Los Angeles might not get snow, but it definitely knows how to celebrate the holidays. From glittering light displays and waterfront parades to festive concerts and outdoor ice-skating, the city transforms into a warm-weather winter wonderland every December.
If you’re planning a holiday outing — or an entire Christmas trip — here are the top events and activities in Los Angeles this 2025 season, complete with dates and helpful links.
✨ Dazzling Light Displays & Holiday Spectacles
Enchant Christmas LA
📅 November 21 – December 28, 2025
📍 Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
Enchant isn’t just a light display — it’s an immersive Christmas world. Wander through a giant illuminated maze, skate under the stars, ride a Ferris wheel, shop a holiday village, or snap a picture with Santa himself.
🔗 https://enchantchristmas.com/los-angeles
LA Zoo Lights
📅 Through early January 2026
The L.A. Zoo comes alive at night with glowing animal lanterns, vibrant tunnels of light, and interactive displays. It’s one of the most family-friendly holiday events in the city.
🔗 https://lazoo.org
Grand Illuminations – Downtown LA
📅 Opens December 3, 2025
Downtown Los Angeles kicks off its annual holiday lights celebration with art installations, massive LED sculptures, festive markets, and live entertainment. It’s perfect for an evening holiday stroll with friends or family.
🔗 https://www.discoverlosangeles.com
⛸️ Outdoor Ice Skating in the Heart of LA
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink
📅 November 20, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Skate in the middle of downtown surrounded by skyscrapers and twinkling lights. This iconic rink is a must-do for both locals and visitors.
🔗 https://holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
LA Kings Holiday Ice at LA Live
📅 December 2025 – January 2026
Another beloved rink — and one with a little more nightlife energy. Expect music, lights, and a festive city-center atmosphere.
🔗 https://www.lalive.com
🚤 Waterfront Christmas Parades
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
📅 Saturday, December 13, 2025 — 6:00PM
Watch dozens of brilliantly decorated boats cruise through the marina, all themed for the season — this year’s theme is “A Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Grab a hot drink, pick a viewing spot, and settle in for a magical night.
🔗 https://www.mdrboatparade.org
Port of Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade
📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025 — 6:00–8:00PM
Head to San Pedro to see illuminated boats parade through the harbor. Great viewing spots include Banning’s Landing and West Harbor.
🔗 https://www.portofla.org
🎭 Concerts, Performances & Holiday Culture
Holiday Sing-Along at Walt Disney Concert Hall
📅 December 13, 2025
A beloved LA holiday tradition. The entire hall joins together to sing Christmas classics accompanied by a choir, jazz ensemble, and the venue’s iconic pipe organ.
Expect festive extras like cocoa and crafts for kids.
🔗 https://www.laphil.com
Cinespia Holiday Movie Night
📅 Saturday, December 13, 2025
Celebrate the season with an indoor holiday screening — often films like Elf — in a historic LA theatre. There’s a DJ, festive backdrops, and a lively holiday crowd.
🔗 https://cinespia.org
The Nutcracker Ballet
📅 Various performances throughout December 2025
Multiple dance companies across LA present this timeless holiday favorite, often between December 19–28 and earlier in the month at different venues.
🔗 Check local listings: https://www.losangeles-theatre.com
🎁 Holiday Markets & Local Shopping
Los Feliz Flea Holiday Market
📅 December 19–21, 2025
📍 1030 Alpine St., Los Angeles
This festive flea features handmade goods, artisan crafts, vintage finds, food vendors, and plenty of holiday charm — perfect for picking up one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.
🔗 https://thelosfelizflea.com
🌟 Tips for Enjoying Christmas in Los Angeles
- Buy tickets early. Enchant, Zoo Lights, and skating rinks often sell out weekends.
- Dress warmly at night. LA evenings can dip into the low 50s — chilly without a jacket.
- Plan for traffic. December evenings can be especially busy around Dodger Stadium, LA Zoo, LA Live, and the marina.
- Perfect for families: Zoo Lights, boat parades, Enchant.
- Great for date night: Ice skating at LA Live, Grand Illuminations, or Disney Hall concerts.