The holidays are the perfect time to make memories with your family while enjoying unique events and attractions that only come around this time of year. From dazzling shows and musicals to festive theme parks, these experiences are sure to fill you with holiday spirit and create cherished moments.
Wondering where to find these events? You’ve come to the right place!
We’ve done (and continue to do) all the research for you. Below, you’ll find a list of local and semi-local ticketed events happening in and around our area this holiday season. Follow us on social media to catch our personal reviews of some of these festive outings.
No matter how you celebrate, keeping the spirit high and the days merry and bright is what this season is all about. Let the fun begin!
☕ Macaroni Mom Tips:
- For more information on the events below, click the link attached to the event name listed.
- Looking for something to do for a specific date or weekend? Check our event calendar HERE.
👀Looking for free and low-cost family fun? We’ve got plenty of those too. Click here to see all the local free and budget-friendly events.
Imaginarium — Land of Oz (Pomona Fairplex) - An Enchanting All-Ages Walk-Through Experience. In a world beyond the rainbow—where golden fields sway under endless skies, a yellow brick road leads you through magical realms, and wonder fills the air like a timeless melody—there awaits a destination known only in dreams: Land of Oz, a spectacular new adventure coming to Fairplex. Open on select days November 28 thru January 4
Holiday Express Train (Anaheim/Riverside/Simi Valley/Santa Clarita/Redlands) - Experience the holiday season like never before aboard Metrolink’s Holiday Express Train! Each train transforms into a festive wonderland, featuring dazzling decorations, joyful carolers, and unforgettable appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. With song-leading elves and lively holiday characters on board, this magical journey is packed with fun and entertainment for the whole family. The celebration starts before you even board! Join us at the origin station for a quick and easy check-in, then immerse yourself in pre-event festivities. Enjoy kids' craft stations and music, and participate in a heartwarming charity drive supporting local communities. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Join Metrolink this holiday season and prepare to make cherished memories with loved ones! Trains run select days from December 6 - December 21
The Nutcracker (Claremont & Riverside) - Experience the magic of the holidays with family and friends at Southern California’s most spectacular production of The Nutcracker from critically acclaimed Inland Pacific Ballet. This annual production tells the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve and sets out on a wondrous journey to the Land of the Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. The Nutcracker comes to life in this magnificent ballet with beautiful sets, dazzling costumes, Tchaikovsky’s classic score, and over 80 dancers on stage. Toy soldiers, life-sized dancing dolls, falling snow, a fantastic dream with battling mice, dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, gingerbread characters, and the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy stir the imagination. This is family entertainment at its best! (Playing at Bridges Auditorium and Fox Performing Arts Center - Dec 13-21)
Enchant Los Angeles- The World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze at Enchant Los Angeles (Arcadia) - Step into a glowing winter wonderland at Enchant Los Angeles, home to the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze. Families can wander illuminated pathways, enjoy ice skating, browse the Christmas market, grab festive treats, and snap photos with Santa. This immersive holiday experience is perfect for making special seasonal memories, with themed nights and activities to explore throughout the evening. (Now through December 28)
Dream Glow Lights Festival (Irvine) - Dream Glow Festival is the ultimate immersive holiday lights experience for all ages. Wander through more than 1,000 handcrafted, dazzling light displays spread across three enchanting realms: Christmas Wonderland, Realm of the Dragon, and Under the Sea. Step into the magic and let the dream begin! (Nov 14 - Dec 31)
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Newport Beach) - The 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is one of the premier holiday events in the nation. Hundreds of decorated yachts and ships of all sizes take part, competing for top honors in several categories. Yachts go all out with thousands of lights and elaborate décor to win top honors. Cruises during the boat parade not only view the parade but travel with the parade, viewing all the decorated ships and many of the fantastic light displays of bayfront estates. Fireworks will take place around 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18th, to kick off the parade and around 9:15pm on Sunday, December 22nd, to close the parade out. Multiple Cruise Times Nightly - Nov 29 - Jan 1, 2026
Magic of Lights (Indio) - Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience the Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Coachella Valley’s new holiday tradition. One carload, one price. November 10 - December 31
Hikari - A Festival Of Lights (Irvine)- Join us for a celebration filled with joy and light! Loosely translated, Hikari means “shine” in Japanese, and this holiday season we have really made Tanaka Farms shine with over a million twinkling lights! Grab a hot cocoa and take a cozy Wagon Ride around the festively lit farm that will take you to the “Land of a Thousand Lanterns!” Once off the wagon, you will wander through the light displays, with photo opportunities throughout. After the wagon ride, make your way down to the Festival Grounds where you can visit with the Barnyard Animals, grab some food from the Tanaka Grill, take advantage of lots of photo-ops, games, Arts & Crafts, meet Santa for a photo, and, of course, more holiday lights! Open Select Days Between November 28 - December 28
Holiday Road (Calabasas) - Step into the magic of the season at Holiday Road, Wander through a wonderland filled with larger-than-life holiday installations, twinkling trails of thousands of Christmas lights, and festive displays that sparkle at every turn. See Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their cheerful elves, stroll past fields of candy canes, and soak in all the timeless holiday cheer you love. Perfect for families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts alike—Holiday Road is where the spirit of the season truly comes to life! November 28 - December 27
Winter Fest OC (Costa Mesa) - Southern California’s largest winter festival returns for its 10th year to the OC Fair & Event Center. Don't miss out on winter attractions, live entertainment, and snow much more! Journey to a magical winter wonderland with more than a million lights, 15+ attractions, and endless opportunities for memory-making. Enjoy Snow Play and Ice Tubing (included with General Admission)! Slide down our thrilling 150-foot ice tubing slide. Experience outdoor ice skating under the stars, the Immersive North Pole Journey, Carnival thrills, Photo Ops, and so much more. Winter Fest OC features a variety of entertainment, including a Christmas tree lighting show, meet and greets with kids’ favorite characters, and more. November 28 - January 4
Enchanted Forest Of Light at Descanso - (La Cañada Flintridge) Descanso Gardens is famed for its daytime beauty all year round. However, when the holiday season approaches, it brings a special treat. It's a whole new experience to see this SoCal treasure illuminated in glorious light. As the sun sets, the gardens transform into an enchanted forest, and your ticket is an invitation to venture in and discover the magical world that waits under the glowing foliage. During this colorful and interactive experience, you can stroll through a mile of Descanso Gardens' most popular areas while marveling at the gorgeous lighted displays. Open Now - January 4
Luminaria Nights (Claremont) - Come find your glow this winter during Luminaria Nights at California Botanic Garden. This winter lights experience is like no other in Southern California, featuring peaceful luminaria and string light-lined paths between beautifully illuminated musical venues. With at least three live performers each night, art installations, food, sweet treats, and drinks available for purchase, Luminaria Nights highlights the quiet evening beauty of CalBG’s unique native plant gardens. December 5/6, 12/13 & 19/20
LA Zoo Lights (Los Angeles) - The Los Angeles Zoo and Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) are thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated holiday lights festival L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow, Presented by The Angela Collier Foundation. Explore an immersive landscape with dazzling new lantern sculptures of larger-than-life animals and holiday wonders for a nature-focused seasonal celebration that’s as inspiring as it is breathtaking. This year’s experience features all-new sights and delights and the return of Santa himself. (Santa photos are available for an additional fee.) VIP offerings, Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights, Pride Night, and Holiday Pajama Weekend are available. November 13 - January 11
A Royal Holiday at Castle Park (Riverside) -Step into a magical winter wonderland at the Royal Holiday Village, where the season comes alive with festive fun for the whole family. Wander through thousands of twinkling lights, capture unforgettable photos with Santa, write letters to Santa and holiday wishes to service members, indulge in holiday treats, and gather for the Christmas tree lighting under a blanket of magical snowfall. Hop on your favorite rides – the Carousel, Antique Cars, and Holiday Express – alongside Santa or one of his merry friends. Experience live entertainment, snow play, and other seasonal surprises throughout the park. Plus… Santa will be giving special prizes to lucky guests on the Nice List! November 28 - December 28
Santa's Village (Skyforest/Lake Arrowhead) - SkyPark at Santa’s Village is an Outdoor Adventure Park with year-round mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing and open air activities in the Skyforest section of Lake Arrowhead, California. The Park resides on 230 expansive acres of natural forest with meadowlands, ponds and an apple orchard. At the core of SkyPark is The Village, which includes historic log cabin restaurants and shops, seasonal entertainment, and open-air activities. SkyPark’s nearly 10 miles of year-round mountain bike trails, hiking trails, fly fishing, archery, zip lines, seasonal ice skating or roller skating rink, rock climbing, and more are available to the public for the price of admission. During November and December, they transform the entire park into Santa’s Village – The ultimate Christmas experience! Train rides, the village of lights, interactive nighttime walk-through, ice skating, visit Santa's house, meet the Northwoods characters and MORE! November 22 - January 4, 2026
Wild Holidays (Escondido) - See the Safari Park in a whole new light! Take a holiday expedition of light and travel through places that glow and twinkle with holiday cheer. Fanciful characters, musical entertainment, festive storytelling, and culinary treats create family fun and get everyone in the spirit of the season! Wild Holidays is included with all admission tickets and memberships. Select Evenings from November 28 - January 4
Winter Fantasy (Laguna Beach) - Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy is a one-of-a-kind holiday art and craft festival that offers a festive shopping experience. The festival is highlighted by original artwork handcrafted by 160 international artists who create, showcase and sell their unique gifts of art in an enchanting winter wonderland that has been transformed with thousands of lights and decorations, and falling snow. An annual community tree lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday season with a jolly selection of holiday music and live entertainment, including community performers, Christmas carolers, puppeteers, and daily visits with Santa Claus. Open November 21 - December 21
Holly Days Aboard The Queen Mary (Long Beach) - Step aboard The Queen Mary in Long Beach this holiday season for a festive celebration filled with lights, music, holiday magic, and events for all ages. The ship transforms into a winter wonderland with seasonal bars, brunch with Santa, holiday movies, dancing, dinner shows, and special theatrical touches — all wrapped in the timeless charm of this historic ocean liner. See website for all the information for specific events nd details. December 4 - 30
Polar Express Train Ride (Perris) - Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole. Once onboard, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and delicious Walkers Shortbread are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip, characters on each car lead passengers in caroling and onboard entertainment just like in the film! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell and the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Now - December 31
Knotts Merry Farm (Buena Park) - The holiday spirit shines even brighter at Knott’s Merry Farm this year. Experience Knott’s largest Christmas celebration with winter wonderland-inspired décor transforming the entire park into a classic holiday festival, featuring a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland, jumbo snowflakes, and a variety of picturesque seasonal settings. Knott’s Merry Farm offers family Christmas activities and joyful experiences inspired by the spirit of the holidays. November 21 through January 4, 2026
Holidays at Universal Studios (Universal City) Universal Studios Hollywood is the perfect destination for creating new holiday traditions with the whole family. Make your day merrier with the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. Enjoy some colorful play in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, feel the excitement of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, embrace your mischievous side with The Grinch™ during Grinchmas™, and so much more. Oh what fun it is to ride at Universal Studios Hollywood for the holidays! End your day at Universal CityWalk, where you can enjoy our spectacular Christmas tree, sumptuous outdoor dining, and fun holiday shopping.
November 24 - January 4
Jungle Bells - Aurora @ The San Diego Zoo (San Diego) Experience the magic and the spirit of the holiday season at the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Join us for the return of Jungle Bells, when we light up the night until 8 p.m. with fantastic entertainment and merry experiences. Bring the whole family and enjoy the warmth of the holidays at this joyous annual celebration. Brand-New This Year: Be on the lookout for our spectacular Holiday Light Treks! Jungle Bells is included with all admission tickets and memberships. December 19 - January 4
Disney On Ice - Let's Dance (Ontario) -
Get ready to sing, laugh, and dance along with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy as they spin Disney magic into an epic ice party! This all-new show features dazzling skating, high-flying acrobatics, and beloved stories from Frozen 2, Wish, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Moana. Please arrive early for Goofy’s Ho-Ho Holiday Sing-Along and make it even more magical with the Frozen Fun with Anna & Elsa Character Experience.
Ontario's performance runs from December 25 - 28
Looking for something to do on a specific day or weekend?
CLICK HERE to visit our event calendar to find events by date
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