The Holidays in Los Angeles

2021-12-15

Los Angeles, or ‘La La Land’ as it is nicknamed, is a sprawling metropolis filled with adrenaline-fueled theme parks, quaint cafe-lined, star-studded streets, iconic beaches, dazzling light displays, and classic Christmas music concerts. It’s like a powerhouse of entertainment, one that accommodates people of all tastes.

Planning on spending your Christmas in Los Angeles? Well, we’ve lined up a couple of events and activities you can participate in to jumpstart a trip you’ll remember for a lifetime.

 

The Elf on The Shelf’s Magical Holiday

Location: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, United States

Hours: 4:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Tickets: https://tickets.elfontheshelfjourney.com

With Christmas Spirit at an all-time low, Santa’s sleigh breaks down, and he is forced to make a quick landing. Santa’s Scout Elf Tiny Tinkerman and the other elves scurry around to find human help to get their sleigh back in order. Join the elves in their quest to help Santa fix his ride so he can get right back to delivering Christmas gifts to all those who’ve been nice.

The immersive theatrical adventure comes complete with jolly rides, a visit to the open-air ice rink, and gift shopping at the Christmas Village. You’ll get to create your very own magical keepsake!

Save Christmas and explore one of the best Christmas events in Los Angeles this holiday season by going on The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Journey.

 

Enchanted Forest of Light 

Location: 1418 Descanso Drive, LA Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Tickets: https://68138.blackbaudhosting.com/68138/page.aspx?pid=196&tab=2&txobjid=969fbc9f-89a2-4d9d-9840-4dd6fec15f80

The Enchanted Forest of Light is an ethereal nighttime experience set in Descanso Gardens, an extensive landscape embellished by collections of native plants and trees, vast woodlands and rose gardens. The lush forest comes alive in a dazzling display of lights and remarkable sound effects. The event features a one-mile walk through the forest. Allowing you to experience displays like Flower Power on the Promenade and Tom Fruin’s kaleidoscopic stained-glass inspired house in the Rose Garden.

Not to mention popular zones include Flower Power with its splendid carpet of radiant tulips, Rainbow Sycamores with light tubes, and Starlight Garden with spiky light fixtures. Visitors can also enjoy the accompaniment of tranquil music and delicious food varieties to delight all of their senses.

 

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Location: Newport Beach

Hours: Begins at approximately 6:30 p.m., December 15 to December 19, 2021

Tickets: https://christmasparadeboats.com/reservations.html

Newport Beach Boat Parade of Light is the best place to witness the festive season’s exquisite lights and decor.

Over 1.5 million people make their way here every year to view the five-day-long boat parade at Christmas time. The ships and the million-dollar bayfront estates alongside Newport Harbor are bedecked with lights and a sight to behold. Viewing is free of cost. However, if you wish to go on a 75-minute-long cruise for the complete experience. You can rent out a vessel from Newport Landing’s fine selection of boats, ships, and yachts that accommodate every budget. Some of the boats have delightful features like indoor salons and bars.

Not to mention paired with the exceptional Ring of Lights, Newport Beach Boat Parade is definitely one of the must-visit holiday events in LA.

 

Holiday Time at Disneyland

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Location: 1313 Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA

Hours: Usually starts at 10 a.m. Offers multiple tours daily.

Tickets: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/

Disneyland’s ‘Holiday time at Disneyland’ is a guided tour that lets you explore the rich holiday history of the merriest place on earth. All guests who have a valid ticket for the tour and a separate theme park reservation get priority access to ‘It’s a Small World Holiday’ and ‘Haunted Mansion Holiday’ and get reserved seating for the exceptional ‘A Christmas Fantasy parade.

What’s more? In addition to a Disneyland pin, guests also receive dessert samples, gingerbread and hot chocolate in collectible plastic mugs. A great way to commemorate the festive season, wouldn’t you say?

Dodgers Holiday Festival

Dodgers Holiday Festival

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Location: Dodger Stadium

Hours: Weekdays: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Weekends: 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. November 26 to 31.

Tickets: https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/tickets/holiday-festival/consent

The Los Angeles Dodgers Holiday Festival transforms Dodger Stadium into a winter wonderland. Get set for an interactive experience replete with holiday surprises and festive delight.

Guests can walk along the warning track surrounded by light tunnels, climb into a bounce house, enjoy live holiday music, and gather keepsakes. You can also get clicked with Santa in the bullpen and ice skate in the middle of the center field.

The holiday-themed scenic light displays and the food and merch at the expanded Centerfield Plaza add to the holiday vibe and experience.

 

LA Zoo Lights

LA Zoo Lights

Holidays in Los Angeles

Location: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Hours: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/la-zoo-lights-tickets/artist/2824081

LA Zoo Lights offers a spectacular range of light displays and mosaic-like decor inspired by the zoo’s wild residents. A disco ball forest, glowing animals, and the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook are part of the offering. A twinkling tunnel with swirls of color, a shimmering wall of lights complete with giant glittering snowflakes, Chinese lanterns, the LAIR, and 3D animated projects are some of the attractions.

If you’re visiting with little ones, be sure to watch the animated ‘the Lion King’ puppet show-an an experience kids will cherish for a lifetime.  Lastly the Lightscapes Water Showwith a water screen accompanied by videos, laser lights, and dancing wateris an impressive display not to be missed!

 

Union Station Holiday Festival & Artisan Market

Union Station Holiday Festival

Holidays in Los Angeles

Location: Union Station, South Patio

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, December 4.

Tickets: Free of cost. No tickets are required.

This holiday market at the South Patio boasts a wide selection of holiday season gifts from over thirty unique vendors. With an incredible range of live music, food, and wine, the Union Station Holiday Festival & Artisan Market is the right spot for impromptu holiday shopping. From handmade glassware to bath and body products, and timeless jewelry, there’s lots to explore here even as local bands provide live entertainment.

Young visitors can enjoy performances by the Amazing Kid Company, play games, and win prizes. The Union Station Holiday Festival & Artisan Market sure has something to offer everyone that comes it’s way.

So which spot will you visit first to kickstart your Holidays in Los Angeles this year?


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