Best Christmas Light Displays in Los Angeles
Festive Lights in Los Angeles
Ready to get your holiday sparkle on? Los Angeles has some jaw-dropping Christmas light displays that’ll make your heart glow. Two absolute must-sees are the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa’s Festival of Lights and the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens.
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa’s Festival of Lights
For over 30 years, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, CA, has been turning itself into a dazzling winter wonderland with its Annual Festival of Lights. Imagine tunnels of glittering lights, giant Nutcracker guards, and a vibe that screams holiday magic. This place is a visual feast that’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear (DoLA).
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
Head over to La Cañada Flintridge, CA, and you’ll find the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens. This isn’t your average light show—it’s a magical blend of nature and art. Wander through the garden pathways and get lost in stunning illuminated installations that make the whole place look like a scene from a fairy tale. Trust me, this is one holiday experience you won’t want to miss.
These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to holiday lights in LA. From the LA Zoo Lights to the Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, the city is bursting with festive cheer. So grab your family, friends, or even that neighbor you barely know, and dive into the twinkling magic of Los Angeles this holiday season!
Sparkling Holiday Lights
Looking for some holiday magic in Los Angeles? Check out the L.A. Zoo Lights and the Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade. These two spots are sure to light up your season.
L.A. Zoo Lights
Step into a fairy tale at L.A. Zoo Lights in Los Angeles, CA. From November 17 to January 7, the zoo turns into a glowing wonderland with light displays, animated animal sculptures, and festive fun for everyone (DoLA). Imagine walking through paths lit up with colorful lights and being greeted by glowing animal figures (MomsLA). It’s like stepping into a dream.
The event runs from 6-10 p.m., perfect for an evening out after dark. Tickets are $29 for adults (13+) and $18 for kids, making it a fun and affordable night for the whole family.
Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
For something a bit different, head to Marina Del Rey, CA, for the Holiday Boat Parade. On December 9th, from 5:55-8 p.m., watch as about 70 boats decked out in holiday lights sail through the marina (Tinybeans). The night kicks off with fireworks at 5:55 p.m., setting the stage for a magical evening.
The best spots to catch the action are Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village. These spots offer great views of the boats as they glide by, all dressed up for the holidays (Tinybeans). And the best part? It’s free to attend, making it a fantastic option for families.
So, whether you’re wandering through the glowing paths of the L.A. Zoo or watching boats light up the night in Marina Del Rey, these holiday light displays are sure to make your season bright. Grab your loved ones and soak in the festive vibes in Los Angeles.
Cheerful Holiday Events
Looking for some festive fun in Los Angeles? You’re in luck! Here are two must-see events: the Winterlit Celebration in Santa Monica and the Venice Sign Holiday Lighting Event.
Winterlit Celebration in Santa Monica
The Winterlit Celebration in Santa Monica is a holiday wonderland for everyone. Picture this: a dazzling 24-foot Christmas tree on the Third Street Promenade, decked out with sparkling lights and ornaments. The tree-lighting ceremony kicks off the season on December 1st, and it’s a sight to behold.
But wait, there’s more! Just around the corner at Fifth & Arizona Ave, you’ll find a pop-up ice rink. Whether you’re a pro skater or a wobbly beginner, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the holiday vibes. The rink is open from November 10th to January 15th, so you’ve got plenty of time to show off your moves. Admission and skate rental will set you back $20, but it’s worth every penny.
Venice Sign Holiday Lighting Event
The Venice Sign Holiday Lighting Event is a local favorite that brings the Venice neighborhood to life. The iconic Venice Sign gets a festive makeover, with its lights switching from white to merry red and green. It’s a simple change, but it packs a punch of holiday cheer.
This event isn’t just about pretty lights, though. You can snap a selfie with Santa, try your hand at carnival games, and munch on free food and drinks. And the cherry on top? Live performances by GRAMMY Award winners and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers. It’s a party you won’t want to miss.
Both the Winterlit Celebration and the Venice Sign Holiday Lighting Event are perfect for making holiday memories with family and friends. So grab your calendar and make sure you don’t miss out on these festive happenings in Los Angeles.
For more holiday fun in LA, check out our articles on New Year’s Eve events, Christmas dinner spots, holiday markets, ice skating rinks, Christmas brunch locations, Christmas tree farms, hot chocolate spots, and places to see snow. And don’t miss the Christmas parades happening around the city.
Magical Neighborhood Light Shows
Los Angeles is famous for its Christmas light displays, and two neighborhoods that really get into the holiday spirit are Upper Hastings Ranch in Pasadena and Sleepy Hollow in Torrance. These places go all out, creating displays that bring joy to everyone who visits.
Upper Hastings Ranch in Pasadena
Upper Hastings Ranch in Pasadena is a must-see during the holidays. For over 70 years, the Upper Hastings Ranch Association (UHRA) has been putting on a spectacular show with fake snow, Christmas lights, and festive decorations. From December 9 to December 31, the neighborhood turns into a Winter Wonderland, spreading cheer all around (DoLA).
This neighborhood is famous for its massive light displays, with about 1,100 homes joining in the Holiday Light Up event. What started on one street in 1952 has now expanded to 45 streets, making it a true community celebration. The Harbeck Christmas Light Show, featured on ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight, adds even more magic. Visitors can tune in to 99.1 FM to enjoy the synchronized light show set to fun tunes (Tinybeans).
Sleepy Hollow in Torrance
Sleepy Hollow in Torrance is another magical spot for Christmas light lovers. This neighborhood is known for its beautifully decorated homes and captivating displays that immerse visitors in the holiday spirit. As you walk through the streets, you’ll see a variety of festive decorations and stunning light arrangements.
Residents of Sleepy Hollow take great pride in their holiday displays, putting in a lot of effort to create a magical experience for everyone. Each house has its own unique touch, making the neighborhood a true delight for families and individuals looking for Christmas joy.
Whether you visit Upper Hastings Ranch in Pasadena or Sleepy Hollow in Torrance, you’re sure to be enchanted by the stunning light displays and festive atmosphere. These neighborhoods capture the holiday spirit, bringing communities together and spreading joy to all who visit. Don’t forget to check out our article on New Year’s Eve events in Los Angeles for more ways to celebrate the season in the city.
Historic Christmas Light Spectacles
Los Angeles knows how to light up the holidays with some truly magical Christmas light displays. Two of the most beloved are Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena and the Holiday Light Festival at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad.
Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena
Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena, just north of Pasadena, is a real treasure. It’s the oldest large-scale Christmas lighting display in the U.S., dating back to 1920. Picture this: 10,000 lights transforming majestic deodar cedar trees into a mile-long stretch of holiday wonder. It’s so special that it’s a California Historical Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This isn’t just a flip-the-switch event. Around 100 volunteers from the community, led by the Upper Hastings Ranch Association (UHRA), spend 10 weekends before the holidays hanging the lights. It’s a labor of love that brings neighbors together and makes Santa Rosa Avenue a must-see. The result? A magical atmosphere that draws visitors from all over.
Holiday Light Festival at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad
Griffith Park’s Holiday Light Festival is another can’t-miss event. This annual festival has been wowing visitors for years with its stunning light displays and festive vibes. Located in Griffith Park, it offers a unique holiday experience for families and anyone looking to soak up some holiday cheer.
Hop on a train ride through a winter wonderland filled with dazzling lights, animated displays, and holiday decorations. It’s an immersive experience that captures the joy and beauty of the season. This festival is a beloved tradition for many in Los Angeles, attracting folks from all corners of the city.
Both Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena and the Holiday Light Festival at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad are more than just light displays—they’re community events that spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories. Make sure to add these magical spots to your holiday plans as you explore the best Christmas lights in Los Angeles.
