Discover the best holiday events in South Whittier! Explore all the must-see festive highlights with our guide. Whether South Whittier is your home or your holiday stop, our guide highlights the top seasonal events.
This season, the Riverside Festival of Lights transforms the area with its stunning light displays and festive atmosphere, drawing many visitors. The Queen Mary Christmas features a unique blend of maritime charm and holiday cheer, offering activities that engage the whole family. And the Santa Ana Winter Village is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its enchanting holiday market and ice skating. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around South Whittier
- Riverside Festival of Lights (Riverside)
- Queen Mary Christmas (Long Beach)
- Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square (Los Angeles)
- Santa Ana Winter Village (Santa Ana)
- Polar Express Train Ride (Perris)
- LA Zoo Lights (Los Angeles)
- Magic of Lights (Los Angeles)
- Holidays on Main Street - Yorba Linda (Yorba Linda)
- Holidayfest - City of Pasadena (Pasadena)
- Christmas Parade & Santa's Village - Pleasant Valley Recreation & Parks District (Camarillo)
See these and even more events listed below!
South Whittier Holiday Light Displays
Riverside Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Nation's largest holiday light collection with live music and activities.
Description:
The Riverside Festival of Lights features millions of holiday lights, live music, rides, and attractions at the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Enjoy photo opportunities, food vendors, and interactive workshops amidst holiday-themed decorations in the downtown area.
Where: Riverside | More Info: Riverside Festival of Lights
LA Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with interactive wildlife-inspired lantern displays.
Description:
LA Zoo Lights features an immersive landscape with dazzling new lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and glowing rivers, creating a nature-focused holiday celebration that is both inspiring and breathtaking.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: LA Zoo Lights
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling drive-through holiday lights with interactive displays.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over 2 million sparkling lights, including larger-than-life displays of Holiday Barbie, Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs. The event offers a variety of festive scenes and characters, making it a great family entertainment value.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Magic of Lights
South Whittier Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holidayfest - City of Pasadena
What to Expect:
In-person raffle with live announcements at Macy’s Courtyard.
Description:
Holidayfest Shop, Dine & Win on South Lake Avenue is a community-driven event where guests can shop and dine at local businesses in Pasadena, with a chance to win prizes by submitting receipts from in-person purchases.
Where: Pasadena | More Info: Holidayfest - City of Pasadena
South Whittier Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Queen Mary Christmas
What to Expect:
Historic ship transformed into a festive holiday venue.
Description:
The Queen Mary Christmas event offers a variety of festive activities and entertainment, including holiday-themed tours, special dining options, and unique shopping experiences. Guests can explore the ship's historic spaces decorated with seasonal decorations and enjoy a range of holiday events.
Where: Long Beach | More Info: Queen Mary Christmas
Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling with Santa Claus and onboard entertainment.
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride in Southern California is a holiday event where families can relive the classic story of Chris Van Allsburg's "The Polar Express." Passengers board a real train, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and meet Santa Claus, who gives each guest a silver sleigh bell.
Where: Perris | More Info: Polar Express Train Ride
The Nutcracker - Downey Theatre
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet, featuring Tchaikovsky's timeless score, is a delightful tale of a young girl's special Christmas. At a fun-filled family party, Clara receives a Nutcracker doll, which comes to life in her dreams. She witnesses an epic battle between mice and toys and embarks on a magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, where she dances with her Prince and meets the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy.
Where: Downey | More Info: The Nutcracker - Downey Theatre
Candlelight Concert
What to Expect:
Live classical music in a candlelit setting.
Description:
Candlelight Concerts feature live classical music performances in a candlelit setting, offering a unique and intimate experience with a wide variety of themes and genres.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Candlelight Concert
South Whittier Other Holiday Activities
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 at 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 festive atmosphere.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square
Holidays on Main Street - Yorba Linda
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday event with over 70 vendors and local talent shows.
Description:
Join us for a family-friendly holiday celebration on historic Main Street in Yorba Linda, featuring local artisans, live music, a petting zoo, and more.
Where: Yorba Linda | More Info: Holidays on Main Street - Yorba Linda
Breakfast with Santa - City of Santa Ana
What to Expect:
Breakfast with Santa Claus in a festive setting.
Description:
Join Santa Ana Winter Village for a special morning with Santa Claus, enjoying a delicious breakfast cooked by the Santa Ana Lions Club. This event is a delightful way to get into the holiday spirit.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Breakfast with Santa - City of Santa Ana
Christmas Parade & Santa's Village - Pleasant Valley Recreation & Parks District
What to Expect:
Holiday parade and shopping village with food trucks and Santa photo opportunities.
Description:
The Camarillo Christmas Parade & Santa's Village features a festive holiday parade along Las Posas Rd., starting at Temple Ave., and ending at the Community Center. After the parade, families can enjoy holiday shopping at Santa's Village, which includes various vendor booths, food trucks, and activities like photos with Santa. Admission is free, and the event offers a variety of activities for all ages.
Where: Camarillo | More Info: Christmas Parade & Santa's Village - Pleasant Valley Recreation & Parks District
Water Lantern Festival
What to Expect:
Emotional and uplifting celebration with floating lanterns.
Description:
The Water Lantern Festival is a heartwarming event where participants create and launch floating lanterns onto the water, symbolizing hopes, dreams, and connections. This family-friendly celebration features food trucks, music, and a serene atmosphere, making it a memorable experience for all.
Where: South El Monte | More Info: Water Lantern Festival
Pershing Square Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Unique outdoor ice skating experience in downtown LA.
Description:
The Pershing Square Ice Rink offers outdoor ice skating in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Open daily from November 21 to January 12, 2025, it features 60-minute skating sessions with general admission including skate rental. Special events like weekly DJ Spotlight Nights and Learn to Curl sessions add to the excitement.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Pershing Square Ice Rink
Turkey Trot Los Angeles
What to Expect:
Supports homeless recovery through a 12-step philosophy approach.
Description:
Join the 12th Annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles in Downtown Los Angeles, offering 5k, 10k, Widdle Wobble, and One Mile Dog Jog. Run past historic buildings like the Walt Disney Concert Hall while supporting The Midnight Mission, an organization providing self-sufficiency to those experiencing homelessness.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Turkey Trot Los Angeles
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Whittier (2 miles)
- West Whittier-Los Nietos (2 miles)
- La Mirada (3 miles)
- Pico Rivera (4 miles)
- Norwalk (4 miles)
- Hacienda Heights (5 miles)
- Downey (5 miles)
- La Habra (5 miles)
- Montebello (6 miles)
- Buena Park (6 miles)
- Bellflower (7 miles)
- Cerritos (7 miles)
- Bell Gardens (7 miles)
- South El Monte (7 miles)
- La Puente (7 miles)
- Rowland Heights (8 miles)
- Paramount (8 miles)
- West Puente Valley (8 miles)
- El Monte (8 miles)
- Brea (8 miles)
- Cudahy (8 miles)
- Fullerton (9 miles)
- Valinda (9 miles)
- Lakewood (9 miles)
- Bell (9 miles)
- Maywood (9 miles)
- South San Jose Hills (9 miles)
- Monterey Park (9 miles)
- East Los Angeles (9 miles)
- Cypress (9 miles)
- Rosemead (9 miles)
- South Gate (10 miles)
- Lynwood (10 miles)
- West Covina (10 miles)
- Baldwin Park (10 miles)
- Stanton (11 miles)
- Anaheim (11 miles)
- San Gabriel (11 miles)
- Huntington Park (11 miles)
- Temple City (11 miles)
- Compton (11 miles)
- Walnut (11 miles)
- Placentia (11 miles)
- Boyle Heights (11 miles)
- Alhambra (11 miles)
- Florence-Graham (12 miles)
- Willowbrook (13 miles)
- Covina (13 miles)
- Arcadia (13 miles)
- South Pasadena (13 miles)
- Westminster (13 miles)
- Garden Grove (13 miles)
- Duarte (14 miles)
- Yorba Linda (14 miles)
- Los Angeles (14 miles)
- Monrovia (14 miles)
- Diamond Bar (14 miles)
- Azusa (15 miles)
- Seal Beach (15 miles)
- Pasadena (15 miles)
- Westmont (15 miles)
- Long Beach (15 miles)
- Echo Park (15 miles)
- Orange (15 miles)
- Gardena (16 miles)
- Carson (16 miles)
- Silver Lake (16 miles)
- Glendora (16 miles)
- Chino Hills (16 miles)
- Koreatown (17 miles)
- West Carson (17 miles)
- San Dimas (17 miles)
- Santa Ana (17 miles)
- Fountain Valley (17 miles)
- Altadena (17 miles)
- Pomona (18 miles)
- Lennox (18 miles)
- Inglewood (18 miles)
- Hawthorne (18 miles)
- Glendale (18 miles)
- Lawndale (18 miles)
- Tustin (19 miles)
- La Verne (19 miles)
- Torrance (19 miles)
- North Tustin (19 miles)
- La Canada Flintridge (19 miles)
- Lomita (19 miles)
- Hollywood (19 miles)
- Huntington Beach (20 miles)
- Chino (21 miles)
- San Pedro (21 miles)
- West Hollywood (21 miles)
- Claremont (21 miles)
- Culver City (21 miles)
- Redondo Beach (21 miles)
- Manhattan Beach (22 miles)
- Montclair (22 miles)
- Burbank (22 miles)
- Universal City (22 miles)
- Beverly Hills (22 miles)
- Costa Mesa (22 miles)
- Irvine (23 miles)
- Ontario (24 miles)
- Newport Beach (24 miles)
- Venice (24 miles)
- Rancho Palos Verdes (25 miles)
- Upland (25 miles)
- Studio City (25 miles)
- North Hollywood (25 miles)
- Tujunga (25 miles)
- Santa Monica (26 miles)
- Eastvale (27 miles)
- Sherman Oaks (27 miles)
- Corona (28 miles)
- Rancho Cucamonga (28 miles)
- Norco (28 miles)
- Van Nuys (29 miles)
- Valley Glen (29 miles)
- Lake Forest (29 miles)
- Laguna Hills (30 miles)
- Jurupa Valley (30 miles)
- Encino (30 miles)
- Laguna Beach (32 miles)
- Glen Avon (32 miles)
- Aliso Viejo (32 miles)
- Mission Viejo (32 miles)
- North Hills (32 miles)
- San Fernando (32 miles)
- Rancho Santa Margarita (33 miles)
- Northridge (34 miles)
- Ladera Ranch (35 miles)
- Laguna Niguel (35 miles)
- Woodland Hills (36 miles)
- Fontana (36 miles)
- Canoga Park (36 miles)
- Rubidoux (36 miles)
- Riverside (37 miles)
- Calabasas (37 miles)
- Bloomington (38 miles)
- San Juan Capistrano (38 miles)
- Chatsworth (39 miles)
- West Hills (39 miles)
- Dana Point (39 miles)
- Rialto (40 miles)
- Canyon Country (41 miles)
- Santa Clarita (42 miles)
- Agoura (42 miles)
- Colton (42 miles)
- San Clemente (44 miles)
- Palmdale (44 miles)
- Agoura Hills (44 miles)
- San Bernardino (44 miles)