Get a snapshot of the holidays in Venice! Our guide covers all the key festive events and activities. From Venice regulars to first-time explorers, our guide highlights the season's best activities.
Popular Events: Experience the festive charm at Knott's Merry Farm, where visitors can enjoy seasonal decorations, holiday-themed shows, and delicious treats. A unique aspect of the Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run is its scenic coastal route, perfect for runners and walkers alike. And the Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain is something you definitely don't want to miss, with thrilling rides and spectacular light displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Venice
- Knott's Merry Farm (Buena Park)
- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia)
- Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run (Santa Monica)
- LA Kings Holiday Ice (Los Angeles)
- Enchanted Forest of Light (La Cañada Flintridge)
- Pershing Square’s Winter Holiday Festival (Los Angeles)
- Sarah Brightman's A Christmas Symphony (Indio)
- LA Zoo Lights (Los Angeles)
- Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker (Irvine)
- Santa Ana Winter Village (Santa Ana)
See these and even more events listed below!
Venice Holiday Light Displays
Enchanted Forest of Light
What to Expect:
Interactive light and art installations in a botanical garden setting.
Description:
Descanso Gardens transforms into a spectacular night garden with unique lighting installations, interactive art, and ambient music, featuring beloved areas like the Ancient Forest and Rose Garden.
Where: La Cañada Flintridge | More Info: Enchanted Forest of Light
LA Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive light display celebrating wildlife in a zoo setting.
Description:
LA Zoo Lights features dazzling lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and glowing rivers, creating 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 dinosaurs.
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 in Prehistoric Christmas.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Magic of Lights
Venice Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Sarah Brightman's A Christmas Symphony
What to Expect:
Holiday concert with Sarah Brightman and orchestra.
Description:
Sarah Brightman's A Christmas Symphony is a holiday concert featuring the world's biggest-selling soprano performing her holiday classics and greatest hits accompanied by an orchestra and choir.
Where: Indio | More Info: Sarah Brightman's A Christmas Symphony
Knott's Merry Farm
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration with world-class ice skaters and holiday dining.
Description:
Knott's Merry Farm transforms the entire park into a classic holiday festival with thousands of twinkling lights, themed garland, and jumbo snowflakes. Enjoy Christmas shows, a beloved ice show starring the Peanuts Gang, and delectable holiday dining food.
Where: Buena Park | More Info: Knott's Merry Farm
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
What to Expect:
Unique holiday decorations and character interactions.
Description:
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain features thousands of twinkling lights, holiday treats, and seasonal entertainment, including musical shows and character meet-and-greets.
Where: Valencia | More Info: Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Traditional ballet with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker is a traditional, full-length ballet featuring world-renowned guest artists, professional company dancers, and exceptional young talent. Choreographed and directed by Salwa Rizkalla, this production includes colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's iconic score. The story follows Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they journey through mystical lands, culminating in a grand celebration in the Kingdom of Sweets.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker
Bob Baker Marionettes Holiday Show
What to Expect:
Interactive puppet show with glow-in-the-dark skeletons and Frankenstein's monster.
Description:
Bob Baker Marionettes' Halloween Spooktacular is an hour-long, family-friendly show featuring over one hundred spirited puppets in a spooky yet silly revue with new thrills and curious creations.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Bob Baker Marionettes Holiday Show
Olvera Street Las Posadas
What to Expect:
Traditional reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey with live music and festive traditions.
Description:
Olvera Street Las Posadas is a nine-night celebration reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem with traditional songs, colorful costumes, and vibrant music. Each night, the crowd gathers as shepherds are led by an angel to ask for shelter at shops on Olvera Street, culminating in songs of celebration and the distribution of hot champurrado and sweet bread.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Olvera Street Las Posadas
Venice Other Holiday Activities
Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed fun run with festive swag and finisher's medals.
Description:
Join the 47th annual Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run on December 14, 2024, for a holiday-themed fun run through Santa Monica and Venice, California. The event features a 5K, 10K, and Youth Run, with festive holiday swag, merry and bright finishers medals, and free finisher's photos. Runners will enjoy an exclusive course on closed city streets, professionally timed races, and a holiday bash with delicious treats and festive beverages.
Where: Santa Monica | More Info: Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run
LA Kings Holiday Ice
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in downtown LA.
Description:
The LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE offers outdoor ice skating on Peacock Place, right out front of Crypto.com Arena, providing a unique holiday experience in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: LA Kings Holiday Ice
Pershing Square’s Winter Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Unique outdoor ice skating experience with special events.
Description:
The Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink offers outdoor ice skating in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Enjoy 60-minute skating sessions, general admission at $20, and special events like weekly DJ Spotlight Nights and Learn to Curl sessions.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Pershing Square’s Winter Holiday Festival
Ice at Santa Monica
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in Southern California with special themed events.
Description:
Ice at Santa Monica offers a unique opportunity to skate under California's sun and twinkling stars. Located in Downtown Santa Monica, the rink features nearly 8,000 square feet of shimmering ice and a 400-square-foot tot rink for little ones. The season includes special events like Taylor's Birthday and the New Year's Eve celebration, along with regular skating sessions and lessons.
Where: Santa Monica | More Info: Ice at Santa Monica
Santa Ana Winter Village
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in Southern California with family-friendly activities.
Description:
The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long event at the Orange County Civic Center Plaza featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and more. It includes special events like a tree lighting ceremony, breakfast with Santa, and a toy giveaway.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Santa Ana Winter Village
Winter Lights in Santa Ana
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long holiday event featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and special activities like a toy giveaway and breakfast with Santa.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Winter Lights in Santa Ana
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Santa Monica (3 miles)
- Culver City (4 miles)
- Inglewood (6 miles)
- Beverly Hills (7 miles)
- Lennox (7 miles)
- Manhattan Beach (8 miles)
- Hawthorne (8 miles)
- West Hollywood (9 miles)
- Lawndale (9 miles)
- Westmont (10 miles)
- Koreatown (10 miles)
- Redondo Beach (11 miles)
- Hollywood (11 miles)
- Sherman Oaks (11 miles)
- Gardena (11 miles)
- Studio City (11 miles)
- Encino (12 miles)
- Universal City (12 miles)
- Florence-Graham (12 miles)
- Torrance (13 miles)
- Silver Lake (13 miles)
- Willowbrook (13 miles)
- Echo Park (13 miles)
- Los Angeles (13 miles)
- North Hollywood (13 miles)
- Huntington Park (13 miles)
- Van Nuys (14 miles)
- Valley Glen (14 miles)
- South Gate (14 miles)
- Woodland Hills (15 miles)
- Lynwood (15 miles)
- Boyle Heights (15 miles)
- Carson (15 miles)
- West Carson (15 miles)
- Compton (15 miles)
- Calabasas (15 miles)
- Bell (16 miles)
- Burbank (16 miles)
- Glendale (16 miles)
- Maywood (16 miles)
- Cudahy (16 miles)
- Lomita (16 miles)
- Canoga Park (17 miles)
- East Los Angeles (17 miles)
- Northridge (17 miles)
- North Hills (17 miles)
- Rancho Palos Verdes (18 miles)
- West Hills (18 miles)
- Bell Gardens (18 miles)
- Paramount (19 miles)
- Agoura (19 miles)
- Downey (19 miles)
- South Pasadena (20 miles)
- Monterey Park (20 miles)
- San Pedro (20 miles)
- Chatsworth (20 miles)
- San Fernando (20 miles)
- Montebello (20 miles)
- Alhambra (20 miles)
- Tujunga (21 miles)
- Agoura Hills (21 miles)
- Pico Rivera (21 miles)
- Lakewood (21 miles)
- Bellflower (21 miles)
- Pasadena (21 miles)
- La Canada Flintridge (21 miles)
- San Gabriel (22 miles)
- Long Beach (22 miles)
- West Whittier-Los Nietos (22 miles)
- Norwalk (23 miles)
- Rosemead (23 miles)
- Altadena (23 miles)
- South El Monte (24 miles)
- South Whittier (24 miles)
- Temple City (24 miles)
- Cerritos (24 miles)
- Whittier (24 miles)
- Thousand Oaks (25 miles)
- El Monte (25 miles)
- La Mirada (26 miles)
- Arcadia (26 miles)
- Simi Valley (27 miles)
- Seal Beach (27 miles)
- Cypress (27 miles)
- Buena Park (28 miles)
- Santa Clarita (28 miles)
- Hacienda Heights (28 miles)
- West Puente Valley (28 miles)
- Monrovia (29 miles)
- La Puente (29 miles)
- Baldwin Park (29 miles)
- Duarte (29 miles)
- La Habra (30 miles)
- Stanton (30 miles)
- Valinda (30 miles)
- Canyon Country (30 miles)
- West Covina (30 miles)
- Westminster (31 miles)
- Moorpark (32 miles)
- Fullerton (32 miles)
- Rowland Heights (32 miles)
- South San Jose Hills (32 miles)
- Valencia (32 miles)
- Brea (33 miles)
- Anaheim (33 miles)
- Azusa (33 miles)
- Garden Grove (33 miles)
- Covina (33 miles)
- Walnut (34 miles)
- Placentia (35 miles)
- Huntington Beach (35 miles)
- Fountain Valley (35 miles)
- Glendora (35 miles)
- Camarillo (37 miles)
- Diamond Bar (37 miles)
- Orange (38 miles)
- Yorba Linda (38 miles)
- Santa Ana (38 miles)
- San Dimas (38 miles)
- Costa Mesa (39 miles)
- Newport Beach (40 miles)
- Tustin (40 miles)
- Chino Hills (40 miles)
- La Verne (40 miles)
- Pomona (41 miles)
- North Tustin (41 miles)
- Santa Paula (42 miles)
- Irvine (43 miles)
- Claremont (43 miles)
- Oxnard (43 miles)
- Port Hueneme (43 miles)
- Chino (44 miles)
- Montclair (45 miles)