From boat parades to giant Christmas trees to illuminated botanical gardens, there are plenty of family-friendly places to see holiday light displays in L.A. this year. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots to experience a little holiday magic.
Immerse yourself in dazzling lights at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden’s third season of Lightscape. From Nov. 17-Jan. 2, artistic installations, including the Dancing Palms and fan-favorite Winter Cathedral, come alive after dark with lights, color and sound. Stay for treats from the food truck and, on select nights, visits from Santa. $23-$32 for adults; $10-$18 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and under. arboretum.org
Celebrate the magic of the holidays at LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow. This immersive light exhibit featuring lantern sculptures, vibrant interactive displays and festive holiday photo ops. L.A. Zoo Lights will also have roaming live entertainment and holiday treats like hot cocoa and churros. $29 for adults ages 13 and up; $18 for children. lazoo.org
Enchanted Forest of Light returns to Descanso Gardens this holiday season with magical light displays and installations. From Nov. 19-Jan. 7, immerse yourself in hanging light installations under the oak trees, a new route through the Rose Garden, HYBYCOZO’s 3D geometric sculptures, a glowing field of “meadow grass” and more. $30-$45 for adults; $20-$30 for ages 2-12; free for ages 2 and under. descansogardens.org
Winter Fest OC returns to the OC Fair and Event Center Nov. 24-Jan. 7. SoCal’s largest winter festival features an outdoor ice-skating trail, ice-tubing slide, play area with real snow, an all-new holiday market, a tree-lighting show and plenty of photo ops among the illuminated holiday backdrops and attractions. $39.99 and up. winterfestoc.com
Take a walk through the cosmos from Nov. 9 through Dec. 31 at Astra Lumina, the enchanted night walk experience inspired by our night sky, at South Coast Botanic Garden. The mile-long trail through the garden uses projections, music and lights to create a celestial journey. Recommended for ages 4 and up. $28.80 and up. astralumina.com
Fantasy meets holiday cheer at Imaginarium, an all-ages holiday light experience at the Fairplex in Pomona. From Nov. 17 through Jan. 7, families are invited to walk through a labrynth of mirrors, enchanted forests, a fairytale garden and more. The 1.5-mile trail features Christmas trees, balloon drops, synchronized music and lights, daily circus included with admission, and on site food, beverages and holiday treats. $21 and up; free for ages 3 and under. imaginarium360.com
Take a trip down Holiday Road, a self-guided illuminated walking trail at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. From Nov. 24 through Dec. 27 families are invited to experience holiday lights, interactive photo moments, live carolers, face painting, winter market, food trucks, holiday bar for the grownups and more. $29.99 and up. holidayroadusa.com
Catch the 33rd annual Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes Nov. 24 through Jan. 1. The bay transforms into a winter wonderland with its nightly boat parade featuring over 50 holiday light displays on the water. FREE. visitnewportbeach.com
Marina del Rey celebrates its 61st annual Holiday Boat Parade on Dec. 9 with a full day of festivities leading up to the parade. From 10 a.m. to 5:55 p.m. enjoy food, music and shopping at Burton Chase Community Park. At 5:55 p.m. watch spectacular fireworks, which kick off the parade, featuring 2-hours of decorated boats. FREE. mdrboatparade.org
Newport Beach hosts their 115th annual Christmas Boat Parade Dec. 13-17. Grab a reservation at one of the restaurants along the parade route for prime viewing, or watch from Balboa Village. FREE. christmasboatparade.com
Experience Los Angeles Union Station as a winter wonderland this holiday season. Displays of trees, wreaths and glistening lights culminate in a 30-foot tree covered in twinkling lights and ornaments on the station’s South Patio. Catch the magic 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Dec. 25. unionstationla.com
