From sweet, neighborhood traditions like Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo and Woodland Hills to large, immersive holiday installations, like Holiday Road in Calabasas or Enchant in Arcadia, there are plenty of places in and around L.A. to enjoy holiday lights this winter.
1. Imaginarium: Zenthara
5 p.m. – 11 p.m. through Jan. 4, 2026 | Lakewood Center
Imaginarium’s Zenthara lights up Lakewood with storybook gardens, glowing forests, and thrilling circus shows.
Imaginarium’s first indoor-outdoor exhibit, Zenthara will offer picture-perfect moments through surreal storybook realms brought to life with millions of lights and cutting-edge creativity. Guests will wander through romantic rose gardens blooming in gradient pinks and pastels; pass through a heart tunnel lit with warm hues; cross a misty Swan Lake; and enter a golden Sunflower Garden with a wish-making windchime wall. In the Fluorescent Forests, each grove will glow in a different color theme, from yellow to blue to pink and more, while interactive installations will invite visitors to bounce on illuminated spheres or doodle across projection walls. The experience also features nightly performances from John’s Adrenaline Circus, a high-energy fusion of traditional circus flair and extreme sports.
2. Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. select nights through Jan. 31 | South Coast Botanic Garden
The immersive night walk experience returns to South Coast Botanic Garden. Stroll along an enchanted 1-mile night walk, guiding visitors of all ages on a journey to discover the wonder of visiting stars.
3. Lights on The Lily Pond
5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., nightly through Jan. 4, 2026 | Beverly Gardens Park
Nightly, every 15 minutes from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., enjoy Lights on The Lily Pond, an incredible holiday light show at the City’s Beverly Gardens Park by the iconic Beverly Hills sign. Then stroll Rodeo Dr. and enjoy holiday window displays, festive photo ops and iconic palm trees lit up for the holidays.
4. LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
6 p.m. – 10 p.m., through Jan. 11, 2026 | Los Angeles Zoo
This light-filled walk-through experience is back with larger-than-life animal-themed 3D light sculptures, themed nights, hot cocoa and churros, appearances by Santa and plenty of photo ops.
5. Dream Glow Lights Festival
4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. through Dec. 31 | Wild Rivers
This holiday season, Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine transforms into a luminous winter wonderland for the Dream Glow Lights Festival, an all-new immersive light experience making its West Coast debut Nov. 14 – Dec. 31. Guests will journey through glowing pathways featuring handcrafted light sculptures that reimagine holiday tales, mythical creatures and fantastical worlds.
Highlights include the dazzling Christmas Wonderland, the fiery Realm of Dragons, and the oceanic Under the Sea tunnel. Visitors can enjoy interactive installations like an infinite mirror maze and illuminated dance floor, along with immersive photo opportunities throughout the park—from the glowing Arctic Snow Village to larger-than-life lantern displays—perfect for capturing magical holiday memories. Guests can also indulge in festive eats & treats, featuring themed food, holiday snacks, and seasonal drinks.
6. Enchanted Forest of Light
5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. through Jan. 4, 2026 (closed Dec. 24-25) | Descanso Gardens
At nighttime, Descanso Gardens is transformed into a winter wonderland with its interactive light installments. Families can enjoy walking around the gardens to observe stained glass cottages by Tom Fruin, dazzling sculptures by HYBYCOZO, the Flower Power experience along the Promenade, and the Ancient Forest. Families can also ride on the Descanso railroad, decorated with holiday lighting.
For two nights only, from Dec. 10-11, guests can enjoy craft cocktails and live music from a six-piece yacht rock band called Yachty by Nature.
7. Enchant Christmas
4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., through Dec. 28 | Santa Anita Park
This new immersive holiday adventure features the World’s Largest Light Maze, a sparkling ice skating trail, snow slide, live entertainment, theme nights, photos with Santa, holiday treats and more.
8. Winter Fest OC
Through Jan. 4, 2026 | OC Fair & Event Center
Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival, returns to Costa Mesa on select dates through Jan. 4. Experience the magic of the holiday season with dazzling lights, fresh snow, thrilling attractions, live entertainment and festive activities for families, couples and holiday lovers of all ages. Guests can enjoy unlimited ice tubing, real snow play, immersive experiences, live entertainment, seasonal food & drinks, countless photo opportunities, and much more as the OC Fair and Event Center is transformed into a magical winter wonderland.
9. 35th Annual Lighting of the Bay and the Fire & Lights Festival
4 p.m. – 9 p.m. through Jan. 4, 2026 | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina announces the return of its beloved holiday traditions with the 35th Annual Lighting of the Bay and the Fire & Lights Festival. The Fire & Lights Festival runs Thursday through Sunday evenings through January 4, 2026. The Lighting of the Bay illuminates the water nightly at dusk throughout the season with more than 50 floating trees and festive displays.
10. Grand Illuminations
Dec. 3 – Jan. 4, 2026 | California Plaza
L.A.-based artist Liquid PXL transforms The Yard at Cal Plaza into an illuminated holiday wonderland. From dazzling Electric Dandelions to a towering LED light tree, The Yard at Cal Plaza glows nightly through Jan. 4, 2026. The Opening Night Celebration on Dec. 3 features live entertainment, Holiday Gift Fair by Goddess Mercado and community countdown at 5 p.m. as the plaza lights up the night.
Grand Illuminations is proudly supported by Grand Performances, Plaza Commons, Inc., and the DTLA Alliance.
11. River of Lights Holiday Show
Dec. 3 – 31 | Central Park
The City of Santa Clarita invites residents to enjoy a brand-new holiday light show now illuminating the River of Lights at Central Park (27150 Bouquet Canyon Road). Running nightly from dusk to 10 p.m. through New Year’s Eve, the seasonal display adds even more color, movement and festive charm to the community.
The River of Lights Holiday Show incorporates vibrant reds and greens, shimmering candy cane effects and soft Hanukkah blues, all woven between the existing programming. Holiday-themed sequences appear frequently throughout the evening, so if you are enjoying Central Park, snap a photo and share with #RiverofLights!
12. Holiday Light Show Spectacular
6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Dec. 3 – Jan. 1, 2026 | 3901 Longview Valley Rd., Sherman Oaks
Lights on Display, one of Los Angeles’ most beloved and anticipated holiday traditions returns with an all-new 15-minute spectacular featuring custom-built animatronics, dazzling lights, and fan-favorite holiday characters.
Winner of ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight, Lights on Display is renowned for its handcrafted artistry and immersive musical choreography of lights. This year’s presentation reunites beloved characters including Frosty, Crystal, Snowy, DJ Jingles, and Santa, all performing a selection of holiday hits. Shows run Wednesday through Sunday from 6-9 p.m. each week throughout the season.
New for 2025, visitors will experience computer-controlled search lights sweeping the night sky, adding a dynamic new element visible from blocks away. As in previous years, Lights on Display will be collecting donations on behalf of the American Lung Association, continuing its tradition of supporting community health and charitable giving.
13. Luminaria Nights 2025
6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Dec. 5 – 20 | California Botanic Garden
Southern California winter spectacular with art, food and drink, and live music for the whole family returns to California Botanic Garden weekends Dec. 5-20.
Come find your glow this winter during Luminaria Nights at California Botanic Garden. This winter lights experience is like no other in Southern California, featuring peaceful luminarias, food and drink, and live music at three beautifully illuminated musical venues.
14. Christmas Tree Lane
5 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., Dec. 9 – Jan. 5, 2026 | Christmas Tree Lane, Altadena
For the 105th year, Santa Rosa Avenue’s deodar towering cedar trees illuminate with thousands of twinkling lights. See the lights and decorations along Santa Rosa Avenue, between Woodbury Avenue and Altadena Drive. Lights are on Dec. 6-Jan. 7, 2026 from 5:30 p.m.-midnight along Santa Rosa Avenue.
15. Holiday Lights Train Ride
5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Dec. 9 – Jan. 11, 2026 | Griffith Park
Holiday Lights Train Ride returns to Griffith Park with its festive 10-minute trip around a mile-long loop decorated with thousands of lights and holiday scenes.
This all-ages holiday tradition also features a gift kiosk and winter-themed, open-air photo ops.
16. Upper Hastings Ranch Association Holiday Light Up
6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Dec. 9 – 31 | Upper Hastings Ranch
Upper Hastings Ranch’s holiday tradition returns for its 74th year, featuring community walking events, local bands and elaborate holiday light displays. The beloved Pasadena tradition pays tribute to the 80 homes lost in the Eaton Fire with 80+ illuminated stars posted throughout the neighborhood.
17. Holiday Road
5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Dec. 11 – 28 | King Gillette Ranch
In this immersive holiday experience for the whole family take the self-guided walking trail past larger than life holiday installations, thousands of twinkling lights, live carolers and more. Plus, enjoy food trucks and vendors selling holiday treats and drinks.
18. 49th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks: “Let It Glow”
4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Dec. 12 – 13 | Ventura Harbor Village
From 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. witness magnificent twinkling boats amid festive décor at the 49th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks. The vibrant procession from a distance will light up Ventura Harbor sky with more than two dozen decorated boats per night is a spectacle to behold. Visitors from near and far are invited to kick off this year’s “Let It Glow” themed boat parade that pays homage to all things bright.
Starting at 4 p.m. family fun is on tap with carnival and kids rides, live roaming entertainers, professional bubble show, waterfront dining, and boutique shopping at Ventura Harbor Village. From 5:30 p.m. on, faux snowfall & pop-up entertainment along the Ventura Harbor Village Promenade At 6:30 p.m. “Let it Glow” on the water with a myriad of decorative boats cruising twice through the harbor, competing for top prized while showcasing a luminous array of lights as part of the 49th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights and Fireworks. At 8 p.m. immerse in breathtaking fireworks finale that illuminates the sky following the parade each evening near Harbor Cove Beach in the Ventura Harbor. (weather permitting).
19. OC Parks’ Holiday Lights
5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Dec. 12 – 14 | Heritage Hill Historical Park
Explore the historical buildings decked out with dazzling light displays and seasonal décor. Snap festive pictures at holiday-themed photo opportunities throughout the park. Pets are welcome to join the festivities outdoors on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Please note that additional entertainment and refreshments will not be available during Holiday Lights.
20. 6th Annual Holiday Lights Tour & Contest
5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Dec. 12 – 28 | Westchester
See the best outdoor holiday decorations on neighborhood homes in Westchester and Playa del Rey and vote for your favorite.
Drive yourself to see the amazing outdoor decorations on about 20 participating neighborhood homes and then vote for your favorite. View the homes from Dec. 12-28 each night from 5-9 p.m. You can vote online before 9 p.m. on Dec. 28, the last day of the Tour.
21. Candy Cane Lane
5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Dec. 13 – 23 | Candy Cane Lane – El Segundo
El Segundo’s annual tradition returns for its 76th year. See the brightly decorated homes, yards and trees with beautiful seasonal displays along the 1200 block of East Acacia Avenue, also known as El Segundo’s Candy Cane Lane.
The neighborhood tradition kicks off Dec. 13 with Santa’s arrival at 7 p.m. and the holiday displays will be up through Dec. 23.
