Here's your perfect guide to the holidays in El Monte! Find all the top festive events and attractions. For El Monte natives and holiday travelers, our guide ensures everyone enjoys the season's best.
Popular Events: Experience the magic of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Festival of Lights, where dazzling displays and festive decorations create a captivating atmosphere. Enjoy delicious treats and holiday cheer at Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park, featuring thrilling rides adorned with seasonal decor. And the holiday spirit at Knott's Merry Farm is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering charming tree lighting ceremonies and seasonal entertainment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around El Monte
- Knott's Merry Farm (Buena Park)
- Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park (Valencia)
- Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (San Diego)
- Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Festival of Lights (Riverside)
- December Nights (San Diego)
- HapPIER Holidays at Pier 39 (San Francisco)
- Holiday Road (Calabasas)
- Winter Wonderland (Santa Cruz)
- Santa’s Village (Lake Arrowhead)
- Winter Lights (Santa Ana)
See these and even more events listed below!
El Monte Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Road
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with interactive installations and festive activities.
Description:
Holiday Road is an immersive holiday event in Los Angeles featuring larger-than-life holiday installations, thousands of Christmas lights, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves, and countless candy canes. The event takes place at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, offering an ADA-accessible walking trail with seating and rest stops. It is a family-friendly activity that includes interactive photo moments, a festive souvenir shop, and premium holiday bars.
Where: Calabasas | More Info: Holiday Road
Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light displays and themed areas.
Description:
Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms into a dazzling holiday spectacle with millions of twinkling lights, immersive themed areas, and festive entertainment. Guests can enjoy distanced greetings from holiday characters, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and indulge in a variety of holiday-inspired foods and treats.
Where: Valencia | More Info: Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Nation's largest holiday light collection with over 4.5 million lights.
Description:
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa's Festival of Lights is a cherished annual tradition featuring over 4.5 million twinkly lights, hundreds of animated figures, and festive decorations. It attracts over 500,000 visitors each year, making it one of the nation's largest holiday light collections.
Where: Riverside | More Info: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Festival of Lights
Christmas Tree Lane
What to Expect:
Historic holiday light display along a two-mile stretch of homes.
Description:
Christmas Tree Lane is a century-old tradition where North Van Ness Boulevard in Fresno's Fig Garden is transformed into a spectacular display of over two million lights and festive decorations. Visitors can drive the two-mile stretch from Shields to Shaw, enjoying the holiday spirit and community spirit.
Where: Fresno | More Info: Christmas Tree Lane
Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza
What to Expect:
Elaborate home decorations by residents.
Description:
The Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza, also known as Candy Cane Lane, is a spectacular holiday light display in Torrance's Seaside Ranchos neighborhood. Residents have elaborately decorated their homes for over 40 years, creating a wildly extravagant and festive atmosphere. Visitors can walk or drive through the neighborhood to revel in the sights, sounds, and scents of the season.
Where: Torrance | More Info: Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza
El Monte Holiday Markets and Shopping
Merry Weekend in Healdsburg
What to Expect:
Live musical performance by The Sugarplums and a holiday night market.
Description:
Celebrate the holidays in Healdsburg with the annual Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting. Enjoy a winter evening downtown with carriage rides, live music, and a holiday night market featuring local vendors offering jewelry, home goods, food, and decorations.
Where: Healdsburg | More Info: Merry Weekend in Healdsburg
El Monte Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Knott's Merry Farm
What to Expect:
Beloved ice show starring Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang.
Description:
Knott's Merry Farm is a holiday celebration featuring winter wonderland-inspired decorations, thousands of twinkling lights, and miles of themed garland. Enjoy Christmas shows, a beloved ice show, and delectable holiday dining food. The event includes a Christmas Crafts Village and a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Buena Park | More Info: Knott's Merry Farm
Winter Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and festive activities.
Description:
Winter Lights is a holiday musical spectacular featuring an enchanting story of a young inventor and her sister, blending hope, resilience, and magic. The show includes original songs and unique characters, set against the backdrop of the Aurora Borealis. The event also includes interactive light displays, a holiday-themed tunnel walkthrough, and festive activities.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Winter Lights
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
What to Expect:
Rich cultural tapestry of Mexican Christmas traditions.
Description:
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico is a vibrant show that weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a heartwarming story of the season. Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande bring the joyous rhythms of mariachi and the colorful spectacle of Mexican dance to life, capturing the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas.
Where: Rancho Cucamonga | More Info: Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Stargazer’s Presents Tibbies’ Holiday Follies
What to Expect:
Nostalgic holiday variety show with tap dancing and vocal arrangements.
Description:
Celebrating its 31st Christmas season, Tibbies' Holiday Follies is a nostalgic and joyful holiday variety show featuring tap dancing, breathtaking vocal arrangements, dazzling costumes, and high-energy dance numbers. Inspired by classic TV specials, this show brings a sense of family togetherness and Christmas spirit with beloved holiday hits performed by a multi-talented cast of entertainers and musicians.
Where: Rancho Cucamonga | More Info: Stargazer’s Presents Tibbies’ Holiday Follies
Christmas on the Wharf
What to Expect:
Free weekend live entertainment and Santa visits at a festive holiday event.
Description:
Christmas on the Wharf in Monterey features live entertainment, dazzling decorations, and Santa visits at Old Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoy holiday musical performances, beautiful holiday lights, and festive activities for all ages.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Christmas on the Wharf
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
What to Expect:
Whimsical adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic tale with live music and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a whimsical musical based on the classic Dr. Seuss book, featuring songs like "Santa for a Day," "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," and "Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze)." The show transforms the Old Globe Theatre into snow-covered Who-ville, celebrating the holiday spirit with a delightful cast of characters.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
December Nights
What to Expect:
Multicultural holiday celebration with international cuisine and live music.
Description:
December Nights is a two-day celebration in Balboa Park featuring a Family Zone with free photos with Santa, lights displays, musical performances, attractions, and delicious food from over 30 countries.
Where: San Diego | More Info: December Nights
Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass
What to Expect:
Exceptional musical talent and campy humor.
Description:
Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass is a heartwarming event that combines exceptional musical talent, campy humor, and a celebration of diversity, bringing the community together and fostering inclusivity.
Where: Sacramento | More Info: Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass
Candy Cane Lane Parade
What to Expect:
Live announcing and live streaming during the parade.
Description:
The 78th Annual Candy Cane Lane Parade is a festive holiday event featuring floats, trucks, bands, dancers, and more parading down Main Street in Downtown Visalia. The parade route includes live announcing and live streaming, ensuring a joyful experience for all.
Where: Visalia | More Info: Candy Cane Lane Parade
El Monte Other Holiday Activities
Festival of Winter
What to Expect:
Snow sledding and photo opportunities with Santa.
Description:
The Festival of Winter at Miller Park features train rides, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. Enjoy snow sledding and watch your little one play in the Tot Lot for the first time.
Where: Fontana | More Info: Festival of Winter
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Unique holiday event with beautifully decorated trees and local artisans.
Description:
The Festival of Trees is a free family event featuring over 46 beautifully decorated holiday trees, 50 local craft vendors and artisans, delicious holiday treats, free kids' activities, local holiday dance performances, and Santa. Children can create holiday cards and crafts to take home and visit Santa for a photo.
Where: Riverside | More Info: Festival of Trees
Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed rides and decorations along the beach.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at the beach with select Boardwalk rides, festive holiday decorations, and delicious treats.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Winter Wonderland
HapPIER Holidays at Pier 39
What to Expect:
Vibrant celebrations with sea lion and tulip-themed activities.
Description:
HapPIER Holidays at Pier 39 features a variety of special events, including the Sea Lion Anniversary and Tulipmania, creating a lively atmosphere with something for everyone.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: HapPIER Holidays at Pier 39
Santa’s Village
What to Expect:
Pre-assigned Santa reservations and exclusive gift box.
Description:
Santa’s Village offers a festive holiday experience with exclusive activities, including a visit with Santa, cookie decorating, and an exclusive gift box containing stories, letters, ornaments, and more.
Where: Lake Arrowhead | More Info: Santa’s Village
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- South El Monte (2 miles)
- Rosemead (3 miles)
- Temple City (3 miles)
- West Puente Valley (4 miles)
- Baldwin Park (4 miles)
- San Gabriel (5 miles)
- Arcadia (5 miles)
- Valinda (5 miles)
- West Covina (5 miles)
- Monterey Park (5 miles)
- La Puente (6 miles)
- Duarte (6 miles)
- Monrovia (6 miles)
- Alhambra (6 miles)
- Montebello (6 miles)
- Whittier (6 miles)
- Hacienda Heights (6 miles)
- West Whittier-Los Nietos (7 miles)
- Pico Rivera (7 miles)
- South Pasadena (8 miles)
- Covina (8 miles)
- South San Jose Hills (8 miles)
- Azusa (8 miles)
- South Whittier (8 miles)
- Pasadena (9 miles)
- East Los Angeles (9 miles)
- Rowland Heights (9 miles)
- Walnut (10 miles)
- Bell Gardens (10 miles)
- Altadena (10 miles)
- Glendora (10 miles)
- Boyle Heights (10 miles)
- La Mirada (10 miles)
- La Habra (11 miles)
- Maywood (11 miles)
- Downey (11 miles)
- Bell (11 miles)
- Cudahy (12 miles)
- Norwalk (12 miles)
- Los Angeles (12 miles)
- Diamond Bar (13 miles)
- Brea (13 miles)
- Huntington Park (13 miles)
- La Canada Flintridge (13 miles)
- San Dimas (13 miles)
- South Gate (13 miles)
- Echo Park (13 miles)
- Bellflower (14 miles)
- Silver Lake (14 miles)
- Glendale (14 miles)
- Buena Park (14 miles)
- Lynwood (14 miles)
- Florence-Graham (14 miles)
- Paramount (15 miles)
- Cerritos (15 miles)
- Fullerton (15 miles)
- La Verne (15 miles)
- Koreatown (16 miles)
- Pomona (16 miles)
- Lakewood (16 miles)
- Chino Hills (16 miles)
- Compton (16 miles)
- Placentia (16 miles)
- Willowbrook (17 miles)
- Hollywood (17 miles)
- Anaheim (17 miles)
- Cypress (17 miles)
- Yorba Linda (17 miles)
- Claremont (18 miles)
- Burbank (18 miles)
- Westmont (18 miles)
- Stanton (18 miles)
- West Hollywood (19 miles)
- Universal City (19 miles)
- Montclair (19 miles)
- Tujunga (20 miles)
- Chino (20 miles)
- Inglewood (20 miles)
- Gardena (20 miles)
- Lennox (21 miles)
- Garden Grove (21 miles)
- North Hollywood (21 miles)
- Beverly Hills (21 miles)
- Culver City (21 miles)
- Hawthorne (21 miles)
- Westminster (21 miles)
- Ontario (22 miles)
- Upland (22 miles)
- Studio City (22 miles)
- Orange (22 miles)
- Carson (22 miles)
- Lawndale (22 miles)
- Long Beach (23 miles)
- West Carson (23 miles)
- Seal Beach (23 miles)
- Torrance (24 miles)
- Santa Ana (24 miles)
- Sherman Oaks (25 miles)
- North Tustin (25 miles)
- Rancho Cucamonga (25 miles)
- Tustin (25 miles)
- Fountain Valley (25 miles)
- Lomita (25 miles)
- Venice (25 miles)
- Manhattan Beach (25 miles)
- Van Nuys (25 miles)
- Valley Glen (26 miles)
- Redondo Beach (26 miles)
- Santa Monica (27 miles)
- Eastvale (28 miles)
- San Pedro (28 miles)
- San Fernando (28 miles)
- Encino (28 miles)
- Huntington Beach (28 miles)
- North Hills (29 miles)
- Norco (29 miles)
- Corona (30 miles)
- Jurupa Valley (30 miles)
- Irvine (30 miles)
- Costa Mesa (30 miles)
- Rancho Palos Verdes (30 miles)
- Northridge (31 miles)
- Glen Avon (31 miles)
- Newport Beach (32 miles)
- Woodland Hills (34 miles)
- Canoga Park (34 miles)
- Fontana (34 miles)
- Lake Forest (35 miles)
- Canyon Country (35 miles)
- Chatsworth (35 miles)
- Calabasas (35 miles)
- Palmdale (36 miles)
- Rubidoux (36 miles)
- Bloomington (36 miles)
- Laguna Hills (36 miles)
- West Hills (36 miles)
- Santa Clarita (37 miles)
- Riverside (37 miles)
- Rialto (38 miles)
- Mission Viejo (38 miles)
- Rancho Santa Margarita (38 miles)
- Aliso Viejo (39 miles)
- Laguna Beach (39 miles)
- Colton (41 miles)
- Agoura (41 miles)
- Ladera Ranch (41 miles)
- Laguna Niguel (42 miles)
- Valencia (42 miles)
- San Bernardino (42 miles)
- Agoura Hills (43 miles)
- Loma Linda (44 miles)
- Lancaster (44 miles)
- San Juan Capistrano (44 miles)