Christmas in Greater Los Angeles: 2025 Family Events & Activities

Kick off the holiday season with on-ice performances, followed by the tree lighting and open skate on November 20. Then, enjoy outdoor ice skating all season long, with a live DJ on Thursdays and classical music on Sundays at noon.

12PM - 10PM

Assistant to Lucy said:  A Noise Within’s delightfully festive, musically merry stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has become a Los Angeles tradition with its innovative staging, whimsical costumes, original music and boundless good cheer. Audiences are invited to arrive early to enjoy crafts and photo opportunities in the decorated lobby, and to stay after the performance to take pictures with the cast. A Noise Within, 3352 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107; (626) 356-3100; www.anoisewithin.org Schedule: Nov. 29 thru Dec. 24: • Fridays @ 7 p.m. • Saturdays @ 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. • Sundays @ 2 p.m. ~ plus~ • Tuesday, Dec. 23 @ 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. • Wednesday, Dec. 24 @ 2 p.m.

Downtown said:  Downtown Culver City’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Sled-tacular - 50 tons of snow for sledding, kids’ music performances, Tree Lighting countdown, and Santa Claus! Thurs, Dec 4th, 5pm-8:30pm. Town Plaza & Main Street. Hosted by the CC Downtown Business Association, presented by Amazon MGM Studios.

5-8:30pm

This narrated adaptation of The Nutcracker is designed especially for young audiences. Partake in the free interactive activities in the concert hall lobby before or after your show (depending on show time), where kids with themed coloring station, craft station, photo station, and S.T.E.A.M. station.

Erynn said:  This scaled-down version of The Nutcracker includes a sing-along and Santa visit. Partake in the free interactive activities in the concert hall lobby before or after your show (depending on show time), where kids can try out instruments, meet the performers, and make arts and crafts.

10AM & 11:30AM

Pretend City said:  Kick off the holiday season with our enchanting Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pretend City! Join us as we welcome winter with festive cheer, cookies, and hot cocoa. served alongside a special visit from Santa! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to create cherished memories with family and friends as we celebrate the magic of the holidays in the city!

Complete with perky elves, zany inventors, toy soldiers and porcelain dolls, audiences boo the villain, cheer the heroine, and help save the day in this delightful holiday event, perfect for the whole family! For the closing day performance at 5:30 on Sunday, December 15, surprise treat bags for the kids and cider, cookies and candy canes for everyone are included in price of admission!

Sat 2pm, Sun 12:30pm

The annual Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Boat Parade features powerboats, sailboats, and harbor working craft decorated in holiday lights.

6PM - 8PM

This annual boat parade is celebrating 50 years in 2025! The parade begins nightly at 6:30 p.m, and can be viewed from the boardwalk and park areas.

This annual boat parade has been lighting up the night skies for over 60 years, with festively decorated boats cruising through the harbor to dazzle spectators with lights, music, and themed displays.

Yachts, boats, canoes and kayaks...if it floats, you'll likely see it covered in lights for the the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade! This popular holiday event features festively decorated boats of all shapes and sizes, with optimal viewing locations available at Marina Park. Kids will love watching fireworks on the parade's opening and closing nights.

6:30pm

Pretend City said:  Get cozy at Pretend City for a special Storytime with Mrs. Claus! She’s stopping by from the North Pole to share her favorite holiday stories, take photos, and enjoy cookies together. It’s the perfect way to “sleigh” the season and make sweet memories with your family.

11am & 2:30pm

Wander through the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, glide down the sparkling snow slide and twirl across a real ice-skating trail surrounded by millions of dazzling lights. Discover the magic of the Christmas Village, brimming with artisan gifts, festive food and drinks, and special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

South Coast Plaza shopping center transforms itself over the holidays, with gorgeous decorations throughout, and a magnificent tree at the center of the mall. During the holidays, the carousel horses are transformed into Santa’s reindeer, and children can also ride on Santa’s Express Train.

Families can visit Santa’s Wonderland in-store to receive a FREE 4×6 studio-quality photo with Santa, as well as a FREE shareable video. The magical Santa’s Wonderland will feature games, toy stations and crafts, creating the perfect holiday outing for the whole family. Youngsters are encouraged to drop off a letter for Santa in his mailbox, and those who include an email address with their letter will receive a note back from Santa. On Tuesdays, book a spot for Christmas Tales with Santa.

Take an enchanting ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus! After your visit, ride back to Santa’s Village through the magical “Tunnel of Lights” and enjoy a route filled with lights and decorations. Once at Santa's Village, the whole family can enjoy ticketed activities like a moon bounce, cookie decorating, carnival games.