Get pumped for the festive season in Koreatown! Our guide highlights all the top holiday events and activities. From those who know Koreatown's secrets to those eager to uncover them, this guide ensures a magical holiday season.
Popular events include the dazzling Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood, where guests can enjoy themed attractions and enchanting decorations. Their festive atmosphere is complemented by special holiday shows. The Queen Mary Christmas is another captivating experience, featuring a variety of seasonal activities like ice skating and holiday markets. And definitely don't forget Winter Fest OC, where visitors can enjoy an array of winter activities, from light displays to festive games. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Koreatown
- 91st Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade (Los Angeles)
- Knott's Merry Farm (Buena Park)
- Riverside Festival of Lights (Riverside)
- Queen Mary Christmas (Long Beach)
- Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal City)
- Winter Fest OC (Costa Mesa)
- LA County Holiday Celebration (Los Angeles)
- Mariah Carey Merry Christmas One And All (Hollywood)
- Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square (Los Angeles)
- Grinchmas - Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal City)
See these and even more events listed below!
Koreatown Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Road
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with interactive installations and festive activities.
Description:
Holiday Road is a premier 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 includes an immersive mile-long walking trail, interactive photo moments, a festive souvenir shop, premium holiday bars, and top food trucks.
Where: Calabasas | More Info: Holiday Road
LA Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
LA Zoo Lights features immersive wildlife-inspired lantern displays, interactive experiences, and festive photo opportunities amidst a nature-focused holiday celebration.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: LA Zoo Lights
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling drive-through holiday lights with iconic characters and scenes.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over a mile of spectacular light displays, including larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie, supersized Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas. Guests can enjoy their favorite holiday scenes and characters from the comfort of their own vehicles.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Magic of Lights
Enchanted Forest of Light - Descanso Gardens
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and ambient music in a botanical garden setting.
Description:
Descanso Gardens transforms into a spectacular display of light and color with Enchanted Forest of Light, featuring interactive installations, ambient music, and whimsical botanical artscapes.
Where: La Cañada Flintridge | More Info: Enchanted Forest of Light - Descanso Gardens
Holiday in the Park - Six Flags Magic Mountain
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with synchronized lights and themed areas.
Description:
Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms into a dazzling holiday destination with over two million twinkling lights, world-class coasters, and family attractions. Enjoy immersive themed areas, festive eats, and seasonal entertainment.
Where: Valencia | More Info: Holiday in the Park - Six Flags Magic Mountain
Holiday Road - Los Angeles
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. Guests can enjoy an immersive mile-long walking trail, interactive photo moments, a festive souvenir shop, premium holiday bars, and top food trucks. The event also includes live Santa photos, carolers, face painting, and a Winter Market.
Where: Calabasas | More Info: Holiday Road - Los Angeles
Riverside Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Nation's largest holiday light collection with over 4.5 million lights.
Description:
The Riverside Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa 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: Riverside Festival of Lights
Holiday Lights Cruise - Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Spectacular holiday light displays on various watercraft.
Description:
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade features beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through the harbor, offering a spectacular display of holiday lights and decorations.
Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Holiday Lights Cruise - Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Astra Lumina - South Coast Botanic
What to Expect:
Immersive light and sound experience with celestial themes.
Description:
Astra Lumina is an immersive night walk experience at the South Coast Botanic Garden, featuring light, scenography, and original soundscape to create an imaginative journey among celestial pathways.
Where: Palos Verdes Peninsula | More Info: Astra Lumina - South Coast Botanic
Lighting of the Bay - Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
What to Expect:
First-time ice skating rink addition to the Fire & Ice Festival.
Description:
The Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina transforms the serene, waveless bay into a vibrant winter scene with over fifty holiday light displays floating on the bay. The event features holiday crafts, festive food and concessions, photos with Santa, and a holiday movie on the beach. Additionally, an ice skating rink and a holiday tree lot with farm-fresh trees from Oregon are available.
Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Lighting of the Bay - Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Koreatown Holiday Markets and Shopping
Los Angeles Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of European traditions and local artisans.
Description:
The Los Angeles Christmas Market at ROW DTLA offers a diverse array of seasonal favorites, including soft pretzels, hot chocolate, and local artisan handicrafts. The event blends European traditions with cultural heritage, providing a unique holiday shopping experience amidst twinkling lights and family-friendly activities.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Los Angeles Christmas Market
Koreatown Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Interactive theatrical onboard entertainment with Santa and his helpers.
Description:
Relive the classic holiday story of The Polar Express on a real train ride, featuring hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa.
Where: Perris | More Info: The Polar Express Train Ride
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday-themed experiences with thrilling attractions.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Universal Studios Hollywood with immersive themed experiences, thrilling attractions, and special events that bring the magic of the season to life.
Where: Universal City | More Info: Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
Holiday Tree Lighting - Center City Bishop Ranch
What to Expect:
Live music and Santa visits with dramatic tree lighting.
Description:
The Holiday Tree Lighting at City Center Bishop Ranch features live music from the Monte Vista High School Band and SideNote a cappella singers, performances by Diablo Ballet, and visits with Santa Claus. The event includes a spectacular tree lighting ceremony and roaming entertainers like jugglers and stilt walkers.
Where: San Ramon | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting - Center City Bishop Ranch
Queen Mary Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed events and exhibits on a historic ocean liner.
Description:
The Queen Mary Christmas event offers a variety of festive activities and entertainment, including themed decorations, live music, and special exhibits. Guests can explore the ship's historic spaces while enjoying holiday-themed events and attractions.
Where: Long Beach | More Info: Queen Mary Christmas
Knott's Merry Farm
What to Expect:
Beloved ice show starring the Peanuts Gang.
Description:
Knott's Merry Farm is a holiday celebration featuring winter wonderland-inspired decor, thousands of twinkling lights, and festive activities for families. Enjoy Christmas shows, a beloved ice show starring the Peanuts Gang, and delectable holiday dining options. The event also includes a Christmas Crafts Village and Santa's Christmas Cabin.
Where: Buena Park | More Info: Knott's Merry Farm
Grinchmas - Universal Studios Hollywood
What to Expect:
Whimsical holiday celebration with Grinch and friends.
Description:
Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood features a whimsical celebration with the Grinch and his friends, offering a delightful holiday experience with decorations, characters, and special activities.
Where: Universal City | More Info: Grinchmas - Universal Studios Hollywood
91st Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Iconic parade with legendary celebrities and charitable mission.
Description:
The 91st Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade is a star-studded event featuring legendary celebrities, dazzling floats, marching bands, and performances that create unforgettable memories. It also carries a profound charitable mission, collecting toys and donations for underprivileged children.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: 91st Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade
Aloha Everywhere Concert Series: Hawaiian Christmas Show
What to Expect:
Hawaiian music celebration with Grammy-winning artists.
Description:
Celebrate Hawaiian culture with Na Leo Pilimehana, a legendary group celebrating 40 years of music, and special guests FAIVA, in a festive holiday show featuring 3x GRAMMY Winner Kalani Pe‘a.
Where: Downey | More Info: Aloha Everywhere Concert Series: Hawaiian Christmas Show
Mariah Carey Merry Christmas One And All
What to Expect:
Legendary singer's holiday concert with iconic hits.
Description:
Mariah Carey brings her iconic holiday hits to the Hollywood Bowl, featuring over 20 festive standards and a special performance of her most famous earworm.
Where: Hollywood | More Info: Mariah Carey Merry Christmas One And All
A Chanticleer Christmas
What to Expect:
Grammy-winning a cappella choral music performance.
Description:
Chanticleer, a Grammy-winning vocal ensemble, presents a classic holiday program of a cappella choral music with stunning clarity and precision.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: A Chanticleer Christmas
Home Alone: In Concert
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of John Williams' iconic score.
Description:
The Los Angeles Philharmonic presents a live concert of John Williams' score from the holiday classic "Home Alone," conducted by David Newman. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. This event is a delightful blend of humor and heart, perfect for the entire family.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Home Alone: In Concert
LA County Holiday Celebration
What to Expect:
Diverse lineup of L.A.-based artists showcasing talent and traditions.
Description:
The LA County Holiday Celebration is a free, three-hour live event featuring diverse performances by choral groups, dance troupes, and local artists, celebrating the rich cultures of Los Angeles County.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: LA County Holiday Celebration
Koreatown Other Holiday Activities
Winter Fest OC
What to Expect:
Interactive farm exhibits and live music.
Description:
Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center features farm-fresh fun with live music, family activities, and educational exhibits, making it an ideal destination for all ages.
Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Winter Fest OC
Santa's House & North Pole - Skypark at Santa's Village
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa visits with a nostalgic North Pole setting.
Description:
Visit Santa in his cozy North Pole Cabin, where the fire is always warm and memories last a lifetime. Check out Santa's mailbox to send in your list or write a thank-you note for the gifts you received last year. Just outside, feel the icy North Pole and watch it glow with the Northern lights.
Where: Lake Arrowhead | More Info: Santa's House & North Pole - Skypark at Santa's Village
Photos with Santa - Westfield Topanga
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly Santa visit with trained staff and professional photographers.
Description:
At Photos with Santa - Westfield Topanga, families can enjoy a sensory-friendly Santa visit in a calm and inclusive environment. Trained staff and volunteers support guests with special needs, ensuring each child or adult receives the attention they deserve. Professional photographers capture beautiful moments with Santa, reflecting each family's unique personality and holiday spirit.
Where: Woodland Hills | More Info: Photos with Santa - Westfield Topanga
Photos with Santa - The Shops at Santa Anita
What to Expect:
Personalized Santa photos in a festive shopping environment.
Description:
Capture cherished moments with Santa at The Shops at Santa Anita, where holiday cheer meets delightful shopping and dining.
Where: Arcadia | More Info: Photos with Santa - The Shops at Santa Anita
Santa's Village - Irvine Park Railroad
What to Expect:
Free-to-enter holiday activities with festive lights and decorations.
Description:
Santa's Village at Irvine Park Railroad offers a variety of festive activities including ice fishing, cookie decorating, and Rudolph Racers. Visitors can enjoy thousands of sparkling Christmas lights and participate in various photo opportunities. Food and snacks are available, including hot chocolate and coffee. Although reservations are required for the Christmas Train, Santa's Village is free to enter and offers many fun holiday activities.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Santa's Village - Irvine Park Railroad
Christmas Train - Irvine Park Railroad
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday train ride with Santa Claus.
Description:
The Christmas Train at Irvine Park Railroad is a family-friendly event where guests take a ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. Children can share their wish lists and have their photos taken. The train journey includes colorful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as a visit to the North Pole.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Christmas Train - Irvine Park Railroad
Santa Ana Winter Village
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in Southern California.
Description:
The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long celebration featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and special events like a toy giveaway and breakfast with Santa.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Santa Ana Winter Village
Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square
What to Expect:
Unique outdoor ice skating experience in downtown LA.
Description:
The Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square offers outdoor ice skating in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Sessions are 60 minutes long, and general admission includes skate rental. Special events like weekly DJ Spotlight Nights and Learn to Curl sessions add to the excitement.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square
Holidays on the Farm - Gilchrist Farms
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with live music and local vendors.
Description:
Gilchrist Farm's Holidays on the Farm event offers free admission and parking, featuring Santa visits, festive parades, goat milking demonstrations, pig races, and an artisan marketplace with handmade holiday gifts. Activities include a festive petting zoo, caroling wagon rides, and various seasonal crafts.
Where: Santa Clarita | More Info: Holidays on the Farm - Gilchrist Farms
Winterland by Caruso - The Grove
What to Expect:
Interactive activations and live entertainment in an open-air environment.
Description:
Winterland by Caruso at The Grove features interactive activations, live entertainment, and limited-time pop-ups, creating a dynamic and exclusive experience.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Winterland by Caruso - The Grove
Family Art Workshop: Holiday Edition - The Muckenthaler
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday art activities for families.
Description:
The Family Art Workshop: Holiday Edition at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center offers free family-friendly activities, live music, food and drinks, art workshops for kids, and an arts and crafts sale.
Where: Fullerton | More Info: Family Art Workshop: Holiday Edition - The Muckenthaler
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Silver Lake (3 miles)
- Echo Park (3 miles)
- Hollywood (3 miles)
- Los Angeles (3 miles)
- West Hollywood (4 miles)
- Boyle Heights (6 miles)
- Beverly Hills (6 miles)
- Culver City (6 miles)
- Universal City (6 miles)
- Glendale (6 miles)
- Huntington Park (7 miles)
- Florence-Graham (7 miles)
- Inglewood (7 miles)
- East Los Angeles (8 miles)
- Westmont (8 miles)
- Maywood (8 miles)
- Studio City (8 miles)
- Burbank (9 miles)
- Bell (9 miles)
- South Gate (9 miles)
- Lennox (9 miles)
- North Hollywood (9 miles)
- Cudahy (9 miles)
- South Pasadena (10 miles)
- Willowbrook (10 miles)
- Lynwood (10 miles)
- Monterey Park (10 miles)
- Hawthorne (10 miles)
- Venice (10 miles)
- Alhambra (10 miles)
- Sherman Oaks (11 miles)
- Bell Gardens (11 miles)
- Pasadena (11 miles)
- Santa Monica (11 miles)
- San Gabriel (11 miles)
- Montebello (12 miles)
- La Canada Flintridge (12 miles)
- Gardena (12 miles)
- Compton (12 miles)
- Lawndale (12 miles)
- Van Nuys (12 miles)
- Valley Glen (12 miles)
- Downey (13 miles)
- Pico Rivera (13 miles)
- Rosemead (13 miles)
- Altadena (13 miles)
- Encino (13 miles)
- Tujunga (13 miles)
- Manhattan Beach (14 miles)
- Paramount (14 miles)
- Temple City (14 miles)
- West Whittier-Los Nietos (14 miles)
- South El Monte (15 miles)
- Redondo Beach (15 miles)
- Torrance (16 miles)
- El Monte (16 miles)
- Carson (16 miles)
- Bellflower (16 miles)
- North Hills (16 miles)
- Arcadia (16 miles)
- Whittier (16 miles)
- West Carson (16 miles)
- Norwalk (17 miles)
- South Whittier (17 miles)
- Lakewood (17 miles)
- San Fernando (17 miles)
- Northridge (18 miles)
- Lomita (18 miles)
- Monrovia (18 miles)
- West Puente Valley (19 miles)
- Woodland Hills (19 miles)
- La Mirada (19 miles)
- Cerritos (19 miles)
- Duarte (19 miles)
- Hacienda Heights (20 miles)
- Baldwin Park (20 miles)
- Canoga Park (20 miles)
- La Puente (20 miles)
- Valinda (20 miles)
- Calabasas (21 miles)
- West Covina (21 miles)
- Long Beach (21 miles)
- Buena Park (22 miles)
- West Hills (22 miles)
- Chatsworth (22 miles)
- La Habra (22 miles)
- Rancho Palos Verdes (22 miles)
- San Pedro (22 miles)
- Cypress (22 miles)
- South San Jose Hills (23 miles)
- Azusa (23 miles)
- Rowland Heights (23 miles)
- Covina (24 miles)
- Seal Beach (25 miles)
- Stanton (25 miles)
- Brea (25 miles)
- Walnut (25 miles)
- Fullerton (25 miles)
- Glendora (26 miles)
- Agoura (26 miles)
- Westminster (27 miles)
- Santa Clarita (27 miles)
- Anaheim (27 miles)
- Canyon Country (27 miles)
- Agoura Hills (28 miles)
- Placentia (28 miles)
- Diamond Bar (28 miles)
- Garden Grove (28 miles)
- San Dimas (28 miles)
- Yorba Linda (30 miles)
- La Verne (31 miles)
- Simi Valley (31 miles)
- Fountain Valley (31 miles)
- Chino Hills (31 miles)
- Pomona (31 miles)
- Thousand Oaks (32 miles)
- Orange (32 miles)
- Valencia (32 miles)
- Huntington Beach (32 miles)
- Santa Ana (33 miles)
- Claremont (33 miles)
- Tustin (35 miles)
- Montclair (35 miles)
- Chino (35 miles)
- North Tustin (35 miles)
- Costa Mesa (36 miles)
- Moorpark (37 miles)
- Newport Beach (37 miles)
- Ontario (37 miles)
- Upland (37 miles)
- Palmdale (38 miles)
- Irvine (38 miles)
- Rancho Cucamonga (41 miles)
- Eastvale (43 miles)
- Camarillo (44 miles)
- Corona (44 miles)
- Norco (44 miles)