Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families

There are so many Christmas events and holiday activities to help families enjoy the season around Los Angeles and Orange County. Keep checking our Holiday Activities Guide for all of your family's holiday season needs (and whims!).

Looking for a tree? A Nutcracker performance? The best neighborhoods to see Christmas lights? Where to donate gifts? What to do on Christmas Day? All that and more is in our Holiday Guide.

Holiday Activities and Events
Try sock skating at Kidspace Winter Frolic. Photo by Jamie Pham courtesy of the Museum
16 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Los Angeles for Kids
Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. Photo courtesy of the train
Best Polar Express Train Rides & Christmas Trains in Los Angeles
Enchanted: Forest of Light. Photo by Kathryn Rapier, courtesy of the event.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Los Angeles
Ice skate and ride the Ferris wheel at Irvine Spectrum Center. Photo by Allen Ling
Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Los Angeles for Kids and Families
Los Angeles Ballet's gorgeous Nutcracker production soars. Photo by Reed Hutchinson
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Los Angeles
Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah with Kids: Hanukkah Gifts, Fun Crafts, and a Little History

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Holiday Fun at Home
Armed with our giant list of Christmas crafts, you'll keep kids busy until the New Year!
101 Fun Christmas Crafts and Games for Kids to Do at Home
We’ve tested out dozens of Christmas cookie recipes over the years, and these are the very best.
10 Best Christmas Cookies to Bake with Kids (Easy, Fun, and Festive Recipes for Families)
It's just not Christmas until you hear Mariah Carey's
50 Best Christmas Songs for Kids
Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas movies filled with Santa, elves, and reindeer.
A Charlie Brown Christmas and More Kids' Holiday Movies to Watch This Holiday Season
Christmas jokes for kids make the season a bit jollier all around!
25 Christmas Jokes for Kids and Holiday Riddles
Uh-oh! The elf tangled up your tree lights! Photo by Mark Baylor, courtesy of Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
50 Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas for 2025: Easy & Funny Ideas to Delight Kids

Latest Christmas/Hanukkah News

Orlando isn't known for getting snow, but visitors to Cross Christmas can experience
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Orlando
We've gathered Orlando homes with dazzling Christmas lights!
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View Nights of Lights in St. Augustine by land or sea. Photo courtesy of FloridasHistoricCoast.com
Nights of Lights, St. Augustine, Florida: What to Know Before You Go
Come see the lights this holiday season.
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Kids love meeting Santa at The Santa Workshop Experience, full of holiday magic. Photo by the author
Best Places to Take Pictures with Santa in Orlando
Take pictures with Santa in Orlando for lasting memories.
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Dazzling Nights is back at Leu Gardens with its dazzling winter wonderland of lights. Photo by Creative City Project
33 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Orlando for Kids
Enjoy Santa sightings, holiday parades, and more in Orlando.
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Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!
These amazing places are giving out free toys for kids this holiday season.
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Seaside, FL transforms into a lovely Christmas village, complete with carolers, Santa, and more, during the holiday months! Photo courtesy Seaside, Florida
Christmas Towns & Festive Hotels Near Orlando that Will Blow Your Mind
Discover the most magical Christmas towns and festive hotels near Orlando!
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