Christmas in Los Angeles feels unlike anywhere else in the world. Unlike other cities with their snow-covered streets and freezing temperatures, the holiday season here comes with sunshine, blue skies and palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights.
The festive décor blends perfectly with the city’s coastal vibe and outdoor attractions remain lively well into the evening. The city’s diverse neighbourhoods also celebrate Christmas in creative and sometimes unexpected ways. Read more about interesting LA facts to understand its unique local culture.
This uniqueness is what makes Los Angeles at Christmas so appealing to everyone. Christmas in Los Angeles works particularly well for travellers who want variety. Families appreciate the outdoor-friendly weather and crowd-managed attractions while couples enjoy evening light displays and scenic neighbourhood walks.
First-time visitors will also benefit from the city’s well-organised seasonal events. December is a time when Los Angeles feels celebratory rather than hectic with many attractions extending hours and adding festive programming. Rather than focusing on one central Christmas market or square, the city encourages exploration, making planning and pacing key to the experience.
Classic holiday traditions—like light displays, ice skating, Christmas markets and parades—exist alongside Southern California’s laid-back lifestyle. Traditional activities can be enjoyed without adjusting travel wardrobes or schedules, which is a major advantage for those combining Christmas celebrations with broader sightseeing.
From dazzling light shows and family-friendly attractions to scenic sightseeing routes and local traditions, our guide covers the best things to do for Christmas in Los Angeles, helping travellers plan a festive trip that feels relaxed, memorable and unmistakably Californian.
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Top Festive Attractions and Dazzling Light Shows
Los Angeles is known for its large-scale productions, and Christmas light displays are no exception. Across the city, parks, gardens and attractions transform into illuminated wonderlands that draw locals and visitors alike throughout December.
Unlike colder destinations where Christmas celebrations are mostly indoors, festive attractions in Los Angeles are designed for evening strolls and open-air exploration. Many light displays are immersive rather than purely decorative, encouraging people to walk through illuminated paths, themed installations and interactive environments.
This approach suits the mild December climate and allows attractions to operate comfortably after sunset, making it easy to plan daytime sightseeing followed by festive evenings without feeling rushed.
The Magic of the Holiday Season at Disneyland
During the Christmas season, Disneyland Resort, Anaheim becomes one of Southern California’s most popular festive destinations. The parks are decorated extensively with themed garlands, towering Christmas trees and seasonal overlays added to classic attractions.
Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure feature special holiday entertainment, festive parades and limited-time food offerings. The attention to detail makes this experience appealing to families, couples and anyone seeking a fully immersive Christmas atmosphere.
Located in Anaheim, Disneyland is easily accessible from Los Angeles and is often included as a festive day trip in December. The Christmas period is one of Disneyland’s busiest times, especially during school holidays, so planning ahead is essential. Visiting earlier in the month or arriving at opening time can help avoid peak crowds.
Many travellers prefer focusing on holiday-themed attractions and entertainment rather than attempting to cover the entire park in one visit. This approach allows more time to enjoy seasonal décor, festive shows and limited-time offerings without feeling overwhelmed.
- Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
- Hours: Typically 08:00 – 00:00 (check official website for seasonal updates)
- Tickets: Starting at $104 per person
The LA Zoo Lights
LA Zoo Lights is one of the most popular Christmas events in Los Angeles, offering a family-friendly evening experience in Griffith Park. The zoo pathways are transformed with illuminated animal sculptures, interactive light displays and themed installations that change each year.
This event is designed for relaxed exploration, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. The open-air setting and creative displays reflect the city’s approach to Christmas—festive, accessible and enjoyable at a leisurely pace.
- Address: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
- Hours: 18:00 – 22:00 (select nights in December)
- Tickets: $20–$25 per adult, $15–$20 per child
Enchantment at Descanso Gardens
For a more refined and tranquil Christmas experience, Descanso Gardens offers one of the most atmospheric light displays in the region. The botanical garden is illuminated with artistic installations, glowing pathways and carefully curated lighting that enhances the natural landscape.
The experience is deliberately unhurried with wide paths and installations designed to be viewed slowly rather than rushed through. Unlike louder, high-energy attractions, Descanso Gardens focuses on mood and visual storytelling.
It’s particularly popular with couples and travellers seeking a quieter evening activity during the busy holiday season. Many visitors plan this as a dedicated evening activity, allowing time to fully absorb the lighting, music and natural surroundings.
- Address: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
- Hours: 17:00 – 22:00 (select nights in December)
- Tickets: $25–$30 per adult, $15–$20 per child
Skating and Snow: Winter Activities in Sunny LA
Despite its warm climate, Los Angeles offers several ways to enjoy classic winter activities during Christmas, combining seasonal traditions with a distinctive local twist.
Winter activities in Los Angeles are less about necessity and more about novelty. Ice skating, seasonal markets and snow-themed attractions are embraced as temporary experiences rather than everyday routines.
This mindset shapes Christmas events, focusing on atmosphere and accessibility rather than endurance. You can enjoy traditional holiday activities without adjusting travel wardrobes or schedules, a major advantage for those combining Christmas celebrations with sightseeing.
The Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square
The Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square is a seasonal highlight in Downtown Los Angeles. Surrounded by skyscrapers and festive lighting, the rink provides a classic Christmas activity set against an urban backdrop.
Open to both beginners and experienced skaters, the rink attracts visitors throughout December and is especially popular in the evenings. The contrast between winter-themed skating and the mild Los Angeles weather captures the city’s unconventional take on Christmas.
- Address: 532 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Hours: 12:00 – 22:00
- Tickets: $15–$20 per skater
Seeing Snow in Southern California
For travellers seeking real snow, Southern California offers convenient options within driving distance of Los Angeles. Big Bear Lake, located in the San Bernardino Mountains, is one of the most popular winter destinations near the city.
During December, the area typically offers snow-covered landscapes, winter sports and festive mountain-town charm. Many visitors combine a snowy day trip with a return to Los Angeles in the evening, creating a varied Christmas experience that includes both winter scenery and city attractions.
Essential LA Christmas Sightseeing
With festive attractions spread across a vast metropolitan area, efficient sightseeing becomes especially important during the Christmas season. Planning transportation carefully allows visitors to enjoy more experiences while avoiding unnecessary stress.
Hollywood and Beverly Hills Decorations
Hollywood embraces the festive season with tasteful decorations along its iconic streets. The Hollywood Walk of Fame sparkles under seasonal lighting, while nearby areas feature Christmas displays that blend nostalgia with glamour.
In Beverly Hills, the holiday atmosphere becomes more refined. Rodeo Drive is known for its elegant Christmas lights, luxury shopfront displays and palm-lined streets wrapped in festive décor. Evening walks here are particularly popular in December.
Touring LA's Festive Hubs with City Sightseeing
Navigating Los Angeles during Christmas can be challenging due to increased traffic and holiday crowds. Hop-On Hop-Off buses offer a practical solution for travellers who want to see multiple areas efficiently.
Using City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off Los Angeles services allows visitors to travel between major festive hubs—such as Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, and Santa Monica—without worrying about parking or route planning. For more information on things to do in Los Angeles, check our detailed guide. Open-top views provide a comfortable way to enjoy decorated streets while moving at a flexible pace.
This option is especially useful for visitors with limited time who want to combine sightseeing with seasonal highlights.
Visiting the Theme Parks for the Holidays
Universal Studios Hollywood embraces the Christmas season with themed decorations, seasonal entertainment, and festive overlays across selected attractions. The park balances holiday elements with its regular experiences, making it appealing to both first-time visitors and returning guests.
Christmas at Universal Studios is best suited for daytime visits, allowing travellers to combine theme park activities with evening sightseeing elsewhere in the city. Get yourself a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus+ Universal Studios ticket, which includes a shuttle bus to Universal Studios, for the complete LA package.
- Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (varies in December)
- Tickets: $224 per adult for a combined hop-on hop-off ticket + Universal Studios
Unique L.A. Traditions and Post-Holiday Logistics
Beyond major attractions, Los Angeles also features distinctive Christmas traditions shaped by its coastal setting and urban lifestyle.
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade is one of Los Angeles’ most distinctive seasonal events. Instead of floats and marching bands, the parade features boats decorated with lights, music, and themed displays moving through the marina.
This coastal celebration reflects the city’s connection to the ocean and offers a festive experience that feels relaxed yet visually striking. It is especially popular with families and visitors seeking a uniquely local Christmas tradition.
- Address: Marina del Rey, CA 90292
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (December)
- Tickets: Free
Post-Christmas Cleanup: Los Angeles Christmas Tree Disposal
After the holiday season, the city provides structured recycling options for residents and visitors staying long-term. Los Angeles Christmas tree disposal programmes typically include kerbside collection services and designated drop-off locations throughout the city.
Collected trees are recycled into mulch or compost, supporting local sustainability efforts. This practical approach ensures that Christmas celebrations end responsibly while keeping neighbourhoods clean and organised.
Experience the Glamour of Christmas in LA
Christmas in Los Angeles offers a festive experience that feels refreshingly different from traditional winter destinations. The combination of mild weather, outdoor celebrations, large-scale light displays and world-famous attractions creates a holiday atmosphere that is both lively and relaxed.
From illuminated gardens and urban ice rinks to coastal parades and themed sightseeing routes, Los Angeles at Christmas provides something for every type of traveller. With thoughtful planning and the right transport options, it is easy to explore multiple neighbourhoods while enjoying the city’s seasonal charm.
One of the defining strengths of Christmas in Los Angeles is how adaptable the experience is. The city accommodates fast-paced sightseeing, slow evening strolls, family-focused attractions and quieter seasonal moments without forcing travellers into a single way of celebrating. This flexibility allows visitors to shape their holiday around personal interests—whether that means theme parks, light displays, coastal traditions or urban exploration.
Whether visiting for a short holiday or an extended winter escape, Christmas in Los Angeles delivers warmth, colour and festive energy, making it one of the most distinctive places in the world to celebrate the season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Los Angeles Christmas attractions suitable for families?
Yes. Many events, including LA Zoo Lights, Disneyland and ice rinks, are family-friendly and designed for all ages.
Which destinations are best for wine lovers in spring?
If you’re a wine lover, spring is a great time to visit these destinations:
- Napa Valley, California: Known as one of the premier wine regions in the world, Napa Valley offers stunning vineyards, wineries, and wine tasting experiences. The mild spring weather makes it an ideal time to explore the region and sample its renowned wines.
- Bordeaux: Bordeaux is famous for its exceptional wines, and spring is an excellent time to visit. You can explore the region’s vineyards, indulge in wine tastings, and even participate in wine-related events and festivals.
- Mendoza, Argentina: Mendoza is a wine lover’s paradise, with its beautiful vineyards, stunning landscapes, and world-class wines. In spring, the weather is pleasant, and you can visit wineries, take guided tours, and soak up the unique wine culture of the region.
Can I see snow in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles itself rarely sees snow, but nearby Big Bear Lake offers snow-covered landscapes and winter activities within 2 hours’ drive.
How can I efficiently visit multiple Christmas attractions in LA?
Hop-On Hop-Off buses and careful route planning help visitors see multiple areas efficiently without worrying about parking or traffic.
Do most Christmas attractions require tickets?
Many events, like Disneyland and Descanso Gardens, require tickets. Outdoor decorations and parades, like the Marina del Rey Boat Parade, are often free.