California Events
Monday, December 23, 2024
ALAMEDA: Christmas Tree Lane, December 1-31, 2024, 5:30-10 p.m. every night rain or shine, an annual favorite holiday tradition for 85 years, is a community gift to the public. Free to see and experience.
ALPINE: Viejas Casino Resort Ice Rink December 25, 2024, 5-10 p.m. at Viejas Casino & Resort. Southern California's largest outdoor ice rink. Location: 5003 Willows Road, Alpine, California $20-25 approx. for 90 minute session rental skates included, viejasoutletcenter.com/ skating-rink/
ALTADENA: Christmas Tree Lane December 7-31, 2024. For 104 years, Altadena's Deodar trees have been lit for public enjoyment at a magical place called Christmas Tree Lane.
ANAHEIM: Disneyland Festival of Holidays November 15, 2024-January 6, 2025. Christmas Fantasy Parade is back along with Haunted Mansion's Nightmare Before Christmas, It's a Small World Christmas-themed ride, festive costumes, towering Christmas trees for photos, great fan merchandise, gifts, and candy and sweets decorated like Mickey Mouse. Location: 1313 S. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA. $Tickets, disneyland.com
ATWATER: Razzari Ice Skating Center November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025 in Old Town Atwater. Seasonal ice skating rink offers affordable holiday fun.
BAKERSFIELD: CALM Zoo Holiday Lights November 30, 2024-January 4, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Stroll through millions of lights in holiday-themed lands featuring over 200 displays. $18, calmholidaylights.org
BERKELEY: A Chanticleer Christmas, First Church Berkeley, 2330 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94704. $, chanticleer.org
BRENTWOOD: Brentwood on Ice November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 across from City Hall on 2nd Street celebrates its 8th season in Contra Costa County. $17, brentwoodonice.com
BUENA PARK: Knott's Berry Farm Christmas November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025. Enjoy Christmas Crafts Village, Snoopy's Night Before Christmas Ice Show, Santa's Christmas Cabin photos, Home for the Holidays musical production and seasonal foods, plus all the great rides in one awesome day & night. Location: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA. $60-up, knotts.com
CALABASAS: Holiday Road USA November 29-December 28, 2024, 5-10 p.m. at King Gillette Ranch. Larger than life holiday installations and thousands of Christmas lights. Location: 26800 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, CA. $24.99-up, holidayroadusa.com
CARMEL: A Chanticleer Christmas December 22-23, 2024, at Carmel Mission, 3080 Rio Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, 93923. $75-91, chanticleer.org
CARLSBAD: Holidays at Legoland California November 23, 2024-January 5, 2025 | Fireworks on December 7, 14, and 21- 30, 2024. Meet Lego characters, see the Lego Christmas Tree made of 360,000 Lego & Duplo bricks, life-size Lego reindeer & Santa, hear the Brass Band, and enjoy the fun. Location: One Legoland Drive Carlsbad, CA $79-94, legoland.com/california
CHICO: Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza November 15, 2024-January 12, 2025 in City Plaza features events like Ugly Sweater, Barbie, Adult Skate and Silent Disco. $5-25, chicorec.gov/chico-ice-rink
CORONADO: Skating by the Sea November 21, 2024-January 5, 2025 at Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. is one of the most scenic seaside ice skating rinks in the U.S. Public invited. $, hoteldel.com
CONCORD: Ice at the Veranda November 9, 2024-February 2025 at The Veranda shopping mall. Come glide on Ice at The Veranda with open-air shopping, dining and entertainment.
COSTA MESA: Winter Fest OC November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 at Orange County Fair & Event Center. Snow, ice tubing, ice skating, rides, fire pits and more. Location: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA. $35-110, winterfestoc.com
DEL MAR: Coastal Christmas December 13-26, 2024, 4-9 p.m. at Del Mar Fairgrounds. Includes Holiday Light Trail with millions of lights. Location: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA. $30.94, delmarfairgrounds.com
ENCINITAS: Lightscape November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025, 5-8:30 p.m. at San Diego Botanic Garden includes over one million lights in artistic installations along a one-mile, easily walkable garden path. $26-35, sdbg.org
ESCONDIDO: City Ballet of San Diego's Best Nutcracker December 20-23, 2024 at California Center for the Arts. Location: 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA. $63-123, cityballet.org
FELTON: Holiday Lights Train November 29-December 23, 2024. Evening ride on a beautifully lit vintage train which begins in the Santa Cruz mountains at Roaring Camp Railroads. $tickets, roaringcamp.com
FRESNO: IllumiNature November 26, 2024-January 31, 2025 at Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a special holiday event featuring lighted lantern displays that entertain and amaze! $, fresnochaffeezoo.org
GILROY: North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens theme park November 29-December 30, 2024 includes Ice Skating, Santa's Workshop, Rudy's Roadtrip, Tinsel's Groove Train, Lighting Displays, stage shows and more. $40-50, gilroygardens.org
GLENDALE: World Ballet Series The Nutcracker in Glendale December 23-24, 2024, 7 p.m. Alex Theatre 216 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA $50-150 approx., thealex.com
HANFORD: Winter Wonderland Ice Skating November 23, 2024- January 12, 2025 at Civic Park, Downtown Hanford. Make it a date with the family and friends for fun holiday ice skating. $, hanfordwinterwonderland.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Cruise of Lights December 18-23, 2024 in Huntington Harbour. Take a 45-minute, nighttime cruise to view elegantly-decorated mansions and homes, lit up with holiday lights to celebrate the season. The fundraising event held annually helps fund music programs in schools. $24-26, cruiseoflights.org
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Ballet Repertory Theatre's The Nutcracker December 7-24, 2024 at Golden West College Mainstage Theater. Location: 15751 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach, CA. Box office (714) 895-8150 x1 $30, gwctheater.com
INDIO: Coachella Valley Magic of Lights Drive Thru November 19-December 29, 2024, 5:30 p.m. at Empire Polo Club. Holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Location: 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA. $15-40, magicoflights.com
IRVINE: Irvine Spectrum Holiday Ice Rink November 1, 2024-January 5, 2025 next to the Giant Wheel. Skating, shopping and dining all in one place! Location: 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA. $25, irvinespectrumcenter.com
IRVINE: Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker December 7-24, 2024 at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Location: 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA. $50-120 approx. thebarclay.org
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE: Enchanted Forest of Light November 17, 2024-January 5, 2025 features an after-dark, mile-long walkthrough of holiday lights in Descanso Gardens, a unique Southern California botanic garden that's magical during the day, and mesmerizing at night. $22, descansogardens.org
LOS ANGELES: LA Zoo Lights, Animals Aglow November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025, 6-10 p.m. at Los Angeles Zoo. Special holiday display seen only at night with lit lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, glowing rivers, and a magical Holiday Forest with majestic pine trees and the return of Santa himself. Location: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA, $29-35, lazoo.org
LOS GATOS: Fantasy Lights Drive Through December 10, 2024-Janaury 5, 2025. Extremely popular drive-through holiday display at Vasona Lake Park sells quickly. $30/car with online sales only, parks.sccgov.org
OAKLAND: Fairy Winterland December 14-15, 18-23, & 26-30, 2024, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Children's Fairyland. Snow Queen, Black Santa and many more surprises. $19 general admission, fairyland.org
OXNARD: Oxnard Christmas Tree Lane December 8-26, 2024, 6-10 p.m. in historic district features elegant and festive home lighting displays. F & G Streets between 5th & Palm, Free
OLYMPIC VALLEY: Everline Resort Winter Ice Skating Rink November 29, 2024-March 2025, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. With direct lift service to Palisades Tahoe, site of the historic 1960 Winter Olympics, Everline Resort's ice skating rink adds to the fun. The resort offers snowshoe rentals, as well, plus perks to locals. Location: Everline Resort at Squaw Creek, 400 Squaw Creek Road, Olympic Valley, CA. $30 includes skate rental and 60 minutes of ice skating, everlineresort.com
PALO ALTO: Winter Lodge Seasonal Ice Rink October 19, 2024-April 13, 2025, is a beloved, 65-year tradition bringing outdoor ice skating to an area that rarely sees snow. $25, winterlodge.com
PALOS VERDES PENINSULA: Astra Lumina, An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The Stars at South Coast Botanic Garden November 9, 2024-January 31, 2025, 5-10 p.m. Celestial, multisensory experience features out-of-this-world light sculptures. $35-65, southcoastbotanicgarden.org
PERRIS: Southern California Railway Polar Express November 20-December 31, 2024. Family adventure on a magical train ride complete with dancing chefs, caroling, cookies and cocoa, re-creates the classic children’s story. $84.25 general admission, socalrailway.org
OAKLAND: Temple Hill Days of Christmas November 29-December 31, 2024. A beacon for spectacular holiday lights, Christmas concerts, theatrical performances, nativity and creche presentations on panoramic Temple Hill. Free, templehill.org
OAKLAND: Oakland Zoo Glowfari November 8, 2024-January 6, 2025, 5-9 p.m. The Wildly Illuminating Lantern Festival features wading wildlife along Africa's Nile River, ancient Egyptian structures, dinosaurs, barnyard animals and Avian Odyssey train ride. Advanced ticket purchase required: $26-41 adult, oaklandzoo.org
POMONA: Imaginarium at Fairplex November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025. Over 5 million lights in colorful displays, holiday foods and Cirque performances stir the imagination in this all ages, limited engagement. Location: Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA. $28-up, imaginarium360.com/fairplex/
REDDING: Garden of Lights November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 at McConnell Arboretum. Walk on the world-famous Sundial Bridge to the the Arboretum where over one million animated lights are on display select nights. $20-25, reddinggardenoflights.org
RIVERSIDE: Mission Inn Festival of Lights November 23, 2024 - January 6, 2025. The National Historic Landmark dazzles with millions of holiday lights in Christmas displays called one of the best in the U.S. Free, missioninn.com
SACRAMENTO: Theatre of Lights November 27-December 24, 2024 performed from a balcony overlooking the the streets of Old Town. Based on Clement Clarke Moore's classic Christmas poem 'Twas the night before Christmas. Free, oldsacramento.com
SACRAMENTO: Imaginarium November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 at Cal Expo. Some exciting, new twists at the largest holiday light show in Northern California! Location: 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA. $25-up, imaginarium360.com
SAN DIEGO: A Christmas Carol November 29-December 24, 2024 at Old Town Cygnet Theatre. Location: 4040 Twiggs St. San Diego, CA 92110 $, cygnettheatre.com | carol
SAN DIEGO: SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025, 10 a.m. daily, including Christmas and New Year's Day! . Rudolph's Christmas Town with the Red-Nosed Reindeer, music-activated Tunnel of Lights, The Christmas Shoppe, Donner & Blitzen's Laser Light Show and optional Christmas Nights at a low price! Location: 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, CA. $Tickets, seaworld.com
SAN DIEGO: Jungle Bells Aurora at San Diego Zoo December 12, 2024-January 4, 2025 includes light shows, reindeer games, brass band music, jugglers & acrobats, and forest pathways through holiday, lighted trees to visit polar bears, arctic foxes and reindeer. $74 ticket, approx. sandiegozoo.org
SANTA BARBARA: ZooLights November 13, 2024-January 12, 2025, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Santa Barbara Zoo. Walk through the Zoo to see thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED bulbs, showcasing animal and nature scenes depicting wild places from around the world. Location: 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA. $21-35 sbzoo.org
SAN FRANCISCO: Union Square Ice Rink November 6, 2024-January 20, 2025. Themed days and special events add to the fun.
SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker December 6-29, 2024 at War Memorial Opera House. Helgi Tomasson's Nutcracker with Artistic Director Tamara Rojo and accompaniment by SF Ballet Orchestra. Location: 301 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA $49-395, approx., sfballet.org
SAN JOSE: Christmas in the Park November 29, 2024-January 1, 2025, 12-10 p.m. daily. The two-acre park features a holiday fantasy with over 40 musical and animated exhibits, glimmering lights and a 65-foot illuminated Christmas Tree. This free attraction for the child in all of us is a holiday tradition beloved by all. Location: Plaza De Cesar Chavez, 194 S. Market St., San Jose, CA. Free, christmasinthepark.com
SAN JOSE: Holiday Lights Drive Thru November 21, 2024-January 1, 2025, 5-11 p.m. in History Park San Jose. More than one mile of magical scenes and displays synced to favorite holiday tunes. $25-31, approx., christmasinthepark.com
SAN JOSE: Downtown Ice November 15, 2024-January 20, 2025 in Circle of Palms Plaza on Market Street. $21, sjdowntownice.com
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: Capistrano Lights December 7-29, 2024 at Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. All-ages, family event includes nightly musical tree lighting and decorative light displays. Admission allows you to spend the day starting at 9 a.m. and stay for the holiday programming starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m. Location: 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA. $20, missionsjc.com
SAN LUIS OBISPO: Nature Nights November 22-December 28, 2024, 5-8 p.m., at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Stunning lighting exhibitions and art throughout eight acres of gardens, live music each night, local culinary treats, plus regional wine and beer for sale. Location: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA. $28, slobg.org
SAN MATEO: IlluminOdyssey November 16, 2024-January 26, 2025 at CuriOdyssey, a zoo and learning center containing native, non-releasable animals such as river otter, bobcat, gray fox and more. Location: 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA. $, curiodyssey.org
SAN MATEO: San Mateo on Ice November 15, 2024-January 12, 2025 in Central Park. Largest outdoor ice rink in the Bay Area features 11,000 square feet of REAL ice to skate on in sunny San Mateo - nice! $21 approx., onicerinks.com
SAN RAMON: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink November 8, 2024-January 5, 2025 at City Center Bishop Ranch. Many special events include Elsa, Santa Claus, Barbie and Kristi's skating clinic. $26, citycenterbishopranch.com
SANTA CLARA: Great America WinterFest November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025. Ice Skate in front of the iconic Carousel Columbia and marvel at spectacular live shows. More than 60 rides and holiday attractions. Location: 237 W to Great America Parkway. $ tickets
SANTA MONICA: ICE November 8, 2024-January 20, 2025 at 5th & Arizona. DJs spin tunes on Wed., Classical Music Sunday sessions. $22 includes skate rental for hour session, iceatsantamonica.com
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE: Heavenly Village Ice Rink November 1, 2024-March 31, 2025
TEMECULA: Temecula on Ice December 12, 2024-January 5, 2025 at Town Square Park. Most cities of Temecula's size would be lucky to have one seasonal ice rink but Temecula has two. The city-sponsored ice rink next to City Hall is a venue with a beautiful setting and access to dining and shopping you can easily walk to. Location: 41000 Main Street, Temecula, CA. $19 skate rental included, temeculaca.gov
TEMECULA: Peltzer Ice Rink, November 9, 2024-Janaury 20, 2025 at Peltzer Farm & Winery. 8,400 square-foot real ice rink, complimentary gliders, picnic benches, hot cocoa, snacks, local food truck eats, and a bar serving Peltzer Wine. Location: 39925 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA. $20 + $2 skate rental, peltzerfarms.com
TEMECULA: Mark Erickson's Nutcracker December 13-23, 2024 at Old Town Temecula Community Theater. Location: 42051 Main Street Temecula, CA 92590. $39-47, tickets.temeculatheater.org
TWAIN HARTE / LONG BARN: The Long Barn Lodge Ice Skating November 22, 2024 - Mid-March 2025. Tucked in the Sierra Nevada mountains at around 5,000 feet elevation, Long Barn Lodge has the only ice skating rink in the area. Location: 25957 Long Barn Rd., Long Barn, CA facebook.com/ thelongbarnlodge $15, skate rental is $5. Closed Monday & Tuesday
UKIAH: Ukiah on Ice December 2, 2024-January 12, 2025 next to Alex R. Thomas Plaza on School Street. Seasonal holiday ice rink open daily for holiday fun! Location: 310 S. State St., Ukiah, CA. $12, cityofukiah.com/ukiahonice
UNIVERSAL CITY: Universal Studios Hollywood Christmas November 29, 2024-January 6, 2025 showcases the holiday makeover of three major attractions: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas with costumes, colors and decor. The thrills remain true to form! $95-up, tickets
VALENCIA: Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park, November 28, 2024-January 5, 2025, 5 p.m. rocks each night with 2 million lights in 7 themed areas featuring dance, music & light shows, cocktail bars, holiday sweets, s'more fire pits & Santa Claus. Location: 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA. $49-75, sixflags.com/magicmountain
VALLEJO: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Holiday in the Park November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025, 12-7 p.m. most days. Special holiday guests, entertainment, foods, rides & attractions like Arctic Penguins. Location: 1001 Fairgrounds Dr. Vallejo, CA 94589 $35-39, sixflags.com/discoverykingdom
WALNUT CREEK: Walnut Creek on Ice November 22, 2024-January 12, 2025. Skate 90 minutes for $20, ice skate rental included or $20 Ice Slide. Location: Civic Park, Walnut Creek, CA. walnutcreekonice.com
WOODSIDE: Holidays at Filoli November 16, 2024-January 12, 2025. Georgian revival-style mansion with 16 acres of exquisite English Renaissance gardens at an historic 654-acre estate (as seen in Falcon Crest show) is all decked out with 20 miles of Holiday lights, food delights, Santa visits and add-on experiences like firepit nights. $41-45, filoli.org
FELTON: Holiday Lights Train roaringcamp.com
LOS ANGELES: Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink November 21, 2024-January 12, 2025. Sharpen your blades and skills or just go to chill with themed events and great music. $25, holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
LOS ANGELES: LA Kings Holiday Ice November 29, 2024-January 5, 2025. Located in the heart of LA's entertainment district (LA Kings, LA Lakers, concerts and shows at Crypto Arena,) there's an exciting, big city vibe to this urban complex where skating tickets are only sold on site. Location: 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. $25 general admission includes skate rental, lalive.com/ la-kings-holiday-ice-la-live
MONTEREY: Skating by the Bay November 22-December 31, 2024 at Custom House Plaza. $20 includes skate rental, iceskatingbythebay.com
MT. SHASTA: Siskiyou Ice Rink November 16, 2024-February 23, 2025 in Shastice Park. Skating in an open-air rink the size of National Hockey League rinks (85 feet wide and 200 feet long) is an ice skater's dream. Affordable admission, too! Location: 800 Rockfellow Dr., Mt. Shasta, CA. $10 + $2 skate rental as needed, msrec.org/ice-rink
NAPA: Merry Meritage Ice Skating Rink November 18, 2024-January 11, 2025, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily at Meritage Resort. Wine Country's only Winter Village is a holiday delight where add-on rental fire pits & igloos enhance your visit and adults can purchase wine & beer at rinkside tasting rooms. Location: 850 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA. $25, meritageresort.com
OAKLAND: Fairy Winterland Children's Fairyland $ general admission pre-sales only
WATSONVILLE: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Drive Through. November 29-December 24, 2024, 5:30-9 p.m. at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Location: 2601 East Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 $20-25, fairgrounds-foundation.org/ holiday-lights
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.