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.

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! From December 18 through January 5, the iconic back lot will be transformed into Stars Hollow, Connecticut from Gilmore Girls.

During Holidays Made Here, fans can immerse themselves in the charm of Stars Hollow with unique experiences, including:

• Capturing photos at iconic spots such as the Stars Hollow gazebo, Luke’s Diner and Doose’s Market
• Enjoying a cup of Scotty P’s Big Mug Coffee from Luke’s Diner
• Tasting treats from Pop-Tarts® to delicious pastries
• See authentic costumes and props from the show, and enjoy fun activities like costume contests, cookie decorating and trivia games

Holidays Made Here will be available as part of all Studio Tour offerings from December 18 to January 5 (except Christmas Day).

The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice brings outdoor ice skating to L.A. LIVE on Peacock Place, in front of Crypto.com Arena. Gather with friends and family, or enjoy a date night before and after a game or concert! The LA Kings Holiday Ice rink is now open and will run through Jan. 10, 2025. General Admission tickets are $25 and only sold on-site at the rink. Pricing includes skate rental and admission.

The magic of the season comes to life at the Westfield Century City Holiday Village, taking over the Atrium Space from November 23 to December 26. Enjoy live performances under enchanting snowfall, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, sip cheer at Blitzen's Bar, and browse festive shops in the Holiday Market:

• Barquita
• Cookie Dough Dreams
• Gone Bananas Bread
• Good Quality Human
• LEFFIRO
• New York Puzzle Company
• Pantasy
• ROYCE'
• SuperMouth
• Ua Body Hawai'i
• Warmies

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.

Presented by Street Food Cinema, Yuletide Cinemaland is a series of outdoor movie screenings at Heritage Square Museum. Tickets to Yuletide Cinemaland are now on sale and include Victorian Home Tours, a twinkling light tunnel, Santa Meet & Greet, the Tinsel Tavern Bar, piano sing-alongs, food trucks and more!

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.

Bob Baker's Holiday on Strings returns for a festivity spectacular! Join Demetrius Nova Twinklestar III (that’s Demi for short) and The StArGaZeR as they embark on a magical tour of the holiday galaxies. On your voyage through the stars, stop at Santa's Workshop, celebrate the eight days of Hanukkah, dip into the world of Charles Dickens, and much more. This hour-long spectacular of merry marionettes invites the whole family to celebrate the holidays at Bob Baker Marionette Theater.

The Winter Frolic transforms the Kidspace Children's Museum into a joyful land of wonder and delight. The seven-week Winter Frolic is a fairytale come to life - little ones can feel free to explore, create, and celebrate with their families (and a few new fantasy forest friends). The Kidspace Winter Frolic offers a flurry of experiences and programs, including the no-ice Sock Skating Rink; “ice fishing” in the Kidspace Interpretive Arroyo Stream; winter sculpture building with special "ice blocks"; and snowflake decorating at the Kidspace Winter Craft Station.

Founded in 1890, the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena is America's New Year Celebration, a greeting to the world on the first day of the year and a salute to the community spirit and love of pageantry. From the pre-bowl game feasting at Lawry’s Beef Bowl, to the spectacular Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game on New Year's Day, the Tournament of Roses is a Southern California tradition that is unequaled anywhere in the world.

The Grand Marshal of the 2025 Rose Parade is sports icon and champion for equality, Billie Jean King. King’s selection as Grand Marshal ties seamlessly into this year’s parade theme: “Best Day Ever!”, celebrating life’s best moments. “Being from Long Beach and growing up in Southern California, I have fond memories of watching the parade with my family and I am deeply honored to be named Grand Marshal of the 2025 Rose Parade,” said King. “This parade is a wonderful celebration of joy and community, and it truly represents the 'Best Day Ever' for all who attend or watch.”

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.