Los Angeles doesn’t need snow to feel festive. When December hits, this city becomes a constellation of walk-through trails, immersive light shows, glamorous shopping districts, and beloved neighborhood traditions. And I’ll be honest: some holiday events in L.A. are magical, some are tourist traps, and a few are not worth the drive at all.

This list focuses on the 12 Christmas light experiences in Los Angeles County and the surrounding metro that are genuinely worth your time in 2025—based on local reputation, visual impact, value, and consistency across previous years.

My goal is simple:

If you only have twelve nights in December 2025, these are the places you should actually go—no fluff, no outdated info, and zero hype without substance.

1. Holiday Road — Calabasas

📍 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302

💲 Cost: $$$ (Typically $35–$45+, varies by date)

Holiday Road is L.A.’s boldest, most Instagram-forward walk-through trail. Expect oversized ornaments, glowing tunnels, themed “villages,” and dozens of camera-ready installations. It’s energetic, colorful, and intentionally made for photos.

Why I Recommend It:

If you want a lively holiday night that feels like a seasonal amusement park, this is it.

Pro Tip:

Weekends are packed. A Tuesday or Wednesday around 7 PM feels far more relaxed.

Best For: Groups, social outings, and anyone hunting for holiday photo ops.

2. L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow — Griffith Park

📍 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

💲 Cost: $$ (Usually around $25–$35)

This is the family-friendly holiday walk in L.A. Giant lantern animals light up the zoo’s pathways, and the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between festive and kid-friendly.

Why I Recommend It:

If you’re looking for the best thing to do in Los Angeles with kids in December, this is the most reliable option.

Pro Tip:

Parking is free but fills quickly on Fridays and Saturdays—arrive before 6:30 PM.

Best For: Families, grandparents, and visiting relatives.

3. Enchanted Forest of Light — Descanso Gardens

📍 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

💲 Cost: $$–$$$ (Depends on date; generally $30–$40)

Enchanted Forest of Light transforms Descanso Gardens into a dreamy, atmospheric nighttime world. This is L.A.’s most romantic holiday light show, with glowing trees, illuminated lily ponds, and peaceful forest paths.

Why I Recommend It:

Beautiful without being loud, artistic without being pretentious.

Pro Tip:

The “blue hour” between sunset and full darkness is the most breathtaking time to enter.

Best For: Couples, adults, and anyone who prefers calm to chaos.

4. Enchant Los Angeles — 2025 Venue TBA

💲 Cost: $$$ (Typically $34–$44+ for adults)

Important Note: Enchant has not yet confirmed its 2025 Los Angeles venue. Previously, it has been held at Dodger Stadium and at various Southern California locations, but no official site has been announced for 2025.

Enchant is known for its massive illuminated maze, ice skating rink, holiday village, and immersive walk-through story elements. If it returns to L.A. in 2025, it will be one of the biggest events of the season.

Why I Still Recommend It:

If you’ve never experienced Enchant, it’s a visually impressive, high-production spectacle.

Pro Tip:

Sign up for email alerts—tickets sell out early once the venue is announced.

Best For: Teens, couples, and anyone who loves elaborate holiday displays.

5. Astra Lumina — South Coast Botanic Garden

📍 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

💲 Cost: $$–$$$ (Typically $30–$40)

This is the least “traditional Christmas” experience on the list—and that’s why I love it. Instead of Santa and snowmen, you get cosmic pathways, celestial projections, and a serene, artistic atmosphere.

Why I Recommend It:

The best romantic holiday date idea in Los Angeles if you’re tired of cliché decorations.

Pro Tip:

Wear comfortable shoes—the trail is longer than it looks.

Best For: Couples, photographers, creative adults.

6. The Grove Christmas Tree & Snowfall — Fairfax District

📍 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036

💲 Cost: Free (parking extra)

Yes, it’s commercial. Yes, it’s crowded. But The Grove during Christmas is a classic L.A. experience. The 100-foot tree is one of the tallest in Southern California, and the nightly “snowfall” is surprisingly charming.

Why I Recommend It:

The vibe is festive, warm, and quintessentially L.A.

Pro Tip:

Skip driving—December weekends turn the parking structure into gridlock.

Best For: Visitors, families, budget-friendly nights.

7. Rodeo Drive Holiday Lights — Beverly Hills

📍 9480 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

💲 Cost: Free

Rodeo Drive dresses up in glamorous holiday lighting, luxurious storefront displays, and sparkling palm-lined streets.

Why I Recommend It:

It’s stylish, iconic, and completely free.

Pro Tip:

Avoid weekend afternoons—parking prices spike and traffic crawls.

Best For: Couples, shoppers, and anyone wanting a luxury holiday aesthetic.

8. Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights — Torrance (Seaside Ranchos)

📍 Robert Rd & Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505

💲 Cost: Free

This beloved neighborhood—officially Seaside Ranchos—goes all-in on Christmas decorations. Expect glowing archways, themed homes, hot cocoa stands, and warm community holiday spirit.

Important: This is a resident-driven tradition. Dates and participation vary each year.

Why I Recommend It:

It’s nostalgic, family-friendly, and feels like a holiday movie setting.

Pro Tip:

Park outside the neighborhood and walk in—driving can take over an hour.

Best For: Families, holiday enthusiasts, budget outings.

9. Upper Hastings Ranch Holiday Lights — Pasadena

📍 N Altadena Dr & Mendocino St, Pasadena, CA 91107

💲 Cost: Free

A Pasadena tradition for more than 70 years. The neighborhood divides into themed blocks—snowmen, angels, toys, nativity scenes.

Why I Recommend It:

More organized and less chaotic than Sleepy Hollow.

Pro Tip:

Go early in the evening to avoid residential congestion.

Best For: Families, peaceful holiday strolls.

10. The Americana at Brand — Glendale

📍 889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210

💲 Cost: Free (parking extra)

A beautifully decorated shopping district with a massive tree, snowfall shows, a trolley, and many food options.

Why I Recommend It:

Great for anyone on the Eastside or in the Valley who doesn’t want to fight Fairfax traffic.

Pro Tip:

Use the Orange Street entrance for faster-moving parking.

Best For: Families, date nights, holiday shopping.

11. Lightscape — L.A. County Arboretum

📍 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007

💲 Cost: $$–$$$ (Usually $29–$35+)

This is the correct, modern show at the Arboretum—produced by Sony Music, featuring synchronized light tunnels, rhythmic displays, illuminated fields, and immersive soundscapes.

Why I Recommend It:

A refined, contemporary light art experience.

Pro Tip:

The “Winter Cathedral” tunnel is the top photo spot—go early.

Best For: Adults, couples, immersive art lovers.

12. Ventura Harbor Holiday Lights & Parade of Lights

📍 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001

💲 Cost: Free

The best coastal Christmas lights experience near L.A. The waterfront glows with decorations, and the annual Parade of Lights features illuminated boats.

Why I Recommend It:

Romantic, refreshing, and uniquely Southern California.

Pro Tip:

Arrive early on parade nights—parking fills quickly.

Best For: Couples, families, ocean lovers.

Bring the Holiday Magic Home With Permanent Outdoor Lighting

If all these stunning holiday displays inspire you to elevate your own home’s lighting, there’s one upgrade I genuinely recommend looking into—DeckTok Permanent Outdoor Lights. They offer year-round, app-controlled lighting that’s bright, clean, and fully customizable for any season. Whether you want warm white elegance, bold holiday colors, or subtle architectural accents, these lights give your home that professionally lit look without the hassle of seasonal setup. If you’re ready to bring a little holiday magic home permanently, this is the smartest place to start.

Final Thoughts

Los Angeles has dozens of holiday events, but only a handful deliver experiences truly worth your time. These twelve are the ones that balance atmosphere, originality, accessibility, and that unmistakable Southern California holiday magic.

Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a family night out, or looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles in December, this guide gives you the most reliable, up-to-date, and genuinely helpful recommendations for 2025.