Christmas in Greater Los Angeles: 2025 Family Events & Activities

Erynn said:  The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa kicks off the season with the Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony in November, but the fun lasts all the way through December. Appearances from Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, a vintage carousel, and rides (including trackless trains, spinning bears, and the Century Wheel) will make your family's visit unforgettable!

For 2021, the event will open as a self-guided holiday lighting and décor experience.

Erynn said:  A range of Christmas carols (including some sing-alongs!) will inspire good cheer.

2pm

Erynn said:  

Light up your holiday season with a visit to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Holiday in the Park features millions of dazzling lights, festive entertainment, sweet holiday treats, and, of course, your favorite thrilling coasters!

Kelly R said:  The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel invites holiday-clad surfers to participate in this annual competition at Salt Creek Beach. Prizes are distributed in different age categories for surfing and stand up paddle boarding, and for best costume! Money is raised for Surfers Healing, a surf camp for kids with autism.

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum presents the third annual Holiday Family Faire at its spectacular outdoor venue in Topanga, where carolers, singing madrigals and other performers roam the grounds, Theatricum company members tell winter holiday stories from a variety of traditions. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to take family photos. An artisan marketplace will offer holiday gifts and crafts, and festive food and drink will be available for purchase. Caroling with Theatricum company members and a special outdoor screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol will begin immediately after the Faire, at 5 p.m. (available with Faire admission for an additional $20, or separate admission: $25).

11am - 5pm

Erynn said:  Traverse the snow park and sled hill, participate in a toy drive, check out the Santa float, listen to some live music, and catch the fireworks show that concludes the evening. Try to arrive early for the best viewing experience!

Festivities begin at 3pm, Fireworks at 7pm

Erynn said:  Have a hankering for snow this season? Despite LA's moderate climate, snow falls every evening at The Grove, so don't miss it! Check out the stunning holiday light displays, see Santa ride the Trolley, and take care of some holiday shopping at the same time.

Daily, 7pm & 8pm

Christmas Eve 5pm, 6pm & 7pm

Alexandra F. said:  This first annual winter-themed event at the Kidspace Children's Museum was a big hit with both of my boys, who enjoyed the new hands-on, interactive activities alongside permanent exhibits for climbing, building, and creating. I liked the mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, with many opportunities to play outside. Notable new experiences for Winter Frolic include sock ice skating (for an additional $5), making "ice" sculptures with large, ice-shaped blocks, "ice-fishing" and snowflake decorating.

Assistant to Lucy said:  The company’s signature holiday pageant has been a Los Angeles holiday tradition since 2002. Join the tens of thousands who have become transfixed by the story of Juan Diego, a simple peasant to whom the Virgin Mary appeared on four occasions in the mountains of Tepeyac near Mexico City in 1531. The cast features over 100 actors, singers and indigenous Aztec dancers as well as children and seniors from the community. Performed in Spanish with English supertitles.

lazoo said:  The Los Angeles Zoo, a Kulture City Sensory Inclusive™ Certified institution, will host a sensory-friendly L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Designed for guests who thrive in a sensory-supportive environment, this evening will feature smaller crowds due to limited tickets available; quieter music volume throughout the experience; sensory bags available for checkout with noise-cancelling headphone (provided by Puro Sounds Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads; opportunity to exit and reenter the event; and an online Social Story that provides a preview of what to expect while enjoying Zoo Lights. During this special evening, you can expect the same great L.A. Zoo Lights with some modifications to make it more inclusive. This is part of the L.A. Zoo's ongoing commitment to creating a space where every member of its communities is welcome.