The light shows, markets, tree lightings and parades worth bundling up for — with dates, prices and how to beat the crowds. A dozen of our favorites here; all 28 holiday dates are in the Whosly app.
Updated
The big light trails sell timed tickets, and the nights closest to Christmas go first, so a weeknight in late November or early December is the easiest way in. The tree lightings and window displays are free — and crowded, so get there early.
The Grove switches on its 100-foot Christmas tree with a televised show, live performers and fake snow over the trolley tracks. Crowds pack in hours ahead.
Beverly Hills switches on Rodeo Drive's holiday lights with a street party: music, snow, treats and stores open late. The lights then stay up into January.
The zoo after dark, lit with animal-shaped lanterns and light tunnels along a walking route. Select nights only, with timed tickets; weeknights are calmer.
A Valley neighborhood where nearly every house goes all out, a tradition since the 1950s. Drive through slowly or park nearby and walk; residents ask that you leave by 10 on weeknights.
Free and outdoors. The best spots along the route go early, so dress for standing in the cold and take transit — streets close around the route.
Floats, marching bands and celebrity cars through Hollywood after dark, ending with Santa. Curbside spots are free; claim one early or buy a grandstand seat.
A nighttime parade of lit-up floats, bands and Santa down East 2nd Street from Quincy to Bayshore. Families stake out curb spots early; the street closes to cars at 4.
Decorated boats parade through the marina after dark, with a drone show and fireworks to start. Burton Chace Park is the main viewing spot; parking fills early.
The 138th Rose Parade: flower-covered floats, marching bands and equestrian units down Colorado Boulevard. People camp curbside the night before for a front spot.
Weekday afternoons are the quietest time for the markets; evenings and weekends are when the lines for mulled wine get long. Rinks run timed sessions, so check before you go.
An outdoor rink in the middle of downtown, skates included with a session ticket. Evenings under the towers are the draw; afternoons are emptier.
The shows and indoor spectacles that make the season. December performances sell out, so book early — and these are the easy answer when the weather turns.
Universal's holiday season: Grinchmas in Who-ville with a towering tree and nightly lightings, the Wizarding World dressed for Christmas, and Minion Land's holiday show. Included with park admission.
Nine nights of the candlelit procession reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, starting and ending at the Avila Adobe. Everyone gets champurrado and pan dulce after.
A free Christmas Eve variety show at the Music Center with choirs, dance troupes and music groups from across the county, running since 1959. Walk in or watch it on PBS SoCal.
Every light show, market, tree lighting and parade in the LA Festivals & Events list — star the ones you're into and see which friends are going.
A few from Whosly's LA Cocktail Bars pack, each a short walk from one of the big events above.
Gaming parlor and lounge in the Hollywood Roosevelt, with two 1930s bowling lanes and classic drinks.
A whiskey lodge with hundreds of bottles — and live jazz at Bar Jackalope hidden inside.
Family-run tiki since 1961 — about 90 rum drinks, a few with shouted rituals. Wed–Sat, cash preferred.
The Sunset Tower's Art Deco dining room and bar, where the martinis are very cold and the people-watching is the point. Dress accordingly.
Mapped, by neighborhood — save the ones you love and see which your friends have saved.
Every event and bar on this page. Tap a marker to see which it is.
This guide is a dozen of the 28 holiday dates in Whosly's LA Festivals & Events list. The app keeps every one — and tells you when it matters.
Or search “Whosly: Plans, Places & RSVPs” on the App Store
“Whosly: Plans, Places & RSVPs”.
Festivals & Events and the cocktail bar packs are included with Planner Pro. Starting a plan and RSVPing are free, always.
