The Best Christmas Activities in Los Angeles in 2023
We may not get snow in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get in the holiday spirit. From ice skating to viewing Christmas lights to watching classic seasonal movies, there are plenty of holiday events in LA that can help you get excited for the most wonderful time of the year. Here are the top holiday events and Christmas activities in Los Angeles to enjoy in 2023!
The Top Holiday Activities in Los Angeles
Celebrate the holiday season with these activities and events in Los Angeles.
Watch a Seasonal Movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club
If you’ve yet to watch an outdoor movie with Rooftop Cinema Club, the holiday season is the perfect time! Head to one of the decked out rooftops (there are locations in DTLA, Arts District, and El Segundo), where you can watch holiday classics like Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. They also offer popcorn, candy, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks! December in Los Angeles can get chilly at night, so bring a jacket and some blankets to stay warm!
Tickets can be purchased in advance online. Prices range from $19.50 to $25.50 per person.
Take a Trip Down Holiday Road in Calabasas
Anyone looking to enjoy a bit of Christmas cheer should head to Holiday Road, an immersive holiday experience at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. Head down the ⅔-mile long walking trail and enjoy the holiday displays and thousands of Christmas lights. You can also grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks, and adults can indulge in seasonal cocktails. Of course, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elves will make appearances at this family-friendly event.
This year, Holiday Road is open from November 24th to December 27th. Timed entry tickets can be purchased online, and range from $29.99 to $64.99.
Enjoy Christmas on the Farm at Underwood Family Farms
From November 24th to December 24th this year, Underwood Family Farms (located in Moorpark) is hosting their Christmas on the Farm. During this time, you can visit the animal center, take advantage of the many holiday photo opportunities, go on a tractor-drawn wagon ride, do arts and crafts, and so much more. They also have animal shows and visits with Santa Claus on the weekends, as well as reindeer showings on a few select dates.
Weekday admission is $10, and weekend admission is $14. Children under 2 get free admission.
Wander Through the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
Each and every year, this is one of the best holiday events in LA! Descanso Gardens is beautiful year-round, but they really take it up a notch during the Enchanted Forest of Light, which is happening from November 20th to January 8th this season. During this nighttime event, you can walk down the one-mile trail and enjoy a unique, interactive light experience. This includes an illuminated “flower” field, geometric installations, and more. While this isn’t a specific Christmas experience, it definitely an activity that can’t be missed in Los Angeles in December!
Timed entry tickets (which you’ll want to buy in advance online) begin every night at 5:30pm, except for on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Adult tickets range from $30 to $40 for members of the gardens, and $35 to $45 for non-members. Children’s tickets are $20 to $25 (members) and $25 to $30 (non-members).
Admire the Decorations at Lilley Hall in Toluca Lake
If you’re looking for free things to do in LA in December, there’s nothing better than walking around a local neighborhood and checking out the holiday decorations. One of my favorite spots is Lilley Hall in Toluca Lake. During the holiday season, every square inch of this 1927 Tudor revival home is decked out with Christmas decor.
Enjoy the Mission Inn Festival of Lights in Riverside
Up for a day trip? Head east to Riverside (about an hour drive from Los Angeles) and explore the Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights. Since 1992, the hotel has decked out the beautiful mission-revival style grounds with decorations and millions of festive lights. In fact, it’s one of the nation’s largest holiday displays!
This year, the lights will be on display from November 18th to January 7th. Bonus: it’s completely free!
Get in the Holiday Spirit at Julefest in Solvang
Another day (or weekend!) trip-worthy spot to consider visiting this holiday season is Solvang, which is about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. From November 24th to January 6th, the Danish town hosts Julefest, a holiday celebration.
There are tons of different events and activities to enjoy during Julefest, including a nightly holiday music and light show. Every weekend, you can take photos with Santa (free of charge!) and enjoy some of the roaming entertainers as you stroll through town. You can also head to Solvang on December 2nd to enjoy the Julefest parade!
Be sure to check out the Solvang Julefest website for the full breakdown of activities and events. If you’re looking for more ideas on things to do while you’re in the area, check out my Solvang day trip guide!
Drive Down Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills
If you want to see some spectacular Christmas lights in Los Angeles, there’s no better place than Candy Cane Lane! Homeowners in the area have been putting up festive decorations since 1952, so it has long been one of the best free Christmas events in Los Angeles.
Candy Cane Lane is located around the intersection of Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street. Be sure to drive slowly in the area so that you can safely enjoy the decorations!
Go Ice Skating in Santa Monica
Another one of my favorite things to do in Los Angeles in December is go ice skating at the seasonal outdoor rink in Santa Monica! While you’re in the area, you can also walk down Third Street Promenade to check out the decorations. The official holiday tree lighting ceremony happens on November 16th!
The ice rink is open from November 1st to January 15th. Skate rentals and admission costs $22.
Wander Around the Venice Canals and Check Out the Lights
This is one of the most quintessentially Southern California Christmas events in Los Angeles! Wander around the charming Venice Canals neighborhood to check out the light-adorned bridges and well-decorated homes. Parking right around the canals can be a drag, so be sure to park a few blocks away and just walk over.
