: $33 ages 13 and older, $23 ages 3-12 and $16.50 military with ID. Parking is free on weekdays; $12 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Holiday Thursdays/Hanukkah in Santa Monica
Santa Monica Free Walk-Through
(Joel Marasigan)
No surprise, the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica is ablaze for the holidays with lights, decorations, an ice rink and fake snow. (The official tree lighting ceremony was Nov. 20.) The ice rink is open as well.
On Holiday Thursdays — Dec. 4, 11 and 18 — visitors can make holiday crafts and listen to the Toyland Brass Band amid man-made snow flurries and hot cocoa. From Dec. 14-21, the Promenade’s Festival of Lights will celebrate Hanukkah by lighting the menorah each night, along with other activities.
Dates: Through Jan. 19; Holiday Thursdays are Dec. 4, 11 and 18.
Hours: Holiday lights go on at dusk; menorah lighting Dec. 25 through Jan. 1 at sundown each night; Holiday Thursdays events 5 to 7 p.m. Ice rink is open noon to 10 p.m.
Admission: Free, but reservations are recommended for Holiday Thursdays activities. Ice skating, with skate rentals, is $20 for an hour.
On Holiday Thursdays — Dec. 4, 11 and 18 — visitors can make holiday crafts and listen to the Toyland Brass Band amid man-made snow flurries and hot cocoa. From Dec. 14-21, the Promenade’s Festival of Lights will celebrate Hanukkah by lighting the menorah each night, along with other activities.
Dates: Through Jan. 19; Holiday Thursdays are Dec. 4, 11 and 18.
Hours: Holiday lights go on at dusk; menorah lighting Dec. 25 through Jan. 1 at sundown each night; Holiday Thursdays events 5 to 7 p.m. Ice rink is open noon to 10 p.m.
Admission: Free, but reservations are recommended for Holiday Thursdays activities. Ice skating, with skate rentals, is $20 for an hour.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch
Calabasas Paid Walk-Through
(Line 8 Photography)
Walk along Holiday Road with thousands of twinkling tunnels and scenes bathed in lights of the North Pole, Elf Village, Gingerbread Lane and Christmas Tree Forests, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Hot chocolate and toddies are available for purchase.
Dates: Nov. 28 through Dec. 27.
Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. open Thursday through Sunday except Dec. 25.
Admission: Tickets are $29.35 to 39.64 per person, depending on the night and time. Children ages 2 and younger enter free. Parking is $10.58.
Dates: Nov. 28 through Dec. 27.
Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. open Thursday through Sunday except Dec. 25.
Admission: Tickets are $29.35 to 39.64 per person, depending on the night and time. Children ages 2 and younger enter free. Parking is $10.58.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Imaginarium at Pomona Fairplex
Pomona Paid Walk-Through
Imaginarium is an immersive lantern show with scenes from the Land of Oz, along with Christmas trees and other holiday-themed displays and, of course, Santa Claus. The show also includes a mirrored infinity room, interactive games, carnival games, snowfall and a vast field of 35,000 blooming LED roses that practically begs for selfies. The show promises 1.5 miles of synchronized music and lights, circus performances (included with admission) three times a day, and food and beverage for purchase.
Dates: Open daily Nov. 26 through Jan. 4 except Nov. 27, Dec. 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16.
Hours: 5 to 10 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $22.50 for ages 13-61 and $18.50 ages 2-12, military people with ID and seniors 62-plus. Family four packs of tickets are $71.50 for weekdays.
Dates: Open daily Nov. 26 through Jan. 4 except Nov. 27, Dec. 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16.
Hours: 5 to 10 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $22.50 for ages 13-61 and $18.50 ages 2-12, military people with ID and seniors 62-plus. Family four packs of tickets are $71.50 for weekdays.
Show more Show less
Route Details
L.A. Zoo Lights Animals Aglow
Griffith Park Paid Walk-Through
(Jamie Pham / L.A. Zoo)
The L.A. Zoo’s Animals Aglow holiday event features oversize animals, flowers and trees with some serious glow and animation such as one pretty wondrous bright blue peacock, along with the obligatory, eye-popping walk under a shining tunnel. One wonders what the zoo’s residents think?
Dates: Through Jan. 11.
Hours: Open from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday except Nov. 27, Dec. 24, 25 and 31. The admission gates close at 8:45 p.m.
Admission: $29 to $35 for ages 13 and older, $19 to $25 for ages 2 to 12, depending on the day. Children under age 2 enter free. Member tickets are $5 less than nonmember tickets.
Dates: Through Jan. 11.
Hours: Open from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday except Nov. 27, Dec. 24, 25 and 31. The admission gates close at 8:45 p.m.
Admission: $29 to $35 for ages 13 and older, $19 to $25 for ages 2 to 12, depending on the day. Children under age 2 enter free. Member tickets are $5 less than nonmember tickets.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
Encinitas Paid Walk-Through
(James Tran)
San Diego Botanic Garden’s Lightscape is an “immersive light and sound experience” created in association with Sony Music and U.K.-based Culture Creative to create a mile-long walking trail of glowing musical installations such as floating orange poppy flowers, a sprawling meadow of fiber-optic flowers, a field of fireflies and the tall, peaked tunnel of white lights known as the Winter Cathedral.
Dates: Open daily through Jan. 4, except Nov. 24, 25 and 27 and Dec. 1, 2, 8, 15 and 25.
Hours: 5-10 p.m. (Last entry at 8:45 p.m.).
Admission: Timed entry tickets are $31 to 38 for ages 13 and older and $21-23 for ages 3-12, depending on the days. Military families with ID pay $2 less. Member tickets are also discounted. Children ages 2 and younger enter free. Parking is $10-15 depending on the day, if purchased in advance; $20-$25 if purchased at site or day of the event (and subject to availability).
Dates: Open daily through Jan. 4, except Nov. 24, 25 and 27 and Dec. 1, 2, 8, 15 and 25.
Hours: 5-10 p.m. (Last entry at 8:45 p.m.).
Admission: Timed entry tickets are $31 to 38 for ages 13 and older and $21-23 for ages 3-12, depending on the days. Military families with ID pay $2 less. Member tickets are also discounted. Children ages 2 and younger enter free. Parking is $10-15 depending on the day, if purchased in advance; $20-$25 if purchased at site or day of the event (and subject to availability).
Show more Show less
Route Details
Luminaria Nights at the California Botanic Garden
Claremont Paid Walk-Through
(California Botanic Garden)
California Botanic Garden has the state’s largest collection of California native plants, and now visitors can view them at night with special holiday luminaria, live music and food and beverages for purchase.
Dates: Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20.
Hours: 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: $21 adults, $16 seniors age 65-plus, and students with ID and children ages 3 to 12. Members pay $5 less. Children under age 3 enter free.
Dates: Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20.
Hours: 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: $21 adults, $16 seniors age 65-plus, and students with ID and children ages 3 to 12. Members pay $5 less. Children under age 3 enter free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Magic of Lights at Coachella Valley's Empire Polo Club
Indio Paid Drive-Through
(Magic of Lights)
Here’s an immersive holiday light drive-through with a very appealing price. You can basically fill up your car (safely) to experience a 750-foot palm tree tunnel, giant glowing snowflakes and candy canes and some 40 scenes of lighted holiday displays over a winding, mile-long route at Coachella Valley’s Empire Polo Club. Of course, there will be a winter wonderland (in the desert), festive monster trucks and a “prehistoric” Christmas that features Santa flying in a sleigh drawn by what appear to be four pterodactyls, and life-size LED dinosaurs “celebrating the season” while blowing the minds of paleontologists everywhere.
Dates: Through Dec. 31.
Hours: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Admission: $35.99 per vehicle per visit or $79.99 for a season’s pass (for the same vehicle only).
Dates: Through Dec. 31.
Hours: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Admission: $35.99 per vehicle per visit or $79.99 for a season’s pass (for the same vehicle only).
Show more Show less
Route Details
Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting
Manhattan Beach Free Walk-Through
(Roundhouse Aquarium)
Here’s a chance to catch some lights and ocean breezes all for free. The 928-foot-long Manhattan Beach Pier is bedecked with lights all the way to the towering lights on the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the pier. Downtown Manhattan Beach has glowing snowflake lights and other illuminated decor in its business area, so this could be a nice way to walk, window shop and enjoy the ceaseless carol of the Pacific Ocean.
Dates: Through Dec. 25.
Hours: Nightly at dusk.
Admission: Free.
Dates: Through Dec. 25.
Hours: Nightly at dusk.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Marina Lights and Holiday Boat Parade at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey Free Walk-Through
(Venice Paparazzi)
The 10 acres of trees at Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park are covered in sparkling lights Dec. 1-31 for a free festive stroll along the water. On Dec. 13, you can stroll the lights while taking in the marina’s 63rd Boat Parade Spectacular, preceded by a 15-minute drone show and the Voices of Christmas roaming carolers who sing from 4 to 6 p.m.
And for an explosive, colorful and thrifty end to 2025, visit the park on New Year’s Eve for the marina’s free annual fireworks display; 10-minute shows at 8:59 p.m and again at 11:59 p.m. with live entertainment, face-painting and other activities for children, and food trucks (starting at 7 p.m).
Dates: The park is decorated with lights the entire month of December. The holiday boat parade is Dec. 13.
Hours: Carolers begin roaming the park at 4 p.m. on Dec. 13, along with food booths and art activities for children. The drone show starts at 5:45 p.m., and the boat parade is from 6 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free.
And for an explosive, colorful and thrifty end to 2025, visit the park on New Year’s Eve for the marina’s free annual fireworks display; 10-minute shows at 8:59 p.m and again at 11:59 p.m. with live entertainment, face-painting and other activities for children, and food trucks (starting at 7 p.m).
Dates: The park is decorated with lights the entire month of December. The holiday boat parade is Dec. 13.
Hours: Carolers begin roaming the park at 4 p.m. on Dec. 13, along with food booths and art activities for children. The drone show starts at 5:45 p.m., and the boat parade is from 6 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Mission Inn Festival of Lights
Riverside Free Walk-Through
(Mission Inn)
The historic Mission Inn covers a full city block and is draped with lights, music and moving figures on all sides, but the city festival along the Main Street Promenade extends for several blocks, with lots of lights, food vendors, an ice skating rink, free visits with Santa at his home away from home in Riverside (through Dec. 21), and live music Thursday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m.
Dates: Through Dec 31.
Hours: Lights come on at dusk every night.
Admission: Free to walk outside; however, if you want to see the Mission Inn’s elaborate decorations inside, you’ll need to rent a hotel room (starting at $399 to $429 a night during the holiday season), have a reservation at one of the Inn’s restaurants or grab a drink at one of its two lounges. Ice skating on the promenade is $20 for one hour, which includes skate rentals.
Dates: Through Dec 31.
Hours: Lights come on at dusk every night.
Admission: Free to walk outside; however, if you want to see the Mission Inn’s elaborate decorations inside, you’ll need to rent a hotel room (starting at $399 to $429 a night during the holiday season), have a reservation at one of the Inn’s restaurants or grab a drink at one of its two lounges. Ice skating on the promenade is $20 for one hour, which includes skate rentals.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Naples Island Annual Holiday Boat Parade
Long Beach Free Walk-Through
(David White)
The annual Christmas Boat Parade, along the scenic canals of Naples Island in Long Beach, has been a tradition for 79 years. This year’s parade is Dec. 20, starting at 6 p.m. with large boats festooned with lights for this year’s theme, A Tropical Winter Wonderland. Smaller decorated boats will head out at 6:30 p.m. The best places to view the parade are on the bridges and waterfronts along the island’s canals, including the bridge sections of 2nd Street and Appian Way as well as Alamitos Bay Marina, according to the Long Beach Visitor & Convention Center. If you can’t make the parade, the island is still a lovely place to walk or float to admire the decorations on the houses lining the canals.
If you want to bask in more holiday lights in Long Beach, check out the giant tree and decorations at Terrace Theater Plaza, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., about four miles west of the canals. The tree lighting on Dec. 3 is already sold out, but the lights will be ablaze through Jan. 1. Finally, the 41st Belmont Shore Christmas Parade is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6. The theme this year is Jingle Jammies, and the goal is to create the world’s largest pajama party by setting a world record for most pajamas worn. (At an event? During a parade? Who even keeps this kind of record?) Be sure to dress warmly, and remember, spots along the parade route can’t be saved until 4 p.m.
Date: Boat parade is Dec. 20; Belmont Shore Christmas Parade is Dec. 6.
Hours: The boat parade starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 20. The Jingle Jammies parade starts at 6 p.m Dec. 6.
Admission: Free.
If you want to bask in more holiday lights in Long Beach, check out the giant tree and decorations at Terrace Theater Plaza, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., about four miles west of the canals. The tree lighting on Dec. 3 is already sold out, but the lights will be ablaze through Jan. 1. Finally, the 41st Belmont Shore Christmas Parade is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6. The theme this year is Jingle Jammies, and the goal is to create the world’s largest pajama party by setting a world record for most pajamas worn. (At an event? During a parade? Who even keeps this kind of record?) Be sure to dress warmly, and remember, spots along the parade route can’t be saved until 4 p.m.
Date: Boat parade is Dec. 20; Belmont Shore Christmas Parade is Dec. 6.
Hours: The boat parade starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 20. The Jingle Jammies parade starts at 6 p.m Dec. 6.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Newport Dunes Fire & Lights Festival
Newport Beach Free Walk-Through
(Newport Dunes)
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort has been lighting up the bay for more than three decades, and this year the display includes 50 floating holiday trees and decorations that reflect off the water in a magical way. The lights come on daily at dusk and you can view them for free, along with fire dancing shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and visits with Santa every Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m., but of course there are opportunities to spend money too, such as s’more making ingredients at the resort’s on-site store, which can be used in the public fire pits (first come, first served), rides on giant inflatables ($6 for single rides, $16 for unlimited access), and multiple food trucks on Thursday and Friday evenings.
Dates: Nov. 28 through Jan. 4
Hours: The floating trees in the bay are illuminated at dusk. The other activities are open from 4 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free, but on-site parking is $15 to $30, depending on how long you stay.
Dates: Nov. 28 through Jan. 4
Hours: The floating trees in the bay are illuminated at dusk. The other activities are open from 4 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free, but on-site parking is $15 to $30, depending on how long you stay.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Palm Lights, Musical Delights at the Irvine Spectrum Center
Irvine Free Walk-Through
(Irvine Company Retail Properties)
Irvine’s Spectrum Center shopping center is decking all its trees with nightly choreographed light shows featuring a 75-foot-tall tree starting at 5 p.m. each evening and, further down the mall, palm trees enlivened by lights and holiday pop music, every 30 minutes starting at 5:15 p.m. Visitors can also hear live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and will have a chance to snap free selfies with Santa on Saturdays, Sundays and Dec. 23 and 24 from noon to 4 p.m. There’s a huge wheel ride too and (ticketed) ice skating nearby.
Dates: Nov. 28 to Jan. 4. Santa’s last appearance is Dec. 24.
Times: Every half-hour for the 75-foot tree lighting, which starts at 5 p.m. each night, and the palm lights show, which starts at 5:15 p.m.
Admission: Free
Dates: Nov. 28 to Jan. 4. Santa’s last appearance is Dec. 24.
Times: Every half-hour for the 75-foot tree lighting, which starts at 5 p.m. each night, and the palm lights show, which starts at 5:15 p.m.
Admission: Free
Show more Show less
Route Details
Rodeo Drive Holiday Lights
Beverly Hills Free Walk-Through
(Kate Jones)
So maybe you can’t do all (or even some) of your holiday shopping on Rodeo Drive, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking a stroll along this iconic street to do some window drooling, uh, shopping, and viewing this year’s lavish ode to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet in gold, red, blue and white. After your walk on Rodeo Drive, check out the larger-than-life tree and ornaments at the Glowing Gardens in Beverly Cañon Gardens, 241 N. Canon Drive, just a couple of blocks away. Need more? On your way in or out of town, visit the Lily Pond holiday light show in Beverly Gardens Park, 9439 Santa Monica Blvd., through Jan. 4 with free shows every 15 minutes from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
You can view all these lights in style on Beverly Hills’ Jolly Trolley, which picks up passengers for free Thursday through Sunday from 6 and 9 p.m. through Jan. 4, except Nov 27 and 28, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Dates: Through Jan. 4.
Hours: Every evening at dusk.
Admission: Free.
You can view all these lights in style on Beverly Hills’ Jolly Trolley, which picks up passengers for free Thursday through Sunday from 6 and 9 p.m. through Jan. 4, except Nov 27 and 28, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Dates: Through Jan. 4.
Hours: Every evening at dusk.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Santa Barbara ZooLights
Santa Barbara Paid Walk-Through
(Santa Barbara Zoo)
Santa Barbara Zoo has added new characters this year to its holiday display of thousands of silk-covered lanterns in the form of animals and exotic plants, including giant butterflies, peacocks and creatures from the African plains and Australian Outback.
Dates: Through Jan. 11.
Hours: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m daily, except Nov. 27, Dec. 1, 2, 8, 11, 15, 18, 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1 and 7.
Admission: Prices range from $20 to $34 depending on ages and dates. Members save $2 per ticket. On-site parking is $11 (free for zoo members).
Dates: Through Jan. 11.
Hours: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m daily, except Nov. 27, Dec. 1, 2, 8, 11, 15, 18, 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1 and 7.
Admission: Prices range from $20 to $34 depending on ages and dates. Members save $2 per ticket. On-site parking is $11 (free for zoo members).
Show more Show less
Route Details
Seaside Holiday Lights in Torrance
Torrance Free Drive-Through
(Seaside Neighborhood Assn.)
Residents of the Seaside Ranchos neighborhood of Torrance, otherwise known as Sleepy Hollow, have been working together to create elaborate residential holiday light displays since 1984. This is an all-volunteer effort. No one is required to participate, but the displays involve about 300 houses and bring in thousands of visitors every year. The city of Torrance puts out cans to collect trash and restricts street parking to only one side of the road for emergency vehicles.
There are no public restrooms, and visitors are asked to stay out of people’s yards. Walkers are welcome if they park elsewhere, but if you drive, expect long waits, especially on weekends. The website includes a map of the light displays, which are largely located on Robert Road, Doris Way, Linda Drive, Carol Drive, Reese Road and Sharynne Lane. Enter from Pacific Coast Highway on Robert Road.
Dates: Specific dates have not been announced but generally, members of the neighborhood start turning on their holiday lights the weekend after Thanksgiving and turn them off for the year after Jan. 1.
Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. nightly.
Admission: Free.
There are no public restrooms, and visitors are asked to stay out of people’s yards. Walkers are welcome if they park elsewhere, but if you drive, expect long waits, especially on weekends. The website includes a map of the light displays, which are largely located on Robert Road, Doris Way, Linda Drive, Carol Drive, Reese Road and Sharynne Lane. Enter from Pacific Coast Highway on Robert Road.
Dates: Specific dates have not been announced but generally, members of the neighborhood start turning on their holiday lights the weekend after Thanksgiving and turn them off for the year after Jan. 1.
Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. nightly.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Sparkle DTLA at the Bloc
Downtown L.A. Free Walk-Through
(Gabriel Yeager)
The Bloc open-air shopping center debuts its Sparkle DTLA holiday light show with synchronized music and “18 million hues of light” on Dec. 6, with with face painting, glitter tattoos (temporary), a bracelet bar, visits from Santa and the Grinch, and live musical performances. After that, the holiday light show is available nightly through New Year’s Eve.
Dates: Sparkle DTLA’s grand debut is Dec. 6; holiday light show comes on nightly Dec. 7-31.
Hours: The debut event on Dec. 6 is from 5 to 7 p.m. Starting Dec. 7, the synchronized holiday light show is visible night every hour on the hour at 5 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Dates: Sparkle DTLA’s grand debut is Dec. 6; holiday light show comes on nightly Dec. 7-31.
Hours: The debut event on Dec. 6 is from 5 to 7 p.m. Starting Dec. 7, the synchronized holiday light show is visible night every hour on the hour at 5 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
South Lake Avenue Holidayfest in Pasadena
Pasadena Free Walk-Through
(Akiko Whalen)
Pasadena’s shopping district on South Lake Avenue is laced with holiday lights through Jan. 2, but the biggest celebration is on Dec. 6, with holiday music, live bands and visits from many life-sized holiday characters, including, of course, Santa Claus, who arrives at noon and is available for visits and free photos throughout the day.
Dates: Dec. 6 for the Holidayfest celebration; holiday lights stay on through Jan. 2.
Hours: Holidayfest noon to 6 p.m. (Santa arrives at noon).
Admission: Free.
Dates: Dec. 6 for the Holidayfest celebration; holiday lights stay on through Jan. 2.
Hours: Holidayfest noon to 6 p.m. (Santa arrives at noon).
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Upper Hastings Ranch Assn. Holiday Light Up
Pasadena Free Drive-Through
(Jon Nalick)
Holiday Light Up is another long-standing (since 1952) friendly neighborhood competition that benefits everyone willing to get in their cars and drive by to marvel at what ultra-creative homeowners can do to make spectacular holiday decor in their front yards. This is a slow-drive-through-the-neighborhood-and-gape event.
The Upper Hastings Ranch Assn. typically posts a Light Up calendar and map of notable homes on its website closer to the start time.
Dates: Dec. 6-31.
Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. nightly.
Admission: Free.
The Upper Hastings Ranch Assn. typically posts a Light Up calendar and map of notable homes on its website closer to the start time.
Dates: Dec. 6-31.
Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. nightly.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights and Fireworks
Ventura Free Walk-Through
(Ventura Harbor Village)
This is the 49th year for Ventura Harbor’s Holiday Parade of Lights and Fireworks, a two-day event that includes a kid’s carnival, faux snowfall and live musicians starting at 4 p.m. But the main event begins with the boat parade at 6:30 p.m., when gaily-decorated boats of every shape and size slowly make two tours around the harbor. Visitors can watch for free wherever they can find a good viewing spot along the promenade or in water-facing restaurants, but note that restaurant reservations go quickly, so bundle up if you watch from outdoors.
This is a weather-dependent event — especially the fireworks — so be sure to check the website before you go.
Dates: Dec. 12-13.
Hours: The boat parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 8 p.m.
Admission: Free to watch the parade and fireworks.
This is a weather-dependent event — especially the fireworks — so be sure to check the website before you go.
Dates: Dec. 12-13.
Hours: The boat parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 8 p.m.
Admission: Free to watch the parade and fireworks.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Wakefield Winter Wonderland
Santa Clarita Free Drive-Through
(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)
Santa Clarita locals know this Wakefield Court neighborhood as Candy Cane Lane, but it’s better known on social media as the Wakefield Winter Wonderland, a double cul-de-sac street of about 41 homes all lavishly decorated, complete with a ceiling of lights strung over the streets from home to home, from 21900 to 21999 Wakefield Court.
Exact dates for this year’s light show haven’t been announced, so check the Facebook or Instagram page before you go. The traffic gets pretty heavy (some reviewers on Yelp reported a mile-long line of waiting cars) and many visitors recommend parking outside of the neighborhood and walking to take in the lights.
Nights get cold in Santa Clarita, so dress warmly. In years past, some of the neighbors have kept things warm with outdoor fires or by selling food and warm drinks from their yards. One note of caution, though, from last year’s Facebook page: The route has no public restrooms, “so drink that cocoa at your own risk!”
Dates: Dec. 1 to 31 (approximate — those were the dates in 2024).
Hours: Typically 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Exact dates for this year’s light show haven’t been announced, so check the Facebook or Instagram page before you go. The traffic gets pretty heavy (some reviewers on Yelp reported a mile-long line of waiting cars) and many visitors recommend parking outside of the neighborhood and walking to take in the lights.
Nights get cold in Santa Clarita, so dress warmly. In years past, some of the neighbors have kept things warm with outdoor fires or by selling food and warm drinks from their yards. One note of caution, though, from last year’s Facebook page: The route has no public restrooms, “so drink that cocoa at your own risk!”
Dates: Dec. 1 to 31 (approximate — those were the dates in 2024).
Hours: Typically 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
WildLights at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Palm Desert Paid Walk-Through
Illuminated creatures at WildLights at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
(The Living Desert Zoo Gardens)
This is the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens’ 29th year of creating a winter wonderland of festive lights in the middle of Palm Desert, with life-size animal lanterns, a tunnel of lights with holiday music, bedecked G-scale model trains with more than 3,000 feet of track, and food and beverages available for purchase. Santa is available for photos through Dec. 24, and the Grinch steps in for his group selfies Dec. 26-30.
Dates: Select nights including Nov. 25-26, 28-29, Dec. 5-6, 11-13, 19-24 and 26-30.
Hours: 6 to 9 p.m.; last entry at 8:30 p.m.
Admission: $22 to $25 (members $20-22, children 3-17 $18-20). Special bundled tickets of $43 for children and $53 for adults permit people to visit the zoo by day to see its newest inhabitants, the sweetly mustachioed patas monkeys, and other animals, and then visit the Wildlights display at night.
Dates: Select nights including Nov. 25-26, 28-29, Dec. 5-6, 11-13, 19-24 and 26-30.
Hours: 6 to 9 p.m.; last entry at 8:30 p.m.
Admission: $22 to $25 (members $20-22, children 3-17 $18-20). Special bundled tickets of $43 for children and $53 for adults permit people to visit the zoo by day to see its newest inhabitants, the sweetly mustachioed patas monkeys, and other animals, and then visit the Wildlights display at night.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Yolanda Lights
Reseda Free Walk-Through
(Anthony Joseph Domingo)
Think of Yolanda Lights as more of an art installation than your typical neighborhood holiday displays. For one, there’s no competition here — it’s just neighbors in the 7300 block of Yolanda Avenue working together to create a dazzling tunnel of lights for a good block on both sides of their street. Visitors are encouraged to walk the route or bring their scooters, roller blades or skateboards to glide through. Just be careful not to mow down any other pedestrians enjoying the view.
The idea is built around neighborhood cooperation, not competition, according to the website, and if you’re interested in creating a similar tunnel in your neighborhood, creator and “electronics handyman” Anthony Domingo includes instructions about how to build your own arches of light. The opening dates are fluid, so check the the Facebook page before you go. And one final point, Domingo is accepting donations on his website to keep the lights going.
Dates: Dec. 5 to Jan. 6 (approximate dates — the display sometimes takes a little longer to get fully completed or taken down).
Hours: Dusk to midnight.
Admission: Free.
The idea is built around neighborhood cooperation, not competition, according to the website, and if you’re interested in creating a similar tunnel in your neighborhood, creator and “electronics handyman” Anthony Domingo includes instructions about how to build your own arches of light. The opening dates are fluid, so check the the Facebook page before you go. And one final point, Domingo is accepting donations on his website to keep the lights going.
Dates: Dec. 5 to Jan. 6 (approximate dates — the display sometimes takes a little longer to get fully completed or taken down).
Hours: Dusk to midnight.
Admission: Free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
No matching entries.
Please reset filters to see all entries.
No matching entries.
Please reset filters to see all entries.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Most Read in Lifestyle
Top