Enjoy the festive season in Valley Glen with our ultimate holiday guide. From Valley Glen old-timers to fresh faces, our guide illuminates the path to holiday cheer.
As the season unfolds, Winter Fest OC offers a delightful array of attractions that capture the spirit of the holidays with festive lights and live entertainment. Another highlight is Knott's Merry Farm, where visitors can enjoy themed shows and a bustling marketplace filled with seasonal treats. And the enchanting Nightly Snow Flurries is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it transforms the area into a winter wonderland each evening. For more details on these and other fun events and activities, see below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Valley Glen Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Valley Glen
- Knott's Merry Farm (Buena Park)
- Winter Fest OC (Costa Mesa)
- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia)
- December Nights at Balboa Park (San Diego)
- Temecula Chilled (Temecula)
- Nightly Snow Flurries (Los Angeles)
- A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place (Chula Vista)
- The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park (San Diego)
- Enchanted Forest of Light (La Cañada Flintridge)
- South Lake Avenue Holidayfest (Pasadena)
See these and even more events listed below!
Valley Glen Holiday Light Displays
Nightly Snow Flurries
What to Expect:
Artificial snowfall experience without the cold.
Description:
The Grove transforms into a winter scene with nightly snowfalls, featuring twinkling lights, spirited photo moments at Santa's Workshop, and a dazzling 100-foot Christmas tree.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Nightly Snow Flurries
Enchanted Forest of Light
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations in a botanical garden setting.
Description:
Descanso Gardens transforms into a spectacular display of light and color with Enchanted Forest of Light, featuring intricate installations by renowned artists and immersive botanical artscapes.
Where: La Cañada Flintridge | More Info: Enchanted Forest of Light
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling drive-through holiday lights with iconic characters and displays.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over a mile of spectacular light displays, including larger-than-life Holiday Barbie, supersized Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs from Prehistoric Christmas.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Magic of Lights
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
What to Expect:
Thousands of colorful lights and personalized meet-and-greets with Santa.
Description:
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms the park into a winter wonderland with thousands of colorful lights, carolers performing classic yuletide favorites, personalized meet-and-greets with Santa, and seasonal treats like hot chocolate, cider, custom fudge, and holiday-inspired funnel cake flavors.
Where: Valencia | More Info: Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Valley Glen Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
What to Expect:
Live reindeer and festive holiday characters.
Description:
The Holiday Market at Petco Park features local artisan shops, live reindeer, seasonal food and beverages, Santa, and other holiday characters. Enjoy wintery light displays, a 40-foot Christmas Tree, and live entertainment on the Sycuan Stage. Kids can tell Santa their Christmas wish, all included in the price of admission.
Where: San Diego | More Info: The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
Valley Glen Holiday Shows and Entertainment
South Lake Avenue Holidayfest
What to Expect:
Live music and holiday activities with a chance to win prizes.
Description:
South Lake Avenue Holidayfest is a family-friendly event featuring live music, in-store promotions, holiday activities like cookie decorating and ornament making, and opportunities to win prizes by shopping and dining at participating businesses.
Where: Pasadena | More Info: South Lake Avenue Holidayfest
The Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Immersive theatrical onboard entertainment with Santa and his helpers.
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride is a family-friendly event where passengers embark on a one-hour journey to meet Santa Claus, enjoying hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of The Polar Express. Each guest receives a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas.
Where: Perris | More Info: The Polar Express Train Ride
Christmas Train
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday train ride with Santa Claus.
Description:
Take a festive ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train departs from the station, drops passengers off at the North Pole, and returns to Santa's Village, offering colorful Christmas lights and decorations along the way.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Christmas Train
Knott's Merry Farm
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration with live entertainment and unique holiday dining options.
Description:
Knott's Merry Farm transforms into a classic holiday festival with thousands of twinkling lights, themed garland, and jumbo snowflakes. Enjoy Christmas shows, a beloved ice show, and delectable holiday dining. The park also features a Christmas Crafts Village and Santa's Christmas Cabin.
Where: Buena Park | More Info: Knott's Merry Farm
December Nights at Balboa Park
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with STEAM activities and Santa photos.
Description:
December Nights at Balboa Park is a two-day celebration featuring STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, lights displays, musical performances, and delicious food. The event includes a Family Zone with various activities for all ages.
Where: San Diego | More Info: December Nights at Balboa Park
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Sesame Street characters.
Description:
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place features Sesame Street friends in holiday attire, with a 24-foot tall Christmas Tree, extended evening hours, and activities including a Sesame Street Christmas show, parade, and dance party.
Where: Chula Vista | More Info: A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
What to Expect:
Rich cultural tapestry of Mexican Christmas traditions.
Description:
Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande present Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico, a vibrant show weaving cherished Mexican traditions into a heartwarming story of the season. Through mariachi rhythms and colorful dance, witness the reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey, experiencing the spirit of Posadas and the majesty of the Reyes Magos.
Where: Rancho Cucamonga | More Info: Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Valley Glen Other Holiday Activities
Winter Fest OC
What to Expect:
Unique blend of agriculture, entertainment, and educational experiences.
Description:
The OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA, offers a variety of events and activities, including the annual Orange County Fair, Centennial Farm, Heroes Hall, and Imaginology. The venue provides 157,000 square feet of space for meetings, parties, corporate events, cultural festivals, trade shows, fundraising runs, and concerts. It is a working farm with animals and crops, making it an ideal destination for field trips, educational enrichment, and family fun.
Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Winter Fest OC
Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse entries and marching bands.
Description:
The Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel is a vibrant community event featuring entries, marching bands, and festive atmosphere, celebrating the holiday season with local residents and visitors.
Where: Laguna Niguel | More Info: Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel
Temecula Chilled
What to Expect:
State-of-the-art ice rink with rental skates and live music.
Description:
Temecula On Ice features a state-of-the-art ice rink, rental skates, Bobby skating aid, and its own radio station playing the best ice skating music.
Where: Temecula | More Info: Temecula Chilled
Santa's Village - Irvine Park Railroad
What to Expect:
Interactive 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. The village is filled with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights and offers many photo opportunities. Food and snacks are available, along with hot chocolate and coffee. Although reservations are required for the Christmas Train to see Santa, visitors can still enjoy the lights and decorations without a reservation.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Santa's Village - Irvine Park Railroad
Fontana Festival of Winter
What to Expect:
Snow play and train rides for all ages.
Description:
The Fontana Festival of Winter is a free community event featuring train rides, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. It includes over 40 tons of fresh snow for sledding and a Tot Lot for children to experience snow for the first time.
Where: Fontana | More Info: Fontana Festival of Winter
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Van Nuys (0 miles)
- Sherman Oaks (3 miles)
- Encino (4 miles)
- North Hills (4 miles)
- Studio City (4 miles)
- North Hollywood (4 miles)
- Northridge (6 miles)
- San Fernando (6 miles)
- Universal City (7 miles)
- Burbank (8 miles)
- Beverly Hills (9 miles)
- Canoga Park (9 miles)
- West Hollywood (9 miles)
- Woodland Hills (9 miles)
- Hollywood (9 miles)
- Chatsworth (10 miles)
- Tujunga (10 miles)
- Calabasas (11 miles)
- West Hills (11 miles)
- Glendale (12 miles)
- Santa Monica (12 miles)
- Culver City (12 miles)
- Koreatown (12 miles)
- Silver Lake (12 miles)
- Echo Park (13 miles)
- Venice (14 miles)
- Santa Clarita (15 miles)
- La Canada Flintridge (15 miles)
- Los Angeles (15 miles)
- Canyon Country (16 miles)
- Inglewood (17 miles)
- Agoura (17 miles)
- Boyle Heights (18 miles)
- Pasadena (18 miles)
- South Pasadena (18 miles)
- Altadena (18 miles)
- Lennox (18 miles)
- Agoura Hills (19 miles)
- Westmont (19 miles)
- Huntington Park (19 miles)
- Florence-Graham (19 miles)
- Alhambra (20 miles)
- East Los Angeles (20 miles)
- Hawthorne (20 miles)
- Simi Valley (20 miles)
- Valencia (20 miles)
- Maywood (21 miles)
- Monterey Park (21 miles)
- San Gabriel (21 miles)
- Bell (21 miles)
- South Gate (21 miles)
- Manhattan Beach (21 miles)
- Lawndale (22 miles)
- Willowbrook (22 miles)
- Cudahy (22 miles)
- Thousand Oaks (22 miles)
- Gardena (22 miles)
- Lynwood (23 miles)
- Rosemead (23 miles)
- Bell Gardens (23 miles)
- Temple City (23 miles)
- Montebello (23 miles)
- Redondo Beach (24 miles)
- Arcadia (24 miles)
- Compton (24 miles)
- Pico Rivera (25 miles)
- South El Monte (25 miles)
- Downey (25 miles)
- Torrance (25 miles)
- El Monte (26 miles)
- Moorpark (26 miles)
- Monrovia (26 miles)
- West Whittier-Los Nietos (26 miles)
- Carson (27 miles)
- Paramount (27 miles)
- West Carson (27 miles)
- Duarte (27 miles)
- Whittier (28 miles)
- Lomita (29 miles)
- Bellflower (29 miles)
- South Whittier (29 miles)
- Baldwin Park (29 miles)
- Norwalk (29 miles)
- West Puente Valley (29 miles)
- Lakewood (29 miles)
- West Covina (30 miles)
- Valinda (31 miles)
- Hacienda Heights (31 miles)
- La Puente (31 miles)
- Rancho Palos Verdes (31 miles)
- Azusa (31 miles)
- La Mirada (31 miles)
- Cerritos (32 miles)
- San Pedro (33 miles)
- Covina (33 miles)
- Long Beach (33 miles)
- Palmdale (33 miles)
- South San Jose Hills (33 miles)
- Glendora (34 miles)
- Camarillo (34 miles)
- La Habra (34 miles)
- Buena Park (34 miles)
- Rowland Heights (34 miles)
- Cypress (35 miles)
- Walnut (35 miles)
- Santa Paula (37 miles)
- Brea (37 miles)
- Seal Beach (37 miles)
- San Dimas (37 miles)
- Fullerton (37 miles)
- Stanton (37 miles)
- Diamond Bar (38 miles)
- Westminster (39 miles)
- Anaheim (39 miles)
- Lancaster (39 miles)
- La Verne (39 miles)
- Placentia (40 miles)
- Garden Grove (41 miles)
- Pomona (41 miles)
- Oxnard (42 miles)
- Chino Hills (42 miles)
- Yorba Linda (42 miles)
- Claremont (42 miles)
- Port Hueneme (43 miles)
- Fountain Valley (44 miles)
- Orange (44 miles)
- Montclair (44 miles)
- Huntington Beach (45 miles)