Christmas in Los Angeles with kids.
Christmas in Los Angeles means palm trees in lights and holiday shows at the theme parks. The big family picks are LA Zoo Lights, the light walk at Descanso Gardens, and the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Disneyland and Universal both dress up for the season too.
LA is spread out, so plan one area per night. Traffic and parking take longer than you think in December.
Before you go
- Plan one area per night. Driving across town in December traffic eats the evening.
- Zoo Lights is cheapest on weeknights. Weekends and the days around Christmas cost the most.
- The animals are asleep during Zoo Lights, so tell kids it's a light walk, not a zoo visit.
- Theme parks get very busy in late December. Go earlier in the season if you can.
- Evenings get chilly, even in LA. Bring a jacket for night events.
Family Christmas events in Los Angeles
24 events
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- Zoo lightsChristmas lightsSanta visitsIce skating Good for toddlers
L.A. Zoo Lights
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 10 · Select nights. Box office 5:45-8:45pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24, 25 and 31, and some Mon-Tue nights.
- Where
- Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Park
- Price
- Adults $29-$35, kids 2-12 $19-$25 by date. Under 2 free. Santa photos cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets. Buy online ahead, especially for weekends.
An evening walk through the zoo past large glowing animal lanterns and light displays. Santa is there on many nights, and there is a small skating rink.
Parent tip: Value weeknights in early December cost less. A stroller helps, since most families take 60-90 minutes.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsHoliday festivalsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 6 · Daily during park hours. The parade and fireworks do not run every day; check the app for times.
- Where
- Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, Anaheim (Orange County)
- Price
- Included with a park ticket. Ticket prices change by date.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy dated park tickets ahead. December dates fill up.
Both parks dress up for the season. Look for a Christmas parade, holiday rides and fireworks. Kids can meet Santa in either park until Christmas Eve.
Parent tip: Santa visits run Nov 13 to Dec 24 only. Go on a weekday in November or early December for shorter lines.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
- Dates
- Nov 22 - Jan 9 · Most evenings, timed entry. Closed on some holidays; check the calendar.
- Where
- Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge
- Price
- Adults $29-$52, kids 2-12 $19-$37 by date. Under 2 free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets, book ahead. Busy nights sell out.
A one-mile evening walk through a large garden lit with light art. You set your own pace.
Parent tip: Paths include dirt and mulch, so bring a sturdy stroller or a carrier. Early entry times and weeknights cost less.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree
Hollywood Christmas Parade
- Dates
- Nov 29 · Sunday after Thanksgiving, in the evening. 2026 start time not posted yet.
- Where
- Hollywood Boulevard parade route
- Price
- Free curbside viewing. Grandstand seats $120 adults, $60 kids under 16.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up for free spots. Grandstand seats are reserved online.
A big evening parade through the streets of Hollywood. Roads close early and crowds are heavy.
Parent tip: Take the Metro B Line to skip road closures. Get there well before the start for a curb spot.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visitsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Grinchmas and Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Jan 3 · Daily during park hours. Tree lighting with fake snow several times each evening.
- Where
- Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City
- Price
- Included with theme park admission. Ticket prices change by date.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy dated park tickets ahead. December days can reach capacity.
The park adds a giant Grinch tree and a chance to meet the Grinch and Max. At night, a light show plays on the Hogwarts castle. It is part of a normal park day.
Parent tip: Stay until dark for the tree lighting and castle show. Meet the Grinch early in the day, before lines grow.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
The Polar Express Train Ride (Southern California)
- Dates
- Nov 11 - Dec 31 · Select days, most Tue-Sun. Rides from 11:30am to 8pm. No rides Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.
- Where
- Southern California Railway Museum, Perris (Riverside County)
- Price
- $56-$88 adults, $49-$81 kids 2-11, fees included. Under 2 free on a lap. Parking $6.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets, book ahead.
A one-hour train ride based on the picture book. Kids get hot cocoa and a cookie and sing along. Santa hands out sleigh bells.
Parent tip: Plan for about two hours in total and arrive an hour early. Kids wear pajamas, but bring coats for the cold platform.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Los Angeles Ballet: The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Dec 11-27 · Dec 11-13 at Royce Hall; Dec 18-27 at the Dolby Theatre. Matinees at 2pm, evenings at 7:30pm.
- Where
- Royce Hall (UCLA) and Dolby Theatre, Westwood and Hollywood
- Price
- Prices vary by seat and date; see the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a 2-hour show · Reserved seats, book ahead for weekend matinees.
The classic Christmas ballet, danced by the city's ballet company. Dolby Theatre shows have a live orchestra.
Parent tip: Pick a 2pm matinee for younger kids. A sensory-friendly show runs Dec 26 at 2pm.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12. Park event 4-8pm, light show 5:45pm, boat parade 6-8pm.
- Where
- Burton Chace Park and the Main Channel, Marina del Rey
- Price
- No admission listed. RSVP for the park event on Eventbrite. Lot parking $5-$15.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Free RSVP for the park event. Watch from the waterfront without booking.
Decorated boats circle the marina after a short light show. The 2026 theme is Hollywood Under the Stars.
Parent tip: Evenings by the water get chilly, so bring layers. Lot parking costs $5-$15.
- Christmas lightsChristmas marketsSanta visitsIce skating Good for toddlers
Enchant Christmas at Santa Anita Park
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 27 · Evenings on select dates. Each ticket has an arrival window.
- Where
- Santa Anita Park, Arcadia (San Gabriel Valley)
- Price
- From about $29; price changes by date and time. Skating and rides cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets, book ahead. Add-ons can sell out.
A large Christmas light maze with a holiday village, food, music and Santa visits. Skating, a snow slide and small rides are extra.
Parent tip: Choose an early arrival window with little kids. Decide on add-ons before you go to keep the cost down.
- Ice skating
Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square
- Dates
- Nov 12 - Jan 3 · Open daily. Check the site for session times.
- Where
- Pershing Square, Downtown LA
- Price
- 2026 prices not posted yet. Last season was $22 with skate rental.
- Ages and booking
- All ages; best for kids who can stand on skates · Timed sessions. Buy online.
An outdoor ice rink in a downtown park, ringed by tall buildings. Sessions are about an hour.
Parent tip: Skate helpers were offered for beginners last season. The Pershing Square Metro stop is right by the rink.
- Holiday festivalsShows and NutcrackerSanta visitsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Knott's Merry Farm
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · On park operating days. Check the park calendar for hours.
- Where
- Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park (Orange County)
- Price
- Included with park admission. Food and some extras cost more.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy dated park tickets ahead.
The theme park adds a Peanuts ice show and a holiday stage show. Kids can visit Santa's cabin and a crafts village.
Parent tip: Stay into the evening for the parkwide lighting moment.
- Christmas lightsSanta visitsHoliday festivals Good for toddlers
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Dates
- Nov 26 - Jan 3 · Select days. Check the park calendar for open days and hours.
- Where
- Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, Santa Clarita Valley
- Price
- Included with park admission. Cookie decorating and s'mores cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy park tickets online. Pick a date on the park calendar.
The theme park adds holiday lights, shows and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Some rides stay open, including a family coaster.
Parent tip: Valencia gets cold and windy after dark. Pack warm layers.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Long Beach Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Dec 12-20 · Sat Dec 12 and 19 at 2pm and 7:30pm. Sun Dec 13 and 20 at 2pm.
- Where
- Terrace Theater, Long Beach Convention Center, Downtown Long Beach
- Price
- See the official site. Parking is $15.
- Ages and booking
- Age guidance not listed · Book ahead
A big Nutcracker with a full live orchestra, in a theater with more than 3,000 seats.
Parent tip: Arrive early. There are food trucks and photo spots before the show.
- Santa visits Good for toddlers
Photos with Santa at Westfield Topanga
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 24 · Nov 13 through Christmas Eve. Hours change by day. Sensory Santa: Sun Dec 6, 9:30-10:30am.
- Where
- Westfield Topanga, Target Court, Level 1, Canoga Park, West San Fernando Valley
- Price
- Photo packages for sale. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Booking a time is recommended. Walk-ins are taken when there is space.
Santa sets up inside the mall for photos all season. A quiet, early-morning Sensory Santa hour runs on Dec 6.
Parent tip: Book a time online to skip most of the line.
- Santa visits Good for toddlers
Photos with Santa at Westfield Culver City
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 24 · Nov 13 through Christmas Eve. Hours change by day. Santa Cares (sensory-friendly): Sun Dec 6, 9:30-10:30am.
- Where
- Westfield Culver City, Center Court, Level 1, Culver City, Westside
- Price
- Photo packages for sale. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Booking a time is recommended. Walk-ins are taken when there is space.
Santa sits in front of Macy's for photos all season. A calmer sensory-friendly hour runs on Dec 6.
Parent tip: The Dec 6 hour starts at 9:30am. Early slots help kids who find crowds hard.
- Holiday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Holiday Performances and Snowfall at Westfield Century City
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Dec 28 · Thu-Sun. Short shows with snow every 30 minutes, 4-8pm. Extra snowfalls at noon and 2pm.
- Where
- Westfield Century City, Holiday Village, Century City, Westside
- Price
- No ticket listed.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Short holiday shows with falling fake snow in the mall's holiday village, four days a week.
Parent tip: Shows start every half hour from 4 to 8pm, so you won't wait long.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Elf The Musical at the Pantages
- Dates
- Dec 1-13 · Dec 1-13. Tue-Fri at 7:30pm. Sat-Sun at 1pm and evenings.
- Where
- Pantages Theatre, Hollywood
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 5+. Every person needs a ticket. · Book ahead
The stage musical of the movie about Buddy the elf. It runs about two and a half hours with a break.
Parent tip: Weekend 1pm shows suit younger kids. The show uses strobe lights and fog.
- Shows and Nutcracker
A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within
- Dates
- Nov 28 - Dec 24 · Nov 28-Dec 24. Shows at 2pm and 7pm. Relaxed show Sun Nov 29 at 11am.
- Where
- A Noise Within, Pasadena
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 5+. No babies or toddlers. · Book ahead. The box office takes cards only.
A stage version of the Dickens story by a Pasadena theater company. A family guide is on the website.
Parent tip: The Nov 29 morning show is relaxed. It suits kids who need breaks or less noise.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
LA Phil Holiday Sing-Along
- Dates
- Dec 19 · Sat Dec 19, 11:30am and 2pm.
- Where
- Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown LA
- Price
- From $39
- Ages and booking
- Ages 2+ · Book ahead
Sing holiday songs with a big crowd. A jazz band, a choir and the pipe organ play along. It runs 1.5 to 2 hours.
Parent tip: The 11:30am show leaves the afternoon free for naps.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Elf in Concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Dates
- Nov 28-29 · Sat Nov 28 at 8pm. Sun Nov 29 at 2pm.
- Where
- Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown LA
- Price
- From $67
- Ages and booking
- Ages 2+ · Book ahead
The Elf movie with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra playing the music. It runs 1.5 to 2 hours.
Parent tip: The Sunday 2pm show is the easier pick with kids.
- Holiday trainsSanta visitsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Christmas Train and Santa's Village, Irvine Park Railroad
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 23 · Nov 27-Dec 23. Weekdays 4-9pm, weekends 10am-9pm. Daily 10am-9pm from Dec 14.
- Where
- Irvine Park Railroad, Irvine Regional Park, Orange (Orange County)
- Price
- $22-$37 per ticket by time slot, plus a $5 online fee. Under 2 free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Online only. Sales open Nov 2 at 10am. Slots sell out. No refunds.
A short train ride to a North Pole stop where kids meet Santa. Back at the station, a free village has games and crafts.
Parent tip: Daytime slots cost the least. The train is not fully closed in, so bring a rain jacket if it looks wet.
- Holiday trainsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Train of Lights, Irvine Park Railroad
- Dates
- Dec 26-30 · Dec 26-30, 5-9pm.
- Where
- Irvine Park Railroad, Irvine Regional Park, Orange (Orange County)
- Price
- $11-$17 per ticket by time slot. Under 2 free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Online only. Sales open Dec 7 at 10am. Slots sell out. No refunds.
An evening train loop of about a mile past holiday lights, in the days after Christmas.
Parent tip: Santa is not there on these nights. Later time slots cost less.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
- Dates
- Dec 16-20 · Wed Dec 16 to Sun Dec 20. Parade starts about 6:30pm each night. Drone shows nightly.
- Where
- Newport Harbor (Marina Park is the main free viewing spot), Newport Beach (Orange County)
- Price
- Free to watch from Marina Park
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Lit-up boats cruise the harbor five nights in a row. Short drone shows run each night too.
Parent tip: Marina Park has the most room, but only 177 parking spaces. Arrive early.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Inland Pacific Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Dec 5-20 · Dec 5-6 in Rancho Cucamonga. Dec 19-20 in Claremont. Shows at noon and 4pm.
- Where
- Lewis Family Playhouse and Bridges Auditorium, Rancho Cucamonga and Claremont (Inland Empire)
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 5+ suggested · Book ahead through the venue box office.
A full Nutcracker with daytime shows only. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes plus a break.
Parent tip: All shows are at noon or 4pm, so no late nights.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in Los Angeles, including parades and tree lightings.
Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in Los Angeles, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in Los Angeles, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in Los Angeles, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in Los Angeles for Christmas with kids?
Walk LA Zoo Lights or the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens. Watch the Hollywood Christmas Parade or the Marina del Rey boat parade. Ride the Polar Express in Perris.
Theme park fans can add Disneyland's holiday season or Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood.
How much is LA Zoo Lights?
For 2026, adults pay $29 to $35 and kids 2 to 12 pay $19 to $25, depending on the date. Kids under 2 are free and don't need a ticket.
Weeknights are cheapest. It runs from November 20, 2026, to January 10, 2027, on select nights.
Is the Hollywood Christmas Parade free?
Yes. Watching from the curb is free. Grandstand seats cost extra.
It's held on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, in the evening. Arrive early for a good spot.
What are the best Christmas events in LA for toddlers?
Light walks early in the evening, the Marina del Rey boat parade watched from the park, and the holiday shows at the theme parks.
Look for the "Good for toddlers" label in the list above.
Christmas in other cities
- Christmas in New York
- Christmas in Chicago
- Christmas in Boston
- Christmas in Washington, DC
- Christmas in Nashville
- Christmas in Seattle
- Christmas in Denver
- Christmas in San Diego
- Christmas in San Francisco
- Christmas in Atlanta
- Christmas in Houston
- Christmas in San Antonio
- Christmas in Gatlinburg
- Christmas in Philadelphia
- Christmas in Pittsburgh
- Christmas in Las Vegas
- Christmas in Orlando
- Christmas in Miami
- Christmas in New Orleans
- Christmas in Charlotte
- Christmas in Kansas City
- Christmas in Dallas
- Christmas in Austin
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- Christmas in St. Louis
- Christmas in Tampa
- Christmas in Cincinnati