Los Angeles is preparing for the winter holiday season with a wide range of events and activities across its neighborhoods. From parades and concerts to light shows and themed attractions, both residents and visitors will have opportunities to celebrate.
In the San Fernando Valley, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood will host “Holidays Made Here” from December 18 to January 5, marking the 25th anniversary of Gilmore Girls by transforming its backlot into Stars Hollow with festive decorations, nightly light shows, interactive experiences, carolers, and themed photo opportunities.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s holiday celebration runs from November 24 to January 4. Attractions include Grinchmas at Universal Plaza with a large tree and snow effects, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring special performances and a projection show at Hogwarts Castle, as well as seasonal decorations in Super Nintendo World.
Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light returns from November 16 to January 4. The nighttime event features immersive botanical art installations such as Tom Fruin’s “stained glass” houses and lighting effects throughout the gardens.
Downtown Los Angeles will feature Smorgasburg for the Holidays every Sunday from November 30 to December 21 at ROW DTLA. Visitors can sample holiday-inspired foods from local chefs. Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink operates from November 20 to January 11, offering outdoor ice skating in downtown LA.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall presents Deck the Hall Holiday Concerts between December 5 and December 23. Events include family sing-alongs, movie screenings, orchestral music, jazz performances, and New Year’s Eve with The Roots.
Hollywood hosts its annual Christmas Parade on November 30 along Hollywood Boulevard. The parade includes floats, marching bands, performances, and supports charities like Toys For Tots. At Griffith Park, LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow runs from November 13 to January 11 with lantern sculptures depicting wildlife themes.
The Los Angeles Ballet stages “The Nutcracker” at both Dolby Theater (December 19-28) and Royce Hall UCLA (December 12-14), offering a version set against Southern California landmarks with live orchestra accompaniment.
On the Westside and in Beach Cities areas, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland comes to YouTube Theater on December 17 with circus acts set to holiday music. Rodeo Drive’s Holiday Lighting Celebration takes place on November 13 with performers inspired by The Nutcracker Ballet theme; Santa Claus arrives amid fireworks that conclude the event.
Other notable festivities include Christmas at The Grove featuring Santa’s Cottage and a large Christmas tree; CineVita TINSELCOLOR: Holiday Soundtracks Live in Inglewood reimagines movie soundtracks through performance; Marina Del Rey holds its Holiday Boat Parade on December 13 where decorated boats sail through the marina.
In San Gabriel Valley, Enchant Los Angeles debuts at Santa Anita Park (November 21 – December 28) with attractions such as what it describes as the World’s Largest Light Maze alongside an ice skating trail and live entertainment.
New Year’s celebrations are planned throughout Los Angeles including concerts by The Roots at Walt Disney Concert Hall (December 31), Universal Studios Hollywood EVE party until early morning hours on January 1 featuring rides and fireworks displays; Countdown NYE brings electronic music acts to Los Angeles Convention Center; Queen Mary hosts a Masquerade Soirée in Long Beach; while Pasadena continues its tradition with the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day followed by college football at Rose Bowl Stadium.
Wellness-focused events include Fit Expo Los Angeles (January 10–11) bringing together fitness enthusiasts for competitions at Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Yoga Expo follows on February 7 offering sessions led by local and international presenters.
Live music venues such as KIA Forum, Crypto.com Arena, Intuit Dome, SoFi Stadium, and Rose Bowl Stadium will host various concerts as well as home games for major sports teams during this period.
