There’s nothing quite like a Los Angeles Christmas. We don’t have snow; sometimes it rains, and it gets cold (well it feels cold to us Los Angelenos!) Despite not having “real” winter weather, Los Angeles still finds a way to celebrate Christmas in style with or without snow! There are parades, Christmas tree lightings, and even Christmas boat parades! Get moving in the holiday spirit and see what a Los Angeles Christmas is like!
Los Angeles Christmas Theme Parks
With all the glamour of Los Angeles, the theme parks certainly know how to celebrate a Los Angeles Christmas. At Universal Studios, the Who’s and the Grinch take over with Grinchmas. Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm full of holiday cheer with shows and crafts for kids! Disneyland also puts on a Disneyland Christmas Fantasy parade!
Take your pick of the theme parks to have a fun Los Angeles Christmas. On Christmas Day itself, the parks are very crowded!
Los Angeles Christmas Tree Lightings
The Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony is known for its 100-foot tree. It’s been lit since Sunday, November 11 with holiday entertainment every night with Santa in his cottage through Dec 24. It snows every night at 7 and 8.
The Americana At Brand in Glendale lights up their official tree on November 18th and has Christmas festivities until Christmas!
Universal CityWalk is also known for their great Christmas celebrations. See the tree light up and take a picture with Rock ‘n Roll Santa in true Los Angeles Christmas spirit. Maybe snag a kiss under the mistletoe in King Kong’s hand. If you’re looking for more Christmas tree lightings, check out this list.
Los Angeles Christmas Traditions
While the popular sites of holiday cheer are always fun, it’s nice to head to more local events in Los Angeles that bring the community together! Here are some of my favorite Los Angeles Christmas traditions.
Alta Dena Christmas Tree Lane – This Los Angeles Christmas tradition is well known! A mile of Christmas trees decorated in 10,000 Christmas lights! It’s quite a sight to see and a Christmas tradition for most Los Angelenos.
Candy Cane Lane– During Christmas season, Candy Cane Lane, a Woodland Hills neighborhood, lights up to give you a good warm family feeling. Here’s a tip: park nearby and walk Candy Cane Lane. You skip the traffic and get to do a little walking! Nearby they usually sell some food and hot cocoa!
Christmas Boat Parades in Los Angeles and Orange County – One spectacle you might not know of is the Christmas Boat Parades in Los Angeles and Orange County! Stand on a bridge and watch the parade float on by. Here’s a list of different Christmas boat parades going on.
Downtown on Ice – Pershing Square becomes a winter wonderland with this super fun ice rink in Downtown LA! It’s a small rink, but it’s tons of fun. It’s open from November 15 to January 21, so get out there and experience this Los Angeles Christmas seasonal event!
All over town Los Angeles is filled with Christmas lights and the holiday spirit! How do you spend your Los Angeles Christmas? Do you go out and have fun or stay in with the family and have fun? I’d love to hear about your Christmas traditions or favorite places to go in the comments. Happy Holidays!