Top 10 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Los Angeles
S.No |
Best Places to See Christmas Lights |
|
1 |
Christmas Tree Lane |
|
2 |
Marina Del Rey Boat Parade |
|
3 |
L.A. Zoo Lights |
|
4 |
Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza |
|
5 |
Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn |
|
6 |
Venice Canals |
|
7 |
Hikari: A Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms |
|
8 |
Holiday Road |
|
9 |
Holiday Time at Disneyland |
|
10 |
Beverly Hills |
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Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, often associated with warm and sunny weather, might not be the first place that comes to mind for a winter wonderland, but it has its own unique charm when it comes to celebrating the holiday season. One of the most enchanting ways to experience the festive spirit in the City of Angels is by exploring the best places to see Christmas lights. From grand, mile-long cedar driveways to illuminated boat parades, L.A. offers a dazzling array of holiday light displays that will leave you in awe. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top spots to witness the magic of Christmas lights in Los Angeles, ensuring you don’t miss out on the city’s seasonal splendor.
TRENDING
1. Christmas Tree Lane
Christmas Tree Lane, located in Altadena, is a Los Angeles holiday tradition that transforms a mile-long driveway into a dazzling spectacle of lights and festivity each year. The event typically kicks off with a grand lighting ceremony, usually on December 10th, and continues throughout the holiday season. The magnificent sight of towering cedar trees blanketed in lights creates a magical ambiance that’s perfect for a festive evening drive. Visitors can cruise down the lane, taking in the enchanting display, and it’s recommended to start at the top and head south to avoid traffic congestion during the peak holiday season. Christmas Tree Lane captures the spirit of the season, offering a delightful and picturesque experience that makes it one of Los Angeles’ most iconic holiday attractions.
2. Marina Del Rey Boat Parade
The Marina Del Rey Boat Parade is a unique holiday event that allows you to enjoy the festive season with a nautical twist. Held annually in Marina del Rey, this parade features more than 100 decorated yachts and boats parading along a 14-mile circuit in the Newport Harbor. Spectators can gather along the bay-facing points to witness this spectacular display of holiday lights and decorations. The parade includes various categories, such as Best Theme, Best Animation, Best Band, Best Lights, and more, making it a friendly competition among boat owners to showcase their creativity. The festivities often begin with fireworks and continue with the beautifully lit boats gliding through the marina. Whether you choose to watch from the shore or reserve a seat on a boat, the Marina Del Rey Boat Parade offers a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the holiday season in Southern California.
3. L.A. Zoo Lights
L.A. Zoo Lights is a delightful holiday event held at the Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park. This enchanting spectacle features a mesmerizing display of lights, with many of the installations inspired by the zoo’s wild residents, including elephants, giraffes, and koalas. One of the standout features is the “Animals Aglow” theme, which showcases oversized, animated animal lanterns that captivate visitors of all ages. The zoo comes alive with a festive atmosphere, and there’s much more to enjoy beyond the lights, such as holiday-themed activities, seasonal treats, and even the chance to meet Santa Claus. L.A. Zoo Lights offers a unique and family-friendly way to celebrate the holiday season, combining the joy of animal encounters with the magic of holiday lights in a beautiful setting that will leave you in awe. It’s an excellent way to make lasting memories and get into the holiday spirit in Los Angeles.
4. Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza
Nestled in Torrance’s Seaside neighborhood, the Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza is a spectacular display of holiday lights that draws visitors from far and wide. This decades-old tradition transforms the neighborhood into a mesmerizing wonderland. Starting in early December and running until New Year’s, every tree, house, and lawn is adorned with a dizzying array of festive lights, creating an electrifying visual spectacle. The entire neighborhood radiates with the spirit of the season, and it’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an abundance of Christmas lights. The best way to explore this luminous extravaganza is on foot, as parking on the streets can be challenging during peak viewing hours.
5. Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn
Riverside’s stunning Mission Inn becomes even more magical during the annual Festival of Lights. This free six-week-long holiday tradition kicks off the day after Thanksgiving and features an incredible display of 4.5 million twinkling lights. The Mission Inn, with its awe-inspiring architecture, serves as a breathtaking backdrop to this enchanting display. Beyond the lights, the festival typically includes over 400 animated figures, adding an extra layer of wonder to the experience. Visitors can stroll through the inn’s beautifully decorated courtyards, dine at charming restaurants, and enjoy the festive ambiance. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit amid a radiant and historic setting.
6. Venice Canals
The Venice Canals, a serene and picturesque neighborhood in Los Angeles, takes on a whole new level of charm during the holiday season. Lining the quaint bridges that crisscross the canals, Christmas lights bring a warm and inviting glow to the area. Visiting the Venice Canals during this time offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. One tip for a peaceful visit is to leave your car a few blocks away to avoid the narrow, one-way streets and instead enjoy a leisurely stroll through the shimmering neighborhood. Additionally, the neighborhood typically hosts an annual boat parade on the first or second Sunday of December, adding another layer of enchantment to this idyllic slice of L.A. living. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking a quiet, romantic, and beautifully illuminated holiday experience.
7. Hikari: A Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms
Hikari: A Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms is a mesmerizing holiday event that takes place in Irvine, California. It offers an enchanting experience for visitors looking to immerse themselves in a world of radiant beauty and festive cheer. The word “Hikari” translates to “light” or “shine” in Japanese, and this festival brilliantly lives up to its name. Attendees embark on a captivating journey through a picturesque trail illuminated by a dazzling array of lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. Beyond the radiant lights, the festival features a range of activities, including tractor and on-foot exploration of the lantern field, a petting zoo, games, crafts, and numerous photo opportunities. It’s an ideal family-friendly event that captures the spirit of the season in a radiant and immersive way. Hikari typically runs through the holiday season, and ticket options vary depending on the time of your visit.
8. Holiday Road
Holiday Road is an extraordinary holiday lights event located in the scenic setting of King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains. It promises to make your holiday season even more magical with its mile-long walking trail filled with awe-inspiring lights and decorations. The event is a treat for the senses, featuring a treetop canopy of icicle lights, a charming Christmas village, oversized decorations, and beautifully lit archways. As you wander through the grounds of King Gillette Ranch, you’ll be immersed in a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and festive decor. Food trucks and a holiday bar add to the festive ambiance, making it a perfect outing for families, couples, and anyone seeking a dose of holiday magic. Holiday Road typically runs from late November to late December, creating a perfect opportunity to infuse your holiday season with a generous helping of cheer.
9. Holiday Time at Disneyland
Holiday Time at Disneyland transforms the beloved theme park into a magical wonderland for visitors of all ages. The festivities extend for a full two months, typically from early November through early January. As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Popular rides undergo enchanting Christmas makeovers, and there are special holiday-themed nighttime shows that captivate audiences. Christmas lights adorn various areas of the park, from the auto-themed decorations in Cars Land to the icicle lights draping Sleeping Beauty Castle. One of the standout features is the joyous facade of “It’s a Small World.” Please note that reservations are usually required to visit Disneyland during the holiday season, and they tend to fill up quickly, so it’s wise to plan ahead to make the most of this enchanting holiday experience.
10. Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, a city renowned for luxury and style, knows how to add a touch of opulence to the holiday season. The festive decor in Beverly Hills typically starts illuminating the city in mid-November. The heart of the decoration extravaganza is Rodeo Drive, where the palm trees are adorned with enchanting lights. Wilshire Boulevard and the Beverly Wilshire hotel also come alive with twinkling lights, casting a warm glow over the city. Beverly Drive, too, usually gets adorned with white lights, and Beverly Cañon Gardens hosts a stunning willow tree decked out in gold decor. While Beverly Hills may not have the same wintry charm as some other destinations, its holiday decorations exude glamour and elegance, making it a delightful place to experience the festive season in Southern California. Whether you’re strolling along the luxury shopping district or exploring the beautifully lit streets, Beverly Hills offers a touch of holiday magic in the heart of Los Angeles.
When Do Los Angeles Christmas Light Displays Typically Begin and End?
The timing of Christmas light displays in Los Angeles can vary from one location to another, but there are some general patterns to keep in mind when planning your holiday outings. Here’s an overview of when Los Angeles’ Christmas light displays typically begin and end:
1. Early to Mid-November:
Some of the Christmas light displays in Los Angeles start as early as mid-November. Holiday Time at Disneyland, for example, typically begins in early November and runs through early January. This extended period allows visitors to enjoy the holiday magic for a significant part of the season. Beverly Hills also often starts its festive decorations in mid-November.
2. Late November to Early December:
Many Christmas light displays in Los Angeles commence in late November to early December. For instance, Hikari: A Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms usually kicks off around the end of November, and Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch is another event that typically begins around this time.
3. Mid-December:
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, a unique holiday tradition in the area, typically takes place in mid-December. This event features over 100 decorated yachts and ships parading around Newport Harbor and provides a stunning spectacle for several nights during this time.
4. Throughout December:
Several Christmas light displays in Los Angeles, such as Christmas Tree Lane and Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn, run throughout December and even into early January. These displays provide a more extended period for visitors to experience the festive lights and decorations.
5. Specific Dates:
Some displays have fixed dates for their lighting ceremonies and events. For instance, Christmas Tree Lane’s lighting ceremony often takes place on December 10th. Visitors can plan their visit accordingly to catch the official lighting events.
It’s essential to check the specific dates and operating schedules for each Christmas light display you plan to visit, as they may change from year to year. Some displays, especially those on residential streets like Candy Cane Lane and Upper Hastings Ranch, may have consistent schedules and can be enjoyed nightly during a particular timeframe. To make the most of your holiday season, it’s a good idea to verify the dates and times of operation for the displays you intend to visit in Los Angeles.
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