Southern California transforms into a full-blown holiday playground every year, mixing its signature sunshine with festive lights, limited-time experiences, and some of the best entertainment in the country. Whether you’re looking for a full theme park takeover, something smaller and more intimate, or a special seasonal event to get you in the spirit, SoCal has you covered. Here's your guide to the biggest and brightest things to do this holiday season.
Major Theme Parks
There’s nothing better than experiencing the thrill you get at a theme park while mixing in a little Holiday magic. Expect every major theme park to have their own holiday event.
Universal Studios Hollywood – Grinchmas & Christmas in The Wizarding World
Universal Studios Hollywood goes all-in for the holidays. Universal Plaza becomes the heart of Grinchmas, featuring the iconic 65-foot Wholiday tree, tree-lighting ceremonies, live entertainment, and photo ops with the Grinch and Max. Over in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade transforms with wreaths, snowfall moments, hot Butterbeer, and the stunning “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” nighttime show.
Perfect for: Families, Harry Potter fans, and anyone who wants big holiday energy.
Disneyland Resort – Holidays at Disneyland & Disney Festival of Holidays
At Disneyland Park, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, “it’s a small world” Holiday, and Haunted Mansion Holiday bring the iconic charm. Disney California Adventure adds Festival of Holidays, ¡Viva Navidad!, and tons of seasonal food booths to snack your way through.
Perfect for: Classic Disney magic, parade lovers, and families with small children.
Knott’s Berry Farm – Knott’s Merry Farm
Knott’s gets cozy for Merry Farm, embracing a warm, nostalgic Christmas vibe. Expect handcrafted gifts in the Christmas Crafts Village, the “Home for the Holidays” show, snow in Ghost Town, and tons of seasonal treats. It’s one of the most wholesome holiday transformations in SoCal.
Perfect for: Foodies, nostalgia lovers, and fans of holiday markets.
Six Flags Magic Mountain – Holiday in the Park
Magic Mountain glows with millions of lights, festive music zones, holiday treats, and “I rode the coasters in the cold” bragging rights. Holiday in the Park blends thrill rides with dazzling walk-through displays.
Perfect for: Coaster fans and anyone looking for bright, bold displays.
Smaller Theme Parks & Local Favorites
For a more relaxed (and often more affordable) holiday outing, SoCal’s smaller parks offer charming celebrations with unique twists. These destinations deliver festive fun without the crowds or price tags of the bigger parks—perfect for families or low-key holiday adventuring.
LEGOLAND California – Holidays at LEGOLAND
This one’s a hit for families with young kids. LEGOLAND decorates the entire park with oversized LEGO ornaments, a massive LEGO Christmas tree, character meet-and-greets, and special shows. Seasonal treats round out the holiday fun.
Castle Park – A Royal Holiday at the Park (Riverside)
Castle Park goes surprisingly big with festive lights, Christmas characters, themed rides, and holiday entertainment. It’s much more budget-friendly while still offering the charm of a full holiday event.
Belmont Park – Winter Wonder (San Diego)
Located right on Mission Beach, Belmont Park adds holiday lights, themed photo ops, festive eats, and winter-themed activities — all with that SoCal oceanfront backdrop.
Attractions & Entertainment
Not every holiday experience needs roller coasters. SoCal’s attractions bring the seasonal spirit to life through light displays, walk-through events, scenic tours, and cultural experiences you won’t find anywhere else. These are must-see stops for anyone who wants something a little different.
LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
One of the most popular holiday attractions in the region. This nighttime light experience transforms the Los Angeles Zoo into a glowing art walk filled with massive luminous animals, lanterns, and immersive light displays.
The Getty Center & The Getty Villa
Not a “holiday attraction” in the traditional sense, but both Getty locations host seasonal concerts, festive décor, and some of the most beautiful winter sunsets in L.A.
Aquarium of the Pacific – Aquarium Holidays & Breakfast with Santa
The Aquarium of the Pacific brings a festive splash to the season with Aquarium Holidays, running December 6–21. Guests can enjoy holiday décor, themed films, a Kwanzaa display, Hanukkah storytelling, and daily sightings of the fan-favorite Santa Diver. On weekends, Surfer Santa stops by for photos, adding a fun SoCal twist to the celebrations.
Families can also book Breakfast with Santa, a morning buffet in Café Scuba.
The Mission Inn Festival of Lights (Riverside)
This is a must-see. Millions of lights wrap the historic Mission Inn Hotel, with horse-drawn carriages, vendors, decorated streets, and photo ops everywhere. It gets busy — but for good reason.
Descanso Gardens – Enchanted Forest of Light
A magical, walk-through nighttime garden filled with illuminated art installations. It’s relaxing, stunning, and perfect for date nights.
Winter Fest OC (Costa Mesa)
Massive winter wonderland featuring snow play, ice tubing, holiday shows, larger-than-life décor, and a SoCal-style “North Pole Village.” Great for families and friend groups.
Davey’s Locker Holiday Lights Cruise (Newport Beach)
If you want something uniquely SoCal, trade the snow for the harbor and hop on a Davey’s Locker Holiday Lights Cruise in Newport Beach. These 75-minute cruises take you through Newport Bay, where bayfront homes, yachts, and waterfront businesses go all-out with millions of holiday lights and over-the-top décor as part of the Newport Beach “Ring of Lights” and Boat Parade celebrations.
Perfect for: Date nights, friend groups, and anyone who wants that “only in SoCal” combo of Christmas lights, ocean air, and hoodie weather instead of parkas.
Holiday Events & Seasonal Experiences
From waterfront parades to historic celebrations and special nighttime festivals, Southern California hosts a huge lineup of limited-time holiday events. These gatherings capture the heart of the season with music, lights, treats, and community moments you’ll want to make annual traditions.
Queen Mary Christmas (Long Beach)
The historic Queen Mary transforms into a holiday village with themed zones, live shows, skating, gingerbread displays, and holiday cocktails. It’s festive with a nautical twist.
Holidays at The Grove & The Americana
Outdoor shopping centers become mini holiday hubs with giant Christmas trees, snowfall moments, live music, and tons of seasonal displays. They’re free to walk around — but the snacks and drinks will tempt you.
Holiday Ice Rinks Across SoCal
Seasonal rinks pop up everywhere including Pershing Square (LA), Irvine Spectrum, and Ventura Harbor. Outdoor skating under palm trees in December? Only in SoCal.
Christmas at Griffith Park
Ride the vintage trains through decorated tunnels and light displays — especially fun for younger kids.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
One of the best holiday parades on water. Boats line the harbor covered in lights and festive decorations, creating a stunning nighttime show.
Free & Cheap Holiday Activities in SoCal
Not everything magical has to come with a big-ticket price. Southern California is packed with festive experiences that are totally free — or cheap enough to become your new annual tradition. Whether you're looking to save money, fill a cozy weekend, or just add a few extra outings to your holiday calendar, these are the best low-cost ways to celebrate.
Newport Beach Waterfront Walking Lights
If you don’t want to hop on a boat, the waterfront homes around Balboa Island and Newport Bay go massive with their decorations, and walking the neighborhood is completely free. You’ll see everything from decked-out mansions to themed docks and boats glowing in the distance.
Downtown Riverside – Mission Inn Festival of Lights (Free to Walk)
While vendors and treats cost extra, walking the decorated streets around the Mission Inn is totally free. With millions of lights and an entire downtown wrapped in holiday spirit, it’s one of the best free experiences in SoCal.
Old Town Temecula & San Diego Old Town Holidays
Both Old Town locations decorate their historic districts, add holiday décor, and host seasonal entertainment that you can enjoy without spending a dime (unless you’re tempted by food or shops… which you will be).
Redondo Beach & Manhattan Beach Holiday Lights
Walk the pier, enjoy nightly seaside displays, and catch the Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks if you time it right. It's classic SoCal winter: crisp breeze, glowing lights, and the sound of waves behind you.
Holiday Boat Parades (Free to Watch)
Almost every coastal city has one!
Newport Beach Boat Parade
Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Pick a spot along the water, bring a blanket, and enjoy floating Christmas displays for free.
Irvine Spectrum – Giant Tree & Light Displays
Parking is free, and walking the outdoor mall to take pictures with the massive tree, light tunnel, and decorations doesn’t cost anything. Ice skating and rides are optional add-ons.
The Grove & The Americana at Brand
Holiday décor, snowfall moments, huge trees, and tons of seasonal energy — all free to walk around. Perfect for families, couples, or grabbing holiday photos.
Local City Tree Lightings & Winter Festivals
Nearly every city offers a tree lighting ceremony or mini winter festival with live music, Santa meet-and-greets, and food vendors. Cities like Pasadena, Anaheim, Burbank, Riverside, and San Diego host some of the best, and most are completely free.
Griffith Park Holiday Train Rides (Low-Cost)
The LA Live Steamers and the Holiday Light Festival Train Ride offer inexpensive nighttime rides through decorated tunnels and displays. Tickets typically stay well under the cost of major attractions.
Venice Canals Holiday Lights
Take an evening stroll through the decorated Venice Canals — one of the best low-key holiday date nights in all of LA.
Final Thoughts
Southern California might not get snow, but it delivers holiday spirit in every other possible way. Whether you're looking for theme park magic, a festive attraction, or a community event, there's something unforgettable waiting for you this season. Bundle up (as much as a SoCal winter allows), grab a peppermint treat, and dive into the best holiday offerings the region has to offer.
For more holiday cheer check out our Universal Studios Grinchmas review! (coming soon)
