12 Annual Holiday Happenings in Los Angeles this Season

As sure as Hallmark is to put out a cheesy holiday romance every year, Angelenos can rely on these annual events to get into the holiday spirit. We’ve collected a few that light us up.

Enchanted Forest of Light

• La Cañada Flintridge
• Now - January 4
• This annual display sits at the intersection of garden, art gallery, and magic. Stroll through incredible incandescent installations with a hot chocolate in hand, and even catch live music on December 10 and 11.

Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink

• Downtown LA
• November 20 - January 11
• Pershing Square’s annual ice skating rink features daily skating and special events. Curling lessons on Saturdays, anyone? Check out other annual rinks in Santa Monica (November 7 - January 19), at LA Live in Downtown LA (November 28 - January 10), and at The Hill in Hollywood Hills (November 30 - January 5).

‍Candy Cane Lane(s)

• Altadena
• November - December
• You may have a specific “Candy Cane Lane” in mind, but let us assure you that there are many throughout LA. We’re highlighting Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane this year because of their long-standing tradition (105 years!). However, you can also check out other neighborhoods decorated to the max: Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills, Sleepy Hollow in Torrance, Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo, Upper Hastings Ranch Holiday Light-Up in Pasadena, and Wakefield Court in Santa Clarita.

Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch

• Calabasas
• November 28 - December 27
• Fans of holiday lights won’t miss this expansive walk-through experience featuring larger-than-life illuminated displays and thousands of twinkling lights. Along with food trucks and  vendors, there will be multiple holiday bars offering seasonal cocktails.

Hollywood Christmas Parade

• Hollywood
• November 30
• Running for a whopping 93 years, this parade is the Christmas parade of LA. Featuring stunning floats, marching bands, and even celeb-spotting, this tradition is a cornerstone of the SoCal holiday season. 

The Nutcracker at Dolby Theatre

• Hollywood
• December 12 - 28
• The Los Angeles Ballet graces us annually with its production of The Nutcracker featuring original choreography, set design, and costume design that add a SoCal twist. Come for the classic score, stay for the mouse king riding a tricycle.

Deck the Hall Holiday Concert

• Downtown LA
• December 13
• Each year Walt Disney Concert Hall’s sing-along concert draws would-be carolers from across the region to join together in song. Harmonize (or not) with hundreds of other music lovers accompanied by live music.

Hanukkah in Santa Monica

• Santa Monica
• December 14-21
• Every night of Hanukkah you’ll find a menorah lighting at Third Street Promenade. Each lighting event is hosted by a different community group, complete with their own unique programming.

Matzoball

• West Hollywood
• December 24
• With the distinction of being the “Number 1 Holiday Party of the Year” according to USA Today, Matzoball has been in the game for 38 years helping Jewish singles connect. This year’s ball will be held on Christmas Eve, of course, at Skybar.

LA County Holiday Celebration

• Downtown LA
• December 24
• Since 1959, this annual free holiday celebration has delighted Angelenos from near and far. This year’s program features a variety of performing arts groups representing the many cultures of the county’s diverse residents. Catch it in person at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion or at home via local public television or livestream.  

Kwanzaa Gwaride Parade & Festival

• Leimert Park
• December 26
• Known as the oldest Kwanzaa parade in the world, this year marks the 49th annual parade and festival. The first day of Kwanzaa begins with a parade down Crenshaw Blvd and ends with a festival in Leimert Park featuring performances and vendors celebrating Pan-African culture. 

Lula Washington Dance Theatre’s Kwanzaa Festival

• South Los Angeles
• December 27-28
• This annual Kwanzaa festival includes three days of dance by youth dancers and adult professionals highlighting the seven principals of Kwanzaa. This year will be the 45th anniversary of this popular cultural event.