The Best Holiday Events and Activities in Los Angeles

With gorgeous weather and endless entertainment options, the holidays in Los Angeles are like no other city. From classic Christmas music concerts to dazzling light displays and outdoor ice skating, read our guide and learn about some of the best Los Angeles holiday events and activities that will keep you joyfully warm throughout the season.

During holiday nights, dazzling light displays throughout Los Angeles bring the city to vibrant life with traditional lighting ceremonies and festive decorations.

Everyone loves a parade! In Los Angeles you can welcome Santa Claus when his sled lands on Hollywood Boulevard, watch a procession of colorfully decorated boats, and experience the world-famous Rose Parade.

The whole family can get in the festive spirit with spectacular holiday experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood! Celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, join in the most Who-tacular Grinchmas™ celebration ever, and end the day at Universal CityWalk, where you can enjoy holiday shopping, the 40-foot Christmas tree, and fantastic dining.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
Remember those holidays when visions of Super Mario games danced in your head? Whether that’s this year or 30 years ago, Nintendo games and characters have long been key elements of the most wonderful time of the year. So get in on the holiday fun during Joyful Holidays at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD! Throughout the merriest season, The Mushroom Kingdom will be decked out in a delightful array of holiday decorations. Want to show off your Super Mario fandom in this year’s family holiday cards? Snuggle up with two snowmen — one donning a red Mario hat and scarf, and the other a green Luigi hat and scarf — who you’ll find right next to the warp pipe at the entrance to the land.

CHRISTMAS IN THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER™
The quaint wizarding village of Hogsmeade™ is transformed with merry decor to celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Stroll through the village while sipping a delicious Hot Butterbeer™, dine on savory festive fare at Three Broomsticks™, and shop for exclusive keepsakes like personalized ornaments, garlands, scarves and stockings. Enjoy delightful a cappella performances of holiday favorites by the Hogwarts Frog Choir.

Beginning at dusk each night, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle dazzles visitors with stunning imagery and animation that illuminates Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and infuses the land with music from the Harry Potter film series.

GRINCHMAS™
The Who-tacular Grinchmas™ celebration returns in festive fashion as park-goers gather around the topsy-turvy 65 foot-tall Grinchmas tree at Universal Plaza, adorned with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights. A dazzling tree lighting ceremony and snowfall flurry will take place every evening, bringing season’s greetings from The Grinch, his faithful dog Max, and the Who-ville Whos, who will be performing on select nights. Themed sweet treats such as hot cocoa will be available for purchase.

Holidays Made Here returns to Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood! Get ready to talk fast and live slow as the world of Gilmore Girls springs to life this holiday season for a one-of-a-kind immersive celebration honoring the show’s 25th anniversary.

From Dec. 18, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026 (closed Christmas Day), fans are invited to step into Stars Hollow, fully recreated with authentic detail and dressed for the holidays. This limited-time event is included as part of the Studio Tour, opens daily with extended hours to 8pm, and offers guests the chance to experience the charm of Stars Hollow like never before—from walking through Lorelai’s house and Luke’s Diner, to enjoying themed meals and beverages at the Dragonfly Inn.

Experience the magic of Stars Hollow with a fully authentic set recreation of the beloved town, complete with newly rebuilt locations from the original designs, including Miss Patty’s School of Ballet. Iconic set visits include Lorelai’s House, Luke’s Diner and the Dragonfly Inn.

Don’t miss the nightly Light Show Spectaculars with special moments at 5:30pm (Tree Lighting), 6:30pm (Romantic Dance), and a 7:30pm finale celebrating the Gilmore Girls’ 25th anniversary.

Shop exclusive collections at fan-favorite storefronts like Doose’s Market, Kim’s Antiques and the Stars Hollow Bookstore. Enjoy interactive experiences like daily costume meetups, holiday cookie decorating, town carolers, and a scavenger hunt with prizes. Capture memories at themed photo ops and indulge in the Food Passport add-on for a true Gilmore dining experience. During the tour, guests can also enjoy behind-the-scenes stories from Gremlins, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and many more holiday favorites.

Tickets are now on sale at WBStudioTour.com.

The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square returns to Downtown LA for its 2025-26 season on November 20 and runs daily through Jan. 11, 2026. Framed by skyscrapers and adorned with festive holiday lights, LA's largest outdoor ice skating rink spans 7,200 square feet and welcomes more than 54,000 skaters and 450,000 spectators annually. Hours vary for weekdays and weekends during the season. Open daily noon to 10pm.

If you’re looking for a unique gift or are aiming to support small businesses and local makers this holiday season, head to one of the numerous seasonal markets happening across greater Los Angeles in November and December. From traveling events like Jackalope Art Fair to hyper-local marketplaces to museum shopping experiences, there’s a little something for everyone.

Located in Downtown Los Angeles, The Music Center is home to four of LA's most iconic venues: the Ahmanson Theatre, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall. From concerts and sing-alongs to the city’s largest holiday celebration, visitors can spend the entire season at The Music Center and never see the same event twice.

Each year from Dec. 16 until Christmas Eve, Olvera Street merchants and their families walk through El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument in a ceremonial re-enactment of Joseph and Mary’s nine-night search for sanctuary. The tradition features a procession with sing-alongs and piñata breaking, and is one of the oldest events in the city.

One of LA's most popular outdoor movie series, Cinespia is taking over the landmark Los Angeles Theatre for a special screening of Elf on Saturday, December 13.

Buddy (Will Ferrell), a human raised by elves, heads from the North Pole to New York City to find his long-lost dad—and maybe teach the city a thing or two about Christmas spirit. Armed with a diet of candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup, he spreads unfiltered joy through a world that’s forgotten how to smile.

The holiday party features photo ops, live festive music, DJ sets before and after the film, and a full bar for all your “son of a nutcracker” needs. Dress festively in your favorite Christmas sweater, Santa drag, or holiday party finery; and strike a pose with Santa Claus in the free photobooth—because you’re on the "nice" list!

Renowned as the “Thrill Capital of the World,” Six Flags Magic Mountain lights up the season during its annual seasonal extravaganza, Holiday in the Park. Experience the park’s record-breaking 20 roller coasters (aka “Santa’s Sleighs”) and enjoy more than two million lights that transform the park into holiday-themed Winter Wonderlands. Plus, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus along with their merry elves and enjoy crafts, seasonal activities and more.

The 137th Rose Parade is taking place on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2025 at 8am (PST) featuring spectacular floral floats, marching bands from across the country, and high-stepping equestrian units.

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® has announced that Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a visionary entrepreneur and transformative philanthropist, will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2026 Rose Parade® presented by Honda. Johnson’s selection as Grand Marshal ties seamlessly into this year’s parade theme: “The Magic in Teamwork.”

Angelenos and visitors alike have heard that in Los Angeles, you can surf in the morning and ski in the afternoon. With Downtown LA as your home base, we’ll show you several options that will make you the envy of your surfing and skiing friends and family. Whether it's during the holidays or any time of year, you can start your day in the beautiful Pacific Ocean and finish your adventure at the stunning mountains above LA County.