Create your ultimate holiday itinerary in East Los Angeles! Discover all the best festive events with our guide. Whether you know East Los Angeles like the back of your hand or are discovering it anew, our guide has the festive season covered.
One highlight of the holiday season is the Hollywood Christmas Parade, a dazzling spectacle filled with floats, musical performances, and celebrity appearances that bring the spirit of the season to life. You can also embrace the unique experience of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises, where beautifully decorated boats glide through the water, creating a magical atmosphere. And the Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring thrilling rides accompanied by holiday-themed entertainment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around East Los Angeles
- Hollywood Christmas Parade (Hollywood)
- Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises (Newport Beach)
- Knott’s Berry Farm Holiday Festivities (Buena Park)
- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia)
- Pershing Square’s Winter Holiday Festival (Los Angeles)
- Nightly Snow Flurries at The Grove (Los Angeles)
- Holidays at the Cube (Sylmar)
- South Lake Avenue Holidayfest (Pasadena)
- Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel (Laguna Niguel)
- Torrance Memorial Medical Center Family-Friendly Holiday Festival (Torrance)
See these and even more events listed below!
East Los Angeles Holiday Light Displays
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises
What to Expect:
Spectacular holiday light displays and decorated boats.
Description:
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises feature beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor, accompanied by stunning holiday light displays and a waterfront decorating competition.
Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday-themed areas with millions of lights and festive activities.
Description:
Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms into a dazzling holiday spectacle with over two million twinkling lights, world-class coasters, and themed areas like Glacier Point, Polar Bear Pass, and HollyRock Enjoy festive treats, meet Santa, and experience immersive holiday entertainment.
Where: Valencia | More Info: Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Nightly Snow Flurries at The Grove
What to Expect:
Artificial snowfall experience with a 100-foot Christmas tree.
Description:
The Grove transforms into a winter wonderland with nightly snowfalls, featuring a 100-foot Christmas tree, spirited photo moments at Santa's Workshop, and twinkling lights.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Nightly Snow Flurries at The Grove
Holiday Road
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with interactive installations and festive activities.
Description:
Holiday Road in Los Angeles features larger-than-life holiday installations, thousands of Christmas lights, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves, and countless candy canes. It offers an immersive mile-long walking trail with interactive photo moments, a festive souvenir shop, premium holiday bars, and top food trucks.
Where: Calabasas | More Info: Holiday Road
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Nation's largest holiday light collection.
Description:
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Festival of Lights is a cherished annual tradition featuring one of the nation's largest holiday light collections, attracting over 500,000 visitors each year.
Where: Riverside | More Info: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Festival of Lights
East Los Angeles Holiday Markets and Shopping
Torrance Memorial Medical Center Family-Friendly Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Unique blend of holiday shopping, entertainment, and family activities.
Description:
The Torrance Memorial Medical Center Family-Friendly Holiday Festival features beautifully decorated trees, entertainment, holiday gifts, children's activities, and a food court. Special ticketed events include a fashion show and dinner gala.
Where: Torrance | More Info: Torrance Memorial Medical Center Family-Friendly Holiday Festival
Mujeres Market
What to Expect:
Empowering women entrepreneurs through shopping and connections.
Description:
Mujeres Market is an event celebrating women in business, featuring shopping, connections, and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of survivors.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Mujeres Market
Westfield Century City Mall Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Curated gift shops and seasonal treats in a festive setting.
Description:
Westfield Century City Mall Holiday Market offers a variety of gift shops, holiday treats, and photo opportunities amidst a festive atmosphere with live performances and snowfall.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Westfield Century City Mall Holiday Market
West Coast Craft
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local artisanal goods in an outdoor setting.
Description:
West Coast Craft is an event featuring 150+ artist and designer craftspeople showcasing their work outdoors at ROW DTLA. The event offers a diverse array of handmade goods, including jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and more. It is free and open to the public, welcoming attendees of all ages and leashed pets.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: West Coast Craft
Unique Markets
What to Expect:
Curated marketplace showcasing independent designers and artists.
Description:
Unique Markets is an indoor, curated shopping event featuring a diverse selection of independent designers, artists, and small businesses selling handmade items, jewelry, home decor, furniture, stationery, and more. It fosters community engagement and supports local economies.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Unique Markets
Craft Contemporary’s Holiday Marketplace
What to Expect:
Unique handmade crafts and sustainable gift-wrapping techniques.
Description:
Craft Contemporary's Holiday Marketplace offers a curated selection of exceptional, one-of-a-kind contemporary craft and design by LA-based makers. The event features jewelry, ceramics, vintage and contemporary textiles, craft supplies, and homewares. Visitors can enjoy drinks, music, and participate in fun holiday workshops while supporting the mission and programming of Craft Contemporary.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Craft Contemporary’s Holiday Marketplace
Handmade Market Collective
What to Expect:
Annual community bazaar featuring unique, locally made goods.
Description:
The Handmade Market Collective is an annual community bazaar in Atwater Village, CA, showcasing unique specialty goods made by local makers. It provides a platform for creative entrepreneurs to sell their handcrafted items, promoting local talent and community engagement.
Where: Atwater Village | More Info: Handmade Market Collective
East Los Angeles Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Hollywood Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Iconic parade with legendary celebrities and charitable mission.
Description:
The Hollywood Christmas Parade is a cherished tradition that kicks off the holiday season with spectacular fanfare. Since its inception in 1928, the parade has been a cornerstone of the entertainment industry, drawing participation from legendary celebrities. The event features dazzling floats, marching bands, and performances that create unforgettable memories. It also carries a profound charitable mission, featuring Toys for Tots and other organizations that help underprivileged people during the holiday season.
Where: Hollywood | More Info: Hollywood Christmas Parade
Knott’s Berry Farm Holiday Festivities
What to Expect:
Winter wonderland-inspired decorations and world-class live entertainment.
Description:
Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into a classic holiday festival with thousands of twinkling lights, themed garland, and jumbo snowflakes. Enjoy Christmas shows, ice skating, and delectable holiday dining. Explore the Christmas Crafts Village and experience Santa’s Christmas Cabin.
Where: Buena Park | More Info: Knott’s Berry Farm Holiday Festivities
Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel
What to Expect:
Community celebration with diverse parade entries and Santa's visit.
Description:
The Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel is a vibrant community event featuring festive entries, marching bands, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Where: Laguna Niguel | More Info: Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel
South Lake Avenue Holidayfest
What to Expect:
Live music and holiday activities along South Lake Avenue.
Description:
South Lake Avenue Holidayfest is a family-friendly event featuring live music, in-store promotions, photos with Santa, holiday characters, cookie decorating, and more.
Where: Pasadena | More Info: South Lake Avenue Holidayfest
Candlelight Concert Series
What to Expect:
Live music performances in a candlelit setting.
Description:
Candlelight Concert Series features live music in a unique candlelit setting, offering a wide variety of themes and genres including classical, jazz, pop, and movie soundtracks.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Candlelight Concert Series
East Los Angeles Other Holiday Activities
Pershing Square’s Winter Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating with special events.
Description:
Pershing Square’s Winter Holiday Festival offers outdoor ice skating in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Enjoy 60-minute skating sessions with general admission including skate rental. The event features special events like weekly DJ Spotlight Nights and Learn to Curl sessions.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Pershing Square’s Winter Holiday Festival
Holidays at the Cube
What to Expect:
Interactive science exhibits and special events.
Description:
Holidays at the Cube features interactive science exhibits, special events, and educational programs designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for learning.
Where: Sylmar | More Info: Holidays at the Cube
Winter Fest OC
What to Expect:
Interactive farm and garden activities with educational workshops.
Description:
Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center offers a variety of activities, including farm garden workshops, food preservation classes, and chocolate truffle making. The event features a working farm with animals and crops, as well as a veterans museum, making it an ideal destination for family fun and educational enrichment.
Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Winter Fest OC
Olvera Street Mexican-American Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Traditional reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey with live music and festive treats.
Description:
Olvera Street's Las Posadas is a nine-night Christmas celebration reenacting Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem with traditional songs, colorful costumes, and vibrant music. Each night, the crowd gathers as shepherds ask for shelter at shops on Olvera Street, eventually being given shelter and celebrating with songs and treats.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Olvera Street Mexican-American Christmas Festival
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Boyle Heights (2 miles)
- Maywood (3 miles)
- Bell (3 miles)
- Monterey Park (4 miles)
- Montebello (4 miles)
- Huntington Park (4 miles)
- Bell Gardens (4 miles)
- Cudahy (4 miles)
- Los Angeles (5 miles)
- Pico Rivera (5 miles)
- South Gate (5 miles)
- Alhambra (6 miles)
- Florence-Graham (6 miles)
- Downey (6 miles)
- San Gabriel (6 miles)
- Echo Park (6 miles)
- South Pasadena (6 miles)
- West Whittier-Los Nietos (7 miles)
- Lynwood (7 miles)
- Rosemead (7 miles)
- Silver Lake (7 miles)
- South El Monte (7 miles)
- Koreatown (8 miles)
- Whittier (9 miles)
- Pasadena (9 miles)
- Temple City (9 miles)
- Willowbrook (9 miles)
- El Monte (9 miles)
- South Whittier (9 miles)
- Compton (9 miles)
- Paramount (9 miles)
- Westmont (9 miles)
- Glendale (9 miles)
- Norwalk (10 miles)
- Hollywood (10 miles)
- Bellflower (10 miles)
- Arcadia (11 miles)
- Inglewood (11 miles)
- Altadena (12 miles)
- La Mirada (12 miles)
- West Hollywood (12 miles)
- West Puente Valley (12 miles)
- Hacienda Heights (12 miles)
- Lennox (12 miles)
- Lakewood (12 miles)
- La Canada Flintridge (12 miles)
- Gardena (12 miles)
- Hawthorne (13 miles)
- La Puente (13 miles)
- Baldwin Park (13 miles)
- Culver City (13 miles)
- Cerritos (13 miles)
- Universal City (13 miles)
- Monrovia (13 miles)
- Valinda (13 miles)
- Burbank (13 miles)
- Beverly Hills (14 miles)
- West Covina (14 miles)
- Duarte (14 miles)
- Lawndale (14 miles)
- La Habra (14 miles)
- Buena Park (15 miles)
- Carson (15 miles)
- South San Jose Hills (15 miles)
- Studio City (15 miles)
- West Carson (16 miles)
- Rowland Heights (16 miles)
- North Hollywood (16 miles)
- Torrance (16 miles)
- Cypress (16 miles)
- Venice (17 miles)
- Manhattan Beach (17 miles)
- Covina (17 miles)
- Azusa (17 miles)
- Tujunga (17 miles)
- Brea (17 miles)
- Redondo Beach (17 miles)
- Walnut (18 miles)
- Fullerton (18 miles)
- Long Beach (18 miles)
- Lomita (18 miles)
- Sherman Oaks (18 miles)
- Santa Monica (18 miles)
- Stanton (18 miles)
- Glendora (19 miles)
- Van Nuys (19 miles)
- Valley Glen (20 miles)
- Anaheim (20 miles)
- Seal Beach (20 miles)
- Placentia (20 miles)
- Westminster (21 miles)
- Diamond Bar (21 miles)
- Encino (21 miles)
- San Pedro (21 miles)
- San Dimas (22 miles)
- Garden Grove (22 miles)
- Yorba Linda (23 miles)
- Rancho Palos Verdes (23 miles)
- North Hills (23 miles)
- San Fernando (23 miles)
- La Verne (24 miles)
- Chino Hills (24 miles)
- Pomona (24 miles)
- Orange (25 miles)
- Fountain Valley (25 miles)
- Northridge (25 miles)
- Santa Ana (26 miles)
- Claremont (26 miles)
- Woodland Hills (27 miles)
- Huntington Beach (27 miles)
- Canoga Park (27 miles)
- Tustin (28 miles)
- Chino (28 miles)
- Montclair (28 miles)
- North Tustin (28 miles)
- Calabasas (28 miles)
- Chatsworth (29 miles)
- West Hills (30 miles)
- Ontario (30 miles)
- Costa Mesa (30 miles)
- Upland (30 miles)
- Newport Beach (31 miles)
- Irvine (32 miles)
- Canyon Country (32 miles)
- Santa Clarita (33 miles)
- Agoura (33 miles)
- Rancho Cucamonga (34 miles)
- Eastvale (35 miles)
- Agoura Hills (35 miles)
- Corona (36 miles)
- Norco (36 miles)
- Jurupa Valley (38 miles)
- Lake Forest (38 miles)
- Valencia (38 miles)
- Palmdale (39 miles)
- Simi Valley (39 miles)
- Laguna Hills (39 miles)
- Glen Avon (39 miles)
- Thousand Oaks (39 miles)
- Laguna Beach (40 miles)
- Aliso Viejo (41 miles)
- Mission Viejo (41 miles)
- Rancho Santa Margarita (42 miles)
- Fontana (42 miles)
- Laguna Niguel (44 miles)
- Ladera Ranch (44 miles)
- Rubidoux (44 miles)
- Moorpark (44 miles)
- Bloomington (45 miles)
- Riverside (45 miles)