‘Tis the season for breathtaking light displays, festive light parades and more as SoCal gets into the holiday spirit. We’ve rounded up the best spots to see holiday lights throughout L.A.
Menorah and holiday tree lighting ceremonies
The Official City of Santa Monica Holiday Tree Lighting will take place Dec. 1 from 6-8 p.m on Third Street Promenade. The annual lighting ceremony of the 24-foot-tall holiday tree will include performances by local school groups, free photos with Santa and a snowy surprise. Santa Monica’s annual Menorah Lightings will take place nightly Dec. 18-25 beginning at sundown. FREE. downtownsm.com
Gather around the Fairmont Miramar‘s 150-year-old 80-foot high Morten Bay Fig Tree for their annual tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. The landmark tree will remain illuminated throughout the holidays. fairmont-miramar.com
Join Roundhouse Aquarium and the city of Manhattan Beach for the 33rd Annual Tree Lighting and Open House on Nov. 16 at the Manhattan Beach Pier. Celebrate the lighting of the aquarium with games, prizes, hot chocolate and cookies for all guests. FREE. roundhouseaquarium.org
The Promenade at Westlake will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 18, featuring a whimsical holiday show, fireworks, snow and a welcome from Santa Claus. Come early to shop the curated Holiday Market. shoppromenade.com
Hosted by Gloria Estefan, the 24th Annual A Home for the Holidays at The Grove on Nov. 20. The show will feature stories of adoption from foster care to raise awareness of this important issue. Other entertainment includes Andy Grammer and Kat McPhee and a fireworks show with the lighting of the 100-foot-tall white fir Christmas tree. thegrovela.com
Chabad Jewish Community of Pacific Palisades and Palisades Village present its annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 18. The celebration will close Swarthmore Street for musical entertainment, traditional light bites and blessings from Rabbi Zucche. FREE. palisadesvillageca.com
The Commons at Calabasas will host its annual Menorah Lighting ceremony on Dec. 21 with musical entertainment, kid-friendly activities and complimentary refreshments before the ceremony. shopcommons.com
Boat parades & coastal lights
The all-volunteer Huntington Harbor Boat Parade Dec. 10-11 features the theme “Swinging to the Sounds.” View the 60th annual parade from the local public beaches. Arrive early as parking is limited. FREE. hhboatparade.org
Dana Point Harbor hosts its 47th annual Boat Parade of Lights Dec. 9-11 with a “Surfin’ USA” theme. The rest of the harbor will be lit up, too, with its annual holiday light display consisting of more than 700,000 LED lights, including a giant whale sculpture and the crowd favorite Merry Kiss Me arch. FREE. danapointharbor.com
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights returns Dec. 16-17 with festive boat décor and carnival fun under the 2022 theme “Out of This World.” The boat parade will be followed by a grand fireworks finale. FREE. venturaharborvillage.com
Watch more than 50 electric Christmas trees and holiday decorations float along the bay beginning Nov. 25 at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Make it an extra magical evening with s’mores around the beach bonfire. Newport Dunes’ public fire pits are available on a first-come basis. The 32nd Annual Lighting of the Bay continues nightly through New Year’s Day. FREE. newportdunes.com
Join Huntington Beach for the 25th annual Light a Light of Love Pier Lighting on Dec. 4 at Pier Plaza. A parade on Main Street will be followed by the lighting ceremony, which benefits the Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter. FREE. surfcityusa.com
Immersive lights
Los Angeles Zoo’s nighttime winter attraction L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow will transform its grounds into an immersive landscape filled with spectacular lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees and more. The 90-minute stroll takes visitors on a journey through the animal kingdom, featuring LED-light displays, immersive exhibits, photo ops and more. Seasonal treats, like hot cocoa and churros, will be available for purchase. Nov. 18 – Jan. 22, 2022. $34; $27 for ages 2-12. lazoo.org
Descanso Gardens’ annual Enchanted Forest Of Light returns Nov. 20 – Jan. 8, 2023 featuring returning favorites like a town of “stained glass” creations built by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin, Flower Power on the Promenade and magical lighting effects in the Ancient Forest. $22-$40. descansogardens.org
Internationally acclaimed Lightscape will return to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. The after-dark, illuminated trail will span one mile and feature spectacular sights with eye-catching artistic installations that come alive at night with color, imagination and sound. Most nights Nov. 11-Jan. 8. $34-39; $15-$20 for ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and under. arboretum.org
Moment Factory and Fever present Astra Lumina, an immersive night walk experience through South Coast Botanic Gardens. The multi-sensory experience uses light, scenography, original soundscape and projection to spark emotion and plunge visitors of all-ages into an imaginative world. Dec. 8-Jan.15, 2023. $29; $20 for ages 4-12. astraluminalosangeles.com
