The 12 best holiday events in LA for 2026, from Winterland at The Grove to the free L.A. County Holiday Celebration, rechecked in July 2026.
The most talked-about LA holiday event is Winterland at The Grove, with its fully lit 110-foot Christmas tree and live music. For something quieter, walk the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens. For a free, all-ages tradition, the L.A. County Holiday Celebration at the Music Center runs every December 24 at no cost.
December is peak holiday season in LA, with events running the full range from free civic traditions to ticketed light shows. Most of the events below return every year around the same window, we've rechecked which are still running and flagged the one that changed names since this guide first ran.
A one-mile nighttime walk through illuminated paths and Christmas-themed music inside Descanso Gardens. Confirmed returning for the 2026 holiday season.
The Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square returned for the 2025-26 season after a three-year hiatus, with daily skating plus live music and festive programming in the heart of Downtown LA.
King Gillette Ranch turns into a glittering walking trail each December, with life-size gingerbread houses, oversized ornaments, and twinkling light tunnels. Now in its fifth year and still running.
LA's most popular outdoor shopping mall turns into a winter wonderland every December, with live music performances and a fully lit 110-foot Christmas tree as the centerpiece.
The historic Alex Theatre hosts holiday theatrical performances every winter, including its long-running World Ballet Series Nutcracker, with elaborate sets and costumes.
The LA Zoo's holiday event lights up the grounds with illuminated animal sculptures, lanterns, and animated displays. Don't miss the wisteria tunnel and the glowing ring swings for photos. Confirmed returning for the 2025-26 holiday season.
Santa Monica's Winterlit series includes a menorah lighting at sundown for Hanukkah and a dedicated pet night where you can bring your dog for an Instagram photo with Santa.
Street Food Cinema's holiday series screens Christmas classics like Elf, Love Actually, and Home Alone at Heritage Square Museum, with sing-alongs and Victorian house tours before each show.
This three-hour showcase of music, choirs, and dance runs every December 24 from 3 to 6pm at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, free and open to the public. It marked its 67th year in 2026, one of LA's longest-running free holiday traditions.
Rancho Palos Verdes' seasonal outdoor rink, previously known as Skating in the Park, now runs under the name Skating by the Sea. Alongside skating, the event includes festive programming through December, including an Ugly Sweater Day.
Six Flags Magic Mountain layers holiday lighting, a traveling toy soldier troupe, and live holiday music and DJs over its regular rides, including Full Throttle. Special visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus round out the season.
One of LA's most dazzling neighborhood light displays, this Woodland Hills tradition dates back to 1952, with residents competing each year to outdo one another's decorations. Expect a slow-moving line of cars on busy nights.
Winterland at The Grove draws the biggest crowds, with its 110-foot Christmas tree and free entry to the shopping center's holiday programming.
The L.A. County Holiday Celebration at the Music Center is free every December 24, a three-hour show of music, choirs, and dance that's been running for over 60 years.
It returned for the 2025-26 season after a three-year break. Check holidayicerinkdowntownla.com to confirm before planning a visit.
It's been renamed Skating by the Sea, but it's the same event at the same civic-center location, including Ugly Sweater Day.
Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills is the classic pick, a tradition of competing home light displays dating back to 1952.